As summer is upon us, it might be tempting to put on some flip flops. But did you know that wearing flip flops and other types of shoes while driving could see you lumbered with a huge fine?

Why you can’t wear certain type of shoes while driving?

The reason why certain shoes are deemed as unsuitable footwear while driving is because they can prevent you from driving to the best of your ability.  High heels and flip flops will prevent drivers from having a good grip on the pedal. Wellington boots have thick and heavy tread which could leave drivers without sufficient control.

The Highway Code states in Rule 97 that all drivers must have “footwear and clothing which does not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner” meaning a that certain footwear could see drivers breaking the law.

Key things to remember are:

You should have a sole no thicker than 10mm and the sole should not be too thin or soft

Shoes should provide enough grip to stop your foot slipping off the pedals

Shoes should not be too heavy or limit ankle movement

All footwear must be narrow enough to avoid accidentally depressing two pedals at once

What the experts say about shoes to wear while driving

Danny Bergin, sales manager at Wynsors World of Shoes, said; “It’s shocking to hear that driving in wellington boots for a journey can lead to so many problems and risks.

“Footwear is always an important element whilst driving but not many people would expect their shoes to be a factor in breaking the law.

“We hope our clear cut guide guidance will help those driving to festivals this year as we should all be encouraging people to look at alternatives after hearing about some of the consequences.”

Wynsors World of Shoes has shared a definitive guide on which shoes can and cannot be worn whilst driving.

List of unapproved and approved shoes to wear when driving:

UNAPPROVED

Wellingtons

Stiletto heels

Wedges

Chunky trainers

Chunky sandals

Knee & thigh high boots

Cowboy boots

Gladiator sandals

Workmen boots

APPROVED

Classic trainer or running shoe

Sturdy ‘ballet’ flat slip-on

Desert boots

Brogues

Boat shoes

Other driving laws you might not know about

Now you know what shoes to not wear when you drive, find out about other driving laws you might be breaking without realising HERE.