Driving in Heels: Yes or No?

For those of us who are, shall we say, vertically-challenged, a pair of high heels is the perfect finish to a trendy outfit, giving us a slimmer outline and a confidence boost. However, if you spend most of the day tottering around and struggling to walk without falling on your face, should you really be driving in heels?

Last year, road safety charity Brake asked drivers to stop the hazardous habit, appealing to the wearers of stilettos, wedges and platforms to switch to safer shoes after a Confused.com survey revealed that 40 percent of women take to the wheel in heels.

Our collective love of flip flops is also proving a major concern, with recent figures showing that the summer shoe of choice can slow breaking time or even get stuck under a pedal. Speaking about drivers’ reliance on unsuitable footwear, Brake’s deputy chief executive Julie Townsend described the stats as ‘deeply worrying’, adding that ‘Driving is a responsibility that needs to be taken seriously.’

Clearly drivers need to pay attention to more than just the way a shoe looks when hunting out their perfect pair. First, look at the depth of the sole, which experts say should be between 4mm and 10mm thick. Any deeper than this and it can be tricky to feel how much pressure you’re applying to peddles. It’s also best to avoid chunky styles with wide sides so you won’t find yourself pressing down on two at once. When it comes to heels, keep them low and soft, as this will allow you to push down and release while also resting your feet.

Donning suitable shoes for your daily commute might not be the most exciting fashion choice of the day but it could be a real lifesaver. Go all out for your daytime look in glamorous heels, daring platforms or thick soled and comfy Ugg boots at Very.co.uk, but take your safety as seriously as your style and switch into a pair of sensible driving shoes when you take your outfit on the road.