Best Sandals for Driving

Avoiding crashes and accidents is mostly dependent on how fast and effectively you can apply the brakes of your motor vehicle to bring it to a sudden stop.

This ability requires you to act swiftly and apply the right pressure on the brake pedal.

Despite being aware of this, many drivers still need to pay more attention to the footwear that would better enable them to control their motor vehicles safely. Ignoring this aspect can lead to serious consequences on the road.

Particularly when it comes to sandals, they are not the most recommended shoe for driving.

So, you will need the best sandal for driving if you insist on driving with a sandal.



How Sandals Affect Your Ability to Drive

Analyzing the support and comfortability of the sandals for driving
Choices you make on the road impact not just your safety but likewise that of your passengers and other drivers on the road.

The choices of sandals or shoes that you drive with must allow you to feel the pressure you need for the correct braking and acceleration to drive safely.
Your sandal should always maintain the feeling and ability to operate your motor vehicle’s pedals properly.

They should also be different from a style that presses two pedals at a time or gets stuck underneath pedals or in areas of the car.
Driving long distances can be quite demanding on your feet, and wearing comfortable and well-cushioned footwear is not just about safety, it’s also about your own comfort and preventing foot fatigue.


Footwear and Sandals to Avoid When Driving

Confirming how protective and durable the sandals for driving
Certain Types of Sandals and shoes should rather be avoided when you drive;

  • High Heels and Platforms – High Heels and Platform sandals are a terrible idea for driving, and ladies are the most at fault in this scenario. To drive, your heel must be on the floor to apply the correct pressure to the pedals. High heels distort this and can interfere with your ability to place the right amount of pressure on the pedals. High heels likewise have an additional danger of getting caught on the floor mat or pedals.
  • Flip Flops – Flip Flops are the unqualified worst choice in footwear for driving with. They offer ankle support, slip, and can cause you to miss the pedals completely and easily get stuck. Flip Flops can easily cause the pedals to get caught between the sole of your foot and the flip-flop, making it extremely difficult to brake effectively. Flip Flops also expose much of your feet, so you will be less protected when a foot injury is involved.
  • Driving Barefoot – Driving barefoot is not advised, although you may feel better for the pedals and have more control. However, it is far better than driving with high heels or flip-flops. Driving barefoot can become painful, and you may get cramps and foot spasms from the continuous pressure you need to apply to the pedals. Your bare feet may also become sweaty and slip off the pedals. In the unfortunate event of an accident, your feet will likewise have absolutely nothing to protect them from injuries.

Features of a Good Sandal for Driving

Here are a few features and tips to follow for wearing sandals that are safe for driving;
Checking the outsole of the sandals for driving

  • Comfort – The sandal that you wear needs to be comfortable enough for long trips and should provide some cushioning and moisture-wicking properties
  • The Sole – The sandal’s sole needs to be flexible enough and offer a good grip on the pedals. A rubber sole with lug patterns is usually your best option.
  • Lightweight – Heavy sandals can tire your feet fast and interfere with the pressure needed to operate the pedals. Always look for a sturdy but lightweight sandal option.
  • Protection – Sandals with a very open design, such as flip flops, do not offer the best protection in case of an accident. It’s crucial to opt for sandals with a little more protective coverage to ensure your safety on the road.

Remember that in the event of a flat tire or vehicle breakdown, it may be much easier to change a tire or walk in comfortable sandals than uncomfortable flip-flops or heeled sandals.


Reviews: The Best Sandals for Driving

Here are a few of the best sandal types and brands that you can use to drive safely;
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1

Sandals for Driving

The Crocs Swiftwater mesh sandal has a more closed and protective design. It is breathable, lightweight, and offers excellent grip with flex grooves on the outsole.
  • The Crocs Swiftwater sandals are lightweight and offer good coverage.
  • They have soft mesh textile uppers that breathe well with ventilation holes.
  • The sandals are flexible and consist of soft and lightweight cushioning crosslite materials.
  • The outsole has a lug pattern for superior grip and slip resistance.
  • They are ideal for driving and are also fully waterproof.

2

Sandals for Driving

The Keen Newport H2 is an outdoor sandal with a multidirectional lug rubber outsole for excellent grip and a lightweight design. It is also a closed-design sandal that offers better foot protection in the event of an accident.
  • The Keen Newport H2 is a water-resistant outdoor sandal that I also find very comfortable for driving with.
  • They have a superior grip and Multi-Direction lug rubber outsole.
  • The sole is flexible, and the footbed has excellent compression-molded EVA for cushioning.
  • The uppers can be adjusted to get the most comfortable fit.
  • There are also plenty of colors available, which you can easily select.

3

Comfortable Driving Sandal

The ECCO Yucatan is a sports sandal with a high-grip outsole, receptor technology, and dual-density cushioning for underfoot comfort while driving long distances.
  • Ecco is a sports brand that makes comfortable and durable sandals.
  • The Yucatan is durable with nubuck leather uppers, a textile lining, and rubber sole,
  • I find a Pu midsole with receptor technology very comfortable and ideal for driving.
  • The outsole also provides excellent grip, and the sandal is very light in weight.

4

Sandal for Driving

The Teva Original might be a bit open in design, yet it offers a universal adjustable fit and has a soft and spongy sole for a better pedal feel.
  • This is a more open-design sandal.
  • It is sparse but very comfortable.
  • The sole is a soft EVA foam that gives you a better feel of the pedals and much more flexibility.
  • The straps are textiles that dry quickly, and you can adjust the fit.
  • There are many more colors available to you and more than enough sizes.
Having the open-design sandals for driving from Teva Original

5

Comfortable Driving Sandal

The ECCO X-Trinsic sandal offers a comfortable, adjustable, and lightweight fit. The anatomical footbed ensures excellent toe grip, so your feet will not slip around.
  • The ECCO X-Trinsic is also a great driving shoe option.
  • The sandal has fully adjustable textile uppers with a smooth lining.
  • The sole is flexible and comfortable with a covered anatomical, cushioned footbed.
  • The rubber outsole offers an excellent pedal grip and will not slip off.
  • They are surprisingly lightweight and very durable.
  • More colors are available to you.

6

Sandal for Driving

The Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve Sandal is a water hiking sandal, yet its outsole offers a superb grip for driving, and its lighter weight and comfort features are ideal.
  • These are very closed and protective designs, yet they are breathable water sandals.
  • The sandal offers a comfortable adjustable fit, with waxy waterproof uppers in leather.
  • There is a Vibram Tc5 outsole that has lug patterns for superior grip.
  • The sandal is very lightweight, and the sole is flexible enough.
  • There is good cushioning in the footbed to keep you comfortable.

7

Hiking Style Sandals for Driving

  • The Teva Hurricane Verge is a great choice for driving.
  • It offers a secure and adjustable fit and is quite lightweight.
  • The sole is cushioned for comfort and flexibility.
  • The rubber outsole offers a good grip on the pedals.
Using the stylish sandals for driving from Teva Hurricane Verge

8

Closed Toe Driving Sandals

  • These are Fisherman-style closed-toe sandals from Skechers for driving.
  • They protect your feet and toes when driving.
  • They have a slip-resistant sole and machine washable materials.
  • The uppers are adjustable in fit, and there is a luxe Foam cushioned footbed.

9

Sandals for Driving

  • The ECCO Yucatan sport is another excellent driving sandal.
  • It has adjustable uppers and a secure fit.
  • The tread is non-slip, and the outsole is a durable rubber.
  • There is a Molded EVA footbed for comfort.
  • More colors are likewise available.

10

Sandals for Driving

  • The Teva Hurricane 4 is also a good choice in a driving sandal.
  • It is robust and slip-resistant.
  • The uppers are textile and adjustable.
  • There is a cushioned footbed and a flexible sole.
  • More colors are likewise available to you.
Trying the adjustable sandals for driving from Teva Hurricane

Index Table: Top Rated Sandals for Driving

No.ProductMen ♂Women ♀FeaturesBrandScore
1Crocs® - Sandals for Driving Swiftwater Swiftwater
  • Cushioned
  • Breathable
  • Good Grippy Outsole
  • Lightweight
Crocs98
2Keen® - Sandals for Driving Newport H2 Newport H2
  • Multi-Directional Lug Outsole
  • Closed Adjustable Fit
  • EVA Midsole
  • Cushioned
Keen97.9
3ECCO® - Comfortable Driving Sandal Yucatan Yucatan
  • Leather Uppers
  • Adjustable Fit
  • Dual density Footbed
  • Cushioned
  • Receptor Technology
  • Stretch Fit
  • High grip Rubber Outsole
ECCO97.7
4Teva® - Sandal for Driving Original Original
  • Quick Dry Uppers
  • Adjustable Fit
  • EVA Sole
  • Lightweight
  • Grippy Outsole
Teva97.4
5ECCO® - Comfortable Driving Sandal X-Trinsic X-Trinsic
  • Textile Uppers
  • Adjustable Fit
  • Cushioned
  • Excellent Toe Grip
  • Grippy Outsole
ECCO97.2
6Merrell® - Sandal for Driving All Out Blaze Sieve All Out Blaze Sieve
  • Vibram TC5 Outsole
  • Adjustable Fit
  • Waterproof
  • Cushioned
Merrell97
7Teva® - Hiking Style Sandals for Driving Hurricane Verge Hurricane Verge
  • Rubber Sole
  • Adjustable Uppers
  • EVA Support Footbed
  • Stability Nylon Shank
  • Cushioned
Teva97.2
8Skechers® - Closed Toe Driving Sandals Selmo Fisherman Reggae Fest Hooked
  • Fisherman’s Style
  • Rubber Sole
  • Foam Footbed
  • Relaxed Fit
Skechers97.2
9ECCO® - Sandals for Driving Yucatan Yucatan
  • Leather and Textile Uppers
  • Cushioned
  • High Grip Sole
ECCO97
10Teva® - Sandals for Driving Hurricane 4 Sport Hurricane XLT 2 Sport
  • Durabrasion Rubber Outsole
  • Adjustable Textile Uppers
  • Many Color Options
  • Cushioned and Supportive Footbed
Teva97


About the Author

Eliza Ward

Eliza Ward is a footwear enthusiast, nature lover, and full-time mother for 3 lovely kids in South Africa. She has always had a fetish for sandals and has the best product recommendations for all her friends and family. So she turned what she loved into her full-time job - by testing and recommending the best sandals for our online readers. Read her reviews to know how detailed her observations are.