Driving stickshift barefoot

feels amazing. i can't believe i've never done this before.

 

I miss driving a stick. My last stick-shift car was a 1986 Honda Prelude; it was a blast to drive. My wife has no interest in learning to drive a stick, and it's nice to be able to switch cars as needed, so I've been behind the wheel of an automatic for the past 12 years or so. I really think I'm a better driver with a stick - it keeps my hands busy rather than drinking coffee, messing with the radio, etc. Her preference isn't beyond compromise; I may opt for a stick the next time around - she'd probably learn if it wasn't an option.

 

Stick shift sounds funny.

I haven't driven a car in a while, I have had bikes. But when I did, almost always did it barefoot.

 

Ive done it before and its way too hard on the feet especially in an old VW van

 

:rofl:

 

Oh dear, someone let the children out again.


On topic....being from Great Britain I find the idea of not have a manual or stick shift car as the norm weird. We tend to always use a manual transmission, and yeah operating it barefoot feels really direct. I know most surfer friends who wear flip-flops or sandals tend to take them off to drive because they tend to slip and snag when operating the pedals.

 

I have a racing clutch, so yeah it feels great

 

Ayamas, this makes no sense.

Now that's funny! :rofl:

 

People who've never driven barefoot sometimes think it's unsafe, but, once you're used to driving barefoot, giving up the fine control and feel for the pedals you get when driving barefoot is hard to imagine. Many racing drivers wear thin-soled shoes so they can feel the pedals. Driving with shoes on makes you feel like you're just stabbing blindly at the pedals. The thought that people are driving in cars around me shod in flip flops, sandals, high heels, etc. is just plain scary.

Of course, those of us in the US who drive stick shifts are more interested in controlling our cars than the average driver. Otherwise, we'd just get the automatic.

 

It is finally warm enough to drive barefoot again. I like the feel and control. A clutch would be a little tough if it was too stiff. Driving with flop-flops is crazy! Just hit the first tree and be done with it.

 

I like driving automatic barefoot. But with my manual truck I feel better with something on my feet.

 

Driving in shoes? Okay, most of the population does it. Driving barefoot? THE most comfortable! And in my opinion, perhaps the safest because of the sensory perception.! Driving in flip-flops? Sorta awkward. They don't conform to your foot enough to really be safe. They're all over the place.

 

I had a '72 Chevy truck with a four speed. The priviouse owner bent the clutch pedal to the left a bit, and it had a long swing. When i put a new clutch in, it didn't have to be pushed all the way down to shift.

I drove it bare footed one day and it felt soo strange, it almost felt like i was driving with four hands! It was awesome, and a little bit scary at the same time.

 

I was always told it's illegal to drive barefoot. It's of coarse complete bullshit, there is no such law.
I am kinda puzzled as to why some of you think it's difficult to operate a clutch barefoot.

Whimps.

ZW

 

i have tried, dont think it would be safe for mea...i have really small feet and sitting barefoot i have to sit even closer to the wheel, damn clutch goes way back...so i have to stick to shoes :/

 

Come on, how thick of sole do your shoes have? Platforms?

Just pull the seat forward a little.

ZW

 

no but it adds a bit, but its also small, feet and judgement, idk i feel safer with shoes, might try it in my neighborhood though

 

I actually have one half numb foot from nerve damage, so I cant enjoy a lot of barefooting activities.. it blows

 

You can have it adjusted. It should start to release after about 2 inches of travel. Yours might be set WAY back so it can wear for a long time before adjusting.

 

Not all clutches can be adjusted. Back to the main topic - there is no better way to drive a manual than barefoot. You really master heel and toe shifting this way and you have a more intimate feel for how the car is reacting with the road.