One nice thing about General Motors' press test cars - they usually have Satellite radio in them. On long trips, you just dial up XM 150 or 151 and listen to stand-up comedy the entire time.
On one recent trip, a comic was talking about how women might like to improve their bodies. He said, "They'd like to have more feet so they could wear more shoes."
Hey - I know some women like that.
But it got me thinking about footwear and driving, and how often I see people - men and women alike - driving in sandals or, worse still, flip-flops.
Come on, folks. Driving is a serious business. Ever try to get your right foot quickly from an accelerator to a brake pedal wearing flip-flops or sandals?
Exactly.
You're almost guaranteed you're going to catch the edge of the sole on one pedal or another. You'll lose valuable braking time and distance, and probably create a panic situation in your own self.
Maybe even have the thing come off your foot altogether and get jammed in the accelerator. Now, that's a party.
OK, so you don't have to make like Mario Andretti and wear purpose-built racing shoes.
Or fork out a mortgage payment or two for some Mephistos.
That said, my Pilotis are not only purpose-built driving shoes, they are by far the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, of any kind. And with their clever elastic-and-clamp laces, they are a snap to take off and put back on when going through airport security.
So please people, proper shoes whenever you're driving. Lace-up, not loafer.
Ladies, those four-inch spikes? Ah, no...
And never - EVER! - sandals or flip-flops.
As they used to (almost) say, the life you save could be mine.
I'm a faithful reader of your blogs and stories in the Toronto Star. Actually I refer to you as the "Car Guru"....you have an amazing ability to put what I think are sometimes complex issues into very understandable terms.
Well, talk about serendipity. Your blog on "Hot Shoes" really hit home for me a few days ago when I was sporting a pair of very cute and sexy sandals while I was out driving doing some errands. I was making a right turn from a private parking lot onto a main street and my view was a bit obstructed from the left by some landscaping and I didn't at first see a fast on-coming car. He was far enough away for me to brake BUT... my sandal caught on the throttle and I almost didn't get to the brake in time.
Scary indeed.
That was one of those forehead slapping moments where I said to myself, "Kenzie, you are so right!"
Jim , you will be pleased to know that I now have a pair of cute but comfortable shoes that I keep in my car that I slip on before I drive anywhere. It's so easy and so much safer - for everyone.
Posted by: Annaka Martin | August 28, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Funny you should mention Mephisto. I drive in my Mephisto sandals all the time and they stay put, don't get caught in anything, are as safe to drive in as any shoe, are the most comfortable footwear I've ever worn, and didn't cost my life's savings since I bought them in French territory. I agree with you, though, that a lot of people drive in unsafe footwear.
Posted by: Art Digout | September 01, 2008 at 07:18 PM
Great piece on footwear. In it you mention your Pilotis which is easier mentioned than purchased. Where do you buy the things?
I've seen them advertised in automobile magazines but I'm having a hard time finding them at GTA retailers.
Posted by: Ron Lessley | September 06, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Hi Art:
Good question. I acquired mine in the US. They do have a web site though - www.piloti.com - and under "dealer locator / International" they show four Canadian dealers, two in the GTA.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Jim
Posted by: Jim Kenzie | September 09, 2008 at 07:22 PM