Many women carefully plan their attire for every event. They ensure outfits, accessories and shoes are in sync.

So finding the ideal shoes for their date 'pushing pedals' is of equal importance. In this case, it's not for fashion, but for safety and comfort.

"I find that I can drive in anything," said 10-year driving instructor Marlene Weston.

The instructor, who is employed to Grenell's Driving School in St Andrew, said for formal occasions, she does not put her heels aside when at the steering.

"When I'm all 'dolled up', I drive in my heels and I drive a standard car," she said.

Professor Roosevelt Crooks, however, has a different take on the matter.

The chiropodist, podiatrist and podologist says driving in heels may lead to medical complications.

"If the foot is not properly aligned to absorb the shock, it can result in abnormal forces hitting the leg and thigh muscles. This can result in pain to the lower back or to the leg and thigh," he said.

Professor Crooks, who operates a private practice in St Ann, gave some 'down-to-earth' advice.

"Keep the shoe a low heel," he said.

He explained that high-heeled shoes would cause the heel bone to pivot excessively and could pose serious health problems in the long run.

Instructor Weston said it was a matter of choice for her students.

"Eighty per cent of learners prefer to kick off their shoes and drive," she said.

"If it becomes a habit though, it's hard for them to break," she continued.

The instructor said she encourages student to wear comfortable, well-fitted loafers or sneakers, but if they are comfortable without shoes, it is allowed.

Whereas Jamaican law does not dictate footwear for driving, there are disadvantages in wearing high, pointed-toe or thick-sole shoes. These include foot slipping from the pedals, getting stuck between pedals or the heels getting stuck in the mat.

Professor Crooks said care must be taken when selecting driving footwear.

"The shoe should be a whole shoe where it supports the entire foot from heel to toes," Crooks said.

On the other hand, Weston believes the female driver should give priority to comfort.

"No examiner has ever objected to a learner driving barefooted," she said.

"After all, they (instructors) never really look down at their feet," she continued.

sacha.walters@gleanerjm.com