Barefooter here. flipflops go on the floor to the left. I now hate driving with shoes in any car.

 

Using your same logic he should discount Oakley, since they make tactical footwear and eyewear too.

 

I can't go barefoot. It hurts, and just plain feels wierd. I like my flip-flops! I'd wear them all year if it weren't for that creepy white stuff!

 

I used to use a pair of driving shoes for the track, but the sole is too narrow for good heal/toe placement and the sole was sooo darn thin I didn't get any arch support.

The best shoe I've found for track days and daily driving are my leather Hush Puppies I wear for work. I can stand all day when I'm at the track and won't get a sore back. They kind of look like Itallian driving shoe Steve McQueen used to wear. They cost a fraction of the price of Pilotis or Pumas. I get great heel/toe placement and pedal feedback. (or I throw on my beat up pair of sneekers!)

The only way you won't be able to make a fist at the end of the day is if you are squeezing the wheel with an iron grip. Bare hands or gloved, not the best way to hold the wheel. I hold the wheel with my thumbs and use my index fingers for support. Kind of like giving the Ok hand sign, that's all you need and you get full control.