I've been driving an Octavia Mk3 for a couple of years, but over the last few months I have developed an obsession/paranoia with where my right foot is, resulting in me becoming conscious of its position and constantly fidgeting and moving my heel. I couldn't even tell you where I used to have my foot before all this started (I suppose it had always been a subconscious/natural thing over 30 years of driving)!

 

It started when I bought some new shoes that were unwittingly a wide fitting, and couldn't be bothered sending them back. I was finding that the top-right edge of the shoe was catching the carpet on the side of the footwell when pressing the pedal down more than halfway (this suggests that I used to place the heel more or less in line with the brake, and rotated it to reach the accelerator). I'm a size 12, which doesn't help either.

 

Since then I've been driving with my foot further to the right, but this can cause knee pain from rotating to the left to reach the brake. I've also experienced a few occasions where this position results in me pressing the accelerator slightly while braking, which isn't good! I'm also paranoid that the left side of my "dinner plate" sometimes catches the brake pedal - I don't think it does, but the thought of this has become a factor in the fidgeting and self-consciousness.

 

The obvious answer is to wear different shoes of course, but I thought I would write this post as I was curious to know where others position their right foot, and if anyone else has similar issues. My position isn't helped by my 6'6" frame either, so driving isn't the most comfortable at the best of times - my legs are bent to the extent that my thighs have no support, which can cause cramp and aches. Also curious to know if anyone else thinks the Octavia pedals are a bit close together (and close to the side of the footwell)?

 

Sounds like you drive the wrong car with the shoes least suitable.

I am in the fortunate position of having no right foot so use my left one in the accelerator and brake pedal as i drive 2 pedal cars.

When i have Auto box cars with unsuitable pedals i adapt them, cut down the brake pedal, move the accelerator sometimes, 

but first i make sure the seating to pedals is going to be comfortable.

5' 11" but very long-limbed with size 11 feet, driving an Octy mk1 and I wear nothing but combat boots.

The pedals felt quite close together initially, but I soon got used to it. I'm used to moving my feet while riding motorcycles and using drum pedals, so rather than pivot on the heel I actually lift my whole foot.

I kinda need to do that anyway, so I can hit the different pedals without twisting my leg about or catching my knee on the wheel/ignition, but still have decent feel for pedal pressure. Generally my foot will be in line with the accelerator, though.

17 minutes ago, AwaoffSki said:

 

I am in the fortunate position of having no right foot

Crikey. I shudder to think what your definition of unfortunate is?

It means you can sleep comfy in the rear of small / medium cars.

@andyste1 Can you get different pedal grips that are narrower than the standard rubbers? How about trimming the RH edge of the oversize brake pedal (presumes DSG is like normal autos in this respect) down a bit?

59 minutes ago, andyste1 said:

Also curious to know if anyone else thinks the Octavia pedals are a bit close together (and close to the side of the footwell)?

 

Don't want them any further apart, would make heel and toe changes difficult.

 

Would very much like to see reinstatement of the RH footrest - very handy if you use cruise control.

Right foot flat on the floor (the foot, not the accelerator) with cruise on - unless in town.

Edited 25 January, 20188 yr by camelspyyder

Do an advanced driving course and master left foot braking then your right heel position won’t obsess anymore perhaps.

^^^

DSG,

left foot brake if you want. Just do not have the brake on when the accelerator is being used.

Even use the left foot for the throttle and brake. Give your right foot a day off.  Practice it. 

'What is the worst that can happen?'