It is not illegal to drive barefoot in the United States. Every state, including the District of Columbia, allows driving barefoot by law. However, some local ordinances may have restrictions, and laws about motorcycle riders wearing shoes can vary by state. Even though it is legal, driving barefoot is generally not recommended for safety reasons, as it can reduce your control over the pedals and increase the risk of slipping or accidents. In the event of an accident, driving barefoot could be considered negligent and might affect insurance claims or liability.

In summary, driving barefoot is legal but potentially unsafe and not advised by most safety experts.