In test driving the stick shift Focus last winter, I had a footwear safety problem using the clutch. I was wearing boots with a moderately high heel. When I pushed the clutch, it seems like my heel was catching on the floor, the clutch pedal seemed to be designed into some sort of well, and I could barely press it all the way by pointing my toes to the limit. I am only 5'3" and often find minor issues with pedals, but this was just dangerous. We did buy a Focus, and my husband feels the select shift is a good substitute for manual shifting. The Festiva had the same problem, by the way. Should a driver's choice of footwear be dictated by the car she drives? Test designs with smaller people and different kinds of shoes, design around that.