I also sew barefoot or sockfoot - don't feel that I have control with shoes on. I have a very high-tech way of keeping my foot control from walking away. My machine is set up on the long side of the diningroom table, so I have the foot pedal wedged up against the leg of the dining chair at the end of the table to the right (I use my right foot). It moves from side to side a bit, but doesn't "walk" away.