How to use pedals and steering wheel stands? + need help selecting wheel stand

[cheater]

Hi guys, I've recently started playing Assetto Corsa. I must preface this with the fact that I don't drive in the real life, so I have little experience with steering a real car. I have purchased a VR setup and I have a Thrustmaster T-GT. I'm not sure how to use the pedals well. I don't wear shoes with them, is that an issue? They are fairly stiff and they seem to be at a very steep angle. However, if I move the pedals so far away that my legs are almost straight, they are fine. Is this how they should be used?

Racing wheel stands and chair setups often have podiums for the pedals that are angled up so the pedals would be angled up even further. Why are they like that? The Playseat Evolution is an example. See here: https://www.amazon.de/Playseat-Evolution-M/dp/B009ZELZG0/

Can someone help me select the right kind of stand? I don't have a lot of space would like to get a stand that works with the chair or couch that I have, and which folds neatly when not in use. I don't want the setup to take more than a couple minutes, and would like it to not rattle and stay stable when I am playing with force feedback. The T-GT has the equivalent of a buttkicker in the wheel base, which engages when you play GT Sport on PS4, but you can also mod it to work with PC software. Finally, I guess it would be great if it worked with pedals that are the distance I described above, but I don't know whether this is something that changes from wheel stand to wheel stand. I'm 1.80 m tall (roughly 5 ft 11in) if that helps. And of course, I'd love for it to be inexpensive.

I'd love to hear your ideas. Thanks for any pointers.

What do you think of the Universal Pro Driving Simulator stand? https://www.amazon.de/MGM-XJAC0106-Universal-Driving-Simulator/dp/B00499DB7W/

[cyclicbug]

The Next Level Pro stand is very good, it folds up but is really sturdy, pedal plate is adjustable forward and backwards as well as its angle plus it has side plates for gear shifters.

https://www.nextlevelracing.com/products/next-level-racing-wheel-stand/

also gamermuscle review here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmOML9fTXXM

[cheater]

Amazing, thanks, I'll look at it!

[pssssssssssssssst cement]

A good way to gauge distance from you to the wheel and pedals is to put your arms straight on the wheel so your wrists are on top of the wheel.
Then the pedals what ever feels comfortable behind the wheel.

[cheater]

oh, nice idea, thanks, that'll help me figure out what size/shape stand I'll need

[cheater]

Is the way I use pedals correct - or am I just making some sort of newbie mistake?