Do they grab uncomfortably fast? Do they grab jerkily making you lose balance? Do you prefer the slower braking your feet give? Do you have to reach forward or shift your balance forward to reach the brakes? You should be able to ride comfortably with your hands or a couple of fingers around the brake levers without even thinking about it.

It sounds like something is making you feel unsteady when using the brakes. Trust me, there is NO WAY I'd opt for using my feet, no matter how slow I'm going! I'd be worried about cracking my shin on my frame.

If the braking is jerky or too abrupt that can be fixed quite simply.