GIVE YOUR SNEAKERS A BREAK — A DRIVING SHOE IS JUST AS COMFORTABLE
This casual-cool loafer style with a rubber sole comes with an interesting backstory. Dating back to postwar Italy in the ’60s, it was a time of Italian glamour, fantasy films by Fellini, and a booming automotive industry that led to the creation of the driving shoe style that still symbolizes status and style today.
The driving shoe was patented by Gianni Mostile in 1963 to give men a better grip on the foot petal of their luxe sports cars, while still maintaining a rich look in leather or suede. This shoe was designed for the dapper man who lived the good life (or, should we say, la dolce vita). First there was Car Shoe, then Tod’s, and then soon more brands in the footwear industry saw the need for this status symbol shoe — and it became a look for more than just driving around a sports car.
The ritzy-yet-casual shoe has a comfortable soft sole that has stood the test of time, and it remains lustworthy decades later. History aside, these shoes look damn good, and when sporting these stunners with your causal best, any look gets a serious upgrade. From luxe classics to affordable options, we rounded up the driving shoes that give us a need for speed (and to spend!).
1 1901 Destin Driving Shoe for Men
This shoe is casual but still dressy, and it’s perfect for daytime and early-evening activities with a more relaxed vibe.
While your sneakers might be good for a sporting event, these sleek shoes can straddle the line for more buttoned-up attire like business lunches and day dates. Plus, we love the perforated detail that reminds us of our favorite driving gloves.
2Tod’s Men’s Gommino Suede Driving Shoes
$445.00
These driving shoes might come at a higher price, but these classics will remain in style for years to come (they’ve already been around for over 35 years). If you’re going to sport this shoe style, do it the honor of getting one in a luxe suede fabric that instantly dresses up any look.
3Cole Haan ZeroGrand Driving Shoe for Men
$119.00
The stellar energy-foam sole you’ve come to love from Cole Haan meets the stylish look of a driving shoe. The gray leather with the bright traction sole gives this driving shoe a sportier look that you can even wear with your favorite hoodies. From business casual to just plain casual days, you’ll get a lot of miles out of these driving shoes.
4UGG Men’s Bel Air Penny Driving Moccasin Shoes
$174.95
A white pair of shoes is always a great idea for a fresh look, but in a stylish driving-shoe style with a seriously comfy sole, this UGG option is a no-brainer. Plus, the footbed has moisture-wicking technology for keeping feet dry.
5Bally Men’s Pearce Perforated Faux-Leather Driving Shoes
$450.00
What’s black, white, and red all over? Your next splurge. While you might not have the cash to spend on a bright red sports car, you can save up for these bold driving shoes from Bally. The powerful red hue is perfectly accented by the black-and-white stripe for a look that’s made for the modern man. Fashionable, but not too wild, these are too good to pass on.
6ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Driving Shoes In Black Leather With Tassels
$56.00
There’s a driving shoe out there for every guy — even ones with wide feet! For a super-affordable price, you can give these shoes a test-drive in simple black with a tassel detail that works with almost everything in your closet.
7Gucci Shearling-Lined Driving Loafers for Men
The driving shoe gets a super-cozy touch for cold-weather months. The recognizable Gucci accents — with a web stripe and horse-bit clasp — lets everyone know these are luxe AF, while the shearling gives your feet all the warm and fuzzy feels. Spending this much money on a pair of shoes never felt so good!
