Driving Shoes Are Making a Comeback—The Best Styles to Shop (2024)

Driving Shoes Are Making a Comeback—The Best Styles to Shop (1)

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ICYMI, menswear-inspired fashion is having a major moment right now. From black tie pants dominating the red carpet to tailored suiting to loafers, we are strongly in the borrowed-from-the-boys era. And now, with warm weather just around the corner, there's one more menswear style making its triumphant return in the fashion arena: the humble driving shoe.

A little bit loafer, a little bit moccasin, drivers were originally created in the 1960s for guys who wanted extra grip while sitting behind the wheel. Nowadays, though, you don't need an Italian roadster or drivers license to wear a pair. Today's women's styles come in many forms, ranging from leather penny loafers to suede slip ons to silhouettes with statement hardware to everything in between. And the best part of all? While, sure, they're an emerging trend, the dress shoes are classic and versatile enough to want to wear forever.

Need proof? Ahead, the very best driving loafers to add to your spring shopping cart.

When we think driving shoes, we think Tod's. With its signature nubby sole and notched vamp, and the fact it comes in various shades and finishes, the Gommino is a classic for a reason.

Size Range: 34-42

Material: Suede

Colors: 17

2

Tonal Moment

Koio Pavia

Driving Shoes Are Making a Comeback—The Best Styles to Shop (13)

2

Tonal Moment

Koio Pavia

A minimal take on the driving loafer, the Pavia looks great no matter how you style it—be it with slouchy jeans and a relaxed button down, or floaty belted dress.

Size Range: 5-11

Material: Suede

Colors: 2

3

Seasonal Pick

Prada Calfskin Leather Driver Loafers

Driving Shoes Are Making a Comeback—The Best Styles to Shop (14)

3

Seasonal Pick

Prada Calfskin Leather Driver Loafers

A clean, white pair of designer driving loafers will not only get so much wear during warmer days, but also for life.

Size Range: 5-11.5

Material: Leather

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4

Saddle Up

M.Gemi The Felize Suede

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4

Saddle Up

M.Gemi The Felize Suede

M.Gemi's Felize boasts nearly 1000 reviews with an average 4.8 star rating—so right off the bat you know its good. With a true moccasin shape and a fit that seamlessly molds to your feet, it's no wonder the brand calls it "our best-selling shoe of all time."

Size Range: 35-40

Material: Suede

Colors: 7

5

Most Variety

Patricia Green 'Jillian' Loafer

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5

Most Variety

Patricia Green 'Jillian' Loafer

For a style that doesn't scrimp on comfort, we present the Jillian. Available in over 15 stunning shades (we're partial to the sage hue), reviewers report them as "hands down one of the most comfortable" shoes.

Size Range: 6-11

Material: Suede

Colors: 15+

6

Low Key Rich Bitch

The Row Lucca Moccasin in Leather

Driving Shoes Are Making a Comeback—The Best Styles to Shop (17)

6

Low Key Rich Bitch

The Row Lucca Moccasin in Leather

Everything The Row touches is gold. Case in point: These supple moccasins that hug the feet comfortably and look so darn sleek on.

Size Range: 35-42

Material: Leather

Colors: 2

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7

Neutral Upgrade

Brunello Cucinelli Suede Metallic Slip-On Driver Loafers

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7

Neutral Upgrade

Brunello Cucinelli Suede Metallic Slip-On Driver Loafers

Brunello Cucinelli ups the ante with metallic trim and beaded monili details, and we'd expect nothing less from the Italian designer.

Size Range: 5-11

Material: Suede/Leather

8

Topped With a Tassel

Loro Piana Suede Tassel Moccasin Loafers

Driving Shoes Are Making a Comeback—The Best Styles to Shop (19)

8

Topped With a Tassel

Loro Piana Suede Tassel Moccasin Loafers

The pebbled soles... the supple suede upper... and that tassel finish? Loro Piana understood the assignment.

Size Range: 5-12

Material: Suede

Colors: 6

9

Two Tone

JW Anderson Moccasin Loafers

Driving Shoes Are Making a Comeback—The Best Styles to Shop (20)

9

Two Tone

JW Anderson Moccasin Loafers

JW Anderson throws its hat into the driving loafer ring with a denim-hued moccasin with an overlay detail and suede bowties. In other words, you need 'em.

Size Range: 35-40

Material: Suede

Colors: 2

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10

Goes With Everything

Car Shoe The Original Driving Shoes

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10

Goes With Everything

Car Shoe The Original Driving Shoes

Now 40% Off

When in doubt, a classic black pair goes with absolutely everything and is a purchase you won't regret.

Size Range: 36-41

Material: Leather

Colors: 5+

11

Sustainable

Rothy's The Driver

Driving Shoes Are Making a Comeback—The Best Styles to Shop (22)

11

Sustainable

Rothy's The Driver

Rothy's puts its sustainable spin on the classic driver with a knitted upper crafted from recycled water bottles and a comfortable slip on design that's a dream to walk in.

Size Range: 5-13

Material: Recycled water bottles

Colors: 10+

12

Go for Gold

Cole Haan Bellport Bow Drivers

Driving Shoes Are Making a Comeback—The Best Styles to Shop (23)

12

Go for Gold

Cole Haan Bellport Bow Drivers

Everything about these modern drivers are irresistible, from the metallic shade to the scalloped bow detail.

Size Range: 5-11

Material: Leather

Colors: 4

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13

Golden Hardware

Ralph Lauren Briony Leather Driver

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13

Golden Hardware

Ralph Lauren Briony Leather Driver

Perfect for your 9-to-5, but equally as great for post-work drinks, these hardware-accented leather loafers are bound to be in heavy rotation for years to come.

Size Range: 5-11

Material: Leather

Colors: 2

14

Elevated

Ferragamo Driver with Gancini Ornament

Driving Shoes Are Making a Comeback—The Best Styles to Shop (25)

14

Elevated

Ferragamo Driver with Gancini Ornament

Only Ferragamo can take a casual shoe and glamourize it with subtle details. Wear with your favorite denim, wear with dresses, heck, wear it with whatever you want!

Size Range: 6.5-11

Material: Ostrich leather

Colors: 4

15

Think Pink

Scarosso Ashley Driving Shoes

Driving Shoes Are Making a Comeback—The Best Styles to Shop (26)

15

Think Pink

Scarosso Ashley Driving Shoes

Now 13% Off

These blush pink penny drivers have summer written all over it.

Size Range: 35-42

Material: Suede

Colors: 8

Driving Shoes Are Making a Comeback—The Best Styles to Shop (27)

Sophie Dweck

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.

Driving Shoes Are Making a Comeback—The Best Styles to Shop (2024)

FAQs

What makes driving shoes special? ›

They not only provide substantial foot mobility, but also offer the driver a better feel of the pedals, enabling more precise control. Driving shoes appear like reasonably regular shoes and they are extremely comfortable while driving.

Why do people have driving shoes? ›

Driving shoes are a special type of footwear designed to provide comfort and protection while operating a vehicle.

Are driving shoes fashionable? ›

Today, however, the driving shoe is a popular footwear choice outside of the motoring world and has become a stand-out smart casual footwear option for both men and women.

Are driving shoes worth it? ›

If you frequently indulge in such drives, they could be a good choice for you. If you don't, there may not be a significant benefit for you. At the same time, comfort is paramount with driving shoes, and they're not only for use inside vehicles.

What is the best shoe for driving? ›

Comfortable tennis shoes or running shoes are best for most people. They're ideal for applying even pressure on the brake and accelerator pedals and for pivoting your heel from one pedal to another.

Why is it called a driving shoe? ›

Driving shoes: This is the European sporty cousin of loafers. It is a type of shoe that was created in Italy in 1960, as its name suggests, to perform in the specific activity of driving cars, in response to the discomfort that many men felt when driving their elegant Italian convertibles when using traditional shoes.

Can you wear driving shoes every day? ›

While driving loafers were created for driving, they've taken on a new purpose for everyday wear. They coined their name for comfortable, durable shoes that are great for driving because they allow you to grip the pedal properly. However, their flexibility and comfort make driving shoes useful for various occasions.

Are driving shoes the same as normal shoes? ›

Driving shoes are designed specifically for driving and provide excellent grip on the pedals. Loafers and moccasins, on the other hand, are versatile shoes that can be worn for a variety of occasions. Driving shoes are typically made from leather or suede and feature a rubber sole.

Are driving shoes good for walking? ›

Don'ts of Driving Shoes:

Walk around too much in them, as they are not designed for walking. You can walk in it to a nearby café or car parking, but not for a shopping trip. Wear driving shoes with socks, especially if you are wearing long pants. Treat it as a dress shoe and wear them everywhere.

What is the most worn shoe type? ›

In today's society, sneakers are one of the most worn types of shoes. You can find a wide variety of different and prices can range anywhere from 70$ to 10.000$ and more.

Are driving shoes in style in 2024? ›

And now, with warm weather just around the corner, there's one more menswear style making its triumphant return in the fashion arena: the humble driving shoe.

What is the difference between driving shoes and loafers? ›

Like loafers, driving shoes are slip-ons, and they also share a similar moccasin construction. However, driving shoes typically have a more relaxed, casual aesthetic and are often made with supple materials for maximum comfort.

Should I wear socks with driving shoes? ›

Do you wear socks with drivers? Just as you wouldn't dream of wearing a pair of boat shoes with socks, driving moccasins are often worn the same way, even with that casual suit. The sockless look gives a relaxed vibe like a man that sets his own rules and doesn't deal with whatever is the old standard.

Can you wear driving shoes in the winter? ›

So we sell our classic Lord London Driving Loafers all year, yes even in the winter months! So can you wear drivers in the winter and style them ? The answer is absolutely yes.

How do you break in driving shoes? ›

How To Break In Leather Shoes
  1. Do: Wear Them For Short Periods. ...
  2. Do: Wear Thick Socks. ...
  3. Do: Use Extra Padding. ...
  4. Do: Take Care Of Your Feet. ...
  5. Don't: Warm Shoes Up. ...
  6. Don't: Get Shoes Wet. ...
  7. How Long Does It Take To Break-in Leather Shoes?

Do car racing shoes really make a difference? ›

The Science Behind Racing Shoes

The reduced heel-to-toe drop encourages a midfoot or forefoot strike, which can be more efficient and less injury-prone. The thin sole provides better proprioception, allowing your feet to adjust quickly to changes in the terrain.

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