It’s safe to say driving shoes haven’t always been at the top of the fashion agenda. However, with the ongoing obsession with the #OldMoneyAesthetic and ‘Quiet Luxury’, now is the time to update your footwear collection with the loafer’s comfier cousin.
Originating in Italy in the 60s, they were invented for the rich signori who often ruined the soles of their formal shoes while driving their Ferraris and Lamborghinis – quelle horreur! As a solution, Italian designer Gianni Mostile created a deconstructed loafer set on tiny rubber studs which delivered comfort, grip and flexibility when operating pedals, instead – and hence, the driving shoe was born.
Since then, they’ve gone up and down in the esteem of the fashion crowd. Popularised in the 70s by Italian house Tod’s – with the help of menswear icons John F Kennedy and Gunther Sachs – they became a relaxed footwear staple for the rich jet set. Over the years, though, they felt increasingly like gentlemanly cosplay for those of us who aren’t sojourning in the Italian Riviera every summer.
But now, they’re back on the up. If you dial down the Hooray Henry vibe (step away from the chinos) and amp up your outfit with pared-back separates like straight-leg cut-off jeans and a linen shirt or wide-leg trousers and a white t-shirt, they become a cool addition to your look. It’s best to treat them as a warm-weather alternative to loafers. Our top tip? Always stick to neutrals or black – and tonal ribbed socks are a nice addition too.
From the original styles like Tod’s Gommino and The Car Shoe’s classic driving shoe (which was the first patented style, by the way), to newer luxurious options by The Row and Ferragamo or even high street staples by Dune and Charles Thrywhitt, we’ve covered every budget in our top pick.
So, start your engines! It’s time to discover your next shoe rack addition in the list below.
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Harold Calfskin Driver
For anything preppy, Ralph Lauren should be your first port of call – as proven by these drivers. With a buckled calfskin strap, a smooth leather upper and a motorsport-inspired patterned outsole, these boast the design details that secure them as our top pick.
Buy now £550.00, Ralph Lauren
Tod’s T Timeless Gommino Bubble in Suede
As the brand which first popularised the now ubiquitous silhouette, no driving shoe edit is complete without Tod’s. The Italian designer offers a strong selection from leather to suede to backless to pony-skin effect – and our favourite is this classic brown suede take with the gold T monogram.
Buy now £540.00, Tod’s
Dune Bradlay Sand
British high street hero Dune never lets you down when it comes to the classics. This time, it’s a stone-coloured driving shoe which would look best worn with a neutral look or indigo jeans.
Buy now £95.00, Dune
Ferragamo Driver with Gancini ornament
One of Ferragamo’s signatures, the Florence-based fashion house knows its way around a pair of driving shoes. Finished with the brand’s trademark palladium-finish horsebit detail, these are an understated statement that will secure an approving glance or two from those in the know.
Buy now £570.00, Ferragamo
The Row Lucca Slip On in Leather
Quiet luxury is The Row’s MO. So, if you’re looking for sleek pieces that are expertly crafted using premium textiles, this is the brand for you – but it does come with a price to match. In the label’s signature style, these driving shoes are hand-stitched from a supple calfskin leather with tonal piping for a luxurious finish.
Buy now £1150.00, MyTheresa
Duke + Dexter Hunt Off-White Driving Loafer
Those of you who haven’t yet heard of Duke + Dexter, you’re in for a treat. Since its foundation in 2015, the London-based footwear expert has become a go-to for smart yet laid-back footwear collections. From the premium Italian leather to the penny slot across the bridge as well as the hand-stitched finish, these shoes are a prime example. All for just £60.
Buy now £60.00, Duke + Dexter
Cheaney Hunt Driving Moccasin Shoe in Dark Brown Grain Leather
Whether you’re after loafers, Chelsea boots, Oxfords or Derbies, Cheaney’s a one-stop shop for all timeless footwear. So, naturally, it’s a solid choice for driving shoes too. These have a penny loafer trim and a flexible rubber sole for the perfect balance between form and function.
Buy now £235.00, Cheaney
Charles Tyrwhitt Suede Driving Loafer Navy
From tailoring to elevated casualwear, Charles Tyrwhitt delivers when it comes to smart casual staples – these driving shoes included. If you’re not into the navy, they’re available in chocolate and tan too.
Buy now, Charles Tyrwhitt
Kurt Geiger Stirling Loafer
For old-Gucci-coded embellishments on a budget, head to Kurt Geiger. These shoes, for instance, feature a small antiqued silver eagle head on the outer side of each shoe. Beyond that, they’re made from textured cow leather with a padded quilted footbed for superior comfort.
Buy now £149.00, Kurt Geiger
