By Bhawna
Driving shoes are difficult terrain. If you have a cool sports car and an interest in driving, you would require driving shoes. This you would require for a greater feel from the pedals. Driving shoes are basically those shoes that have thin soles. The function of the thin soles is to deliver a smooth feel of the pedals to the feet. Most of the driving shoes follow the moccasin design. It means that the sole and sides are made from a continuous piece of leather or suede. This has a one-piece or multi-piece rubber sole attached directly to the fabric. A ‘pebbled’ sole offers more flexibility and a pedal feel. Driving shoes are also known by the names “driving moccasins”, “driving loafers”, and “drivers”. These have a style of slip-on loafers and pebbled soles. They are a popular footwear choice for men.
Tod’s Gommino
Image source: tods.com
It offers a perfect balance between driving shoes and everyday wearing. It is available in many colors. It is durable. The color is a nice navy blue. These shoes were developed 35 years ago. So, you know that you are buying an established brand. They have a full black rubber sole. Hence, they can withstand harsh weather and can be used in day-to-day life.
Dune Barnacle Leather Driving Shoes
Image source: lyst.co.uk
These come at a reasonable price. They have contrast stitching. These have laces. These are actually loafers.
Ugg Henrick Stripe Shoes
Image source: amazon.in
These have a stylish design. These have contrasting soles. These are well-made. There is no fleece material in them. They give a smart and casual look.
Tom Ford York Loafers
Image source: tomford.com
They have a gold chain detail. They are lined with leather. These are one of the most fashionable driving shoes. These have been made from navy suede and also hand-polished gold chains. They have leather for maximum comfort.
Herring Maranello Shoes
Image source: herringshoes.co.uk
These are very bright. These will make you look attractive. These come in many colors.
Car Shoe
Image source: carshoe.com
This brand was established over 60 years ago. It came up in 1963. The inner side of the shoes is made up of leather. Wearing it gives amazing feel and one looks attractive.
Loake Herbert Shoes
Image source: ebay.com
It is a great brand. It has contrast stitching. This brand was worn by Brazil’s F1 champion Ayrton Senna.
Gucci Webbing-Trimmed Suede Shoes
Image source: lyst.com
These shoes have a signature red and green stripe. These are the color of espresso. The sole is pebbled. The shoes are symbolic of the sophistication of the Riviera lifestyle of the 1950s.
Reffis Benton Driving Shoes
Image source: lyst.com
These are laced up with a grip sole. These are affordable. These have been constructed in Europe from premium suede.
Alpinestars Tech 1-Z Race Boots
Image source: alpinestars.com
These are fire-resistant. These are lightweight. These cannot be worn for everyday affairs. These are motorsport footwear.
J. Crew Kenton Suede Driving Moccasins
Image source: ebay.com.au
These shoes have a slip-on quality. These look smart also. These shoes tick all the boxes.
Rothy’s The Driving Loafer
Image source: rothys.com
Rothy’s converts plastic bottles gathered from landfills into textiles. The company then uses the signature thread to create eco-friendly products. The result is these shoes which are washable.
Aurelien Suede Italian Driving Shoe
Image source: pinterest.ca
There are many colors available in this brand. The material of the shoe is calfskin suede. The brand specializes in producing artisanal-crafted driving shoes. Aurelien offers the most authentic driving shoes.
Oliver Cabell Driving Shoe
Image source: olivercabell.com
There are many colors available in this brand like navy, chestnut, sand, and slate. The material of the shoes is calfskin suede. This brand produces authentic driving shoes. The aesthetic of the shoes is rustic. There is more emphasis on contemporary rather than the traditional style. In Oliver Cabell, there is a penny loafer style.
Wolf & Shepherd Gunner Driver
Image source: wolfandshepherd.com
There are many colors available in this brand. The material is suede. These shoes are really comfortable. These are casual.
Salvatore Ferragamo Parigi Driver
Image source: amazon.in
The color available in this brand is oxblood. The material is leather. It is elegant. There is a gold line in the shoes.
Allen Edmonds Daytona Driving Shoes
Image source: allenedmonds.com
It is made up of leather. It is a celebrated and well-known brand. The shoes are high-quality.
Things to keep in mind while buying driving shoes
There are certain things to keep in mind while buying driving shoes like the way they affect your driving technique and how comfortable you are while using the pedal area. There should be an appropriate level of sole thickness. This is essential to feel the proper amount of pedal pressure. They should be comfortable. They should be ankle-protective. There should be a non-slippery sole when wet. Finding the perfect driving shoe should not be seen as something extra. It is a necessary thing. It keeps you ready and prepared for anything that could happen during traffic. If you wear proper driving shoes, then you can improve your reaction time. This involves your braking, changing gears, or accelerating. You should always keep an extra pair of driving shoes in your car. They should have a rather thin sole. If the sole is too thick, then you would find it hard to feel the pedals, and also, you would put a lot of pressure on your ankles. Thicker sole also means that there would be more weight. It can cause difficulties in maintaining a relaxed ankle or making sudden movements.
Also, the sole should not be too wide. One could argue that driving barefoot is a better choice. But on long drives, the foot tends to get sweaty. Then, it can slip off the pedal. This can cause ankle or foot injury.
So, these were certain things which should always be taken care of while buying driving shoes. Also, don’t drive barefoot.
