No, driving shoes aren’t the sexiest of things. But neither are boat shoes. And while boat shoes look just fine even for those of us who are more land-lubber than deck-topper, drivers have a rooted purpose that most encounter more often. Y’know, driving.
Driving shoes are lightweight, have grippy soles, and can usually be identified by traction that extends up the back of the heel. They’re designed to provide stability and control while working the pedals (assuming you’ve got a standard transmission), while remaining comfortable on long drives. Even if you’re not carving up mountain roads while heading off for a long weekend, drivers are a good summer shoe that keep your (ugly perhaps) toes covered up, all while remaining breathable and light. Feel free to add your suggestions for good looking driving loafers in the comments.
Ralph Lauren Willem Ribbon Loafers – $99.00
An improved version of the Telly Loafer they’ve sold for a few years. The “polo” logo has been removed from the back of the heel and is now instead a tonal stamp on the side. Great looking ribbon colors too. Nubby heel for grip. Ships free if you have Prime and pick them up on Amazon
Brooks Brothers Suede Tie Drivers – $103.60 ($48.00)
Tie Driver. Not fighter (pew pew pew!). Rich looking suede, a heel grip that doesn’t dominate visually, and rawhide lace ties on top. Also available in a deep navy and an eye gouging green. Many thanks to jchughely for pointing out that these are on sale. Not a ton of sizes, but there are some in the blue and grey. Looks like Brooks Brothers put many of their shoes on sale overnight.
ASOS Navy/Tan Penny Drivers – $67.73
CHEAP. Drivers don’t usually have a ton of support as it is, so it’s probably safe to assume that at this price point, you’re not going to get a ton of construction quality. That said, nice two-tone upper. Try the code XTRA20 for 20% off.
Allen Edmonds Handsewn Ventura Hwy – $139.00
($195)
Made in the Dominican Republic. Part of the just launched Allen Edmonds Anniversary Sale, which also happens to include the Mora 2.0.
Zara Nubuck Bottle Green Drivers – $89.00
A not quite normal color, and a not quite normal texture. Nubuck is matte looking, like suede, but doesn’t have as tall of a nap. Boat shoe like details with the tie up front & grommets on the side.
Cole Haan Grant Suede Driver – $103.60 ($138)
More boat shoe details but this time in suede. These look pretty sturdy (at least, in the online pics). And the way the “Grant” sweeps some leather up in front of the toe is a nice touch. 30% off thanks to the CH F&F sale.
Mercanti Fiorentini Two-Tone Driver – $69.95
Hang out for a sale. Did just dip under $50 during their latest tiered code. Nice and soft leather, the penny strap across the top is a nice touch, and they’re lightweight without feeling flimsy. Toes do scuff up pretty quick, so be warned. Made in Brazil.
ZARA Ribbon Drivers – $89.00
What are those, Bally? Gucci? Helllllll no. Under $90 and ship free thanks to Zara. The contrast stitching is a little… loud, but Zara isn’t exactly a conservatively styled brand. Also available in sand.
Brooks Brothers Pebble Leather Driver – $117.60 ($168.00)
If Batman took the Batmobile out to the country for a nice 4-day weekend away from Gotham, this might be what he wore on his feet on the way out. They’re sensible yet sleek Dick…
The Sadly Out of Stock (for now?) Jack Erwin Dale Driver – $95.00
Ah man. They released their grey nubbed “Dale” clear back in December, but most of us were in boots… daily… at that point. Was just under a hundred bucks, made in Portugal, three shades o’ suede, and now that the sun is out and the roads are clear… it sure would have been nice to have picked up a pair of these over the holidays. But word is that they might be reintroducing this model? Maybe? Perhaps? More on Jack Erwin over here.
If you’re hitting the road this spring or summer, have a blast and drive safe. Meanwhile, feel free to make any additions to this list in the comments below.
Here’s some love for Ecco slip on/driving mocs. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ecco-soft-driving-shoe-men/3556945?origin=keywordsearch The driving moc is a little more square-ish, but the slip on moc is perfect.
The Jack Erwin was by far the best looking driving shoe in that price range. I had it bookmarked for a few months and was gearing up to buy it, but the day I went to pull the trigger is the day they pulled it from the website. I wouldn’t be happy with any of the other selections.
Heads up- the Brooks Brothers suede tie drivers clocked in at $103.60 for me. No brainer.
I’ve had two different pairs of Driving Loafers, both Clark’s, and I find that they tend to wear out faster than other dress shoes due to the fact that they’re not REALLY meant to be walked in. Both pairs I had wore out in the toe which was strange to me because most of my shoes wear out in the heel first. All this being said, this is one type
of shoe that, IMHO, doesn’t make sense to spend a lot on.
Just want to put these links here, also note that there’s an additional 20% off everything which brings these to $28!
http://www.callitspring.com/us/clearance/mens-shoes/casual/90877067-teems/1
http://www.callitspring.com/us/clearance/mens-shoes/casual/97093361-delbert/28
It’s too bad that there are only limited sizes available unless you want green or light blue. I could of really gone for the grey ones.
I ordered the Teems in both Blue and Gray. Wish the brown wasn’t sold out in my size. $58 shipped for two pair!! Plus they have a generous return policy. Don’t mean to toot my own horn but, how can you go wrong here?
Barney’s warehouse also has many options available with 20% off clearance shoes. Example- http://www.barneyswarehouse.com/barneys-new-york-penny-drivers-503350122.html?index=40&cgid=mens-shoes
I like those Ralph Laurens but I don’t think I could pull them off.
Also: Saw these Sperrys on Ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sperry-Top-Sider-Navigator-Driver-Venetian-/231199391450?pt=US_Men_s_Shoes&hash=item35d48ebeda
Next to horse bit loafers, driving loafers are my least favorite mens shoe. Rather opt for penny loafers, tassel or some string mocs. The problem is finding a good affordable pair, particularly for the latter two.
BB also has these
http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Suede-Rough-Out-Driving-Mocs/MH00136,default,pd.html?dwvar_MH00136_Color=DKBR&contentpos=126&cgid=0522
something about those ribbons… like seeing a hot woman, but her hair is kinda purple. then, you don’t care and click “add to cart”
I agree. They’re definitely not my style, though I’d say the same for tassels and pennies. I don’t know. All would fill a seasonal footwear gap, but I feel like an aging playboy in them. Anyone have any alternatives for summer footwear?
Any suggestions on a decent summer suit something in wool? I was told I’d be murdered if I wore linen to this wedding.
I almost bought the Cole Haan a few weeks ago but the salesman at the Cole Haan store talked me out of it – he said the suede which covers the bottom of the shoe will quickly be destroyed after walking outdoors in them as experienced by one of his previous customers. He said they are literally only good for driving in and not walking outdoors in and should be treated more like an expensive pair of slippers rather than a shoe for everyday life like to walk to the subway in and wear to work. I really like them and the others on the list but questions the functionality of them, especially the suede.
JCP carries these, if you want to try them on. I assumed it was a house brand, but it appears they have a similar setup to Sephora. I’ve never been too impressed with the quality but, as you say, you might not want to be dropping to much money on such a beater shoe (I have the J Crew ones and they get scuffed in the front as quickly as any others.
The Jack Erwin’s will be available again in May (heard from their Facebook site)
Actually have a find here that I picked up last summer for a very good price ($64), LOVE wearing, and get a lot of compliments on: http://www.minnetonkamoccasin.com/Products/Detail/original-cowhide-driving-moc
i could never pull these off, they also scream “old man” to me
i could never pull these off, they also scream “old man” to me
Funny, most would associate penny loafers with that “old man” vibe. I would say drivers and horsebit loafers are pretty synonymous with the 20’s-something crowd that primarily consist of frat boys who try to carry on their prep tradition.
If you’re going with the Cole Haan Grants – you may want to size down…they’re a bit soft on the foot, and will wear in rapidly – Most of the time it feels like they’re about to fall off.
I picked up the Allen Edmonds Boulder for 100$ 2 years ago that held up really well. Especially for a driver. In the market for a new pair.
I was happy to see this post until I opened it. Are there no options for PLAIN driving mocs? Ones with a penny strap, bit strap, or pseudo boat shoe styling with laces?
I had a few pairs from BR from years past but they’re all worn out and even they don’t sell plain ones anymore.
Agreed. I just cant see myself pulling the trigger on a pair of these short of my retirement party. I’ll stick to boat shoes in the meantime
I believe jcrew.com has a pair without all the details for $138. I have a pair with the penny loafer detail from them and they fit on the narrow side, though.
Any suggestions for drivers for wide feet, especially in the toe box? In non-width shoes I normally have to go up 2-3 sizes and then lace them up hellishly tight to fit my toes in, so drivers are typically not an option for me because they’d just fly off.
Suggestions for a comfy shoe for summer travel? I have a driver already but it’s not really meant for me walking on the concrete for hours. Should I go boat shoes?
Agreed. Not a fan of drivers, loafers, tassels, or pennies.
Crisp white low-top chucks, all the way.