Driving Shoes Are Making a Comeback—The Best Styles to Shop
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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.
Gommino Driving Shoes in Suede
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
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
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
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
'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+
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
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
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
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
The Original Driving Shoes
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+
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+
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
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
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
Ashley Driving Shoes
These blush pink penny drivers have summer written all over it.
Size Range: 35-42
Material: Suede
Colors: 8
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