Best Driving Shoes: Top Picks For On & Off The Track

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If you consider yourself a driving enthusiast, even if it’s just a gentle Sunday afternoon cruise, a good pair of driving shoes is essential. They are typically low profile, flexible, and come in an assortment of styles. An Italian man patented the first pair of car-centric footwear in 1963; this bolstered podiatrical performance, improved tactility, and spawned a whole new style that’ll never go out of fashion. We assembled this driving shoe review to help clue you in on what to look for in driving shoes, as well as highlight some top choices.

Summary List of Best Driving Shoes

• Best Overall: Cole Haan Men’s Gunnison Driver Moccasin
• Best Value: Mio Marino Loafers for Men – Driving Shoes for Men
• Honorable Mention: Chicane Speedster Performance Low Top
• Honorable Mention: Skechers Relaxed Fit Shoes
• Honorable Mention: Bruno Marc Men’s Moccasins Shoes
• Honorable Mention: Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Dathan Boat Shoes
• Honorable Mention: Minnetonka Men’s Original Driving Moccasin

Our Methodology

We took a more street-centric approach to determining the best driving shoes. Rather than introduce a smattering of fashionable, leather casual fare mixed with fire resistant, focused units, we leaned on the former and came up with a bunch of options that’d be at home attached to most outfits. We’ll develop a separate guide that’s just for motorsports-centric shoes. But make no mistake, these highlighted models’ sole purpose isto provide better tactility in front of the pedals, especially if you’re dancing between as many as three of ’em while operating a manual shifter. To come up with this list, we looked at a wide variety of brands, honed in on user feedback, determined what looked the most like traditional driving shoes (though with some slight aesthetic curveballs along the way). Then, we came up with this chic, well-rounded list.

Best Driving Shoes Reviews & Recommendations

These grippy driving shoes are 100 percent leather with a rubber sole. The shoes are a classic moccasin and feature a slotted collar and flexible, rubberized, nubby driving sole and heel protector. The hand-stitched moccasin has preppy cording around the foot that ties on the shoe’s vamp.These casual loafers stretch, have a flexible fit and are comfortable for driving.

These stylish Italian-stitched shoes are designed for driving as well as everyday casual use. They are a modern take on a classic design and are made of man-made leather with a soft microfiber lining and an outsole made of rubber. Included is a waterproof shoe bag as well as a 180-day warranty from the manufacturer. The best thing about these loafers is that they are high-quality, well-made, and can be very versatile when it comes to when and where you wear them.

These racing shoes have a soft suede leather outer layer, flame-retardant Pyrovatex liner, padded ankles, and arch support. The Achilles padding aids in support and overall driving position comfort. The molded rubber sole rolls up the back of the shoe to provide extra support for your heel while driving. Finally, These shoes are comfortable, easy to clean. The sole has extreme grip, and they make heel-and-toe shifting a breeze.

This pair of Skechers shoes is worthy of your attention. These offer a relaxed fit and superior comfort. They are lightweight and favored among drivers because of the excellent grip and quality materials used for the construction. The stylish design in four classic colors also adds to the overall popularity of these shoes.

The next top pick on our list is from Bruno Marc. These moccasins are designed for men and made from premium leather. They are not only incredibly comfortable, but also stylish and durable. With them, you’ll drive with more joy and complement both professional and casual outfits.These are slip-on loafers you can put on and take off in a matter of seconds.

A pair of Tommy Hilfinger shoes is always a good choice, whether you’re driving or sitting in your office all day. These particular shoes come in six different colors, and they are all up to date. The trendy design goes with every outfit and comes at a reasonable price. We like the fact that these shoes are handmade with comfort in mind. The soft leather feels good on the feet, and the synthetic sole provides great traction. Thanks to the quality materials, they offer a long lifespan. On top of that, the slip-on design ensures an easy on and off.

These shoes are one of the most durable models on our list. They feature 100 percent leather that can withstand challenging conditions and heavy daily use. You can wear Minnetonka shoes in any weather and enjoy its modern design and superior grip. You can choose a perfect pair from two classic shades of brown. Whatever color you choose, the materials will provide comfort and durability. The shoes fit perfectly and are wide enough to let the feet breathe. They also have a patterned sole that ensures the extra traction you need while driving.

Our Verdict

Our pick for the best driving shoes is the Cole Haan Men’s Gunnison Driver Moccasin. They are 100 percent leather and feature a flexible, rubberized, nubby driving sole and heel protector. They are comfortable, lightweight, and provide a firm grip on your car’s pedals.

For a less expensive option, consider the Mio Marino Loafers for Men – Driving Shoes for Men. 

What are the most important parts of a driving shoe? 

The heel and sole. You don’t want a sole that is too thick because you won’t feel the pedals very well, and that can affect your reaction time. The heel needs to have enough grip so you can better control your vehicle.

What are the different types of driving shoes?

Extended Sole : Many of the best driving sneakers and loafers have a moccasin design. The sole and sides of the shoe are created with one piece of leather or suede that goes from the bottom of the footwear to the heel. This extended sole gives you superior grip and control when driving.

Split Sole: Instead of a single piece that covers the shoe’s entire bottom, a split-sole driving shoe has two sections. One benefit of this type of driving shoe is that it offers you more flexibility than an extended sole and allows you to feel more of the surface underneath your feet.

Leather or Suede: The best leather driving shoes conform to your feet and provide airflow so they’re less likely to sweat. If your driving shoes aren’t properly ventilated, moisture can build up, which can cause your feet to be slippery and slide around the shoe, giving them less grip. Men’s driving shoes made of leather and suede also tend to be lightweight.

Synthetic: Synthetic driving shoes are usually less expensive, easier to clean, and more water-resistant than their leather counterparts. They are a good alternative if you avoid leather for ethical reasons. Synthetic driving shoes can be made with a variety of materials, and some are better constructed than others. They can be just as comfortable as leather but are typically not as durable.

What are some considerations to have in mind when buying driving shoes?

Ease of Use: It can be a pain to change into your driving shoes every time you get behind the wheel. That’s why they need to be simple to put on and remove. The best slip-on driving shoes stay put even though they don’t have laces or other traditional closures.

Comfort: The most comfortable driver shoes will have a lot of breathability and soft soles to cushion your feet. They should also have arch and heel support for optimum balance and stability. Flexible soles are also important, enabling you to comfortably put your feet in different positions when you’re sitting behind the wheel or walking.

Weight: The best driving shoes should be lightweight. You need to quickly use the pedals, and a heavy shoe will make it harder for you to press the acceleration, brake, and clutch (ABC) pedals. You want a shoe that will hasten your movements, not slow them down, so lightweight footwear is the better option.

Mobility: If you need to quickly move your feet between your vehicle’s pedals, you need a shoe that provides adequate ankle mobility. Sneakers and loafers provide more ankle flexibility than shoes such as boots unless the boots are specifically designed for driving applications. It’s essential to have the ability to articulate your entire foot.

Lining: The lining should be breathable as well as prevent your foot from sliding out of the shoe. In addition, a good lining will give you additional support as well as boost the durability of the shoe. If a lining is too firm, it will be uncomfortable and can cause issues such as blisters.

Pricing

Good driving shoes will set you back between $100 and $300, depending on features, fire rating, and brand.

FAQs

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.

Q: What are some tips in general revolving around shoes and driving?

A: Do not wear sandals or flip-flops when you drive. These types of shoes do not have good traction and can cause problems when you hit the pedals. Running shoes are also not a great option because they have thick soles, and they can make it hard for you to feel the pedals.

The best driving mocs are quite comfortable, so you may be tempted to wear them as walking shoes. However, some brands of driving shoes will wear down quickly because the toe box can scrape the ground and eventually tear, particularly if you walk a lot on city streets.

Some driving shoes are dual purpose. If you’re not a car enthusiast and you don’t race, you can still wear them as casual shoes because they’re fashionable. Also, they have an interesting history (if you’re into that sort of thing).

The best men’s drivers shoes are casual and are meant to be worn with a variety of outfits, including jeans or chinos with fitted tees, polo shirts, or button-down shirts.

You can wear casual driving shoes with or without socks. However, even the best driving loafers aren’t intended to be worn as dress shoes with suits or evening wear.

Q: Is it okay to drive barefoot instead of wearing a pair of driving shoes? 

A: Driving barefoot will give you very little grip. The problem can be compounded if your feet start to sweat. Driving shoes also add a little pressure, which helps you stop better.

Q: Should I wear socks with driving shoes?

A: It’s a personal preference; however, you will have slightly less pedal feel if you wear socks. Also, driving shoes generally look better without socks.

 

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