Every auto enthusiast will agree that appropriate driving shoes are crucial for road safety. People tend to worry about common things such as brakes, safety belts, and car engines, forgetting that wearing inappropriate shoes while driving can quickly lead to fatal accidents.
Why do you even need driving shoes? Well, that extra grip while driving can save you from death! Your instincts will tell you that driving in stilettos or shoes with a smooth sole is wrong. But understanding what makes a shoe ideal for driving is something that every driver shouldn’t overlook.
Driving shoes provide comfort, safety, versatility, and elegance. Such shoes feature rubber-pad soles for a secure grip. Most driving shoes are laceless for a comfortable fit. Generally, these shoes are multi-functional and flexible. You not only wear them while driving but also at work.
The market is flooded with a wide range of driving shoes, so choosing the best can be a daunting task. Here is a comprehensive guide to the ten best driving shoes of 2022.
However, the PUMA Men’s Vedano Leather Slip-On Shoe takes the lead due to the excellent combination of style, durability, grip, comfort, and versatility.
Best Driving Shoes
1. PUMA Men’s Vedano Leather Slip-On Shoe
If you are looking for classy shoes that’s durable as well, Puma Vedano is a great pick. It is 100 percent leather, so you’ll no longer worry about shopping for new shoes quite often unless you need something different.
Puma Vedano is easy to put on because it features a loop fastener and hooks. You can as well adjust it to increase comfort as you drive or walk out of your car.
One of the most desirable features of this driving shoe is its versatility. These shoes feel comfortable for walking, hiking, and running. You don’t have to buy other types of shoes for different activities when you have Puma Vedano.
The stylish design of this shoe will turn heads wherever you go. Puma Vedano is slim and lightweight, so it doesn’t feel heavy when you walk around or while driving.
Under the Velcro tabs is a gored panel that gives you extra comfort. The soft textile lining and light cushion are features that you can’t ignore because they make the shoe warm and comfy for walking.
When shopping for driving shoes, always have a look at the sole! Puma Vedano is made of non-slip rubber sole that promises a strong grip while driving. The outsole ensures you look sharp and safe, as well.
Pros
- 100 percent leather for increased durability
- Rubber sole that provides a firm grip
- Soft cushion and textile lining for increased comfort
- Features a hook and loop closure making them easy to slip into
- Racecar-inspired design that makes them look classy
Cons
- The design is only suitable for men
- Doesn’t come in various colors and designs
Overall, the Puma Vedano is worth buying because it not only increases safety while driving but also comfortable to wear all day. However, you’ll feel limited if you love wearing bright colored shoes because they aren’t available.
2. PUMA Men’s BMW MS Drift Cat 7 Sneaker
The first thing you notice when you look at this shoe is its attractive design. As such, you’ll not feel confined to driving only because you can wear it for running or walking.
Whether a shoe is expensive or cheap, durability is a factor that you have to consider. Puma Men’s BMW sneaker is one of the most durable driving shoes out there. You can wear it for many years, thanks to the 100 percent leather design.
If you own a BMW, this sneaker is a perfect match because it features a BMW logo. The logo is a mark of pride and luxury, so you’ll feel emotionally connected.
You’ll also feel attracted to the rounded driver’s heel and oil-resistant rubber outsole that makes it comfortable to wear for a long drive. The toe cap and its tonal execution give it a classic look.
The rubber sole makes it a great driving shoe because it provides a firm grip. You can quickly maneuver in case of loss of control. The shoe can help save your life and that of your loved ones while driving!
Pros
- 100 percent leather for maximum durability
- Lightweight making it suitable to wear all day long
- Laces for adjusting
- Rubber sole to provide a firm grip
- Lightweight for maximum comfort
Cons
- Available in one design only for men
- May take longer to wear because you have to tie the laces
The Puma BMW MS Drift shoe is a masterpiece, so you can’t go wrong buying it. The shoe will serve you for a long time and still look new.
3. Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Woodley Slip-On Loafer
Looking to add a touch of class to your driving experience? Polo Ralph is a great choice! The shoe is well-designed to offer maximum stability and functionality. The design of the shoe makes it appropriate for wearing with a wide range of outfits.
The 0.25’’ heel makes it comfortable to wear while walking and driving. Also, the rubber sole increases the grip, hence improved driving safety.
The Polo Ralph Loafer is 100 percent leather, so you no longer have to worry about shopping for new driving shoes regularly. The leather also makes it classy to wear to work. The contrast stitching of the shoe also adds an element of elegance to it.
The slip-on style of Polo Ralph Lauren Loafer makes it easy to wear. The shoe is also wide to increase stability and comfort while walking or driving.
The good news is that the shoe features heel pads that prevent slipping on wet surfaces. The rubber outsole is also specially designed to increase comfort.
Pros
- All leather for increased durability
- The slim rubber sole provides a firm grip
- A classy design for an everyday look
- The shoe is lightweight for extra comfort
- Slip-on style making it easy to wear
- Versatility, you can wear them to work, church, or going out
Cons
- The design isn’t suitable for women
- 100 percent leather and tight, so the breathability is not that great
If you’re looking to buy a shoe that you can wear at work while driving, and to any party, go for Polo Ralph Loafers. The shoes have a great combination of features that give you value for your money.
4. Twisted X Mens Yellow Lace Driving Mocs
How about durability? Well, the shoe is made of high-quality leather that will last for many years. You can wear it to work or during weekends because it feels comfortable and light.
Although some people do not like lace-up designs, this shoe features it in a minimalist way. You can easily slip into it and tie the shoelace within a few seconds because the lace goes through a few holes.
The breathable air mesh lining is a feature that no one can ignore. The mesh keeps your feet feeling relaxed, even as you drive for many hours. The round toe is also another desirable feature that increases comfort.
Pros
- The neon yellow accents and smooth leather give it a crisp appearance
- Air mesh lining for increased breathability
- Lace-up design to hold your feet firmly
- Round toe for maximum comfort
- Genuine leather construction for durability
Cons
- May take long to wear due to its lace-up design
- The design isn’t suitable for women
The modern design and the latest technology used to construct this shoe makes it an excellent choice for driving. You’ll enjoy its neat casual appearance and still feel comfortable driving around.
5. Cole Haan Men’s Gunnison Ii Slip-on Loafer
The Cole Haan Loafer makes it to this list because most drivers love its sleek design. The shoe is one of the most popular options because its rubber sole gives a strong grip while driving. The last thing you can worry about is slipping your foot in case you lose control.
The dark leather gives this shoe a formal look. You can pair this shoe with jeans or khaki trousers. It’s great to put on during the weekend or weekdays. You’ll love the fact that you don’t have to carry an extra pair of shoes anywhere you go. The versatility of this shoe is unmatched.
No one likes buying new shoes now and then because the existing ones look terrible after wearing them a few times. Cole Haan will look new several months later, thanks to its genuine leather.
Putting on these loafers takes a millisecond. You don’t have to worry about laces or fastening anything. The streamlined design ensures that your foot fits in perfectly.
Pros
- Long-lasting because they are made of 100percent genuine leather
- Versatile, you can pair them with any clothing
- Flexible material to enhance comfort
- Rubber sole for a firm grip
- The sleek design makes them attractive
- Easy maintenance, you only need to wide them with a wet piece of cloth
Cons
- Only available in brown color so people who prefer other colors may not get them
- The insole is not the best because it is made of canvas material instead of leather
The Cole Haan Slip-on Loafer is probably the best driving shoe that made to this list. It has a combination of all the features you need to look for in an ideal driving shoe. It’s durable, provides a firm grip, has a cool design, and versatile. What else would you ask for in a driving shoe?
6. ECCO Men’s Helsinki Oxford
The most outstanding feature of this shoe is its polyurethane (PU) sole. The PU sole is the best alternative to rubber because it lasts up to three-time longer than other traditional materials. PU also stays in shape for a long time, so your shoe will remain new for years.
The 1’’ synthetic sole of ECCO shoes is strong enough to absorb shock. The sole is flexible and lightweight, so it helps you grip the pedals more effectively.
The ECCO shoe is shock-absorbing and flexible to increase comfort and durability. You can stand all day long wear these shoes, and your feet will stay happy.
Ecco is designed in such a way that you can feel comfortable driving, walking around, hiking, or taking the stairs. You can wear this shoe to work as well because its style will look great in official attire.
Ecco is 100 percent leather to deliver maximum durability and support. The soft lining also increases flexibility and comfort. The advanced construction technique used gives the shoe a superior fit.
Pros
- Made of polyurethane (PU) sole that lasts long
- Lightweight for quick and light movement
- Insoles added to increase comfort
- 1″ heel to absorb shock
- 100 percent leather that lasts long
- Moisture-wicking lining helps them stay clean for an extended period
Cons
- Not available in a wide range of colors to meet the unique needs of different customers
- May take longer to wear them because you have to adjust the laces
ECCO is a perfect pick if you want a shoe you can wear to the office and still drive around all day during the weekend. You can never go wrong with a pair of ECCO Men’s Helsinki Oxford if you want a shoe that looks luxurious and versatile.
7. FRYE Men’s Allen Venetian Slip-On Loafer
If you are looking for a fashionable pair of shoes that you can wear while driving, look no further than FRYE Men’s Loafers, you can wear them with nearly everything in your closet. The simple design of this shoe defies time and trends.
The leather lining of this shoe provides maximum comfort. The flexible rubber sole acts as a shock absorber so you can as well walk comfortably for hours.
Bold men will get a shoe that best suits their taste because the shoe is available in different colors. It’s also one of the excellent shoes for doctors because it’s lightweight and cool.
The soft leather of FRYE extends around the base for increased durability and comfort. Also, the shoe is 100 percent leather, so there’s no doubt that it will serve you for years.
FRYE’S Men’s Loafers feature flat soles to make them comfy for driving and walking. The short rounded heel also serves the same purpose and keeps your ankle supported. Also, read more about the right shoes for ankle support.
They aren’t the right shoes for narrow feet, so keep that in mind.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear for many hours
- Superb artistry and classy design making them suitable for all occasions
- The leather stretches, so people with wide feet fit in well
- Rubber sole for a firm grip
- A slip-on style that’s easy to wear
Cons
- Get dirty pretty quickly due to the tumbled leather design
- Not the best fit for wide feet
FRYE Men’s Allen Slip-on Loafer is an excellent choice if you want value for your money. The shoe is versatile so that you can wear it for any occasion or any activity, including driving or hiking. The wraparound lacing makes it stylish to wear with jeans or suits.
8. labato Women’s Leather Breathable Driving Shoes
The Labato Women’s Leather Loafers have that sleek feminine appearance that any woman can’t resist. What makes it stand out? Well, unlike other driving shoes, you have a wide range of colors to choose from when it comes to Labato loafers.
The memory foam insole and soft leather make the shoe breathable and comfortable to wear all day. The anti-slip outsole keeps your foot in the right position while driving and massages your foot.
Labato Women’s loafers are stylish to wear at work or during the weekends. They easily blend with formal and casual wear making them some of the best everyday shoes on the market. The shoes fit your foot correctly, so all your steps will feel relaxed.
The loafers are flat and have round thick rubber pads to give the shoe good padding. As such, you can wear them for long hours and walk on rough terrain without feeling like you are directly walking on stones or concrete.
Pros
- Convenient design, so they’re easy to put on
- Rubber sole for improved durability
- Versatile, you can wear them any day, and they blend with all types of outfits
- The rubber sole provides a firm grip on the pedals
- Sleek feminine design attractive to women
Cons
- The design is only suitable for women
- The toe box is narrow, so those with wide feet may feel uncomfortable
If you are looking for a shoe, you can wear every day when driving, and at work, Labato won’t disappoint. The design is impressive, the shoe is durable, and all its features fit what makes an ideal driving shoe.
9. Serene Womens Leather Cowhide Casual Driving Loafers
A glimpse at Serene Women’s Loafers will tell you that they can make great driving shoes. Some of the straightforward features that you will quickly notice are its rubber sole, a flat sole, and fresh design.
Besides the rubber sole, the shoe has an anti-slip rubber outsole that increases comfort while walking or driving. The leather can easily stretch to increase flexibility. Remember also to learn more about non-slip shoes.
The casual design of Serene Women’s loafers makes it suitable to wear for all occasions. You can wear it at a party, at work, and while traveling for long distances.
The value of this shoe is excellent, considering its leather design and rubber sole. The shoes feature laces that provide a snug fit.
The unique design of Serene Women’s loafers stands out! It’s made of rubber pieces outline by neat contrast stitching to give it a classy look.
Pros
- Casual design suitable for all occasions
- Laces for a snug fit
- Flat making them ideal for walking and wearing all-day
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Rubber sole to grasp the pedals
Cons
- Designed for women only
- Their open design isn’t suitable for cold weather
If black isn’t your favorite color, you can choose from 16 other different colors. Also, the shoe is lightweight so that you can wear it all day.
The edges of Serene Women’s Leather Cowhide Casual are cut and left raw, giving it a stylish look. The shoe complements all types of clothes. However, you may need to add an insole to increase comfort while driving or walking.
10. VanciLin Men’s Casual Leather Slip on Penny Loafers
This shoe is decent as driving or walking shoes. You can wear them without socks without getting your feet smelly because the shoe is well ventilated.
Although it may not last as long as other leather shoes in this list, it’ll serve you for a couple of years. The tread may wear out with time, and you don’t want to drive wearing slippery shoes.
The shoes fit snugly, leading to minimal ventilation. The breathability isn’t the best, but the shoe feels comfortable to wear every day because it features flexible insoles.
If you want to save some time in your morning routine, these slip-on loafers will do that for you. The shoe fits well from heel to toe, giving you firm support to maneuver the pedals.
The superior style of VanciLin makes it the perfect shoe for driving, casual occasions, and work. The detailed stitching of this shoe gives it a classy look. You can pair it with shorts, jeans, or suits.
Pros
- Synthetic sole for a stronger grip while driving
- Lightweight for long-distance driving
- Breathable leather for increased comfort
- A slip-on style that’s easy to put on and off
- Available in a wide range of colors (11)
- Stylish, suitable for casual occasions
Cons
- Insufficient arch support
- The inside isn’t super comfy
This leather shoe is breathable enough to keep your feet fresh all day. Additionally, VanciLin Men’s Loafers are lightweight, making them comfortable to wear for long drives.
Things to Consider Before Buying Driving Shoes
Driving is a hard task, especially when on a long journey. The driving experience may become even tougher if your shoes won’t let you drive effectively. Good driving shoes will not only make you comfortable but also ensure you’re safe on the road.
If you feel like your current driving shoes aren’t serving you as they should, consider reading this guide before buying a new pair.
Fit
If your pair of shoes fit too tight or too loose, don’t take it on the road. Nothing will make you uncomfortable through the journey than shoes that keep slipping off. It’s also unsafe and uncomfortable to drive in shoes that won’t circulate. You can’t concentrate on the road when your feet are cramped.
Fit should, therefore, be the first thing you consider when you go to the market to buy shoes for the car. You can consider buying from reputable brands that have free return policy just in case the shoes won’t fit comfortably.
Comfort
Just because your shoes fit doesn’t mean they’ll be comfortable. There are a lot of things to look for when considering the comfort of your driving shoes. One of them is the insole. Always choose a shoe with a soft and breathable insole.
Another thing to consider is the material. Flexible material will guarantee comfort throughout your journey. Think of leather if you want a soft and supple material that will ensure you have an excellent driving experience.
Sole and Grip
Don’t forget to look at the sole and the grip when choosing driving shoes. A good driving shoe should not have a sole too thick or too thin. If you get a thick sole, you will have a hard time feeling the pedal when driving; hence, compromise your safety.
If you get a sole that is too thin, you won’t have enough shoe support. Ensure you get the right thickness.
Still, on the shoe, you should make sure you get a good grip. The surface of the sole should be of pleasant texture to provide enough traction. You need to grip the pedals effectively. Good traction will also give you support when walking on slippery floors to ensure you don’t fall.
Lightweight
Your driving shoes should not feel like you’re carrying some heavy load on the feet. Your shoes should be lightweight enough to give you an easy time pedaling. The right shoe should not slow your movement down and should not get in the way of your driving.
Don’t forget to check the weight per shoe or per pair to ensure you get the right weight. You can also ask the manufacturer for a recommended shoe weight based on your weight.
Breathability
Breathable driving shoes will keep your shoe fresh throughout the journey. You need fresh air circulation throughout the journey for the health of your shoes. Insufficient air circulation in your shoes will lead to sweaty feet.
When your feet stay wet with sweat for long, they’ll smell bad, and soon they’ll give room for the growth of bacteria and fungi. You, therefore, need to ensure your shoe comes with a breathable material.
Upper
The upper of the shoe is what’s going to hold it together. This is the life of your shoe and should be essential when buying driving shoes. A good shoe should have a quality material lining for the upper part. It should also be strong enough to hold other parts of the shoe from the tongue to the sole.
Bottom Line
Choosing a driving shoe won’t be a hard task if you consider flexibility, comfort, sleek, and low-profile design, among other features. Remember to be fashionable as well because you’re still going to wear them when you step out of the car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Modern cars bear a lot of technology pieces that help people drive. However, the feet and the choice of driving shoes is what matters most. Footwear can make a massive difference in the way you drive, and this is where driving shoes come in.
So, what are these driving shoes? To get the answer to this and other frequently asked questions, keep reading.
Q. Is it possible to wear driving shoes during the winter season?
A. It is crucial to protect your feet from extreme cold and snow during the winter season. To achieve this, put on comfortable driving shoes.
If they are a bit loose, you can wear bamboo socks or winter shoes to make sure that they hold your feet perfectly. Therefore, for casual purposes, driving shoes can play a vital role during this season.
Q. What is the essential factor to consider when picking a driving shoe?
A. When looking for the best men’s driving shoes, the grip should be the most critical factor on your list. The shoes should have the ability to help you grip the pedal appropriately. If not, consider eliminating the type of shoes you were thinking of buying from your mind.
The other vital factor to consider when shopping for driving shoes is a comfort. The way your sole and heel feel should be a priority to your lifestyle. Driving with wide soles could make you hit the wrong peddle.
Q. Do I need socks when wearing driving shoes?
A. The fact that drivers look their best with no socks on their feet is one of the reasons why you do not require them. Also, since these types of shoes are meant to provide a better grip and traction when driving, wearing socks can interfere with the process.
Nevertheless, if you must put on your socks, then it is wise to go for the low-rise type or invisible liners. Short socks will give you a better loafer and driving experience.
Q. Why do the driving shoes have weird nubbins on the sole?
A. The original shoes were primarily designed for sports cars. With no automatic transmissions at that time, the drivers had to work on the gas pedals, brakes, and clutches. So, the fast drivers realized that their rigid shoes could slip just when they were about to work the pedals. As a result, the grippy shoes came in.
Q. What are the differences between boat shoes and driving shoes?
A. Although the boat shoes and the driving shoes look a lot similar when you first set your eyes on them, they are very different. One of the significant differences is that the Sole of Boat shoes is meant to provide a lot of grip in the wet condition while the Sole of driving shoes offer less amount of grip for the car peddles only.
Q. Do driving shoes have a lot of support?
A. The answer to this question is No. Drivers tend to have a thin sole. In that case, they are highly flexible and responsive. Wearing shoes that have a lot of support in a car is not recommended when working on a clutch at speed.
Q. What is the difference between driving shoes and loafers?
A. Driving shoes are a bit different from the loafers in terms of use and look. If you look keenly, you’ll notice that driving shoes come in rubber tab on their outsole. On the other hand, loafers do not.
Another difference to note is that driving shoes are more flexible and supportive than the loafers. As for the lacing function, driving shoes have one, but loafers do not have any laces.
The above mentioned are seven of the most frequently asked questions about the best shoes for driving. Did you get the answer to your query? Well, hope so.
Conclusion
Driving is fun, but a slight mistake can lead to permanent changes in your life. You may buy a car worth a million dollars, but driving it wearing heels or flip flops makes everything worthless because you’ll easily lose control in case of anything.
Considering your safety is a crucial thing for every driver out there. Apart from regular car checkup, effective brakes system, and engine, choosing the best driving shoes should be a part of your checklist as a driver.
A good pair of driving shoes help you grip the pedals, so you’ll be in a good position to maneuver your car in case you lose control. It’s a one-time investment that can last for several years because most of the driving shoes covered in this guide are 100 percent leather, so they’re durable.
Wearing good driving shoes boosts your confidence and makes the driving experience amazing. Which driving shoe did you like most? Buy it and say goodbye to avoidable road accidents!
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