We Love Shoes. And We Love These Driving Shoes When We Hit the Road

Driving shoes are important – steady on the pedals, comfortable for hours on the road and look good when you get out of the car. These are our favorites.
Driving Shoes. Photo: Sara Lacey
Driving shoes from M. Gemi have rubber pebbles on the soles and heel to grip the pedals and protect the shoe. Photo: Sara Lacey

Comfortable shoes that endure on the road are important. 

Everyone who drives needs a good driving shoe. But what makes a shoe good for time in the driver’s seat? Typically, it’s a flat-heeled shoe, often a slip-on, with a rubber sole meant to help you grip the pedals as you drive. It won’t fatigue your foot and or get in the way (as a flip flop or high heel can). It’s stylish enough to look good getting in and out of the car, supportive enough that you can run errands in them when you need to get out of the car, and basically a comfortable, convenient shoe for driving. These are some of our favorite driving shoes for women.

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Related: Fancy Footwear for Fine Driving

Cole Haan Wingtip. Photo: Cole Haan
Cole Haan Wingtip. Photo: Cole Haan

But First, a Little Bit of History

The origins of a leather slip-on shoe with rubber soles can be traced back to Italy in the 1930s. The founder of Gucci and his son decided to introduce this style after having trouble finding a stylish shoe that was comfortable enough to wear while driving a car. The simple yet chic design immediately became popular. First in Europe and later, globally. 

Cole Haan Wingtips, about $77

Related: Safety, Good Driving, Speed: What My Mom Taught Me About Cars

Aerosoles Driving Mocs Driving Shoes
Aerosoles driving mocs. Photo: Aerosoles

Why You Need Driving Shoes

If you care about having better control of your car, better grip on the pedals, a more comfortable driving experience, and if you want to be stylish- you need a pair. Driving shoes are not only stylish but versatile. Their slip-on style means they’re easy to put on. Plus, they’re comfortable!

Aerosoles driving mocs, about $70

Related: The Fashions Of Pebble Beach: What – And What Not– to Wear

Gucci Loafer. Photo: Gucci
Gucci Loafer. Photo: Gucci

How to Choose the Best Driving Shoe for You

Buying the right driving shoes can be tricky. The perfect shoe should fit comfortably. And it should be stylish enough to match your own personal style. But before you grab your keys and zoom off to the mall, there are a few things you should consider before buying driving shoes.

First, think about your car: Is it an automatic or manual transmission? Depending on the type of car you drive, you’ll need either a shoe that allows for more traction (for driving manual), or one with a more flexible sole (for driving automatic).

Next, proper sizing is important. Measure your foot to be sure when ordering online. If you’re in a store, take the time to try them on and walk around. 

Last, shop by your budget. While spending more on a quality pair of driving shoes is ideal, there are good options at most price levels. 

Gucci Women’s Loafer with collapsable heel, about $880

Related: 5 Reasons You’ll Want To Drive A Manual Transmission

Paul Smith Loafers. Photo: Paul Smith
Paul Smith loafers. Photo: Paul Smith

Loafers are a great choice

Loafers are known for their ease of use: they slip on and off, don’t require laces or zippers, and can be worn with virtually any type of outfit.

Oxfords are a great choice for drivers because of the grip their rubber soles provide. They’re also not just for men, though you can certainly find some cute driving oxfords for guys. The difference between Oxfords and loafer is that oxfords lace up, giving you more support as well as more grip around your foot and ankle.

Paul Smith Dustin Loafers, about $193

Rothy'S The Point Shoe. Photo: Rothy'S
Rothy’s The Point shoe. Photo: Rothy’s

Be Comfortable and Sustainable 

We like Rothy’s for their lightweight comfort, machine washability and the use of sustainable and recycled materials. So these don’t just feel good, but they make us feel good too. And, the rubber sole grips the pedals so we’re confident behind the wheel, too.

Rothy’s the Point shoe

Vans Checkerboard Slip-On. Photo: Vans
Vans Checkerboard Slip-On. Photo: Vans

If you prefer something more casual and athletic, slip-on sneakers are it

Not everyone likes a traditional driving shoe style and that’s quite alright. A comfortable slip-on pair of flats or sneakers can work, too. The key to a good driving shoe is that you are comfortable. However, that shouldn’t mean sacrificing style. 

Van’s classic checkered slip on sneaker, about $70

Tory Burch Travel Ballet Flat Driving Shoes
Tory Burch travel ballet flat makes a great driving shoe. Photo: Tory Burch

Choosing the best driving shoes

Here are some things to look for when shopping for your shoes. 

  • Material quality: Look for a good rubber sole, high quality leather (or vegan leather)
  • Brand: Opt for a reputable brand that is known for producing high quality and comfortable shoes 
  • Look and feel: Look for shoes that are easy to slip on, and are comfortable to wear

Now that you know what to look for, you can upgrade your driving experience with some new driving shoes! Happy driving! 

Tory Burch travel ballet flat, about $228

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Lillie Morales
Lillie Morales

Lillie Morales is an entrepreneur mama- writer, photographer, and an Editor at AGirlsGuidetoCars.com. She loves fast, pretty cars- ones you can dress up next to for the 'gram! And she loves to go on adventures and discover new places. One of her goals is to inspire women to be the very best version of themselves and believe in themselves. Lillie was recently named one of New Jersey's top 10 fashion bloggers. You can her work on her blog, JerseyFashionista.com which covers fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and travel. She resides in New Jersey with her husband and daughter.

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