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“Shoes make the man,” as the saying goes. But what makes the driver?
There’s more to a good driver than his or her footwear. But a good driving shoe can make a world of difference for precise control of the accelerator and brakes. Ultimately, choosing the right driving shoe comes down to your destination—if you’re heading out to the track or for a night on the town.
Schumacher-inspired FILA racing boots
Any footwear that’s designed for driving is logically called a driving shoe. Beyond that, there are distinctions between driving moccasins, driving loafers, and racing boots.
Shop now for driving shoesWhat Are Driving Shoes?
Driving shoes have two primary characteristics: thin soles and rolled heels. It’s all about grip and pedal feel.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) defines pedal feel as “the relation between the force applied on the pedal, the pedal travel, and the [acceleration or] deceleration achieved by the vehicle.”
Tod’s Gommino driving moccasins come in a wild range of colors and patterns.
The best driving shoes are one or two steps away from driving barefoot. When you walk barefoot on the beach, the feeling of sand shifting under your feet allows you to maintain balance. Driving at speed requires a similar level of contact.
Driving Mocs versus Auto Racing Boots
Two prominent styles of driving shoes are moccasins and boots. Slip-on driving mocs focus on comfort and style. Meanwhile, lace-up boots are all about control.
Pebble-soled driving moccasins, like these Minnetonkas, provide excellent grip and feel.
Driving Mocs: Wealthy owners of European sports cars started wearing driving moccasins in the 1960s. This loose shoe style allowed drivers to look good while ditching fussy dress shoes with hard leather soles. You don’t want clunky loafers to prevent you from feeling the pedal. Besides, driving mocs can make a dramatic fashion statement—for men and women.
High-top racing boots usually feature Velcro straps above the ankle.
Racing Boots: If you plan to hit the track, you’ll want to invest in a pair of lace-up racing boots. It’s a matter of safety. Racing boots provide a more secure grip on pedals and protect you in the event of a fire. Racing boots not only provide more control, but they are also often more comfortable—allow you to drive for hours with minimum shock and vibration. But if you plan to be walking as much as driving, we suggest a driving loafer. Read on.
Driving Loafers
The best driving shoes for hard-core enthusiasts rank performance over style. A secure fit and pedal feel are what matters most at speed. Never mind Nancy Sinatra, these boots aren’t made for walking.
Driving loafers are the practical alternative to driving moccasins and racing boots. Mocs and boots are fantastic while you’re behind the wheel, but they’re not the best choice if you’re pounding the pavement.
These tan leather Cole Haan size 12 M driving loafers were offered pre-owned for $40.
Driving loafers usually have thicker soles and more cushioning. That’s great when spending lots of time on your feet but still wanting a better feel of the pedals. Cole Haan’s driving loafers are well worth a look for formal occasions.
These Puma Speedcats, Porsche Type 996, were offered on eBay for $500.
How Much Do Driving Shoes Cost?
Moccasins are the gateway drugs of driving shoes. They’re often the most affordable and comfortable. Best of all, they aren’t showy like racing boots.
A pair of Minnetonka driving moccasins start at well below $100. Then again, the sweetest set of Tod’s driving mocs for men or women can approach $500. eBay is the place to find bargains, of course.
Converse Chuck Taylor basketball shoes are an affordable alternative to official driving shoes.
Puma driving shoes are ever popular. Red is the signature color. Special editions—such as Speed Cat, Ridge Cat, and Drift Cat—start below $100 but quickly climb in price.
If you’re keen on wearing your favorite OEM brand on your feet, you’ll find plenty of BMW, Ferrari, Mercedes, and Porsche-branded automotive footwear.
Piloti driving shoes make a statement. They’re a step up from Puma, even though the stylish brand only costs a few dollars more. When you see someone lacing up a pair of Pilotis, you know it’s a fellow enthusiast who wants maximum pedal feel. Piloti makes slip-on shoes, as well.
Why Are Racing Shoes Different Than Driving Shoes?
Sanctioned racing events require legit racing shoes, like these blue suede SFI 3.3 Alpinestars.
If your Sunday ride is a track day, you’ll need to take it up a notch or two. Leave the loafers in the paddock and lace up a proper pair of racing shoes.
High-top designs are among the most popular. Many feature Velcro straps above the ankle. Any sanctioned competition requires an approved set of fire-resistant racing shoes. SFI or FIA approval doesn’t come cheap.
Popular Racing Shoe Brands:
