Driving moccasins were invented in the early 1960s to accommodate the persnickety needs of European exotica owners. Sports cars from that era had cramped interiors and small pedals. Most well-to-do owners wore clunky dress shoes, which made changing gears and throttle modulation a chore. Driving moccasins offered a svelte alternative — a narrow build allowed drivers to do the three-pedal dance with ease, while the the minimal, “nubbed” soles provided both grip and pedal feel. And, slip-on construction meant they could be easily put on and taken off once drivers got to their destination.
Today, though, there’s less of a need for the purpose-built driving shoe. Cockpits are roomier, most cars come with an automatic transmission and modern sneakers offer many of the same benefits that driving moccasins do at a fraction of the cost. Today, driving moccasins are more commonly seen on style-savvy men and women than on out-and-out driving enthusiasts. Yet modern driving mocs are nearly identical to those of the ‘60s, meaning they’re incredibly handsome, comfortable, and plenty suited for a spirited drive. If you’re looking for an elevated, purpose-built driving shoe, look no further than these six stand-out car-minded moccasins.
Jack Erwin Parker
A loafer that looks and feels like it’s worth twice its actual price. Jack Erwin’s Parker is made from a suede upper (available in eight different colors), has a full leather lining, and underneath they have classic, “punched-out” rubber nubs making up the outsole.
