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Anyone with an eye for fashion has noticed the resurgence of the beloved women’s loafer the past few seasons. From chunky platform styles, to chic penny loafers, and even heeled designs, smart loafers have appeared everywhere from the runway to celebrity street style, namely on Taylor Swift, Kendall Jenner, and Hailey Bieber — who model the best driving loafers for women as the perfect shoe to add to your rotation.
First patented in 1963 by Italian artist Gianni Mostile, the driving shoe was created just for that: driving. Worn primarily by the elite, the original car shoe featured lightweight, sleek construction with rubber pebbles extending to the heel that gripped the floor and prevented slippage. While modern renditions boast contemporary silhouettes and materials, the foundation remains the same, as the driving loafer is celebrated for its all-day comfort. Whether you’re looking for a reliable walking shoe, a travel shoe to carry you through your next weekend getaway, or a comfortable work shoe for the office, driving loafers’ seamless meld of sleek design and supportive construction make them the perfect shoe for any woman on the go.
“We’ve all been there when you’ve worn a loafer or a ballet flat all day and you’re like, ‘oh my gosh, why are my feet killing me?’” says Marion Parke, foot and ankle surgeon and designer of her namesake footwear label. “You’ve had so much flexibility in your foot all day that those small joints have really just fatigued. Supportive driving loafers and insoles can help mitigate this.” Their protective nature makes them all the more enticing for those with common foot concers like flat feet, wide feet, and plantar fasciitis, and other orthopedic discomfort like knee pain and diabetic-induced poor circulation. Reinvented by luxury designer labels including Gucci, Prada, and Ferragamo (their classic driver is a closet staple) and perfected by cult-favorite brands like Rothy’s, Tod’s, and Everlane, there is no shortage of women’s driving loafer styles on the market for every occasion and aesthetic.
The options are only growing, so we’ve tapped expert opinions on both podiatry and design to aid your search in narrowing down the best, most reliable driving loafers to add to your everyday shoe collection.
Colors: 10
Material: Suede upper, synthetic lining
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “These are the most comfortable shoes! The suede is soft — like butter. Comfortable right out of the box. I’m guessing they will become even more comfortable, if that is possible. Don’t hesitate to purchase if you are looking for a stylish, comfortable shoe!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
Colors: Black, navy
Material: Leather, rubber
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “My daughter works retail on her feet for hours and has to wear black shoes with the heel and toes covered for her job. We’ve tried other flats and she keeps coming back to these as the most comfortable and long lasting quality shoe, and they are also very cute with the work outfits. She wore her first pair for several years so the cost is worth it.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $145
Colors: Black
Material: Suede, leather
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
What testers say: “Tod’s Gommini Driving Moccasins are classic. I have been wearing Tods for years. I love all the styles from the leather to the patent and to the suede. If you want a really comfortable driving shoe this is the one! Your feet will thank you. It’s like walking on air. The colors are all gorgeous and the good news is the workmanship has not changed after all these years.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $695
Colors: Black, cognac
Material: Leather, rubber
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “These shows are so soft inside and incredibly comfortable. I expected there to be a ‘break-in’ period but not at all! I easily wore them for 10 hours the first day and have received so many compliments. The gem-like green is vibrant and a wonderful accessory, but adding in the comfort makes this easily my go-to shoe for occasions where I’ll be on my feet.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $67.95
Colors: 9
Material: Leather
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “This is a very comfortable and lovely shoe. I purchased the lavender color. Each time I’ve worn them I’ve received compliments. This is a shoe that I truly enjoy wearing! I expect to purchase this shoe in other colors as well.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $228
Colors: Black, black suede, canvas
Material: Leather
What testers say: “These loafers are so comfortable I wore them on vacation and walked everywhere in them. I always have trouble finding comfortable walking shoes that look good too. These are the best!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $145
Colors: 18
Material: Rothy’s signature thread knit
What testers say: “I have had my fair share of Rothy’s over the years and these are now my favorite style. Took a chance on them as I don’t typically wear loafers, and I’m glad I did. These are true to size and really comfy — they remind me of the original sneaker design before the insole texture changed. 10/10, I will be styling these with everything.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $189
Colors: Black, tan
Material: Leather
Ralph Lauren Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “I have four pairs of Ralph Lauren loafers. I suffer with back pain and hip problems, am under a doctor’s care, and take physical therapy twice a week. The surgeon refuses to perform surgery and these are the only shoes I can wear that help. I can wear them with dress pants or jeans and they look great. I’ve worn Ralph Lauren shoes for years so it was easy to order the correct size.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colors: 9
Material: Leather, suede
What testers say: “I have all the colors! I love this shoe. It is easy to slip into and I wear it most days. Also, it wears well, is comfortable and seems to last forever.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $198
What To Look For In The Best Driving Loafers
- Size: Because driving loafers tend to have a slimmer silhouette, it’s important to keep in mind both width and length when choosing your ideal pair. “In the footwear category, millimeters count,” Parke says. “Make sure you can get a fit where you’re really avoiding slippage.” This will minimize arch discomfort and ensure a snug yet functional feel to take you from morning to night without compromising your overall foot health. As their history is rooted in functionality and longevity, driving loafers’ lightweight, flexible construction make it easy to find the perfect size ideal for any wearer, including those with podiatry issues like bunions or plantar fasciitis.
- Material: Driving loafers, like most footwear styles, are offered in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and materials. When considering the ideal pair to add to your collection, first think about which occasion you will be donning them for. In terms of everyday casual styles, opt for canvas or synthetic materials that blend easily with denim and cotton fabrics. If you desire a more elevated, chic look, leather and suede loafers in rich neutrals and jewel tones to add a touch of sophistication for corporate and evening styles.
- Cushion: As driving loafers were created primarily for comfort and durability, it’s important to invest in a pair that gives you just that — and the most crucial factor to consider is arch support. “If you have a driving loafer or any flat shoe that’s bending through the arch, it’s not recommended to wear it for long periods of walking or weight bearing,” Parke explains. “You will get that soreness and fatigue in your feet because your arch height throughout the day will increase and decrease.” Her expert tip to mitigate this discomfort? “When you hold a shoe in your hand from the heel to the toe, try to flex it and look at where the shoe bends. It should only bend across the widest part of the toe box,” she says. “If it’s bending through the arch or if you can wring it out like a towel, it’s going to be too flexible to wear for an extended amount of weight bearing and walking.”
- Style: From color to shape to fabrication, the seemingly unlimited array of driving loafer styles may seem daunting when taking the first steps to picking out your new pair (or adding to a growing collection). First consider their ideal usage — if it’s primarily for functionality, rather than fashion, focus on highly supportive, neutral-toned shoes that will pair easily with any casual ‘fit. When shopping for more elevated styles to take you from home to the office to a dinner party, consider subtle pops of color while playing with leather and suede materials for a textured flair. Of course, you can never go wrong with a subtle embellishment, too; many trendy driving loafers are adorned with metal buckles, tie-detailing, and even moccasin-style ruching.
How To Wear Driving Loafers
Lean into the driving loafer trend with simple, classic styles that can carry you throughout the seasons. “When I think of a driving loafer, it’s a very specific look; a bit sporty and a lot preppy,” says Parke. Slim and sleek, these shoes are best paired with garments of a similar silhouette. When embracing the preppy style, try slipping on a neutral pair of loafers with ankle-length straight leg jeans or chinos, and throw atop a half-tucked button down for a clean, everyday feel. Add a slouchy sock or a trendy Nike gym sock, and you’re effortlessly chic look is complete.
For a more elevated look, opt for leather or suede driving loafers with a pair of slacks and a blazer, which can take you straight from the office to happy hour. When playing with a wider-leg pant or baggy jeans, choose a pair that hits either directly above or below the widest part of the ankle to ensure a seamless look as driving loafers’ silhouette tends to elongate the leg. Versatile in aesthetic (don’t be afraid to grab a variety of colors!) and comfortable enough for even the longest of days, driving loafers are the perfect addition to your go-to footwear rotation.
How We Selected The Best Driving Loafers
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
When compiling a list of the best driving loafers for women, editors tapped experts in both podiatry and design, comparing a variety of styles across the current footwear market, while considering both timeless and current trends. With a keen eye for comfort, we conducted our own product testing and evaluated hundreds of customer reviews that accounted for support, durability, and versatility in style. Learn more about us here.
Meet The Expert
Marion Parke is a podiatric surgeon and luxury footwear designer for her eponymous label whose designs seamlessly meld comfort and style. She received Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Award in Accessories for 2018 and her brand has been featured in Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Forbes, Glamour, Harper’s BAZAAR, InStyle, VOGUE, W, The Wall Street Journal, WWD, and more.
Meet The Author
Anika Ljung is a freelance writer and editor who covers all things fashion and culture, tapping experts and keeping a close eye on the runway and zeitgeist to inform her pieces. Based in New York City, her work has appeared in InStyle, WWD, Footwear News, V Magazine, V MAN, CR Fashion Book, and Brides, among others, and she is an assistant stylist for various creatives throughout the city.