Introduction

A couple of weeks back I put together a list of 5 top summer style tips to help invigorate your wardrobe for the season. One of those tips was to have some separate pieces, such as footwear, reserved for when the sun starts to show.

A pair of driving shoes fill this seasonal role perfectly and shouldn’t be too far away from your mind when filling any footwear-related holes in your summer wardrobe.

Driving Shoes

Driving shoes are characterised primarily by their unstructured moccasin style body, heel support and the rubber stud-like grip on the sole. They are traditionally – if you had yet to guess – designed to be used for driving, with features such as the heel support and additional grip aiding in this pursuit.

The driving shoe represents a perfect example of summer footwear. It’s lightweight, making it great in the heat and comfortable to walk in. The slip-on nature makes it easy to slip on and off at the beach or airport security; the comfort factor comes in handy again here when you’re cooped up in an aeroplane for a number of hours. Finally, and most importantly, they’re stylish and can help step up those lazy summer outfits that we can all be a bit guilty of when the heat begins to stifle.

While you may immediately connect driving shoes with fast cars and Monte Carlo, their versatility stretches well beyond and they needn’t be enjoyed solely by the billionaires and playboys (and billionaire playboys).

The unstructured nature places the driving shoe just inside the casual category, but it’s certainly on the smarter end of that spectrum. They are an ideal substitute for a pair of grown-up trainers when dressing down, adding flair while doing so, without sacrificing anything in the way of comfort. Alternatively, the driving shoe can be a great replacement for a pair of wingtips or brogues when you decide to ditch the tie and a couple of buttons to dress down a suit.

Driving Shoes Lookbook

Men's Driving Shoes Lookbook

How to Wear
Look One

This first outfit is a great, quick warm weather look which takes absolutely no effort but still looks stylish.

A pair of light blue tailored shorts combined with an essential white crew neck t-shirt and a chunky cardigan layered over the top form the majority of this summer go-to. The colour scheme could easily be changed and broadened but blue is currently top dog in the colour scene – hence why I’ve opted for two different shades – and the brown suede driving shoes compliment them perfectly.

You could easily accessorise this look with a bracelet or two, or add a more continental appeal with a neckerchief. Either way, with or without the accessories, this look will do you no wrong.

  • American Apparel Baby Rib Fitted Short Sleeve T-shirtAmerican Apparel Baby Rib Fitted Short Sleeve T-shirt
  • Topman Blue Oxford Tailored ShortsTopman Blue Oxford Tailored Shorts
  • Reiss Marlow Chunky Button Through Cardi NavyReiss Marlow Chunky Button Through Cardi Navy
  • Asos Suede Driving ShoesAsos Suede Driving Shoes
Look Two

This look is again a no-fuss summer go to outfit and perfect for the day to day. Simply combine a pair of jeans and a striped crew neck lightweight jumper, which together make for a timeless ensemble. Add some rakish driving shoes to elevate the look; socks are discretionary.

If jeans don’t take your fancy in the heat, swap them out for a pair of chinos or shorts and again accessorise with your customary choices.

  • John Smedley Dominic Striped Cotton SweaterJohn Smedley Dominic Striped Cotton Sweater
  • Allsaints Molotov Cigarette JeansAllsaints Molotov Cigarette Jeans
  • Asos Suede Driving ShoesAsos Suede Driving Shoes
Look Three

As mentioned earlier, driving shoes are great for dressing down a suit. A lightweight khaki suit is a great spring/summer option and is versatile enough to be dressed down as well as up.

Go as far as to ditch not only the shoes and tie but the shirt as well and replace with a simple white tee or polo. Finish off with a patterned linen pocket square and some leather driving shoes for a perfectly dressed down summer-suited look.

  • American Apparel Fine Jersey T-shirtAmerican Apparel Fine Jersey T-shirtapparel
  • Fashion Suit In Cotton Aiko1/heise By HugoFashion Suit In Cotton Aiko1/heise By Hugo
  • Reiss Boyd Diamond Geometric Print Pocket Square NavyReiss Boyd Diamond Geometric Print Pocket Square Navy
  • Car Shoe Leather Driving ShoesCar Shoe Leather Driving Shoes
Men’s Driving Shoes
  • Asos Suede Driving ShoesAsos Suede Driving Shoes
  • Stemar Whipstitch Penny DriverStemar Whipstitch Penny Driver
  • Collezione Leather Bow Driving ShoesCollezione Leather Bow Driving Shoes
  • Base London Celcius Driving ShoesBase London Celcius Driving Shoes
  • Paul Smith – Shoes Lindoy Marmot Gasbar ShoesPaul Smith - Shoes Lindoy Marmot Gasbar Shoes
  • Mr Hare Mens Sergios Driving ShoeMr Hare Mens Sergios Driving Shoe
  • Car Shoe Driving Loafers 109102Car Shoe Driving Loafers 109102
  • Kurt Geiger Tiroli LoafersKurt Geiger Tiroli Loafers
  • Ted Baker Ransvik Shoes CreamTed Baker Ransvik Shoes Cream
  • J.crew Thompson Leather Driving ShoesJ.crew Thompson Leather Driving Shoes
  • Car Shoe Suede Driving ShoesCar Shoe Suede Driving Shoes
  • Salvatore Ferragamo Billy Penny Driver LoaferSalvatore Ferragamo Billy Penny Driver Loafer
Conclusion

So, now it is time to hear your view:

  • Are you considering driving shoes as your new footwear go to for this season?
  • Have you been wearing driving shoes for a while?
  • If so how do you style yours?
  • Or do you prefer a more traditional and structured loafer?

Let us know in the comments below…