What are driving shoes and do you need a pair?

While not illegal in Australia to drive barefoot, should you be pulled over, police can still issue you a fine if they believe that you don’t have total control of the vehicle. So, what is the best shoe to drive in?

When hearing the term ‘driving shoes’ I’m sure a picture pops into your mind instantly. Maybe you’ve seen your favourite old school movie character wear them, or maybe your dad has a pair.

Men’s and women’s driving shoes are making a resurgence and are increasing in popularity as the shoes of choice when we hop in the car, particularly for those longer drives.

In some not-so-shocking news, driving shoes were created specifically for – you guessed it – driving. Usually made out of leather, suede or nubuck, they have a grippy, rubber-grommet sole, which extends all the way up the back of the heal.

Stylewise they can be found as moccasins as well as more casual sneaker style. The shoes should fit snugly and be narrow enough to avoid taking up too much space at the pedals.

Driving shoes are generally lace-less and are flexible but relax in their fit, meaning you can wear them and should feel so comfortable you almost forget you’ve got them on! Think gloves, for your feet.

The origins of driving shoes can be traced back to 1963. After Italian footwear company, Car Shoe patented the first shoe specifically designed for driving, fancy Ferrari-owning men now had a shoe of choice to drive in, instead of potentially dirtying their dress shoes. These shoes also provided more “touch” over the peddles, compared to their regular shoes so it was a no-brainer they would pick up a pair.

These shoes are sturdy enough for road trips due to the thin rubber sole giving total tactile control but have also managed to stay fashionable with the boat shoe style slip-on design that has been in and out of fashion since the 1960s. Think European-style statement footwear piece. Driving shoes also calls for no socks! Or at least socks you can’t see. So put away your shin-high tie-dye socks and opt for an invisible pair, if any at all.

As the weather warms up, and the eastern states (slowly) emerge from lockdown, there is no doubt road trips are going to be high on the list of things to do, when safe to do so. Driving shoes are leisure shoes, meaning while you can wear them while hitting the highway for a weekend getaway, you can also wear them on picnics (the popular activity of choice in Sydney and Melbourne at the moment), to brunch, and they wouldn’t look out of place on a movie or coffee date either.

But the most important thing is, the thin, flexible soles of driving shoes are there to maximize the driver’s feel of the pedals and give more exacting control, meaning you’re driving in the safest pair of shoes there are! So as you consider what your next road trip might be, have a think about what style of driving shoe you also want to rock behind the wheel.

In the last few years, car brands have been adding driving shoes to their collaboration product offerings. It goes well beyond the old 'slap a logo on it' mentality too, with some big brands including Mazda and Nissan working in collaboration with big-name shoemakers to create the perfect shoe for driving and everyday life.

Related: Volvo team up with Casca Footwear to create sustainable shoes inspired by the XC40 Recharge

Related: Porsche and Puma to release limited edition 911 Turbo shoes

Related: Five things to keep in your car for unforeseen shoe-based emergencies