Posted : September 2012
Author :
While a person’s arms and hands are heavily involved in the
process of driving a car in that they handle steering and changing gears, these
upper extremities don’t deserve all the glory. After all, without legs and feet
to work the gas, brake and – when applicable – clutch pedals (as well as
occasionally provide bracing for the driver’s body under heavy braking or
cornering loads), you’d just be able to adjust the angle of the front wheels
and stir the gears in the transmission. Yes, there are modifications available
for folks without usable limbs south of the equator, but the overwhelming
majority of automobiles in their natural states demand operators with paws up
high and down low. So it’s no surprise that since the feet are tasked with such
critical tasks as telling the car to go and stop, there are literally thousands
of styles of shoes on the market that profess to provide optimum comfort,
maneuverability, tactile feedback (e.g. letting the driver feel the brakes
starting to lock up, or the clutch approaching the verge of its bite point) for
their wearers. But which articles of motoring footwear are among the elite?
Find out here...
These colorful numbers may feature Aston Martin branding,
but we think they’ll look sweet whatever you’re driving. Heck, they’ll look
sweet even if you aren’t driving. Just try not to snap at people who call them
bowling shoes, m’kay?
Car Shoe Classic Suede Driver
Since its establishment in 1963, Car Shoe has been one of
the firms at the forefront of premium driving shoe manufacturing and
development. And perhaps none of the company’s products better embody this than
the Classic Suede Driver. These leather-lined, rubber-soled beauties are
handmade in Italy,
and are offered in a variety of colors (though we’re quite partial to the dark
brown version).
Puma Vedano V
When the occasion calls for a driving shoe that is dressy
while still being thoroughly performance-oriented, Puma’s Vedano V is certainly
worthy of consideration. Whether you pick the black with red sole accents or
brown with orange sole accents, you’ll be wearing footwear that’s as much at
home around cocktail bars as it is around roll bars.
Michael Toschi Onda Black Carbontech
Nothing says high tech high performance like carbon fiber,
but what about driving shoes made from the lightweight weave? We aren’t aware
of any all carbon fiber footwear, but the Onda Black Carbontech from Michael
Toschi looks like it’s mostly carbon fiber. However, that carbon fiber is
actually leather embossed with a carbon fiber weave pattern. We don’t mind.
David Spencer Coronado
If you ask us, there aren’t too many color combos that look
richer than light brown and dark brown. The folks at David Spencer Footwear
& Accessories clearly had this in mind when creating the Coronado (which is also available in a black
and dark brown scheme). And the combination rubber and leather driving sole
serves up copious quantities of comfort and durability.
Bottega Veneta Suede Woven Driver
It’s one thing to wear suede driving shoes; it’s another
thing to wear woven suede driving shoes. The inventive Italian cobblers at Bottega
Veneta created the Suede Woven Driver to keep you stylin’ in the car and out of
it. And speaking of in and out, that will be a piece of cake for your feet,
thanks to the stretchy gore inserts.
Piloti Leather Tamburello
Black and white shoes go with just about any color of
clothing. The yellow stitching and other accents on Piloti’s Leather Tamburello
may throw a wrench into the versatility of that color scheme, but boy do they
look cool. We might have to buy some more yellow shirts…
Bally Wabler Driver
Sometimes, you don’t want to mess with shoelaces when you’re
jonesing to go for a drive. Thankfully, there are many driving shoes of the
slip-on persuasion available, and the Wabler from Bally is one of the nicest
we’ve seen. The topside is pebbled leather with snappy accent stripes, while
the perforated insole is removable if need be (or you just want to admire the
exquisite Swiss craftsmanship).
Gucci Damo Python Horsebit Driver
Few things tell the world you’ve got a wild side like
snakeskin shoes. And if you’ve got a wild side and take your driving seriously,
you might want to take a look at these python-skinned numbers from Gucci. Our
fellow Californians should take note, though: Python-skin goods aren’t legal
for sale in the Golden
State. Any other species
of serpent is kosher, but no pythons. We don’t advocate buying a pair on your
next trip to Vegas and smuggling them back home, but we won’t tell anyone if
you won’t.
Cole Haan Air Grant Penny Driver
Sure, this slip on driving shoe from Cole Haan looks the
business. And yes, the penny keeper strap is a fairly uncommon feature. But you
want to know what really sets these puppies apart? That would be the Nike Air
technology hidden in the heel, providing a smooth ride to go with all that
visual appeal and performance.
Puma BMW evoSPEED Lo
If you love your BMW – as in really, really love your BMW –
you probably want to show the world that you do. And what better way to do that
than with some BMW-branded footwear? Yeah, wearing car company branded apparel
is usually an accurate indicator of douchiness, but we quite like these
Roundel-adorned low-top numbers from Puma. Better still? They’re secured via
z-straps rather than laces.
Piloti Prototipo
Piloti specializes in driving shoes, both for the track and
the street. And one of the company’s bread-and-butter models is the Prototipo.
The suede-look uppers and tire-tread-look soles are all kinds of jazzy, and the
variety of colors means there’s probably a hue that suits you.
Giorgio Armani Perforated Leather Driver
There are perforated leather driving shoes, then there is Armani’s
Perforated Leather Driver. These black slip-on beauties are perforated all over
their uppers, except for the smooth openings. And the “Giorgio Armani”
lettering on the driving sole leaves no doubt about their Apennine pedigree.
Prada Driver
Prada’s Driver may not have the most imaginative name in the
shoe world. Nor may it be the most flashy. But you have to admit, it’s quite
beautiful in its simplicity.
Stemar Capri 2 Perforated
Nubuck
Stemar Shoes (whose name is derived from those of brothers Stefano
and Mario Moreschi) is one of Italy’s
most respected high-end shoe firms. And the Capri 2 Perforated Nubucks are one
of its signature shoes. The perforated leather uppers provide an uncommon
texture, and the intricate stitching is a sight to behold.
Puma Ferrari Drift Cat IV
Even if a mid-$20k range Ferrari like a 308 GTB/GTS or 308
GT4 is out of your price range, but you just have to have something with the
Prancing Horse on it, have a look at Puma’s Ferrari Drift Cat IV.
Available in white, black or, of course, Rosso Corsa red, these low top shoes
feature a lace-up design for an as-snug-as-you-like fit, and a host of Ferrari
design cues. Bellisima!
Bruno Magli Kolver Perforated Driving Shoes
Staying with Italian passion, we find the company Bruno
Magli, and its Kolver Perforated Driving Shoes. The perforated aspect isn’t
visible right away, but a close look at the calfskin upper confirms that is
indeed the case. And the rubber driving sole provides a one-two punch of
comfort and heel-toe-ability.
Zelli Alberto Calfskin Woven Shoes
If you prefer your calfskin shoes to be woven, you can’t go
too far wrong with the Alberto from Zelli. The basket-esque construction is
inherently flexible, and looks amazing. That’s enough to get us to look past
the lack of a proper driving sole.
Salvatore Ferragamo Cabo Gancini
Salvatore Ferragamo was an Italian who spent enough time
living in Los Angeles
in the 1920s to establish himself as “the shoemaker to the stars.” Slip on a
pair of his company’s Cabo Gancinis and you’ll feel like a star. The embossed
leather upper and perforated insole allow these beauties to be as practical as
they are classy.
Sparco Time 77
Finally, if you want something modern looking with lots of
visual flair, Sparco serves up the Time 77. The thin sole and back heel provide
crystal clear connections between feet and pedals, and there are carbon look
side panels and “#77” graphics. Concrete proof that form needn’t follow
function.
~Admin~
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