The London Lounge

Here in Australia it's still winter, but come Spring and especially Summer, I'd like to start wearing slip-on driving shoes. They're classic, they look right with light trousers while remaining comfortable in the heat, they can be worn comfortably without socks, there's a lot to recommend them.

My question is, can members recommend any particular design or brand of these shoes? A store in town has recently started to stock Tod's, though I have doubts about them. They're expensive, for such a simple manufacture (AUS$495 which is about US$400 I think), and the little knob-things on the sole look as if they will rapidly deteriorate, which anecdotal evidence has borne out.

I've seen driving shoes somewhere with flat, elongated tread which looks like it will grip well and wear more gradually. I think this would be preferable, unless the Tod's-type sole can be repaired, which I don't think it can. $500 for one or two seasons does not appeal. Does anyone know any good companies that make these?

As for the upper, my initial desire was for a tan suede pair, but again I don't think they'll wear well. So, brown leather, maybe full-grain, will, I think, be nearly as comfortable, and a bit dressier too.

Actually, that leads to my other question. What do other loungers, especially the more traditionally minded amongst you, think about these shoes? I feel that they have a nice history, and hark back to an era where driving warranted special attire - driving shoes, driving gloves, the car coat - but I'm not sure that they have the sort of acceptance that other makes do.

I'm grateful for your assitance.

Kind regards,

Eden

I bought a pair of Loake Estorils 3 weeks ago because I knew that any shoes I wore to India would get trashed - cheaper than Tod's and just as well made. Most of the English shoe makers now offer this style, but (in contrast to leather soled welted shoes) there is little to distinguish most of them in terms of quality. They do look rather Eurotrash, but they're better than wearing trainers.

Eurotrash? Interesting...we don't get too many of those here! Though, I suppose I do see how that could happen. Hmm, I shan't abandon my plan quite yet, but I'll exercise caution.

The standard for the summer months here seem to be sandals or flip-flops (as the Americans call them, we use "thongs" but the risk of being misunderstood is vast), so in any case it will be a step up. Perhaps suede or full-grain loafers might be an acceptable compromise. I do like the espadrilles proposed in a different thread, but don't know where to get them in Australia.

Any one else with driving shoe experience?

Regards,

Eden

I have worn driving mocs by Tods, Gucci, Ferragamo, and others. When I was living in Florida, which is extremely casual and quite warm, I generally wore driving mocs with shorts; I believe they look far nicer than sandals, trainers. flip-flops, or the other common alternatives.

I think my favorites are the Tods -- the model with the nubs on the bottom of the forefoot and the U-shaped heel. They are quite comfortable and, I think, pretty nice looking. I found the nubs actually to be fairly durable, but I wouldn't recommend this stye for long walks on concrete. I do think, though, that the Tods are ridiculously priced at retail. I bought all of mine on sale on deep discount or at a Tods outlet store -- the price was usually around $100 US. You might watch e-bay if you want Tods -- there is a steady flow of them, and I don't think they usually fetch much money. Make sure, though, that you know your Tods size, as they tend to run big -- I'm a 7.5 in Tods, though a 8.5 American.

I have also like the models I have with more substantial bars in the soles, such as my Ferragamos; these are more durable than the Tods, but I prefer the Tods' styling.

BirdofSydney wrote: Perhaps suede or full-grain loafers might be an acceptable compromise.

I was shopping for Tods but in the end picked up a pair of Lobb loafers with a deck-shoe sole (Tobago) in Ardilla Buffalo.