Photo: Italia Independent Driving shoes, those soft moccasins with the nubs on the heels and soles that wear out after a few minutes walking on a paved surface, are worn by quite a few Southern European men in warm weather these days. It's a trend that has made Todd's founder Diego Della Valle a wealthy man.
Perhaps attracted by that prospect but more likely interested in having his own line of colorful suede shoes that he could wear sockless with suits (I noticed them after spotting a few photos that captured truly amazing combinations, and I do not mean that in a good way), Fiat heir Lapo Elkann started Italia Independent a few years ago, introducing a competing line that is shaped a bit better than Tod's and sells for a few dollars less.
Now when I want a pair of shoes that will wear out quickly, I turn to America's own Belgian Shoes, but men who prefer to emulate Italian fashion may want to check out the Italia Independent offerings which for some reason are not available on that company's web site but can be found online for 230 Euros ex VAT (about $300).
Posts
18 comments:
Not a fan of the driving shoe then, Will? I must say I rather like these shoes for warm weather and have a Ralph Lauren pair in tan and another pair from a different designer in blue suede with red stitching. They look great and, after a year, have not worn as much as expected. Todd's are very expensive though - I'll give you that.
Actually I think they are fine, so long as they are not worn with suits. But I like my mocs better without nubs. Hence the Belgian Shoe preference.
I read once in an english Twen magazine that you should wear those "driving shoes" when you meet your new girlfriends parents for the first time bacause, and that is the shocking bit:
" They give the impression that you own a car and hence build up your reputation with them!"
I could only laugh then, and I still shake my head in disbelieve when I think about it. Therefore no driver's shoes for me.
Will, I much prefer the look of the driving moc over Belgian shoes. The belgian slipper I find to be very effeminate looking.
I have had pleanty of driving shoes, only to be dismayed when they wear out in a season. I'm done with that.
I do have some friends who put out a similiar shoe to the link Will so kindly posted.
Theirs is a take on the Prince Albert Slipper that is well priced and well constructed. Furthermore, you can have them personalized should you feel the urge.
Find them here:
http://buydeltoro.com/
Please let know what you think. I enjoy them.
ZG
Hi Will, sorry for posting this here, but I couldn't find a better way to contact you. The feedburner "signup for email" thing is broken. Looks like you may have moved to a new host or something.
I agree with Taylor about the Belgians. Even the ones that aren't actually opera pumps look awfully refined. Driving shoes these aren't. More like being-chauffeured shoes.
I very much like the look of driving shoes in the summer. They can spruce up any outfit without looking overdressed. Plus, you can pick up a great looking pair from more affordable labels knowing they'll soles will wear.
I must agree with Taylor above that the Belgian Slippers are slightly more feminine than I like my summer footwear.
I very much like the look of driving shoes in the summer. They can spruce up any outfit without looking overdressed. Plus, you can pick up a great looking pair from more affordable labels knowing they'll wear out.
I must agree with Taylor above that the Belgian Slippers are slightly more feminine than I like my summer footwear.
I've got a pair of ladies from Cole Haan. They are a step up from slipping on some Keds tennis shoes if you are driving somewhere to pick up or drop off, and safer than driving in my Cole Haan leather sandals. I've had mine for several years and they've done just fine.
Carey, I have filed a trouble ticket on this problem. Please try again in a few days.
There is another brand that is extremely popular in Europe, particularly in Milan: car shoes
Color me reactionary, but I wear my driving shoes only when driving. (They actually DO fulfill a practical function, especially if one drives a car with a manual gearbox.)
As you were.
The wear of the pebble sole does not appeal to me, but the style does.
I know you have a pair of Sloops' from sw1. In suede do you think they are a substitute? Or does the stacked heel give them too much formality?
Why can't they make this style shoe with a different sole?!?!
Lynn - I've got a pair of ladies for driving too AND one of them does the cooking as well!
Youngin, as you know a moc has a one piece sole without a separate heel and that is their charm.
Yes David, I should have checked my sentence before posting it. I prefer my husband have me as his only lady. I'm a pretty good driver and an excellent cook.
I am always unsure why folk claim driving shoes wear out quickly. I have JP Todds coming up to 15 years old that remain set for yet more service.
The reason is fairly straight forward; I wear them if I drive somewhere, and am due to undertake only a brief stroll on arrival.
They are afterall named driving shoes for a reason.
Could I also recommend you look at an another Italian maker? Keaton; a artisan (and fanatical) maker.
Post a Comment