The best driving shoes that you can buy today

When it comes to cars, we can definitely give you a proper recommendation, but we can also do shoes. If you’ve been paying attention to our videos on YouTube, you will notice that Caco loves his Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s (don’t worry, that’s a part of our list), we have that and a bunch of other recommendations that you might be able to consider. 

What we look for in a shoe for driving is a relatively thin sole, a flexible upper with premium materials, and a style that can match an outfit and even the car you drive. Let’s go over a few that you can buy today. Do check out each of the affiliate links to check out right away. 

The “legendary” shoe that transitions seamlessly from casual wear to leisurely Sunday driving wear. The Mexico 66 does it all and then some. It’s a smart-looking shoe with a bit of a sporty twist. Developed back in the 60s to cater to runners and joggers, it features arch support, a thin cushion, and a leather upper that molds around your foot. 

There is no doubt that the Mexico 66 is one of our favorite shoes of all time for driving. If we know that we’re going to do a bit of walking, a bit of driving, and a bit of styling, the Mexico 66 makes all of that easy. The biggest bonus is that you can get this shoe in a myriad of colors. From all black to all white, and everything in between. You’ll probably be able to find a colorway that you like with the Mexico 66 since it is such an iconic model. 

Another lesser-known model, the Serrano may not get the same attention that the Mexico 66 gets, but one can argue that the model is just as good if not better. You still get premium materials which include suede, leather, and some textiles. It’s a more modern shoe compared to the Mexico from a materials and performance standpoint. You get more cushioning on the heel with this shoe, but you still retain that close-to-the-ground feel towards to toe. The key upgrades that make this shoe “better” also include a revised traction pattern and a rounded heel that allow for smooth walking and a platform for you to properly move from pedal to pedal while driving. 

That rounded heel is really the most notable upgrade over the Mexico. Add to that the upper materials that are still premium, add to that the additional cushioning in the heel, but with a midsole that is still thin and allows for good flexibility and pedal feel for when you drive. 

While the standard Chuck Taylor is one of the most popular shoes out in the market today and a respectable shoe overall we recommend the “better” version of the classic. One can even argue that this is the most classic version of the model: the Chuck 70. 

As its name implies, “70” means that it follows the template of Converse from the 1970s. A thicker canvas, a thicker midsole, and additional paneling make this shoe much better and much nicer on foot and on the pedals. This is better than the standard Chuck Taylor model because it feels more premium, and is more durable in comparison. What makes it a great driving shoe is the fact that it offers a lot of pedal feel. Stepping out of the car, however, it’s super comfortable, but it gets the job done and you get an all-around classic style that’ll never go out of fashion. 

This is the most driving-focused shoe on the list, but it gets the job done exceptionally well. The Drift Cat is one of many models in the PUMA lineup that is geared for driving. The drift-cat is a low-cut and low-profile shoe that feels amazing while driving thanks to its thin sole, rounded heel, and slim overall shape. 

While the Drift Cat is one of our favorites, there are others as well that offer more cushioning and a more standard look, but for driving, this is the one to get if you’re looking for something a little more serious but not-too-serious. On top of that, you can also get this model in multiple colorways and a brand attached to it. Currently, PUMA has a deal with BMW M, Ferrari, Porsche, and AMG Petronas for their motorsports apparel which means that you can also match your footwear with your car if you have those brands in your garage. 

On the note of premium driving shoes, you cannot go wrong with a pair of driving moccasins. Also referred to as driving mocs, these are one of the original styles that drivers have defaulted to for low-profile and generally comfortable driving shoes for smart-casual wear. 

This is by far the smartest-looking style of shoe, and the Sperry model that we’re featuring is just one of many models that are available in the market, but Sperry is a good value considering the quality of the leather and craftsmanship in relation to the price. Driving mocs can get quite expensive and can be seen as a luxury, but with this pair, you get a fair amount of premium-ness, but without a price that’ll break the bank. 

Going back into the realm of more affordable shoes for a bit, Vans is one of the go-to marques in the market for affordable and stylish casual footwear that can also do good for driving. Given that Vans sneakers are built for the rigors of skateboarding, pushing a few pedals is a cakewalk for these shoes. 

The slip-on is also one of the models that we feel gives a good blend of driving and walking comfort. With its low-profile sole, and its low-profile upper and midsole, it does a good job of helping you feel out the pedals. It’s not the most comfortable walking shoe out there, but it does come in a wide variety of styles, colors, patterns, and materials for you to choose from. Our recommendation is that the canvas versions are more than enough. The easy-on and easy-off of the slip-on style is also perfect for drivers who want a shoe that’s easy to live with and love. 

If you’re looking for a pair of Vans with laces, you cannot go wrong with the Authentics. These shoes are the original style that Vans first came out in 1966. The shoe company has been churning out these models ever since, and little has changed in the way that this model has been constructed, so it does live up to the name “Authentic.” 

The thing with Vans is that most of the soles are consistent between each model, more or less. Considering that most of the legacy models use a vulcanized sole, you can expect similar performance, but with a different upper style.