The iconic Driving Loafer that we know today of which the manufacturing in the US began in the early 1930s was first created by Norwegian fishermen as boat shoes. European intellectuals started wearing them and were copied by shoemakers from America and England. Soon after, everyone was wearing them on college campuses in the US, from James Dean to J.F.K.
The leather of the loafer is light, comfortable, elegant, practical, easy on/off, perfect for spring, summer, and fall. It can be worn with or without socks and with casual to semi-formal outfits.
Our distressed leather is full grain leather with a natural wax and a handmade distressed finish, giving each pair of loafers its own unique look. This distressed leather can be left to fade and age naturally or can be waxed for maintenance and upkeep.
Latex outer sole made from the rubber tree cultivated in Brazil. This outer sole gives the loafer lightness, durability, bounce and flexibility, grip, stability and traction, comfort and insulation.
Driving loafers were created as a very comfortable shoe to drive with. Given that the style was also very nice, people started wearing their driving loafers to casual-dress events such as elegant barbecues, lunch with friends, and cocktail parties. Please note that driving loafers are not made to be worn every day for most of the day or most situations. The structure of the driving loafer and related sole are not made for that.