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, and 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.
Genuine upper Nubuck leather made in Brazil for elegance, softness, and breathability. Stronger than suede, Nubuck leather is just as comfortable and more durable. It molds itself around the foot for a very comfortable fit after 2 to 4 days of wear.
Nubuck leather is top-grain cowhide leather that has been created from the outer side of a hide, giving it strength and thickness, and a fine grain. Nubuck leather has been sanded or buffed on the grain side to give a slight nap of short protein fibers, producing a velvet-like surface soft to the touch. Nubuck leather can present some small imperfections such as marks, veins or color variations, which ultimately give character, personality, and charm to our Loafers.
Nubuck leather requires less maintenance and it is more durable than suede. Unlike suede, Nubuck leather is as water-resistant as regular leather and does not stain from water drops or splashes.
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.