The driving moccasin is a classic men’s shoe with a rich history. If you’re in the market for one or just curious, check out our list of the best driving mocs for men.
The driving moc is arguably one of the most underrated men’s shoes.
When you think of casual men’s shoes, you probably think of
But first, let’s take a quick look at the history of the driving shoe.
What Are Driver’s Shoes?
Driver’s shoes became popular in the sixties among sports car enthusiasts who wanted a smart shoe that would perform well when driving.
These men didn’t want to drive in stiff (and sometimes dirty) dress shoes. Instead, they sought a flexible shoe that would feel great on the pedals of a car.
The driving moc specifically caught on because it offered flexibility and comfort while fitting right into the preppy style of the period. It took the basic moccasin and added a considerable amount of durability and longevity.
Driving mocs are characterized by the rubber pebbles on the bottom of the shoe that serve to grip the car pedals. The body of the shoe itself looks similar to a standard moccasin but is a bit heftier in its construction.
While you certainly can wear driving mocs while driving, most guys today wear them for non-automotive purposes. They’re great for pretty much any time of the year except winter, and you can style them in all sorts of ways.
Now that you’re acquainted with the driving moc, let’s take a look at our 8 favorite mocs on the market today (in no particular order)
Quick Take
Short on time? Here are our top three picks for the best driving mocs you can buy right now:
This shoe pulls inspiration from driving mocs and loafers to create a stylish hybrid that offers the best of both worlds.
Despite their name, these shoes are actually not made from suede but rather microsuede, a synthetic material. Microsuede is wear-resistant, stain-proof, and easier to clean than real suede.
For a lightweight yet durable driving moc, look no further than the Westbrook. The price tag may seem a bit high at first, but you’re getting made in USA construction and a great-looking product.
Read on for more info and the complete list…
The Best Driving Moccasins
Here they are in no particular order…
#1: Minnetonka P.W. Driving Moc
If you want an authentic old-school driving moc, look no further than the P.W. Mocs from Minnetonka Moccasin Co. The brand released its first driving moc all the way back in 1986, and the P.W. wears that heritage on its sleeve.
Given that Minnetonka has a long history producing driving mocs, it’s no surprise that this is very much the definitive version of the driving shoe. Made from heavy full grain Horween leather, the P.W. mocs are iconic, textured, and comfortable.
Each pair is made to order, which is impressive considering the $190 price tag. The moccasins are available in 11 sizes (6 through 16) and 3 widths. (Split sizing is also available upon request.)
If this classic driving moc style is what you’re after, these Minnetonkas are hard to pass up if you’re looking for men’s leather driving shoes with prestige.
#2: Jay Butler Naples Driving Loafer
Several companies have taken the driving shoe and given it some contemporary design tweaks. One of our favorite driving shoes in this category is the Naples from Jay Butler.
This shoe pulls inspiration from driving mocs and loafers to create a stylish hybrid that offers the best of both worlds. The Naples is structured like a classic driving moc, but it features a slightly sleeker silhouette and a more modern look.
Most notably, there’s no rubber gripping on the bottom, which underscores the fact that this is a hybrid shoe. With a hand-sewn suede upper, a rubber outsole, and a padded insole with arch support, the Naples is as comfortable as it is fashionable.
It’s currently available in four handsome colors––the dark brown and navy are classic colors, but if you want to add a subtle burst of color to your outfit, check out the purple and royal blue colorways. All in all, these are easily among the best suede driver shoes out there today.
#3: Rancourt Westbrook Driving Moc
Rancourt has been handcrafting shoes in Maine since 1967, when the driving moc was really taking off. Add that to the fact that driving mocs are an integral part of the New England prep style, and it’s easy to see why Rancourt’s Westbrook driving mocs are so authentic.
Rancourt calls the Westbrook “a true American driving moc,” and the specs back up that claim.
These mocs are made from full-grain Roan Pampas leather from S.B. Foot Tanery (who also provides leather for Red Wing Boots), lined with Horween Casco, and boast genuine moccasin construction. A nice touch is that the rubber dot sole is built into the shoe itself.
These are made-to-order in Rancourt’s Maine facility, which is another big plus. They are a bit more expensive, ringing in at $295, but considering the quality of the materials and the level of craftsmanship you’re getting, that price is hard to beat.
#4: Quoddy Camp Driver
The Quoddy brand name is almost synonymous with their popular Blucher mocs. There are good reasons why the Bluchers are so popular, but some of Quoddy’s other shoes definitely deserve more attention. That’s why we’re highlighting their Camp Drivers.
With the same craftsmanship and good looks that made the Bluchers so revered, the Camp Driver is Quoddy’s updated take on the driving shoe. Quoddy offers a range of leathers and design options, allowing you to create your own custom shoe.
In addition, the sole is made from Vibram® air-injected rubber that provides extra cushioning. The rubber nubs on the sole are smaller and more numerous, which gives the shoe a sleeker look.
#5: M.Gemi Brolio
We took a look at M.Gemi a while back and were impressed by the quality of the shoes. Their Italian heritage and workmanship makes for some great shoes, and that’s especially true of their Brolio driving mocs.
If you’ve been looking for a pair of driving mocs with a more European design, these are what you’re looking for. The design is reminiscent of Italian loafers, but it’s a touch more casual, which is ideal for a driving moc.
We’re fans of the unique grips on the sole––they’re large, durable, and satisfying. (They look especially nice with the navy colorway.)
The Brolio is handmade in Veneto, Italy using high-quality leathers. This is an undeniably elegant shoe, so it’s an excellent choice if you want a driving moc that’s casual yet classy.
#6: Jack Erwin Parker
Jack Erwin calls their Parker “the perfect driver.” You’ll have to make that judgment yourself, but we think it’s definitely a contender.
Made from a suede or nubuck upper, Arneflex microfoam, and the standard rubber dot sole, the Parker is very much a vintage-style driving moc. The design takes obvious inspiration from classic mocs and loafers, yet it wears more like a comfy slipper.
It’s available in 8 sizes and 11 colors (check out the dusty blue). And at just $125, this is one of the most affordable driving mocs on our list. So if you’re on a budget, new to driving mocs, or just don’t want to spend a lot, the Parker is worth a serious look.
#7: Aurélien Suede Driving Shoes
You might not be familiar with the Aurélien name, but they make their products in the same factories that many top designer brands use. They offer an astounding 22 flavors of driving shoes, including these burgundy suede drivers.
These shoes are made from Softey® suede and feature a leather interior, exposed hand stitching, and rubber pebble detail on the heel.
We really like this burgundy option, especially the way the color looks on the texture of the suede, but if you’re not into bolder shoes, they also offer these drivers in more subdued tones.
Aurélien calls itself a “smart luxury” brand, and while you won’t be getting top-tier designer quality, you will get well-made mocs for about $200 USD. A small downside is that they’re only available in 6 sizes (US 6-11), but the range they offer should be good for the majority of shoppers.
#8: NOAH Tommy Suede
To wrap up our list, we have the Tommy Suede driving mocs from Italian shoe brand NOAH.
Despite their name, these shoes are actually not made from suede but rather microsuede, a synthetic material. It might seem weird at first to have a driving moc that’s not made from leather, but there are several advantages.
Microsuede is wear-resistant, stain-proof, and easier to clean than real suede. This is a significant advantage specifically for driving shoes, which tend to be less durable than other casual shoes.
The inside is also lined with microsuede, and the insole is removable, which is another feature that sets these shoes apart.
The slightly raised heel also gives the Tommy a bit of a different look but doesn’t make the silhouette look awkward. This is a good choice if you want a more loafer-styled moccasin and are up for trying out a different material.
Conclusion
That does it for our list of the best driving mocs. If you’re new to driving mocs, you should consider adding a pair to your selection of casual shoes.
Thinking of picking up any of these driving mocs for men? Got a favorite pair/brand we missed out on? We want to know, so give us a shout in the comments!
To me, it’s the heel of the shoe that makes for a good driving moc. I would have loved to see photos that included the heel. Two things that are important in the heel are reinforcement/durability; and a roundness to their shape.
I wear Uggs suede driving mocs.
I have a pair of Clarks driving mocs. Bought them several years ago. Styled more like a Venetian loafer than a boat shoe. They look great with a pair of tailored shorts and no-show socks. My comment concerning driving shoes is that they have a thin, non-supportive, flexible sole because, well, they’re driving shoes. So they’re not great to walk long distances in.