Best driving loafers in the $100 price range

[cardguy]

I own a pair of Banana Republic Gibson driving loafers in brown:

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/Asset_...8-02vliv01.jpg
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse...scid=547908062

I like the style of the shoe, as it's understated, comfortable, and looks decent with jeans or chinos, but after three months this pair is wearing very poorly. I don't want to blow another $100 on BR shoes if they're just going to fall apart this quickly, so I was wondering what you all suggest for a shoe that is in a similar style and price range. Is $100 a reasonable amount to spend while expecting a decent pair of driving loafers, or should I be upping my price range in order to find a quality pair?

Thanks!

 

[Rizzy Rich]

Wear either one in my hood and you're gonna get popped from all angles, ya dig?

 

[cardguy]

Fo' sho'.

 

[closetmess]

Those aren't, umm, really drivers. And it has nothing to do with price range. If you aren't willing to spend Car Shoe or Tods money just yet, find some Cole Haan's like these on sale and go from there.

 

[Risk_Reward]

They are DRIVING loafers, they are for DRIVING.

Walking in DRIVING loafers damages them. They are designed for DRIVING.

If you find a pair of loafers that don't get damaged from walking they are NOT DRIVING loafers.

If you have a sports car and want narrow shoes for fast DRIVING, get DRIVING loafers. If that description doesn't fit, don't get DRIVING loafers.


How often does this question come up anyway? I've been here a month and it seems way too often.

 

[cardguy]

Hi R_R,

The shoes are wearing on the front of the toe. There's no walking-related wear on them (the soles are fine, etc.) It seems to be a problem with the leather, not something intrinsic to the type of shoe.

Did you have any recommendations for alternative models? What a normal loafer be more appropriate for day-to-day wear?

Thanks!

 

[enginerd917]

I purchased last years model of these and had the same experience but I did a lot of walking in them so I was in no way surprised of the "premature" wear.

 

[lawyerdad]

Originally Posted by Risk_Reward

They are DRIVING loafers, they are for DRIVING.

Walking in DRIVING loafers damages them. They are designed for DRIVING.

If you find a pair of loafers that don't get damaged from walking they are NOT DRIVING loafers.

If you have a sports car and want narrow shoes for fast DRIVING, get DRIVING loafers. If that description doesn't fit, don't get DRIVING loafers.


How often does this question come up anyway? I've been here a month and it seems way too often.

Sorry, I'm not sure I follow. Could you explain a little more the difference between driving loafers and regular loafers?

 

[lpresq]

Originally Posted by lawyerdad

Sorry, I'm not sure I follow. Could you explain a little more the difference between driving loafers and regular loafers?

Well, they are certainly spelled differently.

 

[Larson McCord]

Originally Posted by Risk_Reward

They are DRIVING loafers, they are for DRIVING.

Walking in DRIVING loafers damages them. They are designed for DRIVING.

If you find a pair of loafers that don't get damaged from walking they are NOT DRIVING loafers.

If you have a sports car and want narrow shoes for fast DRIVING, get DRIVING loafers. If that description doesn't fit, don't get DRIVING loafers.


How often does this question come up anyway? I've been here a month and it seems way too often.

So do you change from your driving loafers prior to getting out of the car? How does that work exactly? How much driving does one need to do to justify shoes that are ONLY for driving?

 

[westinghouse]

They have no arch support. Poor walking shoes.

 

[cardguy]

Originally Posted by westinghouse

They have no arch support. Poor walking shoes.

Hi Westinghouse,

To combat this, I wear orthotic insoles in the shoes.

So, could someone recommend a good pair of loafers (drivers or otherwise) that go well with jeans and chinos in the $100 to $150 price range?

 

[westinghouse]

Cole Hahn is good. To Boot is better.

 

[Viral]

J Crew Millbrook dirvers..........can get them cheap on sale.

 

[larryr]

Geox makes a similar shoe in that price range