Leather or Rubber Soled Loafer/Driver for Almost Daily Wear

[Superfluous]

So I realized I spend about 10x the amount of money on sport coats than shoes, while I wear shoes everyday. I have a bunch of different loafers/driving shoes, but I like to have one brown main shoe that I wear most of the time. I'm about to retire that current shoe (driver) as it's getting worn.

I've searched threads regarding this since I know it's been discussed a lot, but I'm not sure I got the answer I'm looking for for my situation. Now that I'm looking at new shoes, I'm not sure whether to go with a leather sole or rubber sole. I would easily go with a leather sole other than the fact I'd be wearing it so often I'd have to get it replaced (as happened once with a Ralph Lauren leather soled loafer I wore often). Looking at the current driver that I wear as my go-to shoe, the rubber isn't what's wearing out. Should I go with rubber again? I like the look of leather. Additional info: I'm young, I like tan/brown, I want to be able to wear them with shorts. Also, any ideas on which ones? I've been looking at: C&J, RL Darlton Loafers, other RL loafers, etc. Who makes a very high end driver?

some ideas on what I like:

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/006...large.jpeg?908

Thanks.

 

[LanceW]

I think you are wanting penny loafers. Get two and rotate them so that each gets at least one day of rest to dry between wearings. More rest is better.

 

[mr monty]

Originally Posted by Tony Romo

So I realized I spend about 10x the amount of money on sport coats than shoes, while I wear shoes everyday. I have a bunch of different loafers/driving shoes, but I like to have one brown main shoe that I wear most of the time. I'm about to retire that current shoe (driver) as it's getting worn.

I've searched threads regarding this since I know it's been discussed a lot, but I'm not sure I got the answer I'm looking for for my situation. Now that I'm looking at new shoes, I'm not sure whether to go with a leather sole or rubber sole. I would easily go with a leather sole other than the fact I'd be wearing it so often I'd have to get it replaced (as happened once with a Ralph Lauren leather soled loafer I wore often). Looking at the current driver that I wear as my go-to shoe, the rubber isn't what's wearing out. Should I go with rubber again? I like the look of leather. Additional info: I'm young, I like tan/brown, I want to be able to wear them with shorts. Also, any ideas on which ones? I've been looking at: C&J, RL Darlton Loafers, other RL loafers, etc. Who makes a very high end driver?

some ideas on what I like:

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/006...large.jpeg?908

Thanks.

Are you looking for loafers (as pictured above) to driver in or driving shoes (see below pic)?

 

[poissa]

Wearing driving shoes daily is like wearing a hat to protect you from trauma in a football game. That said, if you like the style, go for it, I love suede Tod's

 

[poissa]

Don't get rubber soles. The way I look at driver's is if you can't afford to replace them all the time, you can't afford them. That said, Tod's make a good pair ~$325 last time I scored one.

 

[Superfluous]

Originally Posted by poissa

Don't get rubber soles. The way I look at driver's is if you can't afford to replace them all the time, you can't afford them. That said, Tod's make a good pair ~$325 last time I scored one.

What do you mean? None of my rubber soled shoes have worn down, its the body/shell that does.

 

[mr monty]

Originally Posted by Tony Romo

What do you mean? None of my rubber soled shoes have worn down, its the body/shell that does.

If you are going with driving shoes? Then go to the Tod's outlet store @ Woodbury Commons mall to get them for less than or around $200. The Memorial Day is just around the corner.
Call to verify prices, stock, and sale dates.

 

[poissa]

Originally Posted by Tony Romo

What do you mean? None of my rubber soled shoes have worn down, its the body/shell that does.

Two things-

driving shoes with rubber soles aren't driving soles and they are hideous!

 

[Superfluous]

Originally Posted by poissa

Two things-

driving shoes with rubber soles aren't driving soles and they are hideous!

wait what?

 

[poissa]

Originally Posted by Tony Romo

wait what?

driving shoes have rubber knubs not soles.

 

[Nick V.]

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline...ew=image&sort=

 

[LanceW]

Rubber nubs are not meant to be worn on concrete. The pair will be worn out in no time.

 

[Superfluous]

I just bought these:

http://www.virtualclotheshorse.com/i...att_value=11.5

from Lance... the one that says "sold out."

It has a leather sole, so I think I'm just gonna buy a pair of drivers or something with a nice rubber bottom as well.

 

[somethingclever]

Originally Posted by poissa

Two things-

driving shoes with rubber soles aren't driving soles and they are hideous!

i do not find these to be hideous at all. It's not a 'driving sole', but I also won't have to buy new shoes every summer!

I'm between those and Tod's, but there has to be another option somewhere...

 

[graymerica]

Don't get drivers for daily wear. If you wear down the nubs on Todds you can not replace them. Also, you may wear the toe of the show if there is no sole that wraps up the front.

Go for a solid rubber or leather sole in a loafer, not a driver. Drivers are for occasional wear, or while "driving"