Did you know that the shoes you wear while driving could potentially impact your driving skills and your response in an emergency?
There are a few shoe types; going barefoot could be very dangerous when driving.
Though you do not need specific driving shoes, some shoe models are safer and more comfortable for you to drive in than others.
Clarks driving shoes are excellent options as they are more specific with an easy slip-on style and specially designed outsole for driving.

Where do Driving Shoes Come From
Driving shoes are shoes created specifically for driving; they are usually a moccasin style, with leather, suede, or nubuck uppers and a very grippy grommet-style rubber outsole that will extend to the back of the heel/
Most driving shoes are laceless and easy to slip on and off, with a relaxed and more comfortable fit that is lightweight on your feet and fit like a glove.
The original driving shoes can be traced back to 1963 when an Italian footwear company patented the first car shoe designed especially for driving.[1] Many wealthy gentlemen did not want to dirty or damage their very expensive shoes while driving, and they wanted something that had a better feel for the pedals of their cars. Thus driving shoes became the answer to this problem.
Driving shoes are sturdy and durable enough for long road trips, and they have a thinner rubber outsole for grip and better tactile control,
Over the next fifty years, the slip-on driving shoes went in and out of fashion; however, they have always remained a European fashion statement.
The original driving shoes are available in three types, leather, suede, or nubuck leather; they are a bit more dressy with a relaxed fit.
The smooth and patent leather styles are more formal and dressy, with Nubuck leather in the middle and suede much more casual. However, today, we also have fabric options for more casual driving shoes.
Driving shoes are generally leisure and casual shoes so that you can use your driving shoes for driving and overall casual wear.
Driving shoes come in interesting designs and have many decorative features that could make them ideal for wearing for most occasions and for driving.
Best and Worst Shoes to Drive With
Here are a few of the best and worst shoe models that you could wear to drive with;
- Heels – Shoes with very high heels, particularly lady’s pointer heels and block heels, are extremely dangerous to drive with as the heels can easily get caught on the floor mates or the pedals, and they place your feet in an unnatural and uncomfortable position for driving.
- Flip Flops – Flip flops are flimsy; they are loose and could easily get caught on the pedals or fall underneath them. Flip Flops generally create more distraction when driving than any other shoes. You should likewise not remove your flip-flops and try driving barefoot as many of us do. These are the two most dangerous driving methods, as your feet are completely exposed.
- Platforms – Shoes with very thick Platforms of flatform soles are heavy on the pedals, and you will not be able to apply the right pressure as the weight of the sole of the shoes may be quite misleading.
- Loafers – Loafers, or specially designed driving loafers with a slip-on design, leather or textile upper, and a light rubber outsole, are the perfect comfortable and versatile driving shoes.
- Athletic Shoes – Most athletic shoes are comfortable and suitable for driving, with a grippy and light rubber sole. Just make sure that they are laced up properly.
Features of a Good Clarks Shoe for Driving

- Uppers – Clarks shoes for driving may have genuine or synthetic leather uppers. There are likewise models with textile or fabric uppers. Their shoe models come with a breathable and smooth lining and a nubuck or suede leather insole.
- Comfort and Support – Depending on the specific shoe models, they may feature Cloudstepper technology, which employs the anatomically targeted dual-density footbed or the contoured and cushioned Cushion soft footbed. Most driving shoes will have a lightweight OrthoLite footbed that wicks away moisture or EVA cushioning.
- Outsole – Clarks driving shoes feature a durable, grippy rubber outsole and non-marking for driving.
- Options – Clarks driving shoes will mostly be available in neutral colors. They offer half-full sizes and wider width, which fits most of their shoe models.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Closure | Cushioning (as listed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clarks Angie Holly | Not stated | Leather | Hook-and-loop | EVA |
| 2 | Clarks Zylah Vine | Loafer | Leather | Buckle | Not stated |
| 3 | Clarks Orinoco 3 Edge | Not stated | Leather | Not stated | Not stated |
| 4 | Clarks Markman Plain | Slip-On Sneaker | Leather | Slip-on | Not stated |
| 5 | Clarks Ayla Low Ballet | Flat | Synthetic | Not stated | Not stated |
| 6 | Clarks 261591244035 Nalle Black | Not stated | Not stated | Lace-up | Boost |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
Reviews: The Best Clarks Shoes for Driving
In our list below, we have some of the best available Clarks shoe models that are perfect for driving with;
1
The Clarks Angie Holly is a cushioned lightweight shoe, made for everyday wear, and it is worth a look for Clarks driving shoes.
- Leather Upper: soft leather construction for a breathable, everyday feel, which helps keep long stretches of driving comfortable.
- Foam footbed and lightweight EVA sole absorb impact with every step, a useful trait in Clarks driving shoes.
- Hook-and-loop closure for quick on-and-off wear. Heel height of approximately 45 mm, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for driving.
- Precision cushioning pads target impact zones. Breathable design keeps feet cool, a useful trait in Clarks driving shoes.
- Founded in 1825, Clarks has redefined shoemaking while empowering millions to move comfortably.
- Listing details: soft leather construction, foam cushioned footbed, easy hook-and-loop fit, lightweight eva sole.
2
The Clarks Zylah Vine is a leather loafer, made for everyday wear, and it is worth a look for Clarks driving shoes.
- Dressed-up or down, loafer Clarks Collection Zylah Vine ties every look together effortlessly.
- Premium upper with buckle hardware accent.
- Elastic gore inserts offer easy foot entry.
- Padded collar lends additional support and comfort around the ankle, a useful trait in Clarks driving shoes.
- Smooth, soft jersey upper lining, which helps keep long stretches of driving comfortable.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
3
The Clarks Orinoco 3 Edge is a cushioned leather shoe, made for everyday wear, and it is worth a look for Clarks driving shoes.
- An evolution of one of Clarks leading profiles, Orinoco3 Edge takes Clarks much-loved Oricino family in a fresh, contemporary direction.
- Moulded Contour Cushion footbed offers unrivalled underfoot comfort, a useful trait in Clarks driving shoes.
- Soft padding at key stress points promotes lasting support, which helps keep long stretches of driving comfortable.
- Orinoco last shape provides an accommodating fit and modern look, worth noting if fit is a priority for Clarks driving shoes.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
4
- The Clarks Markman Plain is a more formal-styled driving shoe for all occasions.
- They are leather and have a durable rubber outsole.
- The shoes featured an Ortholite footbed for comfort and targeted cushioning.
- They are available in more neutral colors.
5
The Clarks Ayla Low Ballet is a cushioned lightweight flat, made for everyday wear, and it is worth a look for Clarks driving shoes.
- Ortholite Footbed, Cushion Soft Technology, Smooth Textile Linings, a useful trait in Clarks driving shoes.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
6
The Clarks 261591244035 Nalle Black is a supportive breathable shoe, made for everyday wear, and it is worth a look for Clarks driving shoes.
- Hard-working pairs built for days on your feet.
- Ergonomic design stabilises heels and arches, while perforations boost breathability, the kind of support many people look for in Clarks driving shoes.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
Index Table: Top Rated Clarks Shoes for Driving
| No. | Shoe | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clarks Women's Angie Holly - Cushioned Lightweight Shoe for Everyday Wear |
| Clarks | |
| 2 | Clarks Women's Zylah Vine - Leather Loafer for Everyday Wear |
| Clarks | |
| 3 | Clarks Women's Orinoco 3 Edge - Cushioned Leather Shoe for Everyday Wear |
| Clarks | |
| 4 | Clarks Men's Markman Plain - Driving Shoe |
| Clarks | |
| 5 | Clarks Women's Ayla Low Ballet - Cushioned Lightweight Flat for Everyday Wear |
| Clarks | |
| 6 | Clarks Women's 261591244035 Nalle Black - Supportive Breathable Shoe for Everyday Wear |
| Clarks |
Sources
General background on foot health and footwear. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated Clarks dameo Swing to Clarks Angie Holly
- Oct 2026: Updated Clarks Carly to Clarks Zylah Vine
- Oct 2026: Updated Clarks Circuit Hunt to Clarks Orinoco 3 Edge
- Oct 2026: Updated Clarks Markman Brace to Clarks Ayla Low Ballet
- Oct 2026: Updated Clarks Hamilton Way to Clarks 261591244035 Nalle Black
- Nov 2022: First published
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