Carshoe driving loafers in gold or silver leather – rather like glamorous versions of the velvety suede and super-comfortable Tod's – are available from carshoe.com for €355. The two-tone handstiched moccasins in soft calf feature rounded rubber tips around the sole. The company, founded in 1963 by Gianni Mestile, was bought by Prada in 2001 which has opened Carshoe boutiques worldwide.

Pebbled-soled loafers, first made by Tod's in Italy in the 1920s, continue to be popular even if they're not much used for driving anymore. They range from €330 upwards at Brown Thomas or online. Both brands are Italian made. Deirdre McQuillan