Nordstrom 1901 Driving Loafers Slip On Shoes Suede 11.5 Old 。Stylish red suede men\'s loafer with contrast white stitching.Soft leather lining and flexible sole for everyday comfort. THE SHOE! The 1901 nubuck suede driving loafer is a modern reimagining of a mid-century Italian functional shoe, produced by Nordstrom as part of its private-label heritage brand History: Nordstrom\'s \"1901\" The brand name \"1901\" commemorates the year that Swedish immigrant John W. Nordstrom opened his first shoe store in Seattle, Washington. Originally launched as a footwear-only shop, Nordstrom eventually expanded into clothing, but the 1901 label was created to honor these roots by offering classic, preppy American styles with a modern twist. The driving loafer has been a staple of this collection, typically crafted from materials like nubuck leather or suede to provide a casual yet refined look. Evolution The specific style of the 1901 driving loafer draws on a history of performance footwear: The Invention (1963): The \"driving shoe\" was invented by Gianni Mostile and patented by the Italian brand Car Shoe Functional Origins: It was designed for wealthy car enthusiasts who needed a shoe that wouldn\'t wear out while operating luxury Italian roadsters. Standard dress shoes had thick soles that lacked the \"pedal feel\" required for high-performance driving Nubuck (top-grain leather sanded to a velvet-like finish) and suede became popular for their soft, pliable nature, which enhances the shoe\'s \"barefoot\" comfort.e Early versions were often calfskin.