A quality of easiness linked to the dolce vita lifestyle of Italy persists at Tod’s.
Its famous driving shoe, the Gommino, promotes the laziness of slipping footwear on and off with minimal fuss and the magic of travelling to places painted in the subdued hues of sunset.
Since its introduction in the ’70s, the Gommino has enjoyed high popularity among Tod’s portfolio of goods. In more or less the same shape, with a new elongated expression as of late, it remains a dependable companion for meandering and provides a louche elan touched with safety via those signature pebble-shaped nubs that grip the surface of slippery floor or pavement.
This season, that ease leans into a utilitarian expression—it’s still soft, mind you, but the fuzziness has been updated with texture and a literal lift. In this mode, different styles steal the spotlight from the Gommino.
Take a look at the Chelsea and suede ankle boots that make use of thick rubber treads. The Chelseas play with colour and finish, with brown leather paired with yellow side elastics or a blue leather purposely distressed with streaks of black. The ankle boots includes a nod to the Gomminos with a patch of pebbles at the rear.
Also new are crepe rubber outsoles employed in desert boots and a loafer, making the styles appear even younger.
And taking cues from the unpretty shoe explosion, a sneaker in the hiking-boot style is something to consider (for days when you are not taking the elevator), too.
And taking cues from the unpretty shoe explosion, a sneaker in the hiking-boot style is something to consider (for days when you are not taking the elevator), too.
Two more traditional loafer styles are made more interesting: A suede pair comes with a burnished toe-cap as if it has been worn for months, while a glossy leather loafer carries a nuanced patina, which just makes the already elegant footwear appear richer.
The shoes, beautiful in themselves, make more sense when worn. For example, the mustard-coloured elastic on the ankle boots becomes a point of interest when worn with pants in a contrasting color (the effect is similar to wearing colorful socks).
Similary, against dark-colored trousers, the crepe rubber soles are like punctuations in their creamy lightness. Tod’s use of rubber and other military touches addresses the requirements of the big city, where men move at breakneck speed.
Here, what you need are goods that can keep up or, in this case, won’t slip up. What you also want is to project the idea that you’re doing just fine: Life is beautiful. Work is a joy. Everything is easy. And in these Italian shoes, that dream is almost real.
