The Story Behind Free Spirit Luxury Drivers

What sets the Samuel Hubbard luxury drivers apart from the rest? A little history, a little innovation, and a focus on comfort.

The driver design was born during a period of technological evolution and was luxurious in a way that only European footwear could be in that era.⁠

In the early 1960s, an Italian company introduced a leather shoe that was crafted just for driving. European men and women were drawn to the style because, unlike traditional shoes, the rubber soles and heels of these driving moccasins didn't wear down while driving. Drivers also provided the flexibility to work the pedals of responsive sports cars quickly and easily. 

A decade later, Rockport Shoe Co. founder Bruce Katz had just returned home in 1970, after traveling around the country in his van. Foreign shoes were flooding the American market, crushing his family's New Hampshire shoe business. Bruce and his father Saul pivoted into action. Saul began making trips to a small town called Franca in Brazil, a six-hour drive from San Paolo. Working alongside Brazilian shoemaking artisans was the start of the next chapter in the Katz family's journey.

The Katz family wanted to create shoes that were ultra-comfortable. This meant turning to the experts. The shoemaking artisans in Franca, Brazil used techniques that had been passed down from generation to generation. Each shoe was carefully handcrafted, with no detail overlooked. Materials were carefully selected, so that the shoes were of the highest quality. 

Bruce began selling shoes imported from Brazil to customers along the East Coast. The first shoes that Bruce packed into his van were these handcrafted drivers. 

Designed As Casual Shoes for Women and Men

For decades, men and women alike have been traveling the globe and taking rides along the Italian coast in leather drivers. This style is more than a chapter in our history. As of today, it’s a part of Hubbard’s next chapter in footwear. We went back to Brazil and are bringing a fresh, innovative approach to leather drivers, to create a luxury experience. These are leather drivers engineered for walking.

The Samuel Hubbard luxury driver design has custom flexible outsoles, top-shelf leather lining, and padded everything. They're yours in a kaleidoscope of colors. Free Spirit embodies and empowers the journey ahead for every adventurer. Forge your own path. Drive along the coast. Walk along famous city streets. Enjoy lunch at the corner cafe. Wherever you go, follow your Free Spirit.

Luxury Drivers In NEW Colors!

Free Spirit leather drivers for men and women are now available in new limited edition colors. Introducing tumbled tan nubuck and gray suede for the men's drivers. For the women's drivers, we've got three new bold colors in fuchsia, silver, and orange spice. 

Perfect for summer, and wherever your journey takes you.