Driving Shoes Latest In Fashion Accessories

Many people drive in running shoes. Others can't be lured from loafers. And a few people prefer to cruise with uncovered footsies. But some motorists swear by driving shoes, touted by designers as a fashion statement and automotive accessory.

The best-known style of driving shoes is a moccasin with a special rubber sole filled with little black rubber traction dots. Makers say the dots keep the feet on the pedals; shoes are lightweight so drivers' feet can be nimble.

Designers who sell driving shoes include Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and catalogers J. Crew and Clifford and Wills. But Vogue says the Mercedes of driving shoes is the J.P. Tod moc made by shoemaker Diego Della Valle. Vogue says Fiat Chairman Gianni Agnelli makes his test drivers wear J.P. Tods around the track.

Cole-Haan's driving shoes - Austin Driver for women, Country Driver for men - went on sale in 1985 and are among the Maine-based company's best sellers, says spokeswoman Grace Payne.

Rugged outdoor-shoe maker Timberland disputes designer driving shoes' allure. Spokeswoman Nedra Owens claims the little rubber nubbins wear off fast, then feet start to slip. And the fashionable footwear does little to protect feet outside the car. Preferable, says Owens, is an Oxford-type, lace-up shoe with a patterned, rubber sole for traction.

Timberland sells several, including the Bradford and the Weather Buck, a waterproof version of the shoes Pat Boone made famous.

Some people would rather drive barefoot, but they'd better be careful where they do it. Although the American Automobile Association says barefoot driving is permitted by all 50 states, it's outlawed by some cities and counties.

Veteran NASCAR race driver Dave Marcis puts his own spin on automotive footwear. Marcis, 50, is legendary for racing in wingtip dress shoes.

You can see Marcis' driving shoes on display at the Joe Weatherly Museum in Darlington, S.C., home of the National Motorsports Association Hall of Fame.

TOYOTA TESTS AIR PURIFIER

TORRANCE, Calif. - Toyota is test-marketing an air purifier for its 1992-93 Camry sedans that reduces the amount of airborne pollen, tobacco smoke, dust and microscopic particles inside the car.

A two-speed switch on the console between the front seats controls the unit, which removes, filters and returns interior air through color-keyed vents mounted on the rear-window shelf between the rear speakers.

The trunk-mounted filtration unit features an activated charcoal filter that is replaced every year or at 10,000 miles.

Car Briefs copy provided by Seattle Times news services.