The Gommino and the design codes of Tod's men's shoes
Tod's is an Italian house rooted in the Marche region, long associated with the Della Valle family and with a particular kind of relaxed, well-made footwear. Its best-known shoe is the Gommino, a driving moccasin whose sole and heel are covered in small rubber pebbles. The pebbles were designed to grip car pedals, and they give the shoe its unmistakable look from every angle.
A few codes recur across the men's range:
- Moccasin construction, with visible hand stitching around the toe and a soft, flexible upper.
- Suede and supple calf leather, often in tan, navy, brown and muted seasonal colours.
- Metal details, such as the Double T and the T-shaped hardware used on some loafers.
- Pebbled or rubber soles that carry the Gommino idea into loafers, lace-ups and sneakers.
Beyond the Gommino, look for penny and hardware loafers with sturdier soles for daily wear, lace-up derbies, and leather sneakers that keep the same understated finish. For the wider story of the house, see our guide to Tod's.
Choosing the right style and size for him
Start with how he actually spends his week. The Gommino is a weekend and travel shoe: ideal for driving, long lunches and warm evenings, less suited to long walks on rough pavement, where the pebbles wear faster. If he wants something for the office or for daily wear, a loafer with a fuller rubber or leather sole is the more practical choice.
On sizing, a few pointers help:
- Tod's uses Italian sizing, so check his size in another Italian brand rather than converting from a UK size alone.
- The unstructured moccasin construction moulds to the foot, so a Gommino should feel close, not loose, at first. Suede tends to give a little more than smooth leather.
- Many men wear them sockless or with invisible socks, so fit them that way.
If you are comparing makers, our edit of men's and women's luxury shoes sets Tod's alongside houses with a sharper, more formal line, such as Prada shoes.
Why Tod's shoes make a considered gift, and how to care for them
A pair of Tod's suits the man who prefers quality that does not announce itself. They work well for a milestone birthday, a retirement or a partner who travels often, and they fit naturally into a South African summer: Christmas lunches, coastal holidays and an afternoon at the braai. For more ideas in the same spirit, browse our gifts for him.
Care is simple but makes a real difference:
- Treat suede with a protector spray before the first wear and brush it gently to lift the nap.
- Use cedar shoe trees to hold the shape of the soft upper.
- Rotate pairs, and let damp shoes dry naturally, away from direct heat.
- Wipe smooth leather and feed it with a neutral cream from time to time.
If you have a particular model, colour or size in mind, tell us what you are looking for and we will come back with options.