Boat Shoes For Men: Still In Vogue?

Boat shoes are a classic men's shoe that has been around for generations. They are typically made from leather, canvas, or suede and feature a moccasin-like design with a low cut, soft rubber sole, and distinctive lacing. While they were originally designed for sailors and boaters to prevent slipping on boat decks, they have become a popular casual shoe choice for men, offering both style and functionality. In recent years, boat shoes have undergone a style evolution, shedding their previous associations with a preppy aesthetic and regaining popularity among fashion-forward circles. Today, boat shoes can be styled in a variety of ways and are considered a versatile wardrobe staple for men, suitable for a range of occasions.

Boat shoes are back in style, but how do you wear them?

Boat shoes, also known as deck shoes or top-siders, are a classic shoe type that has been a men's wardrobe staple for generations. They were invented in 1935 by Paul A. Sperry of New Haven, Connecticut, as a utilitarian shoe to maintain one's footing in slippery conditions, particularly on boats. Over time, they became popular beyond the boating world, with non-boaters drawn to their practical non-slip rubber sole and unique hand-sewn upper design. Today, boat shoes are widely recognised as a timeless casual shoe trend in menswear, offering both style and functionality. So, how do you wear them?

Do's of Wearing Boat Shoes

• Wear them to the beach: As the name suggests, boat shoes are perfect for maritime activities and can easily be styled with your favourite swim trunks or shorts for a day at the beach.
• Wear them when you travel: Boat shoes are comfortable and easy to get on and off, making them ideal for travelling. Once they're broken in, they'll be your go-to shoes for long walks with luggage.
• Wear them with jeans: Boat shoes and denim are a match made in heaven. Cuff your jeans to draw attention to your boat shoes and complement the overall look.
• Wear them with colourful chinos: If you want to make a statement, pair your boat shoes with colourful trousers. Just remember to contrast the colours to balance out your outfit. For example, choose a neutral-coloured shoe if you're going for bold red or green chinos.
• Wear them with shorts: Boat shoes and shorts are a perfect combination for summertime. Keep it simple with tailored, plainer shorts to avoid overdoing it.
• Wear them to the office: Boat shoes can be a great addition to your business casual wardrobe. They add a touch of style to your outfit without going overboard.
• Wear them on a date: Boat shoes can be a great conversation starter and a way to show off your personality. Just make sure your personality lives up to your stylish outfit!

Don'ts of Wearing Boat Shoes

• Wear them in the winter: Boat shoes are best suited for warmer environments. Wearing them in the winter will not only make them look out of place but also risks getting them wet and damaged.
• Wear them with visible socks: This is a big no-no when it comes to boat shoes. It ruins the aesthetic and makes you look like a newbie in the fashion department. If you must wear socks, opt for no-show socks that provide comfort without being seen.
• Wear them with suits: Boat shoes don't pair well with formal attire. They are meant for more casual and laid-back events. If you want to dress them up, try pairing them with dark wash denim and a blazer instead of a suit.
• Wear them to a fancy occasion: Boat shoes are not meant for black-tie affairs or other formal events. Stick to casual and informal occasions to let your boat shoes shine.

Choosing and Styling Your Boat Shoes

When selecting boat shoes, opt for leather over canvas. Leather is more durable, snazzier, and can be paired with dressier clothes for a sharper look. Go for a darker brown colour, as it is the most versatile and classic option. You can also try navy, which looks great with burgundy and grey bottoms. Avoid pairing navy boat shoes with khaki-coloured pants, as the combination may not be flattering.

When it comes to styling, boat shoes are best worn without socks. This is especially true when pairing them with shorts, as socks with boat shoes and shorts can look terrible. However, if you must wear socks, choose dark-coloured socks that won't be visible.

Boat shoes should be worn with the right style of bottoms. Avoid wide-leg pants, as they can look disproportionate with the small moccasin toes of boat shoes. Instead, opt for more tailored shorts or well-fitted, tapered or straight-leg jeans or khakis. Cuffing your jeans or rolling up your pants a little can also help showcase the unique details of your boat shoes.

Breaking in Your Boat Shoes

Boat shoes may take some time to break in, so don't be discouraged if they don't feel comfortable right out of the box. Start by wearing them slowly, first around the house, and then on short errands. To speed up the process, some people recommend soaking the shoes in water and wearing them until they dry. This allows the leather fibres to stretch and conform to your foot shape.

In conclusion, boat shoes are a versatile and stylish option for men's footwear. By following the do's and don'ts of wearing them, you can easily incorporate boat shoes into your wardrobe and create fashionable outfits for various occasions.

The best boat shoes for men

Boat shoes are back in style, and they are a great option for men who want to look stylish and feel comfortable at the same time. Here is a list of some of the best boat shoes for men:

Sperry Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoes

These are the very first pair that comes to mind when one thinks of boat shoes. They are classics and their iconic two-eye design is an easy, stylish way to encapsulate summer elegance, whether you are on a boat or not. They are comfortable and chic and pair wonderfully with a summer barbecue.

Mango Split Leather Nautical Shoes

Mango does boat shoes with real European style. These are minimalist yet tasteful, with a leather upper and backstitched details. Pair them with denim, white pants, or khakis for a classy look.

Allbirds Tree Skippers

These are a boat shoe/sneaker hybrid that offers the comfort and cushion provided by Allbirds. If you're planning on doing a lot of walking, this is the chic, comfy shoe you need to have in your rotation.

Dockers Beacon Boat Shoes

For an affordable boat shoe that is as durable as it is comfortable, go for Dockers. This hard-wearing style emulates the classic, timeless design, and when you have these on your feet, you'll love the water- and stain-repellent coating that allows you to roam freely.

Todd Snyder x Sperry Top-Sider Suede Boat Shoes

A collaboration between Todd Snyder and Sperry, this boat shoe exudes everything a boat shoe should: refined style, a bit of preppiness, and infallible coolness. With cork insoles for all-day comfort and a suede upper that looks as good as it feels.

OluKai Moku Pae Boat Shoes

With a breathable mesh upper and grippy wet soles, this is a boat shoe you can—and should—actually wear on a boat. And, for that matter, anywhere else you go this summer.

Loro Piana Sea-Sail Walk Suede Boat Shoes

If you want to invest in a truly luxurious boat shoe, there's no higher luxury than Loro Piana. This style is crafted with a suede upper and a durable rubber sole, with an apron toe that looks good on or off the docks.

J.Crew x Rancourt & Co. Read Boat Shoes

It doesn't get much cooler than these classic boat shoes. Dress them up, dress them down, wear them on land or at sea—the point is, you're going to get a lot of use out of them.

Sebago Endeavor Boat Shoes

If you want a pair of boat shoes that offer both comfort and style, then look no further than Sebago. Their boat shoes are endlessly cushiony, timelessly cool, and usually under $200.

L.L. Bean Casco Bay Boat Mocs

For only $100, L.L. Bean has a timeless, versatile pair of boat shoes. Pair them with anything from a linen button-down to a cotton polo, and you're good to go.

Timberland Classic 2-Eye Boat Shoes

If you love your Timberland boots, you'll definitely love their boat shoes. These pack the same durable, comfortable construction that the brand is known for, with some serious style points, too.

Polo Ralph Lauren Merton Leather Boat Shoes

With white contrast stitching at the toe and a two-eye design, this is what timelessness is all about. PRL does all things with class, preppiness, and grace, and these boat shoes are no different.

Boat shoes: A man's complete guide

Boat shoes, also known as deck shoes or top-siders, were invented in 1935 by Paul A. Sperry of New Haven, Connecticut, as utilitarian shoes to maintain one's footing in slippery conditions. They are typically crafted from leather, canvas, or suede, and feature a moccasin toe shape and rubber soles with a distinctive siping pattern that provides a no-slip, non-marking grip.

Boat shoes are a great choice for summertime footwear, especially if you want to go sockless and wear shorts. They are easy to wear, look sharp, and can be paired with dressier clothes. They are also functional, providing good traction on slippery surfaces and can be worn into the water.

How to Choose Boat Shoes:

When choosing boat shoes, opt for leather over canvas as it is more durable, snazzier, and can be paired with dressier clothes. Go for a darker brown colour as it is the most versatile and will go with almost everything. Make sure the fit is snug, especially if you plan on wearing them without socks, as they will stretch and loosen over time.

How to Break in Your Boat Shoes:

Boat shoes can take some time to break in, so start by wearing them slowly and for short periods. To accelerate the process, some recommend soaking the shoes in water, putting them on, and wearing them until they dry.

The Dos and Don'ts of Wearing Boat Shoes:

• Do wear boat shoes in warmer weather and with lightweight pants or shorts.
• Do wear them with your nicer casual clothes, such as a polo shirt, button-down shirt, or henley, and nicer jeans, khakis, or shorts.
• Do wear them with the right style of bottoms. Boat shoes pair best with tailored shorts or well-fitted, tapered or straight-leg jeans or khakis.
• Don't wear boat shoes with socks, especially visible ones. If you must wear socks, opt for no-show or terry cotton liners.
• Don't wear boat shoes with preppy-reading clothes unless that's the look you're going for. Avoid nautical stripes, pastel polos, blazers with shorts, and Croakie sunglasses.

Best Boat Shoe Brands:

• Sperry: The original boat shoe brand, offering a range of classic and modern styles.
• Sebago: Known for their quality products at a fair price, with a wide variety of models and inclusive sizing.
• L.L. Bean: Offers classic moccasin-type shoes and boat shoe options under $100.
• G.H. Bass: Features sleek and refined boat shoes, as well as a platform lug-sole option.
• Ralph Lauren: Known for their elevated preppy aesthetic, with a classic white sole and colour-blocked options.
• Adelante: Premium boat shoes with high-quality leather and soft lining.
• Dockers: Modern style, affordability, and classic vibe, with a high rebound footbed for cushioning and support.
• Rodd and Gunn: Burnished leather boat shoes with a slip-resistant outsole and a supportive footbed.

Boat shoes: How to choose the right pair

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe for men, but with so many options available, how do you choose the right pair? In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know to pick the perfect boat shoes for your wardrobe.

A Brief History of Boat Shoes

Before we dive into the different styles and how to choose the right pair, let's take a quick look at the history of boat shoes. Boat shoes, also known as deck shoes or top-siders, were invented by Paul A. Sperry in 1935 as a utilitarian shoe to provide better footing in slippery conditions on boats. The distinctive rubber soles are cut with a siping pattern, resembling the grooves along a rubber tire, providing a no-slip, non-marking grip. Over the years, boat shoes have become popular not just for boaters but also for those looking for a stylish and functional shoe.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Boat Shoes

When it comes to choosing the right pair of boat shoes, there are several factors to consider:

• Material: Boat shoes are typically made from leather, canvas, or suede. Leather is the most traditional and quintessential material for boat shoes and can be paired with slightly dressier clothes for a sharper look. It is also more durable than canvas. If you're looking for something a little softer and more flexible, consider Horween Chromexcel leather, which is made with a higher amount of greases and oils.
• Color: While boat shoes come in a variety of colors, it's best to opt for a darker brown or navy. These colors are more versatile and will go with most outfits.
• Fit: Boat shoes should have a snugger fit than your regular shoes, as they will stretch and loosen over time. Go for a half size down from your usual size, and if you're between sizes, choose the smaller one.
• Brand and Price: When it comes to brand and price, it's important to consider the quality and durability of the shoes. While you can find boat shoes at various price points, ranging from $50 to $325, it's worth investing in a pair made with quality materials and craftsmanship. However, keep in mind that boat shoes made with thinner leather may not last as long, especially if worn frequently in hot weather.

Styling Boat Shoes

Now that you know how to choose the right pair of boat shoes, let's talk about how to style them:

• Occasion: Boat shoes are casual footwear and are best paired with nicer casual clothes. They can be worn with a polo shirt, button-down shirt, henley, or guayabera, and tailored shorts or well-fitted jeans or khakis. Avoid wearing them with socks, as this can ruin the look.
• Season: Boat shoes are typically worn in warmer weather and are not suitable for winter or colder climates.
• Office Wear: While boat shoes can be worn to the office, they may not be the best choice for a formal work environment. They give off a more leisurely vibe and are better suited for a business casual environment.

Recommended Brands

When it comes to recommended brands, here are a few to consider:

• Sperry: Sperry is the original boat shoe brand, and their "Authentic Original" style is a classic choice. However, some customers have reported a decline in quality in recent years.
• Sebago: Sebago's Docksides are another well-known option, offering similar quality to Sperry at a comparable price point.
• Eastland, Quoddy, and Rancourt: These brands offer top-quality, hand-sewn boat shoes made in Maine, but they come at a higher price point.

In conclusion, boat shoes are a great addition to any man's wardrobe, offering both style and functionality. By considering the factors mentioned above and choosing a pair that suits your personal style and needs, you can ensure you select the right boat shoes for you. So, go ahead and take the plunge—your feet will thank you!

The dos and don'ts of wearing boat shoes

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. They are best suited for warm weather and are a great alternative to dress shoes and flip-flops. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind when wearing boat shoes:

Do's:

• Wear them to the beach or for maritime activities.
• Wear them when travelling as they are comfortable and easy to get on and off.
• Wear them to the office if you work in a business casual environment. They add style to your outfit without being too formal.
• Wear them on a date as a conversation starter.
• Wear them with jeans. For a more nautical look, try cuffing the hems of your jeans to draw attention to the boat shoes.
• Wear them with colourful chinos. Ensure the colour of your pants contrasts the colour of your boat shoes for a balanced look.
• Wear them with shorts, especially in the summertime. Ensure the boat shoes are plainer if they are attention-grabbing to avoid overkill.
• If you must wear socks, opt for no-show socks that won't be visible above the tops of your shoes.
• If you want to dress up your boat shoes, pair them with dark wash denim and a blazer for a business casual look.

Don'ts:

• Wear them in the winter as they may get wet and will look out of place.
• Wear them for a fancy or black-tie occasion. Boat shoes are meant for more casual and laid-back events.
• Wear them with suits or formal attire. Boat shoes do not fit a formal look and are better suited for semi-formal outfits.
• Wear them with visible socks as it can ruin the look and make you seem like a newbie in the fashion world.
• Wear them with a tuxedo or to a summer wedding. Opt for lightweight loafers instead for a formal summer event.

Frequently asked questions