The Essential Number Of Boat Shoes To Own

Boat shoes are a type of loafer, and while they're not considered an essential shoe for most men, they can be a good addition to your wardrobe if you live close to the sea or own a yacht. The number of pairs of boat shoes you should own depends on your lifestyle and personal preference. If you spend a lot of time on the water, you may want to invest in multiple pairs. However, for the average man, one pair of boat shoes can be enough to cover their needs.

Boat shoes for sailing

When sailing, it's important to have the right footwear. Boat shoes are designed to keep you safe and optimise your performance, as well as keeping your sailing vessel free from scratches and stains.

So, what makes a good boating shoe?

Firstly, losing your footing on a boat can be dangerous, so traction should be your top priority. Soles should be made from a high-quality grip material, such as Vibram, with a minimal tread pattern to ensure maximum contact with the ground. Grooves in the sole can also improve grip.

Secondly, your sailing shoes should be waterproof, not just water-resistant or water-repellent. They should also be quick-drying, as drenched shoes can compromise your comfort, stability and safety.

Thirdly, the soles should be non-marking. Stiff rubber soles can leave behind marks on surfaces like hardwood floors and your deck. Non-marking soles are also more flexible.

Finally, the material of your sailing shoes should be breathable to counter the heat of the sun.

When choosing sailing shoes, it's important to remember that they are often sized differently from street shoes, so use the size chart provided by the footwear company.

Men's Sailing Shoes:

• Helly Hansen Men's Aquapace 2 Water Shoe: This shoe resembles a trendy athletic shoe with the construction of a water-resistant topsider. It features breathable mesh uppers, protective overlays and a bungee-lacing system.
• Sperry Top-Sider Men's Sea Kite Sport Boat Shoe: This imported leather shoe has a synthetic sole that dries fast and water-resistant leather and mesh uppers. It also has a soft fabric lining and a removable padded insole.
• Adidas Outdoor Unisex Climacool Boat Lace Water Shoe: This synthetic shoe has a rubber sole and features Climacool tooling construction, open mesh and an EVA tongue top for enhanced breathability and comfort.
• Sperry Top-Side Men's Tarpon 2-Eye: These shoes are made with fabric construction and hand-sewn stitching. They feature non-marking rubber outsoles, a well-cushioned footbed and a shock-absorbing EVA heel.
• Aleader Men's Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes: These shoes feature a mesh construction and a rubber sole that keeps your feet gripped to any surface. They also have a ComforDry sockline and arch support insole for a dry, comfortable environment.
• XTRATUF Finatic II Men's Leather Deck Shoes: These shoes feature premium full-grain leather uppers, slip-resistant and non-marking chevron outsoles, and pigskin-lined, antimicrobial Ortholite memory foam inserts that control odour-causing bacteria.

Women's Sailing Shoes:

• Columbia Women's Vulc N Vent Lace Canvas Shoe: This shoe is constructed with textiles and a synthetic sole. The classic lace-up style provides a secure fit with sufficient ventilation, while the non-marking Omni-grip outsole gives you a great grip on any surface.
• Helly Hansen Women's Aquapace 2 Water Shoe: This shoe has a synthetic construction and rubber sole. It features quick-dry mesh, a low-profile and a speed-lace slip-on design.
• Adidas Outdoor Unisex Climacool Boat Lace Water Shoe: This synthetic shoe comes in a range of colours and features Climacool open mesh for enhanced breathability and a stretchable heel insert for the perfect fit.
• Sperry Top-Sider Women's Bluefish Two-Eye Boat Shoe: These 100% leather shoes are imported and feature a rubber sole and padded tongue. The Mocc-toe boat shoe has water and stain-resistant uppers along with two-eyelet lacing, ensuring a snug fit.

Happy sailing!

Boat shoes for casual wear

Boat shoes are a popular choice for casual wear due to their stylish look and comforting feel. They are typically designed as low-cut shoes made from canvas or leather, with a moccasin-style toe and non-marking, non-slip soles. The leather formation of boat shoes allows them to withstand water and stains, making them ideal for walking on beaches or wading in shallow water. They are also perfect for walking on non-skid surfaces, as they do not leave any scuff marks.

When choosing boat shoes for casual wear, it is important to consider the size and fit. Boat shoes tend to stretch over time, so it is recommended to choose a size that is slightly smaller than your usual shoe size. While this may be uncomfortable at first, the shoes will loosen up and mould to the shape of your feet after a few weeks of wear. To speed up the breaking-in process, you can wear the shoes with socks or get them wet, as the damp leather will lose its rigidity temporarily.

In terms of style, boat shoes are incredibly versatile. They can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. For a smart-casual look, pair them with chinos and a polo shirt. Alternatively, wear them with shorts and a linen shirt for a more relaxed outfit. Boat shoes can also be worn with jeans or a summer suit. When it comes to colour, classic options include navy, tan, and brown, but boat shoes are available in a wide range of colours to suit your personal style.

Overall, boat shoes are a great addition to any wardrobe, offering both style and comfort for casual wear. With their versatility and durability, they are a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a stylish yet functional shoe.

Boat shoes for the office

Boat shoes are a great addition to your wardrobe, and they can be worn in the office, too.

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe, originally made for sailors and boaters to prevent slipping on boat decks. They have a practical non-slip rubber sole and a unique hand-sewn upper design. They are now worn by boaters and non-boaters alike and are a great alternative to dress shoes and flip-flops.

Boat shoes are appropriate for the office, as long as your workplace has a business casual dress code. They add a stylish touch to your outfit without being too formal. They are also incredibly comfortable, especially once they are broken in, so they are perfect for long days at the office.

If you want to wear boat shoes to the office, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, boat shoes are best worn in warmer weather, so save them for the summer months or warmer climates. Secondly, while boat shoes are casual, they can be dressed up slightly, so pair them with nicer casual clothes such as a polo shirt, button-down shirt, or blazer. Chinos or jeans are a great choice for the bottom half, but make sure the colours contrast with the shoes to balance out the outfit. For example, pair red or green chinos with a more neutral-coloured shoe, like brown.

When it comes to socks, the general rule is to avoid visible socks with boat shoes as it can ruin the look. However, if you want the comfort of socks, opt for no-show socks or a terry cotton liner.

Finally, while boat shoes are a great choice for the office, they may not be suitable for very formal work environments. If your workplace has a "smart casual" dress code, you may want to opt for a different type of shoe, such as a chukka boot or a leather sneaker.

So, if you want to add a touch of style to your office wardrobe, boat shoes are a great option. Just remember to style them appropriately and consider the formality of your workplace.

Boat shoes for a date

Boat shoes are a great option for a date, especially if you want to show off your personality and impress your date enough to secure a second date. Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world, having originated as a shoe for sailors and boaters to prevent slipping on boat decks. They are now commonly worn by boaters and non-boaters alike, both for functional and aesthetic reasons.

If you're going on a date, it's important to consider the setting and dress code. Boat shoes are versatile and can be dressed up or down, but they are typically considered casual footwear. They pair well with nicer casual clothes, such as a polo shirt, button-down shirt, short-sleeve henley, or guayabera on top, and nicer jeans, khakis, or shorts on the bottom. You can even wear them with a blazer, as long as you dress down the rest of your outfit. However, boat shoes are not suitable for formal events or black-tie affairs.

When it comes to the fit and style of your boat shoes, opt for a snugger fit than you usually would, as they will stretch out and get looser over time. Go for a darker colour, such as brown or navy, as they are more versatile and classic. Boat shoes typically have an elevated heel, but if you prefer minimalist footwear, you can find boat shoes with zero-drop outsoles.

While boat shoes are traditionally worn without socks, you can opt for no-show socks or terry cotton liners if you're concerned about sweaty feet. Just make sure to avoid visible socks, as it can ruin the look.

In terms of breaking in your boat shoes, it may take some time, but it's worth it for the comfort they'll provide. Start by massaging out any hard spots in the leather and snipping off any pointy thread ends inside the shoe. Then, begin wearing them slowly, first around the house and then on short errands. If they create any blisters, cover them with moleskin or a band-aid and continue wearing the shoes. You can also try soaking the shoes in water to accelerate the breaking-in process.

Boat shoes are a great choice for a date, offering both style and comfort. Just remember to consider the setting and dress code, choose the right fit and style, and break them in before your date to ensure a smooth and stylish evening.

Boat shoes for travelling

Boat shoes are a great choice for travelling, especially if you're going to be near water. They are a versatile option that can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for a range of activities and occasions. Here are some tips and considerations for packing boat shoes for your travels:

Number of Pairs

The number of pairs of boat shoes you should bring depends on the length of your trip and the activities you plan to do. For a 7-day trip, most people recommend bringing 4-5 pairs of shoes total, including boat shoes. If you're packing light and only bringing a carry-on, you might want to bring just one pair of boat shoes that can serve multiple purposes. However, if you have room in your luggage, you can consider bringing an extra pair specifically for water activities.

Activities and Occasions

Boat shoes are ideal for travelling because they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. They are typically considered casual shoes, perfect for walking around the deck of a cruise ship or exploring port towns. They can also be worn with a casual evening outfit, such as shorts or a sundress. If you're planning to participate in water activities, such as swimming or boating, consider bringing a pair of boat shoes specifically for those activities. This way, you'll have a comfortable and practical shoe that can easily transition from land to water.

Packing Tips

When packing your boat shoes, make sure to wear one pair while travelling to save space in your luggage. Roll socks and belts and place them inside the shoes to maximise space. To protect your clothing and keep your shoes separate, place each pair in a plastic bag, such as a grocery bag or a shoe bag. For bulkier shoes, you can also put each shoe in a separate bag to allow for more flexible packing.

Other Shoe Options

In addition to boat shoes, there are a few other types of shoes that can be useful for travelling, especially on a cruise. These include comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, flip-flops or sandals, dress shoes for formal occasions, and a wildcard pair of shoes depending on your destination and activities, such as hiking boots, snow boots, or water shoes.

In conclusion, boat shoes are an excellent choice for travelling, especially if your trip involves water activities or a more relaxed dress code. By following these tips and considering your specific needs, you can ensure that you have the right number and type of boat shoes to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions