The Versatile Khaki Boat Shoes: Styling Tips For Men

Boat shoes are a versatile footwear option for men, offering both style and comfort. While they were originally designed for boating, with non-slip rubber soles, they have become a popular choice for a range of casual occasions, from beach trips to dates and business casual environments. When it comes to pairing them with the right trousers, chinos and boat shoes are a classic combination. For a sophisticated look, opt for khaki chinos and complement them with a dark brown or neutral-coloured boat shoe. If you want to experiment with colours, make sure your trousers contrast with your shoes – for instance, bold red or green chinos can be balanced with neutral-coloured boat shoes. While boat shoes are typically considered a warm-weather option, you can extend their use to the winter by pairing them with socks – just make sure they're no-show socks to avoid ruining the look.

Wear with jeans

Khaki boat shoes are a versatile addition to your wardrobe, and can be worn in both casual and dressy situations. When it comes to jeans, there are a few ways to style them.

First, consider the colour of your jeans. Black jeans and boat shoes are a sophisticated combination, ideal for dressier occasions such as dates or evenings out. The dark colour of the jeans and the casual, preppy nature of the boat shoes create an interesting contrast.

On the other hand, raw or faded jeans are a great choice for a more casual look. For example, a pair of raw jeans with a white t-shirt and khaki boat shoes is a relaxed outfit, perfect for an aperitif with friends. For a more colourful twist, swap the white t-shirt for a pink shirt.

When wearing boat shoes with jeans, it's important to cuff your jeans. A simple single or double cuff will do the trick and will help to showcase the shoes. Avoid skinny jeans or bootcut styles, and instead opt for a slim or regular fit.

Finally, when it comes to socks, it's best to avoid any visible socks with boat shoes. No socks at all can be uncomfortable and may cause odour and blisters, so opt for invisible ankle socks or 'sock-ettes' to stay comfortable and stylish.

Wear with chinos

Boat shoes are a versatile footwear option that can be dressed up or down, and they pair well with chinos. Here are some tips on how to wear khaki boat shoes with chinos:

Keep it Simple:

When wearing khaki boat shoes with chinos, it's best to keep the look simple and classic. Opt for cuffed or cropped tan or beige chinos, a neutral colour that complements the khaki shade of the boat shoes. A single or double cuff will do; there's no need to go overboard with a high crop. This simple combination provides a clean and modern silhouette.

Smart Casual:

Boat shoes work well for a smart-casual look. Pair your khaki boat shoes and chinos with a pique polo shirt or a rugby-style top. You can also try a button-down shirt or a crew-knit jumper for a slightly more formal take on the smart-casual style. Avoid going overboard with nautical stripes or pastel colours, as this can veer into "Frat Bro" territory.

Colourful Chinos:

If you want to experiment with colourful chinos, ensure you balance the outfit by contrasting the colours. For example, pair red or green chinos with more neutral-coloured boat shoes, such as brown. This will create a stylish and thoughtful ensemble.

Accessories:

When wearing khaki boat shoes with chinos, you can accessorise with a belt, a watch, or a hat. Just remember to keep the overall look simple and not too busy.

No Socks:

The general rule when wearing boat shoes is to avoid visible socks. Go for invisible ankle socks or no socks at all. If you choose to go without socks, be prepared for potential blisters and odour issues, as the sweat can damage the leather of the boat shoes.

Wear with shorts

Khaki boat shoes are a great option to pair with shorts. The rugged look of boat shoes fits particularly well with khaki shorts. To play up the nautical heritage of boat shoes, wear them with a blue striped t-shirt, a navy blazer, and a pair of khaki shorts. Alternatively, go for a preppy look by pairing navy boat shoes with white khaki shorts and a salmon polo shirt.

If you're looking for a more casual outfit, try wearing an orange raincoat with shorts and dark brown leather boat shoes. You can also pair a multi-coloured print polo with shorts and boat shoes for a stylish and confident look. For a simple yet dapper look, a beige crew-neck sweater and shorts combo can be elevated with the addition of boat shoes.

When wearing boat shoes with shorts, it is best to avoid visible socks. Instead, opt for no-show socks or go sockless to keep your ankles bare. This will help you achieve a more effortless and stylish look.

Wear with a suit

Boat shoes are generally considered a casual shoe, and many sources advise against wearing them with a suit. However, if you're determined to wear boat shoes with a suit, there are a few ways to style them.

Firstly, it's important to consider the formality of the occasion. Boat shoes are unlikely to be suitable for a formal event, but they could work for a casual or semi-formal occasion. If you're wearing a suit to a wedding or another formal event, it's best to opt for traditional dress shoes instead of boat shoes.

If the occasion is more relaxed, you can start to think about pairing your boat shoes with a suit. One option is to wear a blazer and trousers or chinos, rather than a full suit. This will create a more casual look that may be better suited to boat shoes.

When it comes to colours, it's generally recommended to stick to neutral shades for boat shoes when wearing them with a suit. Beige, brown, or tan boat shoes can work well with a variety of suit colours, such as blue, grey, or black. If you want to add a pop of colour, try wearing a bright pocket square or tie that matches the accent colour of your shoes.

To complete the look, remember to wear no-show socks with your boat shoes to avoid ruining the aesthetic. And, if you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can try rolling the cuffs of your trousers to showcase your boat shoes. Just remember that a little roll goes a long way!

Wear with no socks

Wearing khaki boat shoes without socks is a popular choice, but it can be a challenge. The "sockless" look is the most common way to wear boat shoes, but it can be uncomfortable and cause blisters, especially when breaking in a new pair.

If you want to wear boat shoes without socks, there are a few things you can do to make it more comfortable. One option is to use no-show socks, which are designed to be invisible while still providing the benefits of wearing socks, such as preventing blisters and absorbing sweat. No-show socks are a good choice if you want the casual look of going sockless without sacrificing comfort. You can also try using insoles, such as terrycloth insoles, which can help keep your shoes from being damaged by sweat and provide some extra cushioning.

Another option is to break in your boat shoes by wearing them with socks until they soften. You can also try sizing up or using a wider width to give your feet more room. If you're only experiencing chafing in one area, you could put a small band-aid over the spot until it heals.

Wearing boat shoes without socks can also lead to odour issues, as your feet will produce more sweat, especially in the summer months. To combat this, you can use foot powder, such as Gold Bond, or an antiperspirant spray to help keep your feet dry.

While it is possible to wear boat shoes without socks, it's important to be aware of the potential issues and take steps to mitigate them.

Frequently asked questions