Boat Shoes, Slip-On Style: A Guide To Wearing Them Right

Slip-on boat shoes are a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. They were originally made for sailors and boaters to prevent slipping on boat decks, but have since become popular for functional and aesthetic reasons. When wearing slip-on boat shoes, it is important to consider the occasion, the climate, and the type of trousers you plan to pair them with. Boat shoes are typically made with canvas or leather and can be worn with or without socks, depending on personal preference and the formality of the event. They are a versatile shoe that can be dressed up or down, making them a great addition to any man's wardrobe.

Boat shoes with jeans

Boat shoes are a great choice for a laid-back summer look. They are typically made from water-resistant materials like leather and soft rubber soles, though some styles use canvas, which is quick-drying. Boat shoes are very versatile and can be worn with most outfits, making them a summer staple for men.

When wearing boat shoes with jeans, it is recommended to roll up the hems to showcase the shoes. This also gives a more effortless, nautical look. If you want to go for a smarter, casual look, try pairing blue jeans with a tan pair of boat shoes. For a true nod to the nautical, opt for a navy pair with white stitching.

Boat shoes can be worn with or without socks. Most people choose to wear them without socks, as they are crafted to be comfortable and airy. However, wearing no socks can cause blisters and irritation, and your shoes may start to smell. No-show socks can be a good option to keep your feet healthy and your shoes odour-free, while still maintaining the sockless look. If you want to wear visible socks, opt for dress socks to keep the look relaxed and casual, or go for a preppy 80s style with white crew socks or graphic sports socks.

Boat shoes are a great choice for many occasions, from the beach to the office, and can be paired with jeans, chinos, or shorts. They are a versatile, comfortable, and stylish option for men's footwear.

Boat shoes with shorts

For a casual look, consider pairing your shorts with a t-shirt, polo shirt, button-down shirt, or short-sleeve henley. If you're aiming for a more formal style, a blazer or a double-breasted blazer can be a great addition, but remember to keep the rest of the outfit casual to match the boat shoes.

When it comes to colours, a dark brown pair of boat shoes is a versatile option that will go with almost anything. Navy is another good choice, pairing well with burgundy and grey shorts, although it doesn't suit denim. If you want to wear denim shorts, a pair of dark brown boat shoes will complement them nicely.

While boat shoes are typically worn without socks, you can opt for no-show socks to keep your feet comfortable and dry, especially during the warmer months. Remember, boat shoes are meant for warmer weather and casual events, so avoid wearing them in winter or to formal occasions.

Boat shoes with socks

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. They were originally made for sailors and boaters to prevent slipping on boat decks, but they are now worn by boaters and non-boaters alike.

When it comes to wearing boat shoes with socks, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is generally recommended to avoid wearing visible socks with boat shoes as it can ruin the aesthetic appeal of the shoe. However, this doesn't mean you have to forgo the comfort and benefits of wearing socks. Here are some tips for wearing boat shoes with socks:

• No-Show Socks: No-show socks are an excellent option to achieve the "sockless" look while still enjoying the benefits of wearing socks. They are designed to be invisible when worn with boat shoes, helping to eliminate blisters and irritation while keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
• Dress Socks: If you prefer a more formal look, opt for dress socks. They provide a slightly more polished appearance while still maintaining a relaxed and casual vibe.

It is important to note that under no circumstances should you wear athletic socks with boat shoes, as it is considered a major style faux-pas.

In addition to style considerations, wearing socks with boat shoes has several health benefits. Not wearing socks can lead to foot fungus issues such as athlete's foot due to the warm, dark, and damp environment created in the shoe. Socks provide a layer of protection, helping to manage sweat and moisture accumulation. They also help prevent blisters and hotspots during the "breaking-in" phase of new boat shoes. Additionally, socks can help reduce odour and extend the life of your shoes by preventing the insoles from loosening and peeling back due to moisture.

Boat shoes for the office

Boat shoes are a great option for the office, but only if your workplace has a business casual dress code. They're a good way to add some style to your outfit without going overboard.

When wearing boat shoes to the office, it's best to pair them with jeans, chinos, or shorts. Cuffing the hems of your jeans can create a more effortless, nautical look. If you're wearing chinos, make sure they contrast with the colour of your shoes. For example, if you're wearing red or green chinos, opt for a more neutral-coloured shoe, like brown.

Boat shoes also pair well with a blazer, but only if you dress down the rest of your outfit. They're not suitable for formal occasions, so if your workplace requires a tie, boat shoes are not appropriate.

When it comes to socks, it's generally recommended to avoid wearing visible socks with boat shoes. No-show socks are a good alternative if you want the comfort of socks without ruining the look.

It's also important to note that boat shoes are typically considered a spring and summer shoe, so they're not suitable for the office during the colder months.

Boat shoes for the beach

Boat shoes are a great option for a day at the beach. They are perfect summer shoes with soft rubber soles and a typically treated leather or canvas top. They are a good choice for warmer weather because of their low, below-the-ankle profile.

When wearing boat shoes to the beach, it's important to consider the following:

• Pair them with the right trousers: Boat shoes pair best with more tailored (non-cargo) shorts or well-fitted, tapered or straight-leg jeans or chinos. Too wide a pant looks funny with the small moccasin toes sticking out the bottom. The colour of your moccasins should contrast with that of your pants; they should be darker rather than lighter or the same colour. This is less important when it comes to navy pants and blue jeans, but light beige boat shoes and light beige chinos are not a good combination.
• Cuff your trousers: Your pants should break a little higher than normal, ideally just skimming the tops of your shoes; you want to show their distinctive detailing, rather than having them look like a pair of non-descript moccasins. If your pants are long, you can roll them up a little, but don't go overboard and have them turn into clam-diggers.
• Wear the right socks: Given their sailing and summertime heritage, and the fact that any shoe worn with socks looks terrible when paired with shorts, boat shoes shouldn't be worn with visible socks. For help with sweaty feet, you can wear no-show socks, and if they keep peeping out, try a terry cotton liner instead.
• Keep them in good shape: A little patina on a pair of boat shoes is fine, but any moccasin-style shoe will start to take on slipper-like qualities when it gets too worn down. Keep a newer pair for restaurants and bars, and an older pair for lounging around the house.
• Break them in: Boat shoes take some time to break in, so don't expect them to feel great right out of the box. Start wearing them slowly and only for short periods at first, and gradually increase the wear time.
• Avoid wearing them in winter: Boat shoes are only appropriate for pairing with lightweight pants and shorts and for wearing in summer or warm climates. Their low cut and softer, thinner leather, as well as their seafaring heritage, make them unsuitable for winter and colder climes.

So, the next time you're heading to the beach, slip on your favourite pair of boat shoes and enjoy both their comfort and style!

Frequently asked questions