Boat Shoes: Street Style Or Fashion Faux Pas?

Boat shoes have gone from being a staple for sailors and boaters to a fashionable item for people of all genders. Boat shoes are now considered a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world and can be worn in a variety of settings, from the beach to the office. They are known for their practicality, with their non-slip rubber soles and unique hand-sewn upper design, and have become a popular choice for those seeking both function and style. While some debate surrounds the appropriateness of wearing socks with boat shoes, the general consensus is that no-show socks or ankle socks are the best option to maintain comfort and style. With their versatility and timeless design, boat shoes have become a fashionable choice for those looking to add a touch of nautical-inspired elegance to their wardrobe.

Boat shoes: fashionable or not?

Boat shoes have been described as a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. They are comfortable, casual, and fashionable, but only if worn correctly.

Boat shoes were originally made for sailors and boaters to prevent slipping on boat decks. They are typically made of canvas or leather with a rubber sole. The rubber sole is scored or "siped" to maintain grip on slippery surfaces. The shoes are also often designed with a 360-degree lacing system to lock the foot into the shoe firmly.

Boat shoes are a great option for the beach, travelling, the office (in a business casual environment), and casual dates. They can be worn with jeans, chinos, shorts, skirts, casual dresses, and khakis.

However, it is generally advised not to wear boat shoes to formal events such as weddings, or during the winter. While boat shoes are meant to stand up to wet weather conditions, they are not designed for prolonged periods of exposure to water.

When it comes to socks, opinions differ. Boat shoes are typically designed to be worn without socks, but some find it more comfortable to wear socks, especially in colder weather. No-show socks are often recommended to avoid the socks being visible.

So, are boat shoes fashionable? Well, that depends on how you wear them. When paired with the right clothing and worn in the right setting, boat shoes can be a stylish and comfortable choice.

What to wear boat shoes with

Boat shoes are a popular fashion item, especially in the spring and summer. They are casual shoes, so they should be worn with casual outfits.

For men, boat shoes are a good choice to wear with jeans, chinos, or shorts. If wearing jeans, try cuffing the hems for a more nautical look. For a smarter casual look, dark wash jeans and a blazer can be worn with boat shoes, but they should not be worn with suits. Chinos should be colourful, but make sure the colour contrasts with the boat shoes—for example, red or green chinos with brown shoes. If wearing shorts, choose a plainer, more tailored pair to avoid the look being overkill.

For women, boat shoes can be worn with cropped or cuffed jeans, skirts, casual dresses, shorts, and khakis.

It is important to avoid wearing socks with boat shoes, as this can ruin the look. Instead, opt for no-show socks to maintain comfort and avoid odour.

Boat shoes are designed to be worn on boats, so they are a good choice for sailing trips, beach holidays, and other maritime activities. They are also a good choice for travelling, as they are comfortable and easy to get on and off.

When to wear boat shoes

Boat shoes are a casual shoe, perfect for a variety of occasions. They are a comfortable, classic, and versatile option for both men and women.

Boat shoes are a great option for the spring and summer months. They are ideal for maritime activities, so if you're heading to the beach, docks, or going boating, they are a perfect choice. They are also a good option for travel, as they are easy to get on and off and comfortable for long treks.

Boat shoes can be worn in the office, especially in a business casual environment, and for casual dates. They can be paired with a variety of outfits, from jeans to shorts, skirts, and casual dresses.

For men, boat shoes can be worn with suits, but it is best to avoid skinny jeans and opt for straight or classic cuts instead. For women, boat shoes are a good option with cropped or cuffed denim.

While boat shoes are typically a spring and summer shoe, they can also be worn in the winter with socks, especially if you live in a colder climate. Just be sure to avoid wearing them in formal settings, as they are not suitable for black-tie events or weddings.

Styling Boat Shoes

The key to styling boat shoes is to keep the look casual and relaxed. For a preppy vibe, pair them with chinos, polo shirts, or a blazer. For a more nautical look, try cuffing the hems of your jeans or wearing them with colourful chinos, ensuring the colours contrast.

When it comes to socks, it is generally best to avoid visible socks with boat shoes, as this can ruin the look. Instead, opt for no-show or ankle socks to keep your feet comfortable.

Boat shoes are a versatile and stylish option for both casual and business casual occasions, offering both comfort and flexibility.

Socks or no socks?

Boat shoes have become a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. But how should you wear them? One of the most enduring debates about boat shoes is whether to wear them with or without socks.

The short answer is that it depends on the look you're going for. If you want to achieve the "sockless" look, no-show socks are the way to go. They are designed to be invisible when worn with boat shoes, providing comfort and breathability while remaining hidden by the leather upper of the shoe. No-show socks can also help eliminate blisters and irritation during the "breaking in" phase of boat shoes.

If you prefer a more formal look, opt for dress socks. Wearing dress socks with boat shoes will elevate your outfit while still maintaining a relaxed and casual vibe. Just make sure to avoid athletic socks or any socks with stripes, argyles, or novelties. Stick to crisp, white cotton socks or dress socks in neutral colours.

Ultimately, the decision to wear socks or go sockless depends on your personal preference and the level of formality you're aiming for. Just keep in mind that going completely sockless can lead to foot odour, discomfort, and damage to the insoles of your shoes due to increased moisture. So if you choose to go sockless, be sure to air out your shoes regularly and use odour-eliminating products like baby powder or tea bags.

Boat shoes: a brief history

Boat shoes, also known as deck shoes or top-siders, were invented in 1935 by American Paul A. Sperry from New Haven, Connecticut. Sperry was an avid sailor who struggled with maintaining a firm foothold on the slippery decks of his boat. One winter's day, he noticed how easily his dog, a cocker spaniel named Prince, was able to run across icy surfaces without slipping. Upon closer inspection, Sperry realised that the natural cracks and grooves on Prince's paws formed a herringbone-like pattern that gave him grip.

Inspired by his dog's solid performance on the ice, Sperry decided to cut similar patterns, or "siping", into the soles of his shoes to improve his grip while at sea. Sperry's discovery was not entirely original, however. The concept of splitting or "siping" the sole of a shoe had already been invented and patented in 1923 by John F. Sipe. Sperry's design was successful in increasing the traction of shoes on a boat's surface, but his black-soled boat shoes left unsightly marks on the deck. To address this issue, Sperry switched to white rubber soles, and in 1935, he introduced the Sperry Top-Sider shoe with mid-to-dark-brown leather uppers and a white rubber sole, with the bottoms cut in a trademark herringbone pattern.

After this final modification, Sperry's shoes gained momentum and became the next big trend among sailors and boaters. In 1939, the U.S. Navy recognised the benefits of the new shoes and negotiated a deal to manufacture Top-Siders for its sailors. Sperry eventually sold his business to the U.S. Rubber Company, which started to market Sperry Top-Siders throughout America. The shoes remained a niche product until the 1970s when they became casual footwear in coastal areas of the United States, Canada, Argentina, Australia, China, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

In the 1980s, boat shoes became a fashion trend that was revived in the late 2000s. They are now worn by both men and women and are popular for school, church, and everyday wear. Boat shoes are typically made of canvas or leather with non-marking rubber soles and are designed to provide grip on wet boat decks. They are often associated with preppy fashion and are considered a status symbol, as boat ownership is linked to wealth. While they are no longer restricted to nautical use, they are still primarily worn in coastal regions and remain a staple in many wardrobes.

Frequently asked questions