Boat Shoes: Best Styles For Your Next Voyage

Boat shoes are a type of footwear that has been around since the 1930s, when they were invented by Connecticut native Paul Sperry to provide better traction on wet surfaces, like the deck of a boat. Over the years, they have become a popular fashion item, especially during the summer, and are now available in a variety of styles and materials. When choosing a pair of boat shoes, it is important to consider factors such as comfort, durability, waterproofing, and sole type. Here is a list of some of the best boat shoes for men and women, based on reviews and ratings:

- Best Overall Boat Shoe: Columbia Castback TC

- Best Boat Shoe for Women: XtraTuf Women’s Sharkbyte 2.0 Eco

- Best Budget Boat Shoe: Magellan Outdoors Tidewater

- Best Short Deck Boot: AFTCO Ankle Deck Boot

- Best Lightweight Deck Boot: Gill Hydro Short Boot

- Best New Deck Boot: Under Armour Shoreman Deck Boot

- Best Tall Deck Boot: Grundens Crewman Deck Boot

- Best Deck Boot for Women: Huk Women’s Rogue Wave

- Best Hybrid Wading Shoe: Simms Pursuit

- Best All-Terrain Water Shoe: Astral Hiyak

- Best Boat Shoes for Men Overall: Grundens Seaknit Boat Shoe

- Best Boat Shoes for Men: Columbia Dorado CVO PFG Shoe

- Best Boat Shoes for Women: Columbia PFG Tamiami Shoe

- Best Boat Shoes for Fishing: Huk Rogue Wave

- Best Budget Boat Shoes: Hey Dude Men’s Wally

- Best Travel Shoes: Sperry Authentic Original Boat Shoe

- Best Everyday Boat Shoes: Florsheim Atlantic Moc Toe Boat Shoe

- Best Athletic Boat Shoes: Allbirds Tree Skipper Shoes for Men

- Best Water Boat Shoes: Sperry Authentic Original Float Boat Shoe

- Most Comfortable Boat Shoes: Cole Haan 4.ZERØGRAND Regatta Boat Shoe

- Best Hybrid Boat Shoes: SWIMS Braided Lace Loafer

- Best Premium Boat Shoes: Adelante Nautico Boat Shoe

- Best Casual Boat Shoes: Clarks Higley Tie Boat Shoe

- Best Value Boat Shoes: Dockers Beacon Boat Shoe

- Most Durable Boat Shoes: Rodd and Gunn Gordons Bay Boat Shoe

- Best Slip-on Boat Shoes: Eddie Bauer Haller Slip-On

- Best Modern Boat Shoes: Columbia PFG Slack Tide Boat Shoe

- Best Sustainable Boat Shoes: Sperry SeaCycled Authentic Original Baja Boat Shoe

- Best Sporty Boat Shoes: L.L.Bean Wellie Sport Shoes, Slip-On

- Most Stylish Boat Shoes: Sperry x J.Crew Authentic Original 2-eye Boat Shoes

- Most Versatile Boat Shoes: Sea Star Beachwear Mariner Slip-on

- Best Loafer Boat Shoes: Johnston & Murphy Cort Venetian

- Best Budget Boat Shoes: Sail Leather Premium Boat Shoes

Best overall boat shoes

The best overall boat shoes are the Columbia Castback TC. These shoes are designed with an extra thick EVA foam sole, which provides excellent shock absorption for your feet and back. The moulded footbed and cupped heel bed secure the foot, and small domes on the bottom of the shoe increase flexibility and shock absorption. The sole is reinforced with a layer of scalloped and siped rubber, designed to displace water and provide reliable traction and stability. The stain-resistant upper ensures these shoes will last several seasons, and the back of the shoe folds down, turning the sneakers into slip-ons.

Another great option for overall best boat shoes is the Grundens Seaknit Boat Shoe. These combine an athletic style sneaker with all the benefits of a boat shoe. They are lightweight, comfortable, and true to size, offered in a wide range of sizes up to size 14. They are slightly water-resistant and dry quickly with their light and breathable design. The gum rubber soles are non-marking and beefed up with razor-cut siping, providing great traction.

The Sperry Authentic Original Boat Shoe is another great option for overall best boat shoes. This OG design has never looked out of style and is known for its comfort. The leather is meticulously hand-sewn for enhanced durability and graceful aging, and the signature 360° lacing system provides a secure, customised fit. The tried-and-true outsole with razor-cut wave-sipping offers unrivalled traction. These shoes now come with an OrthoLite insole for added comfort and an extra layer of cushioning.

The Quoddy Head Boat Shoe is a top-shelf, modern take on this style of footwear that combines contemporary designs and premium materials with small-batch production proudly carried out in Maine. They are cut from soft leather that benefits from a pull-up process that increases sheen, giving each pair a unique, one-of-a-kind look. They do an incredible job of conforming to your feet and can be worn barefoot or with no-show socks. The unlined interior decreases the time they take to dry if the inside gets wet. The insoles are lightly padded, and the leather is the softest out of any part of any shoe tested. The build quality and craftsmanship are second to none, and these boat shoes can be re-soled.

Best boat shoes for women

When it comes to the best boat shoes for women, several options offer both style and functionality. Here are some top picks:

XtraTuf Women's Sharkbyte 2.0 Eco

The XtraTuf Women's Sharkbyte 2.0 Eco is an excellent choice for those seeking lightweight and ecologically conscious boat shoes. These slip-on shoes are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic bottles, featuring a Biolite EVA outsole that is 30% lighter than similar models. This option is versatile, suitable for both lounging around the house and a full day of fishing.

Sperry Women's Boat Shoes

Sperry is a well-known brand in the boat shoe market, offering a range of styles. The Sperry Women's Original Two-Eye Boat Shoe is a classic design with full-grain leather and hand-sewn moccasin construction. It provides wet-to-dry traction and comes in regular, wide, and slim fits. Another option is the Sperry Women's Angelfish Boat Shoe, which has a narrower fit and adjustable lacing for a secure and comfortable wear.

STQ Women's Lace-up Loafers

For a budget-friendly option, the STQ Women's Lace-up Loafers are a great choice. These shoes offer long-wear comfort with their soft cotton canvas upper and cotton lining. They also feature removable arch support insoles, making them ideal for reducing foot fatigue during extended periods of wear.

Reef Cushion Coast

If you're looking for a boat shoe with arch support, the Reef Cushion Coast is a lightweight and flexible option. The memory foam with arch support provides enhanced comfort, and the stretch laces eliminate the need for tying, making them convenient for various activities.

Timberland Stone Street Platform Boat Shoes

The Timberland Stone Street Platform Boat Shoes offer both comfort and style. Crafted from premium leather, they feature a 360-degree functional lacing system for a secure fit. The design is versatile, combining the classic lines of a boat shoe with a fashionable platform outsole.

Columbia Women's PFG Slackwater Boat Shoe

The Columbia Women's PFG Slackwater Boat Shoe is a waterproof option, perfect for wearing on boat decks. They feature an advanced water and stain guard, shock-absorbent cushioning, and wet grip traction, making them ideal for fishing or sailing.

L.L.Bean Women's Kennebec Boat Shoes

The L.L.Bean Women's Kennebec Boat Shoes offer a combination of breathability and style. Constructed with leather and porous mesh, they provide the breathability of an athletic sneaker while maintaining the wet grip of a boat shoe, making them versatile for various vacation activities.

Eastland Women's Leap Trainer Boat Sneaker

For those seeking a durable option, the Eastland Women's Leap Trainer Boat Sneaker is a great choice. This sportier-style boat shoe combines high-quality leather and breathable nylon, ensuring comfort and longevity. The rubber sole holds up against the elements, making them ideal for various adventures.

Allbirds Women's Tree Skippers

The Allbirds Women's Tree Skippers are a slip-on boat shoe option that is both comfortable and breathable. Crafted from responsibly sourced eucalyptus tree fibre, they can withstand the elements at sea. The minimalist design complements various styles, and they are machine washable, ensuring they stay looking new even after extended wear.

Best budget boat shoes

Boat shoes are a summer staple, and there are many options to choose from. Here is a list of the best budget boat shoes for men:

Dockers Beacon Boat Shoes

These boat shoes are a great budget option, as they are similar to the classic Sperry boat shoes but at a lower price. They have leather uppers and rubber soles, and come in neutral colours that will go with anything. The only downside is that they have a faux 360-degree lacing system.

Columbia Castback TC

These boat shoes are a great option if you're looking for something comfortable. They have an extra thick EVA foam sole, which is great for absorbing shock. The sole also has small domes that increase flexibility and provide even more shock absorption. The back of the shoe folds down, so you can easily slip them on and off.

Magellan Outdoors Tidewater

These boat shoes are nearly half the price of similar options but are just as comfortable and durable. They have a knit upper and EVA sole, which provide support and make the shoes lightweight. They also have large drainage ports, so they're perfect if you're going to be getting them wet.

Timberland Classic 2-Eye Boat Shoes

These boat shoes are a great budget-friendly option if you want something sturdy and classic. With over 4,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, these shoes are definitely a customer favourite. They are made with leather and rubber and will last you for years. However, the Timberland logo is quite prominent on the upper part of the shoe, which may not be to everyone's taste.

Best lightweight boat shoes

When it comes to lightweight boat shoes, there are several options to choose from that offer both comfort and style. Here are some of the best lightweight boat shoes currently on the market:

Dubarry Commodore XLT

These boat shoes are an excellent choice if you're looking for something extra light without compromising on cushioning and support. They feature a three-hole lacing system to keep your feet secure and are roughly half the weight of a typical boat shoe. They are, however, on the more expensive side.

Helly Hansen Ahiga V4 HP

Optimised for summer, these boat shoes are extremely lightweight, quick-drying, and highly breathable. The HellyGrip rubber outsole provides maximum grip, making them ideal for various activities, including sailing and paddleboarding.

Sperry Authentic Original Float Boat Shoes

The Sperry Authentic Original Float Boat shoes are super lightweight and designed to float if they get wet. They feature drainage ports, vent holes, and moulded wave-siping for sure-footed traction in all conditions. However, some consumers have reported issues with sizing and slipperiness.

Crocs Classic Boat Shoes

If you're looking for a waterproof and lightweight option, the Crocs Classic Boat Shoes are a great choice. They are made with Croslite foam construction and feature ventilation ports to add breathability and help shed moisture. The rubberised sole provides increased traction, flexibility, and comfort. However, they do have a long break-in time.

Lizard Regatta boat shoes

The Lizard Regatta boat shoes offer a non-slip rubber outsole and a breathable mesh construction that promotes quick drying. They also feature a removable anatomical footbed for added comfort and a secure lacing system.

Skechers Women’s Go Walk Lite-15430

These boat shoes are designed specifically for walking and are known for their comfort and lightweight construction. They feature a 5th Generation cushioning system for maximum impact absorption and a soft moisture-wicking fabric lining to keep your feet dry. They are also quite stylish and versatile, pairing well with various outfits.

When choosing lightweight boat shoes, it's important to consider factors such as cushioning, support, breathability, and traction. Additionally, keep in mind that some boat shoes may require a longer break-in period, so be sure to read reviews and choose the pair that best suits your needs.

Best boat shoes for wide feet

If you're looking for boat shoes that will accommodate wider feet, you're in luck! While options may once have been limited, marine shoe companies have begun to manufacture wide-fit styles. Here are some of the best boat shoes for wide feet:

For Men:

Chatham Men's Rockwell II G2 Leather Wide Fit Boat Shoes are the only wide-fit-specific shoes offered by Chatham, but they are an increasingly popular option. These classic deck shoes are manufactured using hand-stitched, premium leather and are available in three colourways. They feature one-piece leather laces that run continuously around the top of the shoe to ensure a snug fit, as well as new sole spring poron performance cushioning, which is anti-bacterial and offers maximum comfort and shock absorption. They are available in a good range of sizes from UK 6-15 and come with a two-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Dubarry Regatta 'ExtraFit' Deck Shoes come in a range of sizes from UK 6.5-14, and two colourways. These stylish, canoe-front deck shoes are manufactured using a combination of water-resistant 'DryFast-DrySoft' nubuck, leather and fabric. They feature Dubarry’s distinctive port and starboard coloured flash detail on the topsides, as well as durable bi-colour cup soles that provide superior traction, lateral stability and flexibility—all plus points when looking for wide-fit boat shoes. They also feature a full-length removable leather footbed for ultimate comfort and stability.

Marks & Spencer Wide Fit Leather Boat Shoes are exceptionally good value for money at £59. According to M&S, the shoes are manufactured using responsibly sourced leather, which ties in with the company’s ethics that all M&S leather products support sustainable manufacturing via the Leather Working Group. While these classic-looking boat shoes are not made specifically for sailing, they do offer a wide fit option as well as great value for money.

Orca Bay Fowey (Wide-Fit) Deck Shoes are designed from a wider last but look just as stylish as their 'normal fit' counterparts. They are double and hand-stitched using the finest leather, with full leather insoles, rawhide leather laces and salt-resistant, rust-proof eyelets. These Canoe-cut moccasins feature non-marking, non-slip rubber soles, making them ideal for deck use as well as casual footwear.

For Women:

While Sperry is one of the few companies to manufacture wide fit sailing shoes specifically for women, Wuzzos Whitaker boat shoes are also worth considering. Although they are not marketed as wide fit, they perform well and mould comfortably to broader feet. They feature bonded performance UV-repelling rubber non-marking, siped tread soles, as well as extremely soft, quality leather infused with 'Micro-Fresh'—a smart antimicrobial technology that offers antifungal and antibacterial protection.

Sperry Women's Bluefish 2-Eye Boat Shoes are classic, wide-fit, women’s boat shoes that really tick all the boxes. They look good, thanks to the stain and water-resistant hand-stitched, nubuck upper with air mesh breathable panels, and they have been designed for ultimate comfort with features that include a padded tongue and moulded EVA cushion midsoles. As with all quality deck shoes, they have rust-proof eyelets and a continuous ‘360° lacing system’ which helps to ensure a snug fit.

Frequently asked questions