Boat Shoes: Choosing The Right Color For Your Style

Boat shoes have become one of the most classic casual shoe trends in the menswear world. As the name suggests, they were originally made for sailors and boaters who needed a shoe that would prevent them from slipping on the boat deck.

It didn't take long, however, for people outside of the boating world to notice the perks of these shoes. It was their practical non-slip rubber sole and unique hand-sewn upper design that drew in attention from every kind of shoe wearer.

Today, they are commonly used by boaters and non-boaters alike, both for functional and aesthetic reasons.

The nautical look never fails to triumph on the fashion circuit, which is why the best boat shoes – or deck shoes, as they are more commonly known in the boating world – are now as popular on the high street as they are on the water.

When it comes to colour, dark brown is considered one of the most versatile and classic colours and makes you look more handsome. You can use dark brown boat shoes with any type of clothing. You can also go for the navy colour that goes well with grey and burgundy trousers. Navy is perfect for khaki-coloured bottoms, but it will not be the right choice to match with denim. So, choose your shoe colour wisely and look hot and stylish in the best possible way.

Brown leather is the most common and classic boat shoe colour

The boat shoe, also known as the deck shoe, was originally designed for sailors and boaters who needed a shoe with a good grip to prevent slipping on boat decks. In the early 1930s, sailor Paul Sperry created the first boat shoe, the Sperry Top-Sider, with mid-to-dark-brown leather uppers and a white rubber sole. After this, boat shoes became the next big trend among sailors and boaters, and they have remained a classic ever since.

Today, boat shoes are worn by boaters and non-boaters alike and are a staple in many wardrobes. They are commonly worn in the summer months, as they are ideal for warm weather and pair well with lightweight spring and summer attire. When it comes to what to wear with boat shoes, it is best to stick to more casual and semi-formal outfits. While boat shoes can be worn with jeans, they look best with shorts, straight-leg or tapered trousers, and no socks.

Navy blue shoes are versatile and pair well with nautical looks

Navy blue shoes are a versatile choice and pair well with nautical looks. As the name suggests, boat shoes were originally designed for sailors and boaters to prevent slipping on boat decks. They have since become a classic casual shoe trend, with many people wearing them outside of the boating world.

When it comes to styling, it is generally recommended to wear boat shoes in warmer weather and with more tailored or straight-leg jeans, shorts, or khakis. The shoes should ideally be a darker colour, such as navy or brown, to contrast with the colour of your pants. Cuffing the hems of your jeans can also complement the nautical look and draw attention to the shoes.

Boat shoes are also a good choice for travel, as they are comfortable and easy to take on and off. While some sources suggest avoiding socks altogether, others recommend wearing no-show socks to keep your feet fresh.

In terms of the outfit as a whole, boat shoes are best paired with more casual clothing, such as a polo shirt, a button-down shirt, or a short-sleeve henley. They can also be dressed up with a blazer, but should not be worn with a tie or a suit. It is important to keep the preppy look in check and avoid pastel colours, embroidered belts, and Croakies.

When it comes to brand and price, there are several options available. Sperry sells the "Authentic Original" boat shoe, which is imported and offers a range of colours. However, some customers have reported a decline in quality. Sebago's Docksides are another well-known option, with a similar price point to Sperry. For a higher-end choice, brands like Eastland, Quoddy, and Rancourt offer top-quality boat shoes handmade in Maine.

White boat shoes are also an option for a nautical look but are harder to keep clean

White boat shoes are a great option for a nautical look, but they are harder to keep clean than navy blue shoes. If you're going for a nautical look, navy blue shoes are a better option as they are more diverse and easier to maintain. That being said, white boat shoes can be a stylish choice if you're willing to put in the extra effort to keep them clean.

White boat shoes have a distinct coastal vibe that is perfect for maritime activities and beach trips. They can add a touch of nautical flair to your outfit, especially when paired with the right clothing. When styling white boat shoes, it's best to keep the look light and breezy. Go for lightweight fabrics such as thin cottons and linens in neutral or nautical colours. For a more casual look, pair them with shorts, a t-shirt, or a tank top. If you want to dress them up, opt for tailored shorts or straight-leg or tapered pants. Remember, boat shoes are meant to be worn without socks, so choose an outfit that shows off the whole shoe.

While white boat shoes can be a stylish choice, they do require more care and maintenance than darker colours. To keep your white boat shoes looking their best, it's important to protect them from stains and fading. Invest in a protective spray specifically made for leather shoes, and avoid leaving them out in direct sunlight. Since boat shoes are often worn without socks, they can start to smell quickly. Combat this by using odour absorbers like baby powder or kitty litter, and always let your shoes air out between wears.

In addition to being harder to keep clean, white boat shoes may also show stains more easily. Scuffs, dirt, and discolouration can be more noticeable on white shoes, so it's important to be extra careful when wearing them. This doesn't mean you can't enjoy the look of white boat shoes, but it does mean you'll need to be more mindful of your surroundings and take extra care to keep them looking pristine.

Overall, white boat shoes can be a stylish choice for a nautical look, but they require more maintenance and care than darker colours. If you're willing to put in the extra effort, white boat shoes can be a unique and eye-catching addition to your wardrobe.

Brightly coloured boat shoes can be worn for an unconventional look

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. Originally made for sailors and boaters, they are now worn by many for functional and aesthetic reasons. They are typically made of leather and have a soft rubber sole. While brown and navy blue are the most common and traditional colours, boat shoes come in a wide variety of colours and designs.

If you want to stand out, you can opt for brightly coloured boat shoes to achieve an unconventional look. For instance, you can match a pair of red boat shoes with jeans and a white or red polo. Alternatively, you can wear boat shoes with a pattern, such as polka dots or stripes. This unconventional look is a great way to accent your outfit while staying comfortable.

When styling brightly coloured boat shoes, it is important to consider the colour of your pants. Since boat shoes should be darker than your pants, you can pair red or green boat shoes with neutral-coloured pants, such as beige or khaki. Additionally, the colour of your socks matters. To maintain the unconventional look, avoid wearing socks that show above the tops of your shoes. Instead, opt for no-show socks or ankle socks.

In terms of outfits, boat shoes pair well with semi-formal attire. While they are not suitable for formal occasions or black-tie events, they can be worn with slacks and a blazer. For a more casual look, boat shoes can be paired with jeans, shorts, or straight-leg or tapered pants. When wearing boat shoes with shorts, you can dress up the outfit by pairing them with a button-up shirt or go for a more casual vibe with a tank top or t-shirt.

In summary, brightly coloured boat shoes can be worn for an unconventional look. By pairing them with the right colours and outfits, you can achieve a unique and stylish ensemble.

Boat shoes can be worn with socks but these should not be visible

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. They were originally made for sailors and boaters who needed a shoe that would prevent slipping on boat decks. However, over time, they have become popular among non-boaters as well, for both functional and aesthetic reasons.

When it comes to styling boat shoes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, boat shoes are typically worn without socks or with no-show socks. While it is possible to wear socks with boat shoes, it is generally advised to avoid socks that are visible above the tops of the shoes. This is because boat shoes are low-cut and meant to be worn without socks, and visible socks can ruin the look. If you do choose to wear socks, opt for no-show or ankle socks to avoid ruining the aesthetic of the shoe.

Secondly, boat shoes are best suited for warm weather and are typically made of leather with a soft rubber sole. They pair well with a variety of outfits, such as jeans and a t-shirt, a button-up shirt and shorts, or a sundress for a more feminine look. They can also be worn with straight-leg or tapered pants, and it is recommended to avoid wearing them with formal attire.

When choosing the colour of your boat shoes, brown leather is the most common and traditional option, offering a diverse and classic look. Navy blue is another good option, especially for a nautical beachy look. White boat shoes can also work for a nautical theme but are harder to keep clean. For a bolder look, you can choose brightly coloured boat shoes or ones with patterns such as polka dots or stripes.

In terms of fit, it is important to choose a shoe that fits comfortably. Boat shoes should have a little extra room in the toe area, with about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) of space between your big toe and the tip of the shoe. The ball of your foot should fit comfortably and securely in the middle portion of the shoe.

Frequently asked questions