Boat Shoes: Styling Guide For Men

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. They are typically constructed from canvas or leather with non-marking rubber soles created for wear while sailing. They are designed to prevent slipping on boat decks and are thus perfect for maritime activities. Over the years, they have become popular among non-boaters as well, for both functional and aesthetic reasons. While they are a versatile pair of shoes, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid committing a fashion faux pas.

Boat shoes and socks: go for no-show socks or sock-ettes

Boat shoes are traditionally worn without socks. Wearing socks with boat shoes is considered a fashion faux pas, and it is said to make one look like an inexperienced or out-of-touch boater. However, if you want to wear socks with boat shoes, it is recommended to wear no-show socks or sock-ettes. No-show socks are cut extra low, so they are not visible outside of the shoes. They are also thinner, dry quickly, and can help prevent blisters and damp feet, which can lead to bad feet odour.

If you are going for an '80s preppy look, socks and boat shoes are definitely part of the uniform. In this case, it is important to make sure you are wearing your good socks, as an old, well-worn pair will not cut it. Additionally, if you feel weird wearing shoes without socks, or want an extra layer for hygiene purposes, no-show socks or liner socks are also an option. Just make sure you roughly match the colour of the outer or lining of the shoe, as they may still be visible from certain angles.

When wearing boat shoes with socks, it is recommended to match the sock colour with your outfit. You can choose any sock colour that matches your outfit. The complementary colours that you can combine are: yellow and green, blue and red, pale blue and pink, blue and orange, yellow and brown, dirty white and brown, tan and maroon, turquoise and cobalt blue, pink and fuchsia, light blue and black, white and black, and grey and pink.

It is important to note that boat shoes are not meant to be worn in the winter. They are designed to be worn in warmer climates and are perfect for giving a relaxed, preppy look to your smart-casual outfit.

Boat shoes and jeans: cuff your jeans to complement the look

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. They are versatile, comfortable, and functional, and can be worn in a variety of settings, from the beach to the office. While boat shoes can be paired with different types of pants, they go exceptionally well with jeans. Here are some tips to complement your boat shoes with jeans and create a stylish, effortless, and nautical look:

Cuff Your Jeans: Cuffing your jeans is an excellent way to complement your boat shoes. A simple single or double cuff will do the trick. Avoid aggressive rolling, as a little goes a long way, especially when you're nowhere near the dock. You want to show off the distinctive detailing of your boat shoes, so ensure your jeans skim the tops of your shoes. If you have long jeans, consider a single or double cuff to create a neat and balanced look.

Choose the Right Jeans: Opt for well-fitted, tapered, or straight-leg jeans. Avoid skinny jeans or bootcut styles, as they don't pair well with the boat shoe's shape. Go for slim or regular-fit jeans that flatter your body type and create a harmonious silhouette with your boat shoes.

Contrast Colours: When wearing boat shoes with jeans, consider colour coordination. Boat shoes typically come in navy, brown, or white, and these colours go well with a variety of jean shades. Opt for darker jeans, as they tend to complement the boat shoe's colour palette better. Avoid wearing light-coloured jeans with light-coloured boat shoes, as it can create a fashion misstep.

No Visible Socks: While you may be tempted to wear socks with your boat shoes and jeans, it's best to avoid visible socks. Opt for invisible ankle socks or go sockless to showcase your ankles. Visible socks can detract from the overall aesthetic and give off a peak "dad" behaviour vibe.

Keep it Casual: Boat shoes are inherently casual footwear, so it's essential to pair them with casual jeans. Avoid overly distressed or embellished jeans, as they can clash with the boat shoes' preppy nature. Stick to classic, well-fitted jeans that exude a relaxed yet polished vibe.

By following these tips, you can create a stylish and complementary look with your boat shoes and jeans. Remember to experiment and find what works best for your personal style and comfort.

Boat shoes and shorts: opt for chino shorts

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. They are versatile and can be dressed up or down. If you want to wear boat shoes with shorts, opt for chino shorts. This combination is perfect for summertime.

When wearing boat shoes with shorts, it is important to ensure that the shoes and shorts balance each other out. If you opt for detailed, attention-grabbing boat shoes, pair them with plainer, more tailored shorts. This will ensure that the look is not too overwhelming.

The key to pulling off this look is to keep it simple and classic. Boat shoes are preppy by nature, so lean into those vibes. They work best with chino shorts, linen shirts, or loose-fitting crew neck t-shirts. Go for a beachy and breezy look. Avoid pairing boat shoes with cargo shorts or wide pants as the proportions will look off.

It is also important to consider the colour of your shorts when wearing them with boat shoes. Boat shoes typically come in navy, brown leather, or white, and these colours are the most versatile and tend to suit the style best. When wearing shorts, opt for neutral colours such as beige, khaki, or navy. Avoid light beige or white shorts as these can clash with the boat shoes.

Additionally, make sure your shorts are the right length. Boat shoes have distinctive detailing that you will want to show off. Avoid long shorts that flap around your ankles or hang over your shoes. Cuff your shorts if needed to ensure they hit just above the tops of your shoes.

Finally, remember that boat shoes are meant to be worn without socks. Opt for no-show socks to keep your feet comfortable and your shoes smelling fresh.

Boat shoes and trousers: choose a pair with a shorter length

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. They are versatile and can be dressed up or down. When it comes to trousers, it is best to opt for a shorter length. Avoid wearing boat shoes with long trousers that flap around your ankles or hang over your shoes. Instead, go for trousers that skim the tops of your shoes. If your trousers are long, a simple single or double cuff will do the trick. Avoid aggressive rolling, which can make it look like you just came off the shore.

Boat shoes pair well with chino trousers, suits, and jeans. Just make sure the trousers are not skinny or bootcut. A slim or regular fit is best. If you want to wear jeans, a darker wash is recommended. Cuff the hems of your jeans for an effortless, nautical look. This will also draw attention to your boat shoes.

When wearing boat shoes with trousers, it is important to maintain the right length to show off the distinctive detailing of the shoes. Boat shoes have a low cut and softer, thinner leather, so they are best paired with lightweight trousers. The trousers should break a little higher than normal, ideally just skimming the tops of your shoes. This will prevent them from looking like a pair of non-descript moccasins.

In terms of colour, contrast is key. The colour of your boat shoes should be darker than your trousers. For example, if you're wearing navy trousers, avoid navy boat shoes. Instead, opt for a darker brown or another neutral colour. This will create a stylish and well-put-together look.

Boat shoes and suits: avoid wearing them with suits

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. They are moccasin-like shoes with a low cut, hand-sewn construction, soft, white, non-skid, non-marking, siped rubber sole, and laces that run through 2-3 eyelets on top of the shoes. They are commonly worn by boaters and non-boaters for functional and aesthetic reasons.

While boat shoes are versatile and can be worn in several settings, they are not meant to be worn with suits. Here are some reasons why you should avoid wearing boat shoes with suits:

• Formality: Boat shoes are considered casual footwear. They are typically paired with lightweight pants or shorts and are suitable for warm weather. On the other hand, suits are more formal attire. Wearing boat shoes with a suit creates a discordant ensemble, as the casual nature of the shoes clashes with the formality of the suit.
• Style and Aesthetics: Boat shoes have a preppy association and are often linked with a particular type of aesthetic. They are commonly associated with nautical or maritime styles. When paired with a suit, they can give off an incongruous impression, making the overall outfit appear mismatched.
• Occasion: Boat shoes are designed for practicality and are well-suited for maritime activities, beach trips, and casual events. Suits, on the other hand, are typically reserved for more formal occasions. Wearing boat shoes with a suit may not be appropriate for events that require a higher level of formality, such as black-tie affairs or events that call for a tie.
• Overall Look and Feel: Boat shoes are designed to be a casual and comfortable option. They are often worn without socks and exude a leisurely vibe. When paired with a suit, they can give off an unintended after-hours or off-duty look, detracting from the polished and put-together appearance that a suit typically conveys.
• Alternative Options: There are alternative shoe options that pair better with suits. For a more cohesive look, it is recommended to opt for dress shoes, loafers, or driving moccasins when wearing a suit. These shoes align with the formality and sophistication that a suit entails.

In summary, while boat shoes are versatile and trendy, they are not the best choice to pair with suits. To maintain a well-balanced and stylish outfit, it is advisable to reserve boat shoes for casual occasions and choose alternative footwear when donning a suit.

Frequently asked questions