Boat Shoes: Best Time To Buy?

Boat shoes are a popular footwear choice for men, offering both style and functionality. With a range of brands and styles available, including leather, suede, and canvas options, men's boat shoes are versatile and can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. Whether paired with shorts, jeans, or dress slacks, boat shoes provide a classic and casual look that is perfect for weekends, vacations, or even a night out. While originally designed for wet conditions aboard boats, with features for traction and moisture-wicking, boat shoes have now become a fashion staple, with popular brands such as Sperry, Sebago, and Macy's offering a wide range of styles and colours to choose from.

Leather boat shoes for a dressier look

Leather boat shoes are a great way to elevate your look, adding a dressier feel to your outfit. They are a versatile, low-key classic that belongs in every guy's closet. Whether you're pairing them with a button-front shirt and chinos, or dressing them up with a polo shirt, jeans, and a sports jacket, leather boat shoes are a perfect choice for a polished, put-together look.

Sperry, a brand that has been outfitting men with high-performance, high-style boat shoes for over 80 years, offers a range of leather boat shoes, including their iconic Authentic Original™ Leather Boat Shoe. With its meticulously hand-sewn leather, 360-degree lacing system, and signature outsole with razor-cut wave sipping, the Sperry Authentic Original is a timeless design that never goes out of style.

In addition to Sperry, other brands like G.H. Bass, Dockers, and Dubarry offer leather boat shoes for men. Dubarry's Admirals Ladies Deck Shoe, for example, is a leather deck shoe with two eyelet leather laces, available in a variety of colours including black, brown, burgundy, navy, and walnut.

When it comes to finding the right leather boat shoes, you can choose from a range of styles, colours, and brands to suit your personal taste and wardrobe. Whether you're looking for a casual look or something more dressy, leather boat shoes are a great option to consider. Keep an eye out for sales and discounts, especially during the winter season, to snag a great deal on a pair of leather boat shoes to elevate your style.

Canvas boat shoes for a casual, lightweight option

If you're looking for a casual, lightweight option, canvas boat shoes are a perfect choice. This style is known for its ultra-casual look and versatility, making it a great addition to any man's wardrobe. Here are some highly-rated options for canvas boat shoes:

Sperry

Sperry is a well-known brand when it comes to boat shoes, and they offer a range of canvas options. The Sperry Men's Bahama II Boat Shoe is a popular choice, with a 4.5-star rating from over 2,000 reviews. It offers free delivery and the fastest delivery time. Another option is the Sperry Men's Striper II CVO, which has a 4.5-star rating from over 4,000 reviews and is also available for free delivery.

Bruno Marc

Bruno Marc's Men's Slip-on Canvas Loafers are a casual boat shoe option with a 4.5-star rating from over 2,000 reviews. These shoes offer free delivery and are a great affordable option.

Lands' End

Lands' End Canvas Boat Shoes for men are available in navy blue, tan brown, or grey. They have a 3.9-star rating and offer free delivery.

RYIKA

RYIKA offers a lightweight, non-slip walking shoe with a canvas upper. These shoes have a 4.3-star rating and free delivery.

JAMONWU

JAMONWU's slip-on cloth shoes are a vintage-style casual loafer with a canvas upper. They have a 4.2-star rating and free delivery on orders over $35.

Columbia

Columbia's Men's Slack Tide Boat PFG Shoe is a lightweight option with a canvas upper. They have a 4.5-star rating and free delivery.

In addition to these options, there are various other brands offering canvas boat shoes, including Crocs, Skechers, Margaritaville, and Nautica. With a range of styles, colours, and price points to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect pair of canvas boat shoes to suit your needs.

Slip-on boat shoes for evenings out

Slip-on boat shoes are a versatile option for evenings out, offering both comfort and style. Whether you're dressing up for a night on the town or going for a more casual look, slip-on boat shoes can be a great choice. Here are some tips and suggestions for slip-on boat shoes for evenings out:

Choosing the Right Slip-on Boat Shoes

When selecting slip-on boat shoes for evenings out, consider the following:

• Occasion: Think about the type of event or venue you'll be attending. For a more formal setting, opt for leather boat shoes, which have a polished and elegant look. Canvas boat shoes are better suited for casual evenings out or weekends.
• Colour and Style: Boat shoes come in a variety of colours and styles. For a versatile option that will go with a range of outfits, consider classic colours like brown, tan, or navy. You can also find boat shoes with unique patterns or details if you want to make a statement.
• Comfort: Ensure that the boat shoes you choose are comfortable and provide good support for your feet. Look for features like cushioned insoles, flexible soles, and breathable materials.

Styling Slip-on Boat Shoes for Evenings Out

• Dressing Up: For a dressier look, pair your slip-on boat shoes with a button-down shirt and chinos, or a polo shirt, dark jeans, and a sports jacket. This combination is perfect for a night out at a restaurant or bar.
• Casual Evenings: If you're going for a more casual look, boat shoes can be paired with jeans and a t-shirt or a polo shirt. For a put-together yet relaxed outfit, try rolled-up chinos and a casual button-down shirt.
• Socks: When wearing slip-on boat shoes, it's generally recommended to go without socks or opt for no-show socks. However, if you feel more comfortable with socks, choose a pair that complements the colour of your shoes and pants.

Recommended Slip-on Boat Shoes for Evenings Out

• Sperry Authentic Original: These boat shoes are a classic choice and come in a variety of colours. They offer a flat heel and rubber soles for traction.
• Sperry Gold Cup Boat Shoes: For a more luxurious option, Sperry's Gold Cup boat shoes feature premium materials and elegant styling.
• Rockport Ports of Call Perth: These boat shoes offer a stylish combination of beeswax and dark brown leather. They are a great choice for those who prioritise both fashion and comfort.
• Mephisto Trevis: With a navy nomad colour, these boat shoes will add a sophisticated touch to your evening outfit. They are known for their exceptional comfort and quality.
• Cole Haan Grandpro Winward Boat Shoe: This boat shoe combines style and functionality, featuring a navy blazer, ivory, and Madeira colourway.
• Florsheim Lakeside Slip: If you're looking for a sophisticated option, the Florsheim Lakeside Slip in brown nubuck is an excellent choice. They offer both comfort and style.

Lace-up boat shoes for a classic look

Lace-up boat shoes are a timeless classic that exudes a casual yet polished vibe. Whether you're strolling along the shore or sailing the high seas, a pair of lace-up boat shoes will keep you looking stylish and feeling comfortable. Here's a guide to help you achieve that classic look with lace-up boat shoes.

Choosing the Right Pair

When selecting lace-up boat shoes, opt for renowned brands such as Sperry, Timberland, Polo Ralph Lauren, and G.H. Bass. These brands offer a range of styles and designs to suit your taste. Look for shoes with eye-catching details like eyelet and cord accents, two-tone soles, or hand-stitched elements.

Styling Tips for a Classic Look

To achieve a classic ensemble with your lace-up boat shoes, consider the following tips:

• Pair your leather or suede lace-up boat shoes with a button-front shirt and chinos for a versatile outfit that can take you from day to evening.
• For a more relaxed weekend vibe, opt for canvas lace-up boat shoes with a polo shirt, jeans, and a sports jacket.
• When wearing shorts, swap out your regular socks for no-show socks to maintain a sleek appearance.
• If you're heading to the beach, boat shoes offer better foot support than flip-flops, so consider pairing them with your swim trunks.

Where to Buy

You can find lace-up boat shoes at various retailers, including Amazon, Dillard's, Macy's, and Marks and Spencer. Keep an eye out for sales and discounts, especially during limited-time promotions or clearance events.

Customer Favourites

Some of the top-rated lace-up boat shoes include:

• Sperry Men's Top-Sider Authentic Original 2-Eye Leather Boat Shoes
• Timberland Men's 3-Eye Lug Handsewn Leather Boat Shoes
• Sperry Men's Top-Sider Billfish 3-Eye Boat Shoes
• Polo Ralph Lauren Men's Bienne Leather Boat Shoes
• Sperry Men's Gold Water Resistant Leather Boat Shoes

Boat shoes with light-coloured soles for sailing

Boat shoes are a must-have for sailing enthusiasts, offering both style and functionality. When choosing boat shoes for sailing, it is essential to consider key features such as traction, water resistance, quick-drying material, durability, protection, fit, comfort, and non-marking soles. Light-coloured soles are a preferred choice for sailors to avoid leaving marks on the deck. Here are some recommendations for boat shoes with light-coloured soles, perfect for your sailing adventures:

Sperry Boat Shoes

Sperry is a well-known brand in the world of sailing, offering a range of boat shoes with light-coloured soles. The Sperry Authentic Originals, with their 360-degree skip lacing and rubber soles, are a popular choice for sailors. Sperry also offers the Billfish 3-Eye Boat Shoe and the Gold Cup Boat Shoe, both of which provide excellent traction and feature light-coloured soles. The Gold Cup Boat Shoe, in particular, stands out with its luxurious craftsmanship, combining unmatched comfort, style, and innovation.

Macy's Boat Shoes

Macy's offers a wide range of boat shoes, including the Men's Authentic Original A/O Boat Shoe, Men's Billfish 3-Eye Boat Shoe, and Men's Yarmouth Boat Shoes. These shoes not only offer functionality but also a classic and stylish look. The Men's Yarmouth Boat Shoes, for example, can be paired with a button-front shirt and chinos for a timeless and versatile outfit.

Adidas Cloudfoam Running Shoes

If you're looking for a lightweight and comfortable option, Adidas Cloudfoam running shoes are a great choice. They provide excellent grip with their rubber soles and won't leave marks on the deck. These shoes are perfect for sailing and can also double as your go-to running shoes.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Tops

Converse All Star Low Tops are a surprising favourite among sailboat racers and cruisers. They offer non-marking soles and great traction at a budget-friendly price. While they take a while to dry, they are an excellent choice for shorter sailing trips or fair weather conditions.

Traditional Leather Boat Shoes

For a classic look, traditional leather boat shoes are a great option. These shoes are designed for use on board and feature non-marking soles. Leather boat shoes tend to be more expensive and require regular cleaning and care to maintain their condition. However, they are a good choice for sailing in various climates and can be worn during the cooler months as well as in the summer.

Frequently asked questions