Boat Shoes: From Sea To Land, Who's Wearing Them?

Boat shoes have become a staple in many wardrobes, but who wears them on land? Originally designed for sailors and boaters to prevent slipping on boat decks, boat shoes are now worn by people both in and outside of the boating world. They are a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and stylish shoe to wear on land, especially during the summer months. While some may associate them with a preppy look, others argue that they can be styled in a way that tones down this association. Love them or hate them, boat shoes are here to stay as a classic casual shoe option.

Boat shoes: a men's wardrobe staple?

Boat shoes have gone from being purely work/utility wear to a staple in many men's wardrobes. They are a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. But are they a wardrobe staple for men?

The History of Boat Shoes

The boat shoe, also known as the deck shoe and top-sider, was originally made for sailors and boaters who needed a shoe with a good grip that would prevent them from slipping on the boat deck. In the early 1930s, Paul Sperry, a sailor himself, noticed his dog's ability to run over icy ground without slipping. He examined the dog's paws and noted that the cracks and grooves on their pads provided a natural non-slip surface. Inspired by this, Sperry designed the "Sperry Top-Sider" shoe with a white rubber sole cut in a trademark herringbone pattern. After this final modification, his shoes gained momentum and became the next big trend among sailors and boaters.

Boat Shoes Today

Today, boat shoes are worn by boaters and non-boaters alike, both for functional and aesthetic reasons. They are commonly worn during travel, to the beach, to the office, and even on dates. They are versatile, comfortable, and easy to style.

Styling Boat Shoes

When styling boat shoes, it is important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, they are best worn in warmer weather and with lightweight pants or shorts. Secondly, they should be paired with nicer casual clothes such as polo shirts, button-down shirts, or henley shirts, and well-fitted jeans, khakis, or shorts. It is also important to ensure that the colour of the boat shoes contrasts with that of the pants. Lastly, while boat shoes can be worn with socks, it is generally recommended to go sockless or to wear no-show socks to maintain the casual and summery look of the shoe.

Boat shoes are a versatile, comfortable, and stylish option for men, offering a smart-casual look that can be dressed up or down. They are a great alternative to sneakers and sandals, and their functionality and aesthetic make them a good choice for various occasions. Therefore, they can definitely be considered a staple in a man's wardrobe, providing flexibility and style.

Boat shoes: the history

Boat shoes, also known as deck shoes or top-siders, were invented in 1935 by American Paul A. Sperry of 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 his dog's ability to easily run across ice without slipping. Upon closer inspection, he realised that the natural cracks and grooves on his dog's paws formed a pattern that gave it grip.

Inspired by his dog's performance, Sperry used a penknife to cut grooves into the rubber soles of his shoes. This process, called siping, 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. However, his black-soled boat shoes left unsightly marks on the boat deck. To address this, he switched to white rubber soles, and the modern boat shoe was born. Sperry introduced the Sperry Top-Sider shoe in 1935, with mid-to-dark-brown leather uppers and a white rubber sole.

In 1939, the U.S. Navy negotiated a deal to manufacture Top-Siders for its sailors. Sperry eventually sold his business to the U.S. Rubber Company, which marketed Sperry Top-Siders throughout America. In 1979, the company was sold again to Stride Rite.

It wasn't until the 1980s that boat shoes reached trendy status, when they were featured in "The Official Preppy Handbook" by Lisa Birnbach. From there, their popularity exploded, and they became a staple of East Coast preppy style in the summer. Today, boat shoes are worn by both men and women and have become a classic casual shoe trend, offering flexibility in terms of style and comfort.

Boat shoes: to sock or not to sock?

Boat shoes are a popular footwear choice for many, but should you wear socks with them? Well, it depends.

Boat shoes were originally designed for sailors and boaters to prevent slipping on boat decks. They are typically made from leather and are unlined to allow for comfort and flexibility. Due to their maritime heritage, boat shoes are often worn without socks. Going sockless helps keep your feet cool and gives off a classic maritime look.

However, wearing boat shoes without socks can lead to odour issues and sweaty feet. Some people choose to wear no-show socks or liner socks to combat these issues while maintaining the sockless aesthetic. If you feel weird about wearing shoes without socks, or want an extra layer for hygiene purposes, this is a good option. Just make sure the colour of the socks roughly matches the colour of the shoe's outer or lining, as they may still be visible from certain angles.

If you're going for an 80s preppy look, socks and boat shoes are definitely part of the uniform. In this case, make sure they are a good pair of socks, not an old, well-worn pair. You can also wear boat shoes with socks if you live in a colder climate, like Canada, where it's cold for most of the year.

So, what's the verdict? Ultimately, it's up to you. Boat shoes can be worn with or without socks, depending on your personal preference and the climate you live in. If you want to go sockless, consider using no-show socks or inserts to help with odour and sweat. If you choose to wear socks, make sure they complement your outfit and are in good condition.

Boat shoes: the best materials

Boat shoes are a unique blend of style and comfort. They are designed with a low cut and a rubber sole, which makes them non-skid and soft. The best boat shoes are worth their weight in gold. They protect your feet from damage, reduce shock and save you from slipping on a boat's slimy deck.

When choosing the best boat shoes, it is important to consider the quality of the materials. The boat deck is usually wet, so the materials used should provide safety and comfort. There are two types of materials used for boat shoes: leather and canvas.

Leather is the most common material used for boat shoes. Here are the different types of leather that can be used:

• Full-grain leather is the thickest cowhide, ensuring maximum durability. Shoes made from this material provide a soft feeling and become more comfortable over time.
• Top-grain leather is made from thick hide but has a different tanning process from full-grain leather. It is also used in making high-quality shoes.
• Genuine leather is considered the poorest standard of leather as it is prone to cracking. Shoes made from this material will only last one summer season.
• Suede leather is renowned for its soft, smooth feeling. It provides the shoes with a casual look and a warm texture. It is available in lighter colours, making it a good choice for sailing and fishing in the summer.
• Nubuck leather is found on the outer part of the hide and has excellent texture. It is more durable than suede due to differences in processing. It is a little more expensive but will ensure that your shoes last longer.

Canvas is another material used for boat shoes. It is lightweight, breathable and durable. It is also comfortable and easy to maintain. Canvas shoes are ideal for users who want a vintage appearance. They are also budget-friendly.

When choosing the colour of your boat shoes, dark brown is considered the most versatile and classic colour. It can be used with any type of clothing. Navy is another good option, especially for khaki-coloured bottoms. However, it does not go well with denim.

In addition to the material and colour, it is important to consider the fit of the boat shoes. They should be tight enough at the heel to deal with stress and not slip off your ankle. There should be at least a half-inch gap between your big toe and the top of the shoe when you stand straight. The ball of your foot should fit appropriately into the broadest part of the shoe.

Boat shoes also come in different styles: casual, comfort, athletic and outdoor. Casual boat shoes add extra sophistication to your look, while comfort boat shoes are designed with a thicker insole and cushioned outsole for daily use. Athletic boat shoes are suitable for sailing and fishing, while outdoor boat shoes are made for long hours of walking.

When it comes to the sole of the shoe, rubber is commonly used as it provides a tight grip and protects you from slipping on the boat's slippery surface. Look for siping, which helps to improve traction on slippery areas and push away water from your shoes.

In terms of maintenance, boat shoes should be brushed to wipe away dirt and debris. Conditioners and oils can be applied to leather shoes to prevent them from drying out. Wet shoes should be dried in an airy place, avoiding direct sunlight.

Boat shoes: the best colours

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe trend in the menswear world. They are a great choice for men's summer footwear, especially if you want to go sockless and wear shorts.

The best colours for boat shoes are darker shades, such as brown or navy. Brown is the most classic and versatile colour, pairing well with nearly everything. Navy is a close second, looking great with burgundy, grey, and khaki-coloured trousers, but less so with denim.

If you want to wear boat shoes with jeans, opt for a dark blue denim in a classic, straight-leg cut. For a more effortless, nautical look, try cuffing the hems of your jeans to draw attention to the shoes.

When wearing boat shoes with colourful chinos, ensure there is a contrast between the colours of your trousers and shoes. For instance, if you're wearing bold red or green chinos, opt for a more neutral shoe colour like brown.

Boat shoes also come in canvas, which offers a wider range of colour options. However, leather is the most traditional and quintessential material for boat shoes, giving them a snazzier look and allowing them to be paired with slightly dressier outfits.

If you're looking for a pair of boat shoes that will go with everything, you can't go wrong with the traditional colourway of dark brown with a white sole.

Frequently asked questions