Boat Shoes Heel Wiggle: Why The Design?

Boat shoes are a type of moccasin-like footwear that are typically made with canvas or leather and are often worn without socks. While they are designed to be worn as slip-ons, one of the most common issues with boat shoes is that they can be loose in the heel, causing blisters and making it difficult to walk without the shoes slipping off. This is often due to the unique geometry of people's feet, with some having narrower heels or wider toe boxes, which can create an air gap between the skin of the heel and the material of the shoe.

To address this issue, some people opt for insoles or pads to help fill the gap and create a snugger fit. Others choose to wear low-cut socks or use products like Gold Bond powder or Vaseline to reduce friction and moisture. Additionally, it is recommended to break in boat shoes slowly, wearing them for short periods at first and gradually increasing the duration until they conform to the shape of the foot.

Boat shoes are designed to be worn without socks, which can cause blisters and rubbing

Boat shoes are designed to be worn without socks, but this can cause blisters and rubbing. This is due to the unique geometry of people's feet. For example, if someone has narrower heels and wider toes, their feet may not make good pressured contact with the heel collar and counter of the shoe. This can lead to an air gap between the skin of the heel and the material of the shoe, causing the heel to slip around and creating blisters and rubbing.

To prevent blisters and rubbing, it is recommended to go for a snugger fit when choosing boat shoes. It is also important to make sure that the heel doesn't move around too much when trying on the shoes. If blisters do occur, covering them with moleskin or a band-aid can help. Additionally, wearing no-show socks or using insoles can help reduce friction and prevent blisters.

Boat shoes are typically made with either canvas or leather, with leather being the more traditional and durable option. Leather boat shoes can be stiff and uncomfortable at first, but they will stretch and conform to the shape of the foot over time. To accelerate the breaking-in process, some people recommend soaking the shoes in water and wearing them until they dry.

Overall, while boat shoes may cause blisters and rubbing when worn without socks, there are several ways to mitigate these issues and achieve a comfortable fit.

The shape of the foot can cause an air gap between the heel and shoe, leading to slipping

The shape of the foot can be a significant factor in the occurrence of air gaps between the heel and the shoe, which can lead to slipping and an uncomfortable walking experience. This is often due to the heel being narrower than average or the toe box being wider, resulting in a more triangular foot shape. This geometry prevents the heel from making sufficient contact with the heel collar and counter, creating an air gap that hinders a secure fit.

The consequences of this gap can include not only slipping but also rubbing, blistering, and the heel popping out of the shoe. While laces can help reduce the gap, they may not be sufficient, especially in boat shoes with minimal or no lacing. This issue is exacerbated in non-padded shoes, such as dress shoes, loafers, and boat shoes, where there is less room for error.

To address this problem, individuals can try using pads, insoles, or artificial skin coverings like "moleskin" or band-aids. However, these solutions may not always be effective, especially in hot and sweaty conditions. Another approach is to opt for shoes with laces, as the ability to tighten the laces can reduce air gaps and provide a more secure fit.

Additionally, it is worth noting that most shoe manufacturers design their footwear for "average" heels, and around 25% of individuals would benefit from a slimmer-designed heel cup. As a result, those with narrower heels often encounter issues with off-the-shelf shoes, including boat shoes, that do not provide an optimal fit.

Boat shoes are often worn in warmer weather, making feet sweat and the shoes smell

Boat shoes are a popular choice for men in warmer weather, but they can make your feet sweat and the shoes start to smell. This is due to the soft, thin leather and low-cut design of boat shoes, which also makes them unsuitable for colder weather.

Boat shoes are typically worn without socks, which can lead to sweating and odour issues. However, wearing socks with boat shoes can be uncomfortable, especially in warm weather, and it may be difficult to find socks that don't show.

There are several ways to prevent your boat shoes from smelling:

• Wash your feet properly after each wear.
• Use a foot antiperspirant or deodorant.
• Put powder on your feet before wearing the shoes.
• Swap out the insoles for odour-fighting insoles.
• Wear no-show socks designed for boat shoes.
• Place deodorising charcoal sachets in your shoes overnight.
• Invest in a second pair and alternate their use.

Additionally, it's important to choose the right size and material for your boat shoes. While boat shoes are available in both canvas and leather, leather is generally recommended as it is more durable, pairs better with dressier clothes, and is more breathable, which can help reduce sweating. When choosing the size, it's advisable to go for a snugger fit as boat shoes tend to stretch and get looser over time.

The leather material of boat shoes can take a while to break in and mould to the wearer's feet

Boat shoes are made with both canvas and leather, with the latter being the most traditional and quintessential material. The leather used for boat shoes can be a little stiff at first, and it can take some time to break in and mould to the wearer's feet. This process can take anywhere from a week to a month, depending on how often the shoes are worn.

When you first get a pair of boat shoes, it's a good idea to feel around them with your fingers for any hard spots in the leather and massage them out. You should also check inside the shoe for any pointy thread ends that could irritate your feet and snip them off. Initially, you may only want to wear your new boat shoes for short periods at home or on quick errands to avoid creating hotspots or blisters. If blisters do occur, cover them with a product like moleskin or a plaster, and continue wearing the shoes to help them mould to your feet.

To speed up the process of breaking in your boat shoes, some people recommend soaking the shoes in water and then wearing them until they're dry. This allows the leather fibres to stretch and shrink to the shape of your feet. However, it's important to note that this method may not be suitable for all types of leather, and it's always a good idea to check with the manufacturer or a leather expert before attempting it.

It's worth noting that boat shoes are designed to be worn without socks, and wearing them with socks may affect how they mould to your feet. Additionally, the type of leather used can impact the break-in period, with Horween Chromexcel leather, for example, being softer from the start and breaking in faster due to the amount of greases and oils it's made with.

Boat shoes are casual footwear, but can be dressed up slightly; they are best worn in the summer

Boat shoes are casual footwear that can be dressed up slightly and are best worn in the summer. They are a versatile shoe that can be worn in a variety of settings, from the beach to the office, and can be paired with different types of clothing to create a range of looks.

Boat shoes have a distinct style, typically made with a soft rubber sole and an upper section of treated leather or canvas. They are characterised by their low-cut, hand-sewn construction, white non-skid rubber sole, and laces that run through 2-3 eyelets on top of the shoes and in and out of their sides. This 360-degree lacing configuration allows for a tighter fit.

When choosing a pair of boat shoes, opt for leather over canvas as it is more durable, snazzier, and can be paired with slightly dressier clothes. Go for a darker brown colour as it is the most classic and versatile, and will go with almost everything. Navy is a good alternative, pairing well with burgundy and grey bottoms. Avoid black boat shoes as they do not go well with khaki-coloured bottoms.

In terms of fit, boat shoes should be snug, especially if you plan on wearing them without socks. Make sure the heel doesn't move around too much to avoid blisters. Boat shoes tend to stretch and conform to your foot over time, so it's important to choose a pair that feels comfortable and is not too tight or too loose.

When it comes to styling, boat shoes can be dressed up or down. They pair well with jeans, chinos, or trousers, and can be worn with or without socks. If wearing socks, opt for no-show socks or a terry cotton liner to avoid ruining the look. Boat shoes also go well with shorts, adding a touch of maturity to the outfit. For a summer vibe, pair navy, tan, white, or pale blue boat shoes with shorts.

While boat shoes are casual footwear, they can be dressed up slightly. They can be worn in a business casual setting, pairing well with dark navy, greys, and blacks. They can also be worn with a blazer, but it is important to dress down the rest of the outfit to maintain a casual look. Avoid wearing boat shoes with a suit or tie as they are not formal enough for such occasions.

Boat shoes are best worn in warmer weather due to their low cut and softer, thinner leather. They are perfect for summer and pair well with lightweight pants and shorts. Avoid wearing them in winter or colder climates as they won't provide enough warmth and won't pair well with thicker fabrics.

Frequently asked questions