Considered a boating classic, preppy wardrobe staple and an American icon, the boat shoe (or deck shoe) is a casual style with the original purpose of enabling safe treading on slippery boat decks. Made to be worn sockless, the archetypal rendition is a unlined moc toe with a rugged water-repellent leather upper.
Which brand has the best boat shoes?
- Best Overall. Sperry. Authentic Original Boat Shoe.
- Best Active Boat Shoes. Allbirds. Tree Skipper Shoes for Men.
- Best Sport Boat Shoe. Sperry. Wave Rocker.
- Best High-end Boat Shoe. Rancourt x J.Crew.
- Best Budget Boat Shoe. Hey Dude.
- L.L.Bean. Wellie Sport Shoes, Slip-On.
- Rhodes Footwear. Tahoe Boat Shoe.
- Sperry. Water Strider.
What color boat shoes are best?
Choosing Boat Shoes
Light or dark brown leather is the most common and traditional boat shoe material. Brown boat shoes are a great choice because they pair well with a variety of outfits—such as jeans and a T-shirt or a button-up and shorts. Plus, this color shows the least amount of stains.
What’s the difference between a boat shoe and a deck shoe?
Boat shoes, also known as deck shoes, top-siders or sailor shoes, often have 360-degree laces, where the laces actually thread around the heel of the shoe. These guys also come from the 1930s, and were originally designed to help sailors grip a ship’s deck.
What is the classic boat shoe? – Related Questions
What kind of people wear boat shoes?
Today, they are commonly used by boaters and non-boaters alike, both for functional and aesthetic reasons. We want you to look your best when wearing these shoes, and there are definitely some things to keep in mind so you look more “yacht owner” and less “reliving college.”
Is it OK to wear boat shoes with jeans?
First up, boat shoes look great on men when paired with jeans, chinos or shorts. For women, these shoes work well with cropped or cuffed denim but also can be worn with skirts, casual dresses, shorts and khakis, too. Remember: Boat shoes are pretty casual, so the outfit itself should be casual, as well.
What makes a shoe a boat shoe?
Boat shoes (also known as deck shoes) are typically canvas or leather with non-marking rubber soles designed for use on a boat.
What are considered deck shoes?
Definition of ‘deck shoe’
Deck shoes are flat casual shoes made of canvas or leather.
Why are they called deck shoes?
Also known as a deck shoe or top-sider, the shoe that was originally designed and introduced by Paul Sperry in 1935 for function on slippery boat decks – a shoe also picked up by U.S. Navy for its sailors in 1939 – has today become a wardrobe staple.
Can you walk on water with boat shoes?
Your boat shoes, can handle water and will eventually dry, with a finish that looks even better than they did pre-splash (in our humble opinion). But they won’t actually keep your feet dry. If you do happen to get them wet, don’t stress.
Should you wear socks when wearing boat shoes?
Boat shoes are designed to be comfy and airy without socks, and most people keep their ankles bare for the classic maritime look – preferably with no-show socks. If you’re going for an 80s preppy look, however, socks and boat shoes are definitely part of the uniform.
Do guys wear socks with boat shoes?
Not wearing socks with boat shoes can be unhealthy.
A quality pair of socks will ensure your feet stay comfortable, dry and most importantly, healthy. Wear socks with boat shoes to avoid athlete’s foot and other podiatric health issues.
Are boat shoes worth it?
After all, boat shoes—being made of leather—look great at the office and out on the town once work ends. But unlike many dress shoes, boat shoes are very comfortable and help keep the feet cool. Moreover, unlike most loafers and other dress shoes, boat shoes have very good traction even in wet conditions.
Should boat shoes be tight or loose?
Boat shoes shouldn’t fit too differently from normal shoes, but you want to go for a little snugger fit than you usually would because they will stretch out and get looser as you wear them; you’ll often need to go a half size down from your normal size, and if you’re between sizes, go with the smaller of the two.
Do boat shoes get smelly?
Because boat shoes have a breathable leather material, it makes them some of the best shoes for guys to wear without socks. After all, there’s a reason they’re Zappos’ best-selling shoe for men year after year. But like any other shoe you wear almost daily, they can stink up if you don’t take care of them.
Can you wear boat shoes with a T shirt?
Wear them instead of trainers. “Boat shoes are smarter than trainers, but they’re not smart-casual,” Luke says. “When you’re wearing an outfit that you’d usually wear with trainers—for instance, a t-shirt and jeans, or a shirt and shorts—swap in boat shoes and you’ll look slightly smarter.
Why do boat shoes have laces on the side?
To create a tight fit, boat shoes usually have laces that run through the sides of the shoes, in addition to them running through eyelets. This allows boat shoes to be stable and secure even on slippery surfaces.
Why do people not wear shoes on boats?
Shoes can dent or scuff teak decks, so many yachts will have a barefoot policy that needs to be adhered to while on board.
How do you style mens boat shoes?
Ideal for hot weather, boat shoes are sure to impress with a linen shirt and suit trousers. To make a statement and cultivate a preppy look, try a pair of shorts with a suit jacket. For a more casual vibe, opt for a colourful chino and a cotton t-shirt.
What can I wear with brown boat shoes?
Boat shoes tend to be brown or blue, but brown boat shoes can make for a striking look. Most trousers and shorts will work well with brown shoes. White trousers can give a particularly dazzling contrast, and don’t shy away from brown or pale blue pants. Avoid blue jeans though.