The original designers of boat shoes targeted sailors who needed footwear that solved the challenge of slippery decks when on the sea. In 1935 a natural grip in the dog feet of sailor Paul Sperry inspired him to mimic it by carving treads on the rubber soles at the bottom of his shoes to improve traction.
Boat shoes gained fame in the 1970s when they evolved to become stylish footwear across the globe. Makers use water-resistant leather with rubber soles. Many contemporary boat shoe styles do not use canvas in place of leather. Canvas is not water-resistant but has the advantage of drying quickly.
Boat shoes, especially for men, have become a part of summer wear because of the fit with different attires. The style and functionality make boat shoes excellent footwear for men who want to make a statement on owning a sense of style in summer.
Boat Shoe Styles
Boat shoes were for maritime activities, and that is why wearers can get them wet, although it is crucial to protect them from large amounts of water. However, they still fit other non-maritime activities. They are ideal for a business-casual dress code at work because they add a stylish touch without appearing too corporate. Boat shoes are versatile enough for wearers to pair them with these wardrobe pieces:
- Trousers: Boat shoes look great when worn with cropped styles, tapered trousers, or trousers with slightly rolled-up cuffs. The shoes look their best when the stitching and laces are on show.
- Socks: Many wear boat shoes without socks because they are comfortable and airy. Nonetheless, wearers can wear them with invisible socks for added comfort and create a classic look. Graphic sports or white crew socks create a preppy 1980′s style.
- Shorts: Boat shoes are a great pairing with shorts to smarten a summer look instantly. The options are to wear them with tailored shorts in a contrasting or complementary color. They can also pair casual boat shoes with cargo or denim shoes.
- Jeans: Denim creates a relaxed summer look, especially after rolling up the jeans to showcase the boat shoes. A summer shirt, plain t-shirt, or jumper portrays a smart-casual look. A tan pair with team blue jeans brings out a smart look.
- Chinos: Boat shoes match well with chinos, especially with color contrasts. For instance, one can try a natural hued shoe with bright colored chinos. A polo shirt in the day or a button-down long-sleeved shirt in the evening completes a classic look.
Best Boat Shoe Brands
A good pair of boat shoes should have proper fitting, traction, style, and durability. Shoppers need to check out these top brands.
- Sperry Original Top-Sider Classic Boat Shoes: A classic boating shoe with a two-eyelet design is simple to wear or take off. This brand is well known. It helped to spread the popularity of men′s boat shoes and is still attractive. A rubber sole allows an excellent grip on different surfaces, and the shoe is available in more than 20 color schemes.
- Dockers Vargas Boat shoes: This shoe holds well on a deck and is available in plenty of styles that fit casual everyday wear. It fits well with anything from shorts to jeans. The soft, flexible leather together with an EVA footbed creates excellent comfort. Strong rubber outsoles prevent slipping and do not leave marks on a boat surface.
- Sperry Billfish Boat shoes: Sperry Billfish has mesh sides that allow extra breathability that is ventilated. The design also helps with quick-drying if the feet get wet. Billfish also has an appealing appearance with leather upper, hand sewn construction, and a 3600 lacing system for fit adjustment. The latest model has three rust-proof eyelets. Quality rubber sole with wave-sipping gives excellent traction.
- Sperry Angelfish Women Boat Shoes: Sperry Angelfish suit women as they have a round lacing system to allow excellent fitting to the feet. The 3600 lacing is adjustable to enhance the overall look, secure a strong grip, and perfectly fit the feet. The shoe is durable because makers use high-quality leather that keeps the show scratch-free and well protected.
- Sketchers Go Walk Lite Boat Shoes: These boat shoes have a feminine style with 5Gen cushioning to allow complete maneuverability of the feet. They are an excellent option for those who want to avoid thick materials. Skechers manufacturers use soft textiles to eliminate hardness against the skin and provide maximum comfort. A lightweight synthetic sole allows maneuverability and a secure movement around a boat. A Goga max rebound insole acts as a gentle and soft base for the feet. The 100% textile exterior increases resistance to scratches and stains to increase durability. A synthetic sole makes the shoe to be abrasion-resistant.
- Boat shoes are suitable for comfort during strolls. They allow wearers to look smart without compromising on personal style.
