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I’ve owned many pairs of boat shoes and set sail a few times in the past, but it was a couple of weeks ago when I used them for their intended purpose. I took a weekend trip to Rockaway Beach, where my pals and I decided to go fishing, the first time I had done so in my life. Admittedly, I was there for the vibe. The ones who were actually casting a line wore closed-toe, ankle-length rubber boots. I was there to lounge, drink chilled Corona Lights, and flirt with the captain. My tan leather Sperry boat shoes were primed for that activity.
Best Affordable Leather Boat Shoes
G.H.Bass Hampton Boat Shoes
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Best Colorblocked Boat Shoes
Barbour Capstan Leather Boat Shoes
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Best Shock-Absorbing Boat Shoes
Cole Haan 4.ZeroGrand Regatta Boat Shoes
Read more
Best Waterproof Boat Shoes
Swims Waterproof Braided-Lace Boat Shoes
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Best Overall Boat Shoes
Sperry Top Sider Authentic Original Boat Shoes
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Some background: In 1935, Paul A. Sperry observed his dog running across ice without taking a tumble. So, he took a knife and cut slits into the rubber soles of his moccasins, mimicking the paws of his canine companion and boosting traction considerably. As a result, the style—which also featured a 360-degree lacing system for a firmer grip—gained popularity among seafarers. Now, the standard boat shoe is marked by its design more so than its purpose. Yes, it is still a moccasin with a grippy sole and innovative lacing, but it's worn in any and every scenario imaginable.
The boat shoe has basically become the signature shoe of summer, a style that can be worn while eating two scoops of gelato at a restaurant in the city or flirting with a sea captain while sailing the ocean blue. And if you’re looking to partake in either of these fun pursuits—or, you know, anything else—make sure to check out the selection of boat shoes below.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable rubber sole
Cons
Tommy Hilfiger knows nautical life, and it brings its classic approach to footwear. Color-blocked shades of white and navy, along with the brand's signature flag, are easy for wearing with any summer outfit.
Best Affordable Leather Boat Shoes
G.H.Bass Hampton Boat Shoes
Best Affordable Leather Boat Shoes
G.H.Bass Hampton Boat Shoes
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Brand cachet
Cons
When it comes to loafers, G.H.Bass is the veritable OG, a brand that offers the utmost quality at a price that's so good that it's hard to believe. Its boat shoes fit the same bill.
Best Suede Boat Shoes
Sebago Portland Boat Shoes
Best Suede Boat Shoes
Sebago Portland Boat Shoes
Pros
- Grained leather lining
- Treaded rubber sole
Cons
Sebago has been around since 1946, offering classic styles that could work for both casual and formal-ish settings. Case in point: these beautiful suede boat shoes.
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Most Reliable Boat Shoes
L.L.Bean Casco Bay Boat Shoes
Most Reliable Boat Shoes
L.L.Bean Casco Bay Boat Shoes
Pros
- Siped-rubber outsoles
- Sock liner
Cons
L.L.Bean, for more than a century, has been offering everything from boots and sandals to cargos and swim shorts. It may be best known for its cold-weather styles, seeing how it’s based in New England, but its boat shoes are pretty fabulous, too.
Best Colorblocked Boat Shoes
Barbour Capstan Leather Boat Shoes
Best Colorblocked Boat Shoes
Barbour Capstan Leather Boat Shoes
Pros
- Breathable lining
- Lightweight
Cons
Like The Bean, Barbour is also renowned for its styles for the winter months, offering kinds of pieces that are insulating, durable, and lightweight. The same could be said of its boat shoes—sans the insulation bit, of course.
Best Tonal Boat Shoes
Rockport Perth Boat Shoes
Best Tonal Boat Shoes
Rockport Perth Boat Shoes
Pros
- Rich Patina
- Durable
Cons
With a name like Rockport, it should come as no surprise that the brand offers an incredible selection of seaport-ready boat shoes. This one, with its bark- and chocolate-hued leather uppers, is particularly striking.
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Best Shock-Absorbing Boat Shoes
Cole Haan 4.ZeroGrand Regatta Boat Shoes
Best Shock-Absorbing Boat Shoes
Cole Haan 4.ZeroGrand Regatta Boat Shoes
Now 50% Off
Pros
- Quick-drying mesh upper
- Shock-absorbing insole
- Water drainage at the outsole
Cons
For some time now, Cole Haan's GRANDFØAM—the brand's proprietary technology that offers incredible comfort and shock-absorbing capabilities—has seen its way onto all kids of footwear, including boat shoes.
Best Waterproof Boat Shoes
Swims Waterproof Braided-Lace Boat Shoes
Best Waterproof Boat Shoes
Swims Waterproof Braided-Lace Boat Shoes
Pros
- Waterproof upper
- Ventilation and drainage system
Cons
If you're looking to hit the high seas and literally get your feet wet, Swims's ventilating, waterproof boat shoes are just what you need.
Best Overall Boat Shoes
Sperry Top Sider Authentic Original Boat Shoes
Pros
- Siped outsole for traction
- Hand-sewn construction
Cons
If you're looking for the real-deal boat shoe, the one that started it all, Sperry is the name to know. And now, several decades later, the brand is still offering the style in a variety of colors and materials.
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Best Everyday Boat Shoes
Rhodes Footwear Tahoe Boat Shoe
Pros
- Synthetic Vibram Gumlite outsoles
- Cemented storm welt construction
Cons
Rhodes seldom disappoints, offering styles that are as heavy-duty as they are comfortable. Factor in their handsome look, and you have shoes that you'll want to wear all day, every day.
Best City-Friendly Boat Shoes
Timberland Authentic 3-Eye Classic Lug Boat Shoe
Best City-Friendly Boat Shoes
Timberland Authentic 3-Eye Classic Lug Boat Shoe
Pros
- Lug Rubber Outsole
- EVA footbed
Cons
Timberland brings its signature lug sole to the seafaring style. If you're more likely to be stomping along the city streets than stepping foot on the main deck, this is the boat shoe for you.
Most Elegant Boat Shoes
Scarosso Jude Boat Shoes
Most Elegant Boat Shoes
Scarosso Jude Boat Shoes
Pros
- Breathable insole
- Hand-crafted construction
Cons
For Scarosso, the devil is always in the details. The Italian footwear label hand-makes all its collections in Montegranaro using age-old techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.
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Most Comfortable Boat Shoes
Samuel Hubbard New Endeavor Moc Toe Boat Shoes
Most Comfortable Boat Shoes
Samuel Hubbard New Endeavor Moc Toe Boat Shoes
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Triple-density foam insole
- Water-repellent leather
Cons
As with most styles made by Samuel Hubbard, these boat shoes feature triple-density foam insole. Which means they are mighty comfortable.
Best Anti-Slip Boat Shoes
Quoddy Head Boat Shoes
Best Anti-Slip Boat Shoes
Quoddy Head Boat Shoes
Pros
- Anti-slip rubber sole
- Cushioned insole
Cons
Quoddy specializes in creating quintessential New England styles. Which means that its boat shoes are as authentic as it gets.
Best Luxury Boat Shoes
Manolo Blanik Sidmouth Croc-Effect Nubuck Boat Shoes
Best Luxury Boat Shoes
Manolo Blanik Sidmouth Croc-Effect Nubuck Boat Shoes
Now 60% Off
Pros
- Croc-effect nubuck
- Firm rubber soles
Cons
Manolo Blanik, maker of some of the toniest footwear around, always brings the drama with its designs. I mean, it really doesn't get anymore dramatic than croc-effect nubuck leather.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a boat shoe enthusiast and expert, I can confidently say that I have a deep knowledge and understanding of this topic. I have owned numerous pairs of boat shoes and have even had the opportunity to set sail a few times in the past. However, it was during a recent weekend trip to Rockaway Beach that I truly experienced the intended purpose of these shoes.
While my friends were busy casting their fishing lines wearing closed-toe, ankle-length rubber boots, I was there to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, sip chilled Corona Lights, and flirt with the captain. My tan leather Sperry boat shoes were the perfect choice for this activity.
Boat shoes, originally designed by Paul A. Sperry in 1935, were inspired by his observation of his dog running across ice without slipping. He mimicked the dog's paw design by cutting slits into the rubber soles of his moccasins, thus creating a shoe with enhanced traction. This innovative design, coupled with a 360-degree lacing system for a secure grip, quickly gained popularity among seafarers.
Today, boat shoes are not limited to their original purpose. They have become a signature shoe of summer, suitable for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying gelato at a city restaurant or sailing the ocean blue, boat shoes are a versatile and stylish choice.
Now, let's dive into some specific concepts mentioned in the article:
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Best Affordable Canvas Boat Shoes: The Tommy Hilfiger Panly Boat Shoes, available for $52 on Amazon, offer a classic nautical style with color-blocked shades of white and navy.
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Best Affordable Leather Boat Shoes: G.H. Bass Hampton Boat Shoes, priced at $179 on ghbass.com, provide comfort and brand cachet, making them a great option for loafers.
-
Best Suede Boat Shoes: The Sebago Portland Boat Shoes, available for $160 on Ssense, feature grained leather lining and a treaded rubber sole, making them suitable for both casual and formal settings.
-
Most Reliable Boat Shoes: The L.L.Bean Casco Bay Boat Shoes, priced at $99 on L.L.Bean, offer siped-rubber outsoles and a sock liner, ensuring durability and comfort.
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Best Colorblocked Boat Shoes: The Barbour Capstan Leather Boat Shoes, available for $130 at Saks Fifth Avenue, feature a breathable lining and lightweight construction, perfect for any season.
-
Best Tonal Boat Shoes: The Rockport Perth Boat Shoes, priced at $150 on Nordstrom, boast a rich patina and durable construction, making them a standout choice.
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Best Shock-Absorbing Boat Shoes: The Cole Haan 4.ZeroGrand Regatta Boat Shoes, available for $70 on Nordstrom, feature quick-drying mesh uppers and a shock-absorbing insole, ensuring comfort during long hours on the boat.
-
Best Waterproof Boat Shoes: The Swims Waterproof Braided-Lace Boat Shoes, priced at $160 on Saks Fifth Avenue, offer a waterproof upper and ventilation and drainage systems, perfect for those who love being on the water.
-
Best Overall Boat Shoes: The Sperry Top Sider Authentic Original Boat Shoes, available for $110 on Sperry, feature a siped outsole for traction and hand-sewn construction, making them the epitome of classic boat shoes.
-
Best Everyday Boat Shoes: The Rhodes Footwear Tahoe Boat Shoe, priced at $122 on Huckberry, boasts synthetic Vibram Gumlite outsoles and cemented storm welt construction, ensuring durability for everyday wear.
These are just a few examples of the boat shoes mentioned in the article. Each pair offers unique features and styles to cater to different preferences and needs. Whether you're seeking affordability, reliability, or comfort, there is a boat shoe out there for everyone. So, go ahead and find the perfect pair to accompany you on your next adventure, whether it's on land or at sea.
