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Which boat shoes are the best? Boat shoes have the aesthetics and functionality you’d want in a pair of shoes, plus they work well on slippery surfaces. In this article, I’ll list the best boat shoes to save you time in your search.
Sperry offers this boat shoe in several colors and pattern styles, so you’ll surely find something that suits your lifestyle.
The Authentic Original comes with comfortable all-leather construction and a style that is so versatile that you can pair it with any ensemble from business to casual.
Next on our list of which boat shoes are the best are the Crocs Santa Cruz boat shoes. The Crocs Men’s Santa Cruz Boat Shoe is another excellent pair of boat shoes.
Crocs is a brand known for making comfortable (and not so fashionable) footwear. The shoe design may be an essential factor that plays in your decision, but support and comfort should also be on top of your list.
These boat shoes combine a pleasing design with high-quality materials to ensure their longevity and comfort. It can provide you with one of the best levels of support, thanks to its memory foam, and will last you a long time.
3. Sebago Men’s Docksides Boat Shoe
The Sebago Docksides Boat Shoe has a rugged, outdoorsy appeal but still has that refined fashion sense to it. You can wear them with trendy socks or without.
They also go well with almost everything, from jeans and trousers, and yes, even shorts. These boat shoes are simple, convenient, and comfortable to use and will look even better beaten up.
4. Timberland Men’s Piper Cove Boat Shoe
The Timberland Piper Cove Boat Shoe may seem like a low boot, but it does have the specs of a good, traditional boat shoe.
Every pair of the Piper Cove is given the quality you can expect from this company.
Its footbed is removable to give users control of its level of comfort and support every time they wear them. They are also hand-sewn; thus, giving the shoes a rustic appeal.
The fifth pick on our list of which boat shoes are the best are the Sperry Billfish boat shoes. The Sperry Billfish Ultralite is not your typical pair of boat shoes. This handsome footwear still provides that nautical charm, thanks to the stitchings on top of it and overall general construction.
Its leather material is combined with an air mesh to make it both breathable and durable against all sorts of weather conditions. Sperry offers the Billfish Ultralite in several exciting designs.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Boat Shoes
You have plenty of boat shoes to choose from, making it even harder to pick the right one. The simple guide we have here can make that daunting task a lot easier and ensure you’ll end up buying a shoe that you’ll love and enjoy. However, keep in mind that the style and type of boat shoe that fits you perfectly will still depend on you.
Style. Boat shoes come in a wide array of designs and colors. You can choose from basic colors like black, nude, brown, and navy to vibrant colors and cool patterns. You can create a fashion statement with every type, and you can pair them with all your wardrobe in any way you like.
Material. If you’ll be using the shoe more in somewhat formal ensembles, choose a leather material. Not only are they more durable, but you’ll achieve a sharper appearance as well.
Fit. This is the most important factor you need to consider when choosing the best boat shoes. Your boat shoe should fit you accurately, and your comfort should always be your main priority. These shoes have rubber soles, making them extremely comfortable to wear. However, for the utmost comfort, make sure that you have at least half an inch between your big toe and the shoe’s top when standing. Also, check if you can fit the balls of your feet into the shoe’s widest area effortlessly. Test the shoes first by walking around the shop and check for extra spaces and tightness.
Brand and Price. As they say, you get what you pay for. However, there are less expensive brands that can offer the same comfort and quality as the top brands, so make sure to choose wisely and read reviews and customer feedback about a certain brand you’re eyeing.
We’ve looked at which boat shoes are best and looked at factors to consider when choosing the best boat shoes; next, let’s look at some tips for wearing boat shoes.
Boat Shoes 101
Boat shoes are also called deck shoes and look somewhat like a moccasin. These slip-on shoes have a distinct hand-sewn, low-cut construction with a non-skid rubber sole that supports the wearer’s foot.
They have simple short laces at the top that loops around their sides through two to three eyelets. You can cinch them to get a tighter fit. These laces also serve as a decorative accent to the shoes’ overall design.
The footwear is typically made from either leather or canvas, depending on the brand and style you’ll buy. Leather is a more classic and traditional material and is often worn with smart or casual ensembles.
On the other hand, canvas boat shoes are an excellent choice during the warm summer months.
This type of footwear will require a little bit of regular care to ensure they’ll stay in the best shape possible for a long time. You may want to consider investing in a cream shoe polish that’s water-based, which you need to apply often to preserve the excellent condition of the leather material.
You can also try using the old vinegar and water solution and applying it on areas with small blemishes using a pencil eraser.
It’s inevitable for your shoes to get wet. In this case, make sure to dry your boat shoes at room temperature to prevent the material from drying and developing possible cracks.
Here’s an overview of their characteristics:
Traditional boat shoes feature leather uppers with colors ranging from mid-brown to dark-brown. Modern versions are now made from either leather or canvas and come in different designs and colors.
Uppers undergo stain and waterproof treatment.
Usually. their laces are constructed from the same material as their uppers.
There are various lacing systems available aside from the traditional 360-degree one.
They have two or three eyelets, with two being the traditional style.
They are top-stitched and sewn by hand with a moc-toe construction.
Their rubber soles are non-marking and typically in white. But now, they come in a wide array of colors.
The heel cup is shock-absorbing.
Their soles are carved with herringbone patterns.
So what makes these shoes with an interesting design a popular choice for men? First of all, they are remarkably versatile and can be worn in several ways and styles. These shoes offer a fit comparable to sneakers combined with an aesthetic that exudes sophistication and maturity.
Pair it with your favorite T-shirt and shorts for a casual vibe, or go for a more formal look with chino pants and an oxford shirt. You will be able to achieve the style you like, depending on your personal preference, by mixing and matching your boat shoes with your outfit collection.
However, with all these good things, boat shoes still have their fair share of critics. Some people think that they’re way too preppy. The truth is, these shoes are not solely for preppies; numerous people have already adopted the style and have become a staple in a lot of their wardrobes.
The distinct construction and appearance of boat shoes make them perfect not just for lounging on boat decks but also for the hot summer months. It’s a matter of styling them and your choice of outfit to wear with them.
Read on to find out more about how you can wear these iconic shoes the right way and which type will work best with your everyday ensemble.
Is There a Proper Way of Lacing a Boat Shoe?
Boat shoes are unique, but if you want to create a look to call your own, you can play around with its lace. Consider experimenting and trying out various types of ties. You can do a tassel, barrel, or even fishtail.
If you’re aiming for a more formal style, go for dark lace colors such as brown lace over a black boat shoe. If you want something casual, edgy, or make a statement, try using a white or orange lace with your black boat shoe. The possibilities are endless; simply use your imagination.
How Do I Break in My Boat Shoes?
Boat shoes are not like your typical footwear. They need a bit of breaking in. Depending on your usage, this can take you anywhere from as little as a few days to more or less a month. The pain is bearable, and the shoes will ultimately adjust to your feet and become enjoyable to wear.
The best way to do this is slowly. Do not rush it. Put your shoes on and walk around your house for a few minutes every day in a rocking motion. Once you’re getting a bit comfortable on them, try adding about an hour or use them when running short errands.
If you get blisters or hot spots, use a band-aid to cover them up. Keep wearing them until they finally feel very comfortable and fit you perfectly.
