One of the best parts about boat shoes is that they are versatile and can be worn to reflect many different styles. You can look casual if you pair them with shorts and a T-shirt, or more formal if you pair them with an Oxford shirt and chinos. It all depends on your style, but you can mix and match these shoes to form exactly the kind of look that you want.
Overview
Also known as the deck shoe, the boat shoe features a rubber sole that supports the foot. The simple laces cross at the top of the shoe and loop around the sides to achieve decoration that contributes to the overall design.
The shoes are made from either canvas or leather,, depending on the style and brand. The canvas options are best suited for warmer weather,, while leather designs are often paired with a casual or smart outfit to create a more alternative look.
How to Lace Them
Boat shoes already achieve a distinct look, but you can make them stand outeven more, depending on how you decide to lace them up, especially since the laces tend to wrap alound the shoe. Try implementing various types of ties, such as a fishtail, barrel, or tassel. To create a more formal look, try keeping the lace colours dark, such as pairing brown boat shoes with black laces. If you're feeling a little bold or want to opt for a more casual look, try pairing brown boat shoes with yellow or white laces as well. The choice is yours, but there are plenty of combinations to choose from.
How to Choose
There are numerous boat shoe options, making it challenging to find the perfect one at times. However, we have created this simple guide to help you choose the one that you will enjoy the most. Only you truly know what kind of shoe and style fits you best. So, while we encourage you to follow our lead, please make sure to listen to your heart.
Style
Boat shoes come in many styles ancolours,rs from navy, brown, black, and nude to more vibrancoloursrs and even patterns. Each type of shoe will be its own fashion statement,, which you can incorporate into your existing wardrobe however you please.
Fit
Most importantly, it’s necessary to choose a boat shoe that fits properly. Comfort isaf top priorit,y so make sure to choose wisely. It features a rubber sole and a slip-on shape, along with a simple design that makes boat shoes effortlessly comfortable. Make sure to remember a few key things when deciding which boat shoes to purchase.
- Check that there is a half-inch space between the top of the shoe and the big toe when you are standing.
- The ball of your foot should fit effortlessly into the broadest area of the shoe.
- Make sure to walk around the store once the shoes are on to check for any tightness or extra space.
Size Suggestions For Different Shaped Feet
A Normal- Pick a shoe size that is ehe same as the foot length.
B Big Toe That Sticks Out to One Side- Pick a shoe that is one size larger.
C Second toe is longer than other toes- Pick one size larger.
The whole foot shape is wide; pick one size larger.
E The whole foot shape is small- Pick one size smaller.
F The Foot arch is high, one size larger.
Personal Preference
Stick with what you know you like. This is where you must decide whether you prefer canvas or leather, neutral colours versus bold, and lighter versus more heavyweight shoes. If the shoe fits your personal preference, then chances are it could be right for you.
Break Your Boat Shoes In

Once you have finally made your decision and purchased a pair of boat shoes, you’ve got to take the time to break them in. If you manage to get your boots fully broken in, this is when you can finally wear them with maximum comfort. For an easy way to break in your shoes, do it slowly by putting them on for short periods of time each day. Your heels will thank you for it.
Try wearing them around the house and work them in with a slow rocking motion. Progressively, add an hour or two each day or week until they finally feel perfect. Then you can go out and wear them out on the town forextended periodse.
The Rules
Wearing boat shoes is entirely up to you. Honestly, there aren’t any rules when it comes to rocking some boat shoes. However, we do have a couple of recommendations that could help you out.
- Try not to wear your best boat shoes during the wintertime. They are a great choice during summer and spring, but their design is quite ideal during the winter and fall months.
- OK, so while they aren’t necessarily sandals, you still shouldn’t wear socks with boat shoes. Socks may be comfy, but they mess up the entire vibe and look that the boat shoe strives for.
- Avoid wearing a tuxedo or suit when you have those boat shoes on your feet. They are meant to look casual or casually classy and can ruin a formal outfit. We know that you love wearing them as much as you can, but black-tie events are not the place for them.
Boat Shoes For Every Occasion
Many people wish that they could wear a pair of boat shoes every day. I mean, they are comfortable and super stylish,, but as wediscussedt before, wearing boat shoes is not ideal for every occasion. However, there are plenty of great occasions to rock your boat shoes and here are just a few.
Travel
Running to catch a plane, moving luggage in and out of trains, travelling can really do a number on your feet. Additionally, with airport security on the rise, you will need to remove your shoes, which can be time-consuming and irritating. It almost seems that boat shoes were made for travel, as they are easy to slip off and offer just the support your feet need for the hardships they may face on travel days. Choose a pair of white or black boat shoes for your day of trav,el st they don’t get dirty while in trans,it and because you can pair them witcomfortablefy clothethatch are ideal for travel days.
Beach Day
People love spending the day at the beach! Between the squishy sand, warm sun rays, andcalml sea, what could be better? Throw on your boat shoes when you decide to leave the sand and head to the boardwalk to roam around. They will stop your feet from burning and breathe enough to keep your feet from overheating. Light-coloured boat shoes pair well with summer-inspired clothing as well.
Office
No matter what sort of atmosphere you work in, boat shoes can be helpful. It could be a cubicle or out in the open air, but boat shoes will help you get that professional or business casual look that most employers are after. The black leather variety could look great in the office, as it exudes professionalism. Try pairing them with an oxford shirt and straight-leg pants.
Date
If you want to dress to impress your date, boat shoes will have you covered. People tend to worry so much about making their hair perfect or getting the outfit right that they completely overlook the shoe aspect. By choosing a pair that matches your outfit, you can look well put together without seeming like you tried too hard.
How to Wear Boat Shoes With Jeans
In our opinion, the ideal way to sport some boat shoes is with a nice pair of jeans. Jeans themselves are endlessly versatile on their own,, but pairing them with a pair of shoes that are versatile as well makes them a perfect matc,hase it can create a whole variety of new look.!
Basic Blue Jeans
Basic blue jeans and neutral-coloureded boat shomakere a great pair. Start by cuffing the bottom of the jeans to givthe entire outfit e a morlaid-backck and casual styit. This works well with distressed denim,, especially when paired with a flannel shirt. This outfit combination helps the boat shoes look more natural and casua,l and the cuffed pants draw attention to the fee, allowingt youton show off your boatshoess even more.
Dark Wash/ Black Skinny Fit
Another option for pairing your boat shoes with jeans is to match them with a dark wash or skinny black jeans. The black and dark colours make the look more sharp and slick while the skinnier fit pulls everything together and makes the look well-fitted. The best way toincorporated boat shoes into this outfit is by choosing either an all-black pair or acolourfull design to make the wholeensemblet pop. Our advice is to wear a black leather jacket on top to really make a stylish impressionlish impression.
Colourful Pants
We recommend pairing boat shoes with coloured jeans. However, it is vital to ensure that the colour of the pants and shoes don’t clash. For example, if you decide to wear salmon-coloured pants, wear boat shoes that are a darker blue or navy colour. If you go with a red pair of pants, opt for a brown shoe. This pairing may seem strange in the beginni,ng but use your best judgment.
Shorts
Boat shoes also go great with shorts. This combo tends to be incredible for the summer mon,ths as it makes a regular pair of shorts look more classy and also helto draw attention the tothe feet. Avoid clunky or dark-coloured shoes when wearing them with summery shorts,, and opt for ones that are a bit longer or flared at the botto insteadm.
History
Boat shoes first sappearedin 1935 ,invented by Paul Sperry ,who also ifoundedthe popular Sperry Top-Sider brand. He created these shoes for sailors to prevent them from slipping around on the deck of their boats.
He drew inspiration for the soles from his dog Prince’s Paws, which provided a textured grip that helped them stay in place on various surfaces. Now, it has been over 80 years, and the use of shoes has shifted to people in the fashion know.
How to Wear Boat Shoes Cheat Sheet
- Figure out which occasion you need the boat shoes for.
- Choose a base style to start your look.Selectn acolourr scheme for the shoe.
- Choose leather or canvasshoese.
- Choose a particular boat shoe style.
- Decide on jeans or dress pants that bescomplementnt the shoe.
- Pick a top that will finish off the look.
Boat Shoes Conclusion
Now it’s time to get out the boat shoes and start incorporating them into your everyday style. They have evolved drastically over the years since their invention which was aimed primarily at sailors. And, it seems that they will continue to evolve to be fashion-forward.