If you think of boat shoes, whats the first thing that comes to mind? Its summer thinking for many men, chilling out with friends on a lazy afternoon, or the freedom not to wear dress shoes or boots.
Whatever image they could conjure up, boat shoes are, and have been for some time, a popular form of mens footwear.
There are plenty of options for the best mens boat shoes–including the famous Sperry Original–and you want to be ready when the weather gets hotter and its time to enjoy life a little bit. The following is a closer look at mens boat shoes, including reviews of our 11 favorites. Lets continue with some boat shoe buying tips. If buying via external links, we the receive an affiliate commission.Learn more. OUR #1 CHOICE Sperry Top-Sider Mens Authentic Original The Comfort and Help Built Provides traction on wet and dry surfaces Sebago Mens Docksides Boat Shoe Made to be solid and stable Original design but still strong traction.
BEFORE YOU BUY: 7 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING BOAT SHOES
Significant differences can sometimes be hard to notice–outside their colour, that is–between different brands of boat shoes, as they often look much the same. This is one reason you should consider other factors when choosing one pair over the other, including:
1. MATERIAL
Most boat shoes are made of leather, though they are made of canvas and other materials as well. Nevertheless, leather is many mens preferred option, but not all leather is the same.
Full-grain leather Suede leather Most men and women lovesuedefor its look and feel, and its a common material used to make shoes. Suede comes from the inner layer of the animal skin–usually calfskin –and is sanded from the inner side to allow a smoother, cleaner finished product. While many would-be buyers believe water destroys suede shoes, they can survive some ture–even though they can survive some ture. You may find more imperfections in nubuck leather because its sanded from the outside, but some buyers think the imperfections add to the quality of the boots. Everyones own.
Again, the construction of boat shoes uses other types of material, such as canvas, but leather is more durable.
2. Suit
If it doesnt suit, no shoe is worth the money, or penny-pinching. Boat shoes are no exception, and they may be different from regular shoes. As one thing, without socks, most people wear boat shoes, which affects the fit. For another, the longer you wear them, they tend to stretch out and become a little looser.
With the latter in mind, you might want to choose a boat shoe which fits a little snug, but not too snug, because without snugness they would ultimately fit perfectly. Decide if you will wear them with or without shoes, or both, and size them accordingly.
You dont want a fit too loose because A) the shoes are going to stretch out a little anyway, and B) a loose heel can lead to blisters.
When possible, before you put on boat shoes, have a professional shoe seller length of your feet; one foot may be longer or shorter than the other. Take your time to walk in them for several minutes to make sure that there are no loose spots or places that painfully pinch your feet.
The 3.
THE SOLE
The sole was of utmost importance when the first boat shoes hit the market in 1935–thanks to Paul Sperry–because the shoes were intended to be used on a slippery boat deck. Rubber has been the best choice of sole material to navigate wet surfaces and remains the only choice today on boat shoes.
One feature you want to look for is something called siping in the sole of a boat shoe. Siping refers to some boat shoes offering a variation of this design, such as molded siping, which consists of raised rubber mounds and grooves that drain water.
The 4.
THE UPPER
There are many boat shoes with water-wicking uppers that help to keep them as dry as possible. Leather tops dont dry as quickly as those made from synthetic materials, but for overall comfort and style, its hard to beat leather.
The
5. THE INSOLE
A soft leather insole is typically more comfortable than other material insoles, but a mesh insole would allow better drainage. Many boots were fitted with drainage holes. Removable insoles, after being taken out, allow the shoe to dry faster.
The
6. THE HEEL
The majority of boat shoes have an elevated heel, but some, not many, brands have heelless soles.
7. INTENDED USE
Think carefully about how your boat shoes are going to be used. Primarily on a boat deck to walk around? This is a simple, normal reason to wear them, but you must also be careful not to get them too wet, i.e. the leather will be ruined by constant submersion in water. Thats why rafting, biking, or tubing are not the ideal option.
First, lets look at our 2019 list of the best mens boat shoes.
THE 11 BEST BOAT SHOES FOR MEN 2019
1.SPERRY TOP-SIDER MENS AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL
Lets start with the source. Sperry is the first boat shoe, thanks to the aforementioned Paul Sperry, and its Authentic First comes from the first model of Sperry, although with some slight modifications. The King lives a long time.
2.SEBAGO MENS DOCKSIDES BOAT SHOE
Sebagos Docksides Boat Shoe hasnt changed much over the years, like the Sperry Authentic Original. Then again, there was no need to change it like the Authentic Original, because it remains one of the best and most comfortable boat shoes today.
Sebagos Docksides boot, made from 100 percent leather, blends the shoe rests on a slip-resistant sole with outstanding traction on a range of terrains. Sebago is proud of how their shoes adjust to the climate, whether its a slippery boat deck or a street in the city.
You will also like the molded EVA foam insole of the Docksides and the comfort it provides, as well as non-corrosive brass eyelets of the sport that can handle the elements.
PROS
Good construction Original design that remains relevant
CONS
Compatibility runs narrow
BOTTOM LINE
Theres a lot of craftsmanship going into Sebagos boat shoes, and many people prefer it to everyone else, like Sperrys Authentic Original. Theyre durable, reliable and look good.
3.TIMBERLAND MEN S
When people think of Timberland, they also think of walking boots. From these cool boat shoes, you can depend on the durability and stability.
The quality of these clippers is respected by professionals and do – it-yourselfers.
4.SANUK MENS CASA BARCO BOAT SHOE
Casa Barco has an upper canvas that helps to make it look distinctive, but is also very breathable and helps to keep the feet dry and comfortable. Canvas also requires less maintenance than natural products made from leather.
A premium, removable EVA footbed contributes to the overall comfort of the Casa Barco and features an antimicrobial additive AEGIS that helps reduce the odor of the foot.
A non-marking rubber outsole provides excellent traction on slippery surfaces and features long-lasting solid construction. The outsole also has a sleek look that helps make the shoe fresh very much. In addition, the sole is thin enough to make the Casa Barco a good driving boot.
The Sanuk Casa Barco can be ordered in U.S. sizes 8 to 14 and there are some variations within the total range of half-sizes. If you need more room, you can also wear them without laces.
PROS
Casual and trendy enough to wear on some dressing occasions Made from breathable canvas Antimicrobial additive reduces foot odor
CONS
Can take longer to break in than some other boat shoes
BOTTOM LINE
Shop Related Items Tommy Hilfiger Mens Bowman Boat Shoe, Cof… Sebago Mens Dockside Casual Slip On Leather… Dockers Mens Vargas Leather Handsewn Boa… Dockers Mens Castaway Boat Shoe, Tan,11.5 M US Ads by Amazon
6.SPERRY TOP-SIDER MENs BILLFISH ULTRALITE BOAT SHOE
Mens sweat–at least most men do that, and for many of them wet feet are sticky.
We mention it only because many men wear sockless boat shoes, meaning their feet sweat inside the shoe without much barrier. That, in turn, can produce bacteria that turn into a less-than-pleasant smell that rivals any other kind of funking man.
Although you cant blame your shoes, in the sweat and stink department, you can encourage them to help you. The Top-Sider Billfish Ultralite shoes from Sperry are the perfect sweaty feet boat shoes because they are extremely lightweight.
The Billfish Ultralite conforms to your feet without suffocating them and features a non-marking rubber sole that provides the traction you need while maneuvering around a boat deck or other summer destination.
The Billfish Ultralite, like all Top-Siders, is made up of 100% genuine leather and has a slotted collar, as well as moccasin stitching on the toe. As always, from the source of all boat shoes, you get a fine shoe.
PROS
Lightweight Help reduce feet sweat Good durability and comfort thanks to non-marking rubber soles
CONS
Many customers say the insoles wear out too easily
BOTTOM LINE
If your feet sweat, you owe it to yourself to find a boat shoe that can alleviate the problem without compromising any quality.
8.DOCKERS MENS VARGAS LEATHER HANDSEWN BOAT SHOE
The Vargas is a Vargas soft leather upper and hand-crafted construction that you will appreciate. The only non-leather part of its construction is the outsole of rubber, which provides maximum traction on wet surfaces.
Comfort comes from an EVA footbed cushioned and EVA heel cup molded. You will note how all-day comfort is offered by the Vargas, even though you spend most of your time on your feet.
They can also be purchased in larger widths, which is always a plus.
The Vargas fits well with casual clothes like shorts, jeans, and khakis, as you would expect from Dockers.
PROS
100% Leather construction Provides all-day support Rubber outsoles provide full traction
CONS
Many critics say it is difficult to scale them correctly
BOTTOM LINE
The Dockers Vargas is an affordable,
9.MARGARITAVILLE MENS ANCHOR LACE BOAT SHOE
You might as well have shoes that fit the occasion, and Jimmy Buffet and like-minded people might want the Margaritaville Mens Anchor Lace Boat Shoe.
Margaritaville footwear is specialized in casual, beach clothing, and its Anchor Lace Boat Shoe is dedicated to excellence and superior quality. Theres no doubt its a casual shoe thats intended to chill with friends and not pressure in the office, but, yeah, its supposed to be casual footwear.
In addition to their casual look and feel, they also have a lot of other things to do for them, including a breathable mesh top and perforated footbed for excellent ventilation. If you kick back with a drink, your feet will remain as cool and relaxed as you feel.
There is also a foam insole that keeps your feet nice and comfortable, while extra comfort comes from a soft padded collar and tongue–not to mention 100% leather and a colorfully printed anchor for excellent styling on the outsole.
PROS
Laid-back feel and look Well ventilated Good design
CONS
Stitching on the inside heel rubs some people the wrong way
BOTTOM LINE
There is no need to take life too seriously all the time. Why not take some time to kick back, put on a pair of Margaritaville boat shoes, and enjoy the ride? Not only does the shoe look good, it also offers superior engineering and stability that are the cornerstones of Sperrys work.
11.TOMMY HILFIGER MENS BOWMAN BOAT SHOE
Tommy Hilfiger knows one or two things about fashion, and there is no reason why a couple of boat shoes designed to chill out on a summer day should not look good either. Thats one of a lot of reasons to like the Bowman Boat Shoe from TH.
The Bowman comes in a wide array of colors and styles to suit all sorts of trendy casual clothes, whether its polo shirts, oxfords, chinos, or what you have. They are also made of 100% leather and have a rubber sole–just what you would expect from a boat shoe–and theyre also lightweight, which we think youre going to like.
PROS
Many models and color options Accommodating cost 100% leather construction
CONS
Does not provide the same level of durability on wet surfaces as some other boat shoes
BOTTOM LINE
Fashionable, lightweight, comfortable–the Tommy Hilfiger Bowman boat shoe has a ton to do with it.
Like any other kind of footwear or clothes, while wearing boat shoes, you should keep in mind some basic rules of the road:
SOCKS OR SOCKLESS?
It is worth a lot of discussion whether a man should wear socks or go sockless in boat shoes. The general rule of thumb is, no, dont wear socks because with boat shoes they can look a bit silly, and besides, when youre on a wet boat deck, socks arent your best choice.
That doesnt mean youre not supposed to wear boat shoes with socks. But, if you do, make sure that your socks are dark and that you wear long pants rather than shorts. Using no-show socks to keep your ankles bare is also a good idea, which help absorb the moisture that emanates from bare feet. No-show socks are especially important when wearing lower vamped boat shoes.
FOR WORK OR NOT BOAT SHOES?
Hue
The hue of your trousers should be contrasted with your boat shoes. They should be darker, not lighter than your pants, and never the same color. When wearing jeans or navy trousers, the color of your boat shoes is less significant.
WEAR THEM WITH NICE CASUAL CLOTHES
Boat shoes make it easy for sneakers to swap when you need a little dresser to go with casual clothes. With polo and button-down shirts they look great, as well as when paired with beautiful jeans and khakis.
CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE PANT BOTTOMS
Boat shoes look best with well-fitted, tapered or straight leg bottoms and shorts. If only the toes stick out of the wide legs of the pant, your shoes will look a little odd.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR BOAT SHOES AND MAKE THEM LAST
Boat shoes are no different from any other type of shoes or boots: if you want them to last, you must take proper care of them. Theres nothing too complicated about it, but remember that in the future a little preventive medicine will now prevent a pair of sick-looking shoes.
It is particularly important to take care of your leather boat shoes if they are exposed to a lot of saltwater and sun and you always want to keep them free from dirt and dust. Canvas boat shoes can even be washed by machine if there is no leather in them. Yet washing them by hand is easier.
1. BRUSH AWAY DIRT AND DEBRIS
To gently wipe away excess dirt and dust, use a leather or suede brush depending on your boot. Brush in the same direction, especially if suede, while being careful not to scratch or stain the leather, and use a soft bristle brush. After every use, it is also important to brush debris from your feet, not just before putting them on.
You can also sprinkle cornmeal on their surfaces to clean suede shoes and then rub them with a circular motion into the leather.
the second. POLISHING YOUR BOAT SHOES
Before applying items, its not a bad idea to remove the laces from your shoes; it helps to keep the laces from fraying.
Let the polish sit on your shoes with a dry cloth for about 30 minutes before you buffer them.
The 3.
CONDITION THE LATHER
Use leather oils and conditioners to help prevent too dry or brittle your boots. Conditioning your shoes always helps in the long haul to preserve the luster of the leather. After every other time you polish them, you only need to wash your boat shoes–maybe even less in t climates.
4.
5 DRYING YOUR SHOES. THE SOLES CLEANING
Cleaning the sole of your boat shoes is also necessary, and by using a clean toothbrush and soapy water, you can do so easily.
The
6. STORING THEM
Store them properly after each use is another thing you can do to extend the life of your boat shoes. A shoe tree that keeps the shoe shape is your best storage bet. Boot trees also absorb ture inside the boot, and you can fill the toes of the boots with paper towels to help them keep their shape.
You will also help preserve your shoes whenever you put them on, using a shoe horn; doing so will maintain their back structures. Weve all seen someone wearing shoes that the step-and-shove method has repeatedly slipped on. The back of a shoe will handle so much.
COMPARE OTHER SUMMER SHOES TYPES
Summer is a time of independence. You can enjoy more outdoors, especially if you live in a wintery climate, you can wear less and lighter clothes, and you may enjoy a greater sense of relaxation overall. Its also a time when you can wear a variety of types of shoes; you can dissect the boots and relax your feet and toes.
As mentioned above, boat shoes are an ideal option for summer shoes, but certainly not your only option for summer. The world of summer footwear is your oyster, from loafers to trainers to sandals.
Boat shoes
are the choice of many mens summer shoes. They are also made for the summer, and typically, unless you live in a tropical climate, they are not ideal winter shoes. You can also wear them in a variety of ways, like with or without socks, which we will explore in a little bit. These are also not limited to use on a cruise, and fit well with a number of variations of casual clothes.
The bottom line may be that boat shoes are meant for casual wear, as with most other types of summer footwear. Of course, you can wear them any way you want, but theyre great for a comfortable summer look.
LOAFERS
Loafers and boat shoes are definitely two different types of footwear in many ways. Loafers are a style of slip-on moccasin with a low, slightly elevated heel. Like boat shoes, loafers dont normally have laces and dont look like slippers.
There are two main types of loafers: the penny loafer and the loafer tassel.
Penny loafer Tassel loafer Tassel loafers have a dresser look and fit well with a good blazer than penny loafers. Make sure your pants split does not cover any part of the loafer.
SANDALS
TRAINERS AND CANVAS SHOES
Trainers that you can use for athletic or club-hopping activities are a very flexible choice. However, its wise to wear socks with trainers and canvas shoes, unless youre a fan of blisters, which we think youre not.
ESPADRILLES
Espadrilles comes from Spain and has become a popular choice for many men in the summer. Spadrilles usually consist of canvas or cotton fabric and, if they have a heel at all, have a slightly elevated heel. They may also have toes that are open or closed. Ideal for hanging out in a local park or a summer cookout, as well as a shopping trip, they look great with skinny jeans or a trendy pair of shorts.
PLIMSOLLS
You may want to try plimsolls if youre not in trainers or spadrilles. These are made of cotton, suitable for summer and provide a laid-back option for summer shoes to brogues and other dressers. By the way, Plimsolls are going well with denim shorts.
Why WE CHOOSE THE BEST MEN S BOAT SHOES FOR 2019
Comfort, stability and style were among the main criteria we used to select the best mens boat shoes in 2019. These are three important elements of any quality boat shoe–or, for that matter, any type of shoe–but traction is a biggie with boat shoes, especially if youre planning to wear them as originally intended: on a wet surface, like a boat deck.
We have looked at other peoples costs, reliability, and ratings. Many other boat shoes are deserving of our list, but we think we offer a variety of purchasing options for the ones we want.
Discussion What are the thoughts of you? Whats your favorite boat shoes pair? Did you put any of the shoes on our list? We welcome your feedback and comments.