Who doesn’t want that iconic boat sporting weekend look?
Nothing is more classic than the men’s boat shoe.
From casual through and through walks within your neighborhood block to semi-formal events, boat shoes are probably the most versatile and most stylish footwear any man can ever have.
As you’ll soon find out…
Boat shoes are an eternal classic in the huge arsenal of men’s footwear.
Below are my hottest picks on the most fashionable yet functional boat shoes for men.
Contents
- 10 Best Selling Boat Shoes for Men
- Where to Buy Boat Shoes for Men
- Cheap Boat Shoes With A Discount
- What Are Boat Shoes?
- Did You Know…?
- How to Choose The Right Boat Shoes
- Fit
- Design And Style
- Leather vs Canvas
- 5 Best Boat Shoes Reviews
- Sperry Top-Sider Men’s A/O Boat Shoes
- Timberland Men’s Icon Three-Eye Classic Shoe
- Sperry Top-Sider Men’s Billfish 3-Eye Boat Shoe
- Sebago Men’s Clovehitch II Oxford
- Timberland Men’s Earthkeepers Kiawah Bay Boat Shoe
- The Anatomy of Deck Shoes
- Pro Tip!
- Taking Care of Your Boat Shoes
- How to Wear Your Boat Shoes
- The Final Word
- Sperry Top-Sider Men’s A/O Boat Shoes
10 Best Selling Boat Shoes for Men
Can’t wait to hit the beach with a new pair of deck shoes? Check out the most popular body sprays for men right now:
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Where to Buy Boat Shoes for Men
All of the men’s boat shoes are available on the Amazon online store.
There are available all the most popular boat shoes for men.
Cheap Boat Shoes With A Discount
If you’re looking for a good deal for boat shoes than check these deals which are on sale right now:
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What Are Boat Shoes?
Also known as “deck shoes”, boat shoes are a special type of footwear originally developed for the use of sailors, yacht owners, and boating enthusiasts alike.
The main characteristics of a boat shoe are its non-slip rubber sole to help the wearer avoid slipping on a wet deck.
Wrapped with a hand-sewn top design with side lacing details, boat shoes have become a popular choice not just by boaters and beach goers, but by anyone looking for comfortable warm weather shoe.
Did You Know…?
Boat shoes were invented by sailor “Paul Sperry” way back in 1935.
The outer sole of the first set of boat shoes was inspired by the grooves of a dog’s paw when Sperry was amazed by how his dog “Prince” was able to move with ease over the ice.
The sailor’s invention proved effective and was later adopted by the U.S. Navy.
In 1939, the naval warfare service branch of the United States of America signed a contract with Paul Sperry to mass manufacture boat shoes / “Top-Siders” for its sailors.
And it didn’t take long for the deck shoes to be among the most loved types of footwear of today.
How to Choose The Right Boat Shoes
Unlike before, deck shoes nowadays come in hundreds of different styles and color combinations, which make it quite difficult to find a pair that would best fit your personal preferences.
But landing on an ideal pair of deck shoes doesn’t have to be so complicated.
Here are a few tips that will help you find thebest boat shoes for your feet:
Fit
The fit of the shoes should be your top most priority.
Basically, the ability of the deck shoes to provide a snug fit comfort can be directly based on its design and material.
It is best to try the shoes on before you buy them. Upon trying them on, make sure that your big toe has enough breathing space like at least an inch from the tip (point) of the shoe.
Also, make sure that the shoes are wide enough so that the balls of your foot rests comfortably on the bottom part.
And just like when you are trying other types of shoes on, have a short walk around with it.
Design And Style
Although deck shoes almost look alike, their uppers now come in a wide variety of contrasting colors to deliver that unique look.
Choose a style that best matches the nature of the outdoor activity that you plan on using it with.
Popular boat shoe shades are brown, navy, and black with bright accents.
Leather vs Canvas
Generally, uppers of deck shoes are either made of canvas or leather moccasin.
Traditional boat shoes are made of leather. The material makes the shoes more durable and easier to clean.
Canvas deck shoes, however, are much cooler to wear compared to a pair made of leather, but they’re harder to keep clean and wear out faster.
5 Best Boat Shoes Reviews
Now that I’ve covered some of the basics, let’s get into some of my favorite boat shoes.
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Sperry Top-Sider Men’s A/O Boat Shoes
Price:$108.31
Source: Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Last update: 2024-02-23
What better way to own a pair of boat shoes than to buy it straight from the ones who started it all?
Sperry claims that they are the makers of the first ever boat shoes.
It is no wonder why the company has some of the best looking and most reliable deck shoes of today.
Sperry Top-Sider Men’s A/O Boat Shoesare the classic two-eyelet moccasin stitched type. It comes in a wide variety of colors with remarkable contrasts.
The Pros
- Eyelets are rust resistant
- Shock absorbing heel cup so you can rest assured that your feet are well taken care of.
- Outsoles are non-slip and don’t leave any markings on the floor.
The Cons
- Shoe laces may break off completely after a couple of uses.
- Insole comes out with your feet every time you take it off.
- Not really comfortable to wear
Sperry Men's Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe, Navy, 9 M US
- Leather boat shoe featuring moccasin-stitched toe, rust-resistant eyelets, and slotted collar
- Genuine hand-sewn Tru-Moc construction for durable comfort
- Non-marking outsole with wet/dry traction
- 360 degree lacing system
- Features shock absorbing eva heel cup for added comfort
Check Price Price incl. tax, excl. shippingLast update:2024-02-23
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Timberland Men’s Icon Three-Eye Classic Shoe
Price:$150.00
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Another famous name in the deck shoes manufacturing industry, Timberland is also a proud maker of top-class footwear such hiking boots, sneakers, and oxfords.
Timberland Men’s Iconic Three-Eye Classic Shoe has full grain leather upper which is well treated with a special type of oil.
So if ever you find your shoes with some wear and tear scratches, Timberland claims that you can effortlessly push those markings away.
The Pros
- Full grain leather upper that can easily eliminate wear and tear scratches.
- Comfortably accommodates wide feet.
- Designed to be fashionably versatile for both rugged and casual use.
The Cons
- Not ideal for men with slimmer feet
- May not provide enough comfort for everyday wear.
- A little too hard for the feet
Sale
Timberland Men's Traditional Handsewn 3-Eyelet Classic Lug, Burgundy/Brown, 11 M US
- Premium leather uppers
- Handsewn upper is stitched to the midsole and cemented to the outsole
- 360-degree rawhide lacing system provides a custom fit
- Leather lining and footbed
- Full-length EVA insert with an additional layer of Poron foam under the forefoot for cushioning with rubber lug outsole for durability and traction
Check Price Price incl. tax, excl. shippingLast update:2024-02-23
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Sperry Top-Sider Men’s Billfish 3-Eye Boat Shoe
Price:$54.95
Source: Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Last update: 2024-02-22
Sperry is among the best and trusted makers of boat shoes which is no wonder why I have another pair from them in this list.
The 3-Eye Billfish Boat Shoe is a combo of leather and textile for its upper.
Its design makes it possible to be used as a typical casual boat shoe and as a low cut sneaker at the same time.
The Pros
- Very comfortable to wear and great for almost any type of outdoor activity.
- Delivers great snug fit
- Superior quality that can last a lifetime.
The Cons
- Heel cap may be too stiff to break in even after several months of use.
- Inserts may easily dry and curl up depending on how you use and maintain the shoes.
- Grommets become loose or lifted after some time; they can be too sharp and may result injury.
Sale
Sperry Men's Billfish 3-eye Boat Shoe Dark Tan 10.5 M
- Genuine handsewn Tru-Moc construction and padded tongue for durable comfort
- Features 360 degree lacing system with rust proof eyelets for a secure fit. Stain and water resistant leather
- Shock absorbing EVA heel cup for added comfort. Non-marking, rubber outsole with Wave-Siping for ultimate wet / dry traction
- Breathable air-mesh quarter panels and tongue. Features molded eva cushion midsole for underfoot comfort
- Non-marking, rubber outsole with Wave-Siping™ for ultimate wet/dry traction
Check Price Price incl. tax, excl. shippingLast update:2024-02-22
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Sebago Men’s Clovehitch II Oxford
Price:
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One common but unavoidable problem about boat shoes is the tendency of its leather upper to trap heat from inside.
Sebago Men’s Clovehitch II Oxford deals with this problem with a breathable mesh design on both sides of the vamp and quarter.
They also come in various hues that creatively match different outdoor activities or occasions.
The Pros
- Mesh panels that encourage free airflow throughout the shoes.
- Comes with a removable and cushioned EVA footbed for improved comfort
- Non-marking and slip resistant outsoles
The Cons
- Hues fade randomly and inconsistently after some use
- Removing stains can be a problem
- Presents quite a bulky look
Sebago Men's Clovehitch II Boat Shoe,Walnut,11 WW US
- At home on the dock or on the patio, this highly ventilated boat shoe delivers the perfect look with plenty of function.
Check Price Price incl. tax, excl. shippingLast update:2024-02-23
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Timberland Men’s Earthkeepers Kiawah Bay Boat Shoe
Price:
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Same with Sperry, Timberland has earned its place as among the trusted makers of quality and fashionable boat shoes.
The brand’sEarthekeepers Kiawah Bay Boat Shoeis a typical deck shoe with rubber sole and leather upper.
Timberland, however, uses a special type of leather for this pair of boat shoes – premium material from LWG silver rated tannery ensuring superior comfort and durability.
The Pros
- First-rate leather material that is comfortable to wear and offers great longevity.
- Cushioned footbed for added comfort and improved performance
- Design and color make the shoes fashionably versatile for sue on various occasions.
The Cons
- Shoes can be quite too heavy to be used on long walks and intense outdoor activities.
- Lesser arch support compared to its predecessors.
- Thinner sole resulting to lesser grip on decks.
Timberland Men's Earthkeepers Kiawah Bay Boat Shoe,Dark Brown/Brown,9.5 M US
- Mocc-toe boat shoe featuring two-eyelet lacing and slotted collar
- Cushioned insole
Check Price Price incl. tax, excl. shippingLast update:2024-02-22
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The Anatomy of Deck Shoes
Boat shoes are originally intended for use in warmer climates and around the ocean.
As discussed earlier, this special type of footwear was first intended to provide sailors with deck shoes that help them move around the deck of their ships without slipping.
The top part of the shoes or the “uppers” are usually made of canvas or leather moccasin material.
This part of the shoe is usually oil treated to deliver the footwear’s water repelling capability.
Its overall top design features a hand-sewn lacing system that runs in a 360-degree pattern. Typically, boat shoes have two pairs of eyelets for a clean archetypal look.
Traditional deck shoes usually have light brown tops with white contrasting soles.
Nowadays, this versatile type of footwear comes with a variety of colors and styles for almost any type of outdoor activities.
Pro Tip!
Given their nature and original purpose, boat shoes are almost always stiff at first.
If you have just bought yourself a new pair of boat shoes, bear in mind that it is normal to experience a little limping in the first few weeks of use.
Breaking into your new pair of deck shoes can take a while, (1-2 weeks to be exact).
Put on a pair of liners and wear around the house for the first few days before wearing them outdoors to help break them in quicker.
Taking Care of Your Boat Shoes
Although deck shoes have been specially treated to withstand continuous exposure to water, they still need to be welltaken careof so that you will be able to enjoy its promised longevity and functionality.
If you are fond of wearing them without socks, chances are that your deck shoes will most likely produce a lingering nasty smell.
It would be better if you have at least an extra pair or two so that you can use them alternatively, especially on hot summer days.
You can also use baby powder or tea bags and put them inside your shoes overnight to eliminate the smell.
To remove stains, it is not recommended to use soap and water. As much as possible, remove those stains using only a dry brush and observe a single direction with your strokes.
Avoid sun roasting your deck shoes by gently treating them after a long beach weekend or prolonged sun exposure.
Watch this video to learn how to easily clean and treat your boat shoes so that they’ll last:
How to Wear Your Boat Shoes
Although boat shoes are considered to be the most versatile and fashionable type of footwear, there are still somerulesthat needs to be observed so that you don’t end up looking uncool with your supposedly cool summer loafers.
- Wear your boat shoes with denim jeans. Cuff them on its hems to deliver a cool laid back impression while emphasizing the look of the most important part of your outfit – your deck shoes.
- You can also wear your shoes with shorts which is an ideal outfit combo during summer. Go for plain and well tailored shorts. Choose a color that would provide a pleasing contrast with your footwear.
- As much as boat shoes look good in semi-formal occasions, they’re a big No-No with suits. Deck shoes just don’t match well with suits and ties. If unavoidable, match your boat shoes with denim topped with a blazer for a stunning, business casual look.
- Do not wear your deck shoes with visible socks. Traditional deck shoe wearers prefer a sockless look. Nowadays, you can useno show socksto add comfort while still expressing that sockless look.
- Boat shoes are a common fashion staple on the beach or in any place around the ocean. You can also wear them while traveling since they are easy to put on and take off. Just make sure you follow the earlier rules on what to wear them with.
- Boat shoes also present a nice and professional look in the office. You can also wear them on dates for they present a sense of sophistication and can mirror your personality.
The Final Word
Finding a reliable pair of boat shoes is quite a challenging task considering the variations being made by today’s top deck shoe makers.
Depending on how and where you plan on using your boat shoes, you may want to consider looking carefully at specific details of the shoe.
In this review, I’d highly recommendSperry Top-Sider Men’s A/O Boat Shoebecause it projects that classic deck shoe style most deck shoe enthusiasts are looking for these days.
Sperry Top-Sider Men’s A/O Boat Shoes
Price:$108.31
Source: Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Last update: 2024-02-23
What better way to own a pair of boat shoes than to buy it straight from the ones who started it all?
Sperry claims that they are the makers of the first ever boat shoes.
It is no wonder why the company has some of the best looking and most reliable deck shoes of today.
Sperry Top-Sider Men’s A/O Boat Shoesare the classic two-eyelet moccasin stitched type. It comes in a wide variety of colors with remarkable contrasts.
The Pros
- Eyelets are rust resistant
- Shock absorbing heel cup so you can rest assured that your feet are well taken care of.
- Outsoles are non-slip and don’t leave any markings on the floor.
The Cons
- Shoe laces may break off completely after a couple of uses.
- Insole comes out with your feet every time you take it off.
- Not really comfortable to wear
Sperry Men's Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe, Navy, 9 M US
- Leather boat shoe featuring moccasin-stitched toe, rust-resistant eyelets, and slotted collar
- Genuine hand-sewn Tru-Moc construction for durable comfort
- Non-marking outsole with wet/dry traction
- 360 degree lacing system
- Features shock absorbing eva heel cup for added comfort
Check Price Price incl. tax, excl. shippingLast update:2024-02-23
We may earn a commission for purchases using the links above. Read more / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Last update: 2024-02-23
It’s simple in design but a guaranteed game changer when talking about comfort and longevity.
