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13 Best Boat Shoes for Summery Style on Land or Sea
Boat shoes get a bad rap. We can fix that.
Boat shoes sometimes have a bad reputation, but they really don't deserve it. I know, there are certain connotations that come with the style—trust funds and unquenchable Waspishness and too-short khaki shorts and too-tight polos. Yikes.
Here's the thing about boat shoes, though: They are damn stylish. In canvas or leather, the nautical-inspired kicks are an elevated alternative to flip-flops, a more approachable version of loafers, and a cooler, better (most of the time) option than sneakers. It all comes down to which boat shoes you wear, and how you wear them. Lucky for you, we've gathered 13 infallible options below.
Take the classic Sperrys, for example. What's not to love? They're comfortable and chic and pair wonderfully with a summer barbecue. Or, if you're actually getting on a boat, go for Dockers—they're water resistant, so you can splish and splash as you please. If you want to emulate the air of wealth that boat shoes seem to inherently have, reach for Loro Piana's suede option—but do not get those wet. There's a style below for everyone. Long live Boat Shoe Summer.
When I think of boat shoes, these are the very first pair that comes to mind. I mean, they're classics. Sperry's iconic two-eye design is an easy, stylish way to encapsulate summer elegance, whether or not you're actually on a boat.
| Colors | 35 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5-16 |
| Materials | Leather, Textiles, Rubber |
Mango does boat shoes as it does all things—with real European style. These are minimalist yet tasteful, with a leather upper and backstitched details. Pair with denim, white pants, or khakis for a classy look.
| Colors | Sand |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-12.5 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
These are a boat shoe/sneaker hybrid, but we're counting them, because the comfort and cushion provided by Allbirds is so worth it. If you're planning on doing a lot of walking this summer—say, on vacation while playing tourist—this is the chic, comfy shoe you need to have in your rotation.
| Colors | 7 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 8-14 |
| Materials | Eucalyptus Tree Fiber, Rubber |
For an affordable boat shoe that's as durable as it is comfortable, go for Dockers. This hard-wearing style emulates the classic, timeless design, and when you have these on your feet, you'll love the water- and stain-repellent coating that allows you to roam freely.
| Colors | 5 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-15 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
What could be chicer for summer than a Todd Snyder and Sperry collab? This boat shoe exudes everything a boat shoe should: refined style, a bit of preppiness, and infallible coolness. With cork insoles for all-day comfort and a suede upper that looks as good as it feels.
| Colors | Ivory |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 8-13 |
| Materials | Suede, Cork, Vibram |
With a breathable mesh upper and grippy wet soles, this is a boat shoe you can—and should—actually wear on a boat. And, for that matter, anywhere else you go this summer.
| Colors | 8 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-15 |
| Materials | Mesh, Rubber |
If you want to invest in a truly luxurious boat shoe, well, there's no higher luxury than Loro Piana. This style is crafted with a suede upper and a durable rubber sole, with an apron toe that looks good on or off the docks.
| Colors | Navy, Brown, Off-White |
|---|---|
| Sizes | EU 41-EU 46 |
| Materials | Suede, Rubber |
It doesn't get much cooler than these classic boat shoes. Dress them up, dress them down, wear them on land or at sea—point is, you're going to get a lot of use out of 'em.
| Colors | Cognac Essex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-13 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
If you've tried Sebago's shoes before, you know the brand is unparalleled when it comes to comfort and style. These boat shoes are cut from the same cloth—they're endlessly cushiony, timelessly cool, and under 200 bucks.
| Colors | Brown, Navy |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-13 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
For only $100, L.L. Bean has a timeless, versatile pair of boat shoes. Pair them with anything from a linen button-down to a cotton polo, and be merrily on your way to wherever the season takes you.
| Colors | Light Brown, Canyon, Navy |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-14 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
If you love your Timberland boots (who doesn't?), you'll definitely love your Timberland boat shoes. These pack the same durable, comfortable construction that the brand's boots are known for, with some serious style points, too.
| Colors | Brown, White, Navy, Blue |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 6-15 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
PRL does all things with class, preppiness, and grace, and these boat shoes are no different. With white contrast stitching at the toe and a two-eye design, this is what timelessness is all about.
| Colors | Deep Saddle Tan |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-15 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
And for something with a modern flair, Mr P. has you covered. On a chunky platform sole, these suede boat shoes are a summer statement piece that adds some flair to your dressed-up looks and some refinement to your streetwear fits.
| Colors | Green, Brown |
|---|---|
| Sizes | UK 7-UK 12 |
| Materials | Suede, Rubber |
Why You Can Trust Esquire
We won't say something is great unless it’s actually great. Our fashion and e-commerce teams carefully choose every product in Esquire’s roundups.
Every pick on this list—and all our other lists—has been selected through testing and trying it ourselves. We won't tell you to buy something that we wouldn't spend our own money on. We're telling you to buy things we know you'd love, because of how much we love 'em, too.
No two tastes are the same, because no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
Other Options We Love
There are plenty of great boat shoes out there—the 13 we listed above just so happen to be the best of the best. But if those still aren't doing it for you, we have a few more selects you might like.
- If you're a details guy, Frescobol Carioca has a tasseled style we can't get enough of.
- Or maybe you prefer a rugged, pre-worn, vintage look. If that's the case, here's a handsome leather boat shoe you'll love.
- If you want something clean, classic, and sophisticated, check out Rodd & Gunn's burnished leather style.
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