Boat shoes have been an essential piece of footwear for mariners since 1935, when a certain Paul Sperry noticed how easily his dog was running around his vessel without slipping or sliding.
This led him to cut holes into the rubber soles of his boots, and there and then the boat shoe was born, with Sperry himself developing the first commercial range on the market – and which subsequently became some of the best shoes you can buy.
The trend quickly gained traction and brands across America and Europe started producing the in-demand design for casual sailors and yachtsmen. Worn without socks, with a high cut pair of chinos, jeans or shorts with a polo shirt, a tried and tested ensemble that stands to this day, they’re an essential part of that classy summer look, even when you’re on dry land.
A typical boat shoe should be super comfortable, with a cushioned yet grippy sole and leather upper, along with 360° lacing. Even though the design has pretty much stayed the same since those early days, there’s a whole heap of materials and price brackets to consider when buying your ideal pair. To make things that little bit easier, we’ve looked at the best boat shoes on the market today, to help you look the part next time you’re strolling around the harbour.
Why trust us?
We’ve long been lovers of boat shoes and sailing. Hell, we’ve even travelled to Bermuda for the America’s Cup back in 2017 with Omega. From Sebago to Timberland, we’ve worn a number of these boat shoe brands and have lived to tell the tale.
Helly Hansen
1/10
Helly Hansen is easily one of the most recognisable brands when it comes to navigating the world’s waters, and their range of everything from jackets and mid-layers to accessories and shoes ooze efficiency, style and practicality. These rightfully earn a place on this list of boat shoes for men, combining suede leather and canvas to create an elegant design that looks as good on the boat as on the pier, with a classic cut upper and an altogether more modern-looking sole.
Price: From $65
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Suede
Nautica
2/10
Since setting out in 1983 Nautica has been pretty straight up with their manifesto – to be the world’s leading water-inspired lifestyle brand. What the New Yorker’s have managed to create with their Deckloom design is to create an entirely new-looking boat shoe – and subsequently one of the best boat shoes – for the modern mariner. It’s designed with all the casual style of a pair of sneakers, but with the added advantage of keeping you on your feet whilst riding the swell thanks to a rubber outsole. It also features a J Class lace base and is one of the most competitively priced shoes on this list.
Price: From $50
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Leather
Sperry
3/10
Sperry is the real original when it comes to ocean footwear. Their Authentic Original Boat shoe is great value and exactly how we imagine a boat shoe to look. Its leather upper sits over a Latex rubber outsole for increased cushioning and flexibility, whilst a Razor Cut Wave-Siping maximises traction, to keep you moving around the deck with total ease. If it’s timeless style you’re after, there’s no question that Sperry are the best boat shoes for men.
Price: From $95
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Full-grain leather
Rockport
4/10
Rockport may be a well-established brand around the world these days, but their beginnings are much more humble, starting out as a small family business providing casual dress shoes in 1971. Rockport is now also a maker of some of the best boat shoes for men, with their Perth Boat Shoe being an ode to these beginnings, and a perfect blend of style and comfort that appeals to the casual wearer. They’re made from full-grain leather suede which makes them easy to clean over time, with a rubber outsole for a longer, more durable grip. They also feature handy polyurethane cushioning that absorbs moisture whilst combating odour.
Price: From $100
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Leather
Sebago
5/10
Sebago is yet another shoe brand to come out of the US state of Maine. They’ve been around since 1946 and specialise in high quality, sewn shoes. Their designs are made for that easy all-day comfort like these Portland Crazy Horse boat slip ons. They’re classic in their style with 360° rawhide lacing and feature a full rubber sole with moc shaped toe. If you’re looking for something that feels great on or off the boat, Sebago shoes are some of the best boat shoes for you.
Price: From $150
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Leather
GH Bass & Co
6/10
One of America’s stand out heritage shoe brands, GH Bass & Co has been creating quality footwear for generations since 1876. Their Jetty Boat Shoe is perfect for those sunny days preparing your next catch. Hand-stitched seams with waxed threads offer moisture resistance, whilst a rubber outsole keeps you stable on your feet during those rocky moments. Their classic look means they’re perfect when worn with a stylish pair of summer shorts and a polo shirt making you look and feel the part. For outright quality, GH Bass & Co make great boat shoes for men.
Price: From $125
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Leather
Quoddy
7/10
American footwear brand Quoddy are renowned for their traditional production methods that have been perfected by generations of shoemakers in the midwest state of Maine. Their Downeast Suede Deck shoes are a picture of seaside comfort, with a suede leather combined upper with silvertone metal eyelets. It’s one of those designs that seem fit for any age or era and fits as well alongside smart-casual summer wear, or more rugged shirt and jeans for that autumnal look.
Price: From $249
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Leather
SWIMS
8/10
When a clued up Norwegian entrepreneur realised that his grandfather’s old goloshes were perfect for those rainy days in the city, he laid the foundations for SWIM. Now the brand is home to a huge range of water-friendly loafers that also come in handy if your fold of sailing and fishing. Their Braided Lace Loafer is made with a breathable, waterproof Moulded TPU thread fabric that keeps your feet comfy and odour free. They also feature a nice gripped rubber sole and white braided lacing as if to add to the nautical theme.
Price: From $148
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Molded TPU
Musto
9/10
Closely associated with shooting and equestrian sports, British brand Musto knows a thing or two about outdoor apparel made to serve a purpose. Their Nautic Drift shoes are a modern take on footwear for the high seas, meaning they are both practical and highly efficient. They’re made with open mesh quarters that enhance airflow through the shoe for optimum freshness, whilst rapidly enhancing drying times. They also feature a GripDeck sole, which provides excellent 360° traction on slippery decks and surfaces.
Price: From $85
Sizes: 7-11
Material: Mesh, EVA
Timberland
10/10
Nathan Schwarz founded Timberland back in 1952, and we all know them for their iconic winter boots that help create an altogether more rugged look. But they are much more than that, as highlighted by these impeccable Classic Boat Shoes that first came to market in 1979. A handsewn, smooth premium leather creates optimum comfort, whilst a Poron Foam midsole and EVA insert provide soft, cushioned resistance whilst on the move. They really are some of the best shoes men can buy. They’re also finished off with 360° rawhide lacing to offer optimum stability when out of the ocean’s swell.
Price: From $110
Sizes: 6-15
Material: Nubuck leather