Best Boat Shoes for Men – Set Sail In Style!

Boat shoes will always astonish people from all over the world. But why is that? Well, simply because they grip fantastically, they are durable, comfortable, and, guess what? They can even be worn with or without socks! Sperry Top-Sider Was the first company who create boat shoes. Today, many other brands like Sebago, Timberland, and Sanuk, to name a few, market them too. So the question is, what to choose? To help you find the right pair, here is a list of the best boat shoes for men.

1. Sperry Top-Sider Original 2-Eye Boat Shoes

Average Rank: 4.3 out of 5

The Sperry Top-Sider is a casual shoe that you can wear for almost any occasion since it suits all sorts of outfits. Whether you decide to dress up in jeans, shorts, or Khakis, they fit the bill. The entire shoe is made of leather and has all the features any sailor would dream of Non-marking outsole, rust-resistant eyelets, and slotted collar.

Unlike many shoes in the same style, these have a soft leather inner sole, making them super comfortable to wear without socks. The rubber sole provides fantastic traction on both wet and dry surfaces.

You can wear them everywhere without fear of slipping. Sperry shoes are comfortable, but they lack arch support. And if you have flat feet, you will have to replace the footbed with your on-made insole. These boat shoes are relatively pricey but worth every penny. For the price, you get a high-quality shoe that lasts, fits like a glove, and is extremely comfortable to wear.

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Non-marking sole
  • Impressive traction
  • Fit many types of dress code.
  • Absorb shocks

Cons

  • Lack of arch support
  • Require break-in period
 

2. Dunham Captain Boat Shoe

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5

The Dunham Captain is a crafted shoe made from oiled leather, which is water-resistant. The mesh nylon material on the sides helps drain water out when wet and keeps your feet well-ventilated. The Dunham Captain has a great look, and they fit the bill, too. You can wear them with jeans, shorts, and slacks, and fit even in a dressy environment. If you have wide feet, then you should look no further than the Dunham.

These come in a large variety of widths and sizes to ensure the shoe suits any type of foot. The Dunham fits right out of the box and requires little to no break-in period. The footbed and the EVA foam midsole mold the shape of the foot and provide excellent stability on different terrains, as well as give your feet more comfort when walking or standing.

The heel is relatively high, which adds comfort, but like many shoes of this style, they lack arch support. However, the nice thing is that they come with a removable footbed. So you can easily correct this by replacing the footbed with your own one.

The rubber outsole doesn’t leave any mark on decks and grips remarkably well on wet and dry surfaces. The Dunham Captain boat shoes are a bit pricey but well worth it. They keep your feet cool in high temperatures, provide awesome grip, and last for a long time. Not to mention, they are super comfortable!

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Water resistant
  • Durable
  • Flexible
  • Removable insole

Cons

  • The laces tend to loosen
  • Hart to replace the lace
 

3. Margaritaville Anchor Slip-On Boat Shoe

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5

The Margaritaville Anchor is a fantastic slip-on boat shoe. These are made of leather with mesh on the sides and upper part. This keeps your feet well-aerated during the summer and allows you to clear water out.

The dual elastic panels provide an excellent fit, allowing you to slip the shoes on easily. The contrast stitching gives a great look, and the removable dense foam insole increases stability and comfort when walking.

These are super comfortable, and you may swear only by them from the moment you put them on. But if you have flat feet, I highly recommend inserting an insert so you can walk comfortably.

These feature a rubber outsole. They grip fantastically and allow you to walk on your boat deck without leaving any marks. You can rest assured that your feet will be well-stable on the ground no matter the conditions.

The Margaritaville Anchor is relatively inexpensive compared to the other boat shoes on the list. For the price, you get a high-quality shoe to go sailing. They provide excellent traction as well as keep your feet feeling and smelling fresh during the summer. You can count on them to make your feet happy wherever you go all day!

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Nice looking
  • Easy to slip on and off
  • Durable

Cons

  • Run Narrow
 

4. Sanuk Casa Barco Boat Shoe

Average Rank: 4 out of 5

Super Stilysh is the word that could easily be used to describe the Sanuk Casa. The rubber outsole provides excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces and absorbs shock quite well. The shoe is made of Canvas material, which is not only more breathable and lighter than leather but also dries fast.

The removable EVA footbed molds the shape of the foot, and the antimicrobial additive prevents foot odors. Thanks to the Canvas material, your feet will stay cool all day, even in hot weather. These shoes are comfortable, but on certain types of feet, they can feel a bit tight. Anyway, after a few hours of wear, they stretch out and become super comfy!

Although these shoes are comfortable on the feet, they have no arch support at all. As the footbed is removable, you can replace it with a supporting insole. Not only you can wear these with or without socks, but also with or without laces. So if you want to have a more relaxed look or want to loosen the shoes, feel free to take the laces off!

The Sanuk is one of the most affordable shoes on the list, and for the price, you get a lightweight, comfortable, and stylish shoe that you can use for boating or walking around towns with or without socks or without laces!

Pros

  • Removable EVA footbed
  • Breathable
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to clean
  • Easy to slip on and off

Cons

  • The back is a bit high on the heel
  • May be tight on certain types of feet
 

5. Timberland Classic Two-Eye Boat Shoe

Average Rank: 4.5 out of 5

Timberland is renowned for its traditional boots all over the world. And once again they amaze people with the classic Two-Eye boat shoes. The shoes are made of stiff leather, which might need a breaking period to stretch out. These also have a mocassin toe with rawhide lacing passing through the slotted collar.

Once you tie the shoe, the lace stays in place, and you don’t have to bother with it anymore. The rubber sole is soft and provides excellent traction on wet decks. This classic boat shoe features a leather EVA footbed and an EVA foam, which, without a doubt, make the shoe comfortable to wear.

Although the EVA foam and the EVA footbed add comfort, like most boat shoes, they lack arch support. The weak point of the Timberland Classic is that the footbed is sewed; hence, you can not replace it with another insole.

The Timberland Classic shoe is relatively affordable, and for the price, you get an exceptional pair of shoes that mold to your feet after a small break-in period. Comfortable, well-constructed, and fashionable, this is exactly what you can expect from the Timberland Classic shoes!

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Nice looking shoes
  • Easy to take off and put on
  • Non-marking sole

Cons

  • May feel snug on certain types of feet
  • Lack of arch support
 

6. Sebago Docksides Leather Boat Shoes

Average Rank: 4.2 out of 5

The Sebago Dockside is a casual boat shoe that will make your feet feel comfortable all day and that will dress up your look. These are well-built and made of heavy-duty leather, including remarkable stitching, which makes them very durable. It also has rawhide laces that get through the brass eyelets, thick enough not to break and soft enough to tie them easily. The moment you touch these shoes, you will understand how well-constructed they are.

The Sebago features an EVA foam footbed that makes the shoe comfortable to wear with or without socks. These are quite stiff, and if you take the time to stretch them out, they will become supple and more agreeable than ever. These provide excellent traction and don’t leave any marks on decks, thanks to their rubber outsole.

The heel is thicker than many other boat shoes, but they have no arch support! The Sebago Dockside is quite expensive, but as the proverb says, you get what you pay for. These are well worth the price because they are built to last; once broken in, they become comfortable, and not to mention, they are stylish too!

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Excellent leather quality
  • Excellent traction

Cons

  • No arch support
  • Need break-in period
 

7. Rockport Perth Boat Shoes

Average Rank: 4.5 out of 5

Top Pick

Read Full Review

If you seek a classic boat shoe, then look no further than the Rockport; you found it! These are made of full-grain leather, which is renowned for being the highest quality leather. These are not only comfortable and stylish but also well-constructed and will last for a decade. It also features an EVA midsole giving great support and comfort.

The Rockport is comfortable on the feet, and it does provide a bit more support than other boat shoes, but still not enough to walk long distances. So if you have flat feet or plantar fasciitis, you will want to add your own footbed. The shoes are a bit stiff out of the box but stretch out pretty quickly after wearing them a few times. These come with a padded insole that sits well inside the shoes and makes them extremely comfortable.

These feature textured rubber sole which provides optimal traction and stability on wet and dry surfaces. Rockport shoes are one of the most expensive on the list, but worth the price because they last forever. You will wear the Perth for years to come, and this could save you money in a long run. Besides, they are stylish and comfortable!

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Provide great traction
  • Last for a long time
  • Easy to slip on and off once broken in

Cons

  • The leather is stiff at first
 

8. Sperry Top-Sider Sea Kite Sports Boat Shoe

Average Rank: 4.5 out of 5

The Sperry Sea Kite is a well-ventilated shoe that is designed to be worn without socks. It has the performance of an athletic shoe with a casual look, allowing you to wear it everywhere, whether on your boat, to a party, or at work! There is mesh fabric on the sides and on the upper of the shoe that keeps your feet cool and well-aerated all day. The rest of the shoe is made of water-resistant leather that holds up very well to abuse.

It features removable memory foam insoles made of synthetic material that not only makes the shoe extremely comfortable to wear but also provides better traction, even when wet. You can take it off to wear with no socks or replace it with your own custom insert if you want. Finding boat shoes with arch support is quite rare. But surprisingly, the Sperry Sea Kyte offers more support than any other boat shoe thanks to its extra cushioned insole.

These shoes feature a rubber outsole with the patented Sperry Wave-Siping, providing sturdy traction when walking on a slick boat deck. They grip extremely well, and without exaggeration, they can be as effective as car tires. The price of the Sperry Sea Kite is quite reasonable for what you get. They are incredibly comfortable to wear all day without feeling any feet or back pain. They have excellent grip, and they are good looking too. One thing you can be sure of, your feet will be happy all day long and everywhere.

Pros

  • Super comfortable
  • Provide excellent traction on wet decks
  • Has an athletic sole
  • Lightweight
  • Durable

Cons

  • They tend to hold fine sand and water
  • When worn out, become slippery
 

9. Sebago Spinnaker Boat Shoe

Average Rank: 4.2 out of 5

The Sebago’s Spinnaker takes comfort, traction, and look to new levels with a classic slotted collar, padded footbed, and non-marking outsole.
The entire shoe is hand-stitched and made of high-quality and vibrant leather. The stitching is well made, and the leather keeps its shape while stretching out after a few uses to provide a great fit.

These are a bit stiff at first, and as you wear them, they stretch out and become really comfortable on the feet. The insole is sewn and made of leather with holes inside that help reduce sweating and keep the feet well-aerated.

The Sebago Spinnaker has a non-slipping rubber outsole that provides excellent traction on a wet deck. You’ll feel very confident and stable when walking. They grip extremely well! If you have high arches or flat feet, you will need to use your own inserts because these have very little arch support like any other boat shoes.

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • High-quality leather
  • Hand stitched
  • Solid construction
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Requires a breaking period
  • Run Narrow
 

In Conclusion

Whether it is for boating, dressing up for a party, or strolling around the town, boat shoes will always do the trick! The list above provides the best 9 boat shoes, which are the most popular and have the most positive reviews on Amazon. Not only do they provide excellent grip, but also offer comfort and durability.

Is there a pair of boat shoes you would like to add to this list? If so, you are welcome to share it in the comments below.

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10 thoughts on “Best Boat Shoes for Men – Set Sail In Style!”

  1. That’s an awesome list there. I agree with your reviews and have tried most of them. I am a power boater but if the shoe fits!!!
    I have found that the cheaper the shoe the shorter the life span. Salt water is tough on anything.

    I’m gonna give those Sperry Sea Kites a ride!
    onward n upward
    captdennis

    Reply
    • Hi Captain Dennis,

      I am glad you liked the reviews, thank you:)
      Indeed, the cheaper the shoes, the cheaper the quality. And this applies to everything in life:)

      Although saltwater is fantastic to cure gums’ infection, it can also be really destructive. That’s why it is crucial to rinse with clear water anything that has been in contact with salt water.

      The Sperry Sea Kites are great boat shoes, I am sure you’ll love them!

      Thank you for the comment and wish you a fantastic day:)  

      Reply
  2. I like the article about all the different types of shoes. My son and daughter both love to wear the Sperry Shoe. They are more expensive but they last a long time.
    I like the sounds of the Sanuk Casa Shoe. I have a niece who has foot odor. If this shoe can eliminate foot odor this would be a good shoe for her.
    All the shoes you mentioned says they lack arch support. Would they be comfortable shoes to wear for people who have flat feet with no arch? My husband is flat footed and has a hard time finding a shoe that is comfortable to wear.

    Reply
    • Hi Sherry,

      Indeed, Sperry shoes are quite expensive but worth the price since the quality is top-notch! The Sanuk is a lightweight and breathable pair of boat shoes. Yes, the antimicrobial additive will definitely help prevent bad odor. Be aware though that it won’t eliminate bad smells if already present. It’s not a magic shoe 🙂
      If your husband is flat-footed, then the Sanuk could cause him feet pain after a long walk since they have no arch support at all. I would highly recommend the Rockport Perth for your husband. These provide more arch support, and they are incredibly comfortable, and the quality is superb!

      I hope it helps:) Feel free to contact me with any question. I’ll be more than happy to assist. 
      Thank you for the comment and wish you a fantastic day!

      Reply
  3. Daniella,
    First off love boating and so does the hubby; but my question is which pair would you recommend for gifting to him? I tend to like the look of the Timberland but was wondering about the laces should they break are they easily replaceable?
    Thanks for the review looking forward to others you may have on boating in the future.
    Susan

    Reply
    • Hi Susan,

      To answer your question; the laces are made of leather, so they are quite strong and to be honest,  they shouldn’t break. Since they are incorporated in the collars, it will be a bit difficult to replace them:)

      I hope it helped. 
      Let me know if you need more info. I am always happy to help!

      Thank you for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!

      Reply
  4. My husband loves boating and I use to buy him the boat shoes he needs. I usually go for The Dunham Captain ones, just love them, so comfortable and chic. He use to wear them not only when boating; they can match perfectly even with his office outfits, for ex. on Fridays when he can have a more casual look. Do you agree with this choice or any other model to suggest?

    Reply
    • Hi Irene,

      Dunham company build only high-quality shoes, and in my opinion, you should stick with this brand if your husband is happy with them. But if you want to try another pair of boat shoes for a change, I would highly recommend you the Rockport Perth. These are super durable and beautiful too. It is the top pick!

      Thank you for the comment and wish you a lovely day!

      Reply
  5. My son loves Sperry shoes, not just for boating, but he feels that they are so comfortable. I have been looking online for the best deal on a pair for him for Christmas. Good thing I do know his size, because he is a little OCD when it comes to fit. I am curious, will all Sperry shoes fit the same? So can I get him a different looking pair of Sperrys and they should fit the same? I hate to get them for him and then have them not fit.

    Reply
    • Hi Matts,

      There are a plethora of Sperry shoe and not all of them will fit your son’s feet. So if you want to make it simple for you, then he will have to try them on first:)

      Thank you for the comment and wish you a lovely day!

      Reply

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