For the love of boating, sailors usually dress up according to the nautical dress code. One of the main highlights of the nautical dress code is boat shoes. New to the name? Well, these shoes are made specifically for boating purposes so that sailors don’t slip on their wet deck and don’t leave any marks as well! There are many types and brands out there that can make it challenging to choose the right pair. So you would agree that it’s important to know how to buy boat shoes. Right? Here is a buying guide to help you find the perfect pair for your next trip on the water.
A Little About Boat Shoes
Boat shoes got their name from a man named Paul Sperry. Legend says that whenever he went on the deck, his foot slipped due to the quality of his leather shoes.
One day he noticed that his dog named Prince, didn’t have any issues running over ice. After examining its paws, Sperry concluded that it was due to the tiny grooves on its paws that were making him stable on the ice.
So, Sperry got an idea and decided to create groove patterns on his rubber outsole shoes with a penknife. These shoes prevented Sperry from slipping over the wet deck. Now that was one theory.
Some say that boat shoes were invented long before the Sperry incident by a sailor named John Sipe. However, the boat shoes were officially launched in 1935 and were worn by all sailors and later on became fashionable footwear for men and women.
What Boat Shoes Are?
Boat shoes (also known as deck shoes) are canvas or leather shoes with soles made of non-marking rubber. They are designed to be worn on boats; however, they are great footwear for summer and casual events. Boat shoes are considered best because of their chicness and durability.
They are stitched with a thicker thread that is usually visible in most shoes. These shoes are super comfortable, attractive, preppy, and ideal for warmer climates as they keep the feet cool.
Reasons to Wear Boat Shoes
There’s no reason to go shoe shopping, even if you’re a man. But if you’re that stingy, here are a few solid reasons that will convince you to get a pair of boat shoes.
Chicness
One of the many reasons boat shoes are so popular today is because of their chicness. People consider the looks of the shoes before anything. Boat shoes are pretty decent in looks and complement almost every type of outfit.
Comfort
Standing on the deck all day or strolling around the marina can tiering your feet, especially in the summer. They are super comfortable and durable, so they’ll protect your feet from pain and keep them cool in high heat.
Main Purpose
One of the main purposes of boat shoes is to prevent you from slipping. Since boat shoes have a rubber sole, they provide outstanding grip, preventing you from slipping, and are the ideal choice for boat parties, boating, and walking around.
Features to Look for in Boat Shoes
Buying boat shoes is no rocket science. You go to the store, choose the best-looking shoes, and pay at the counter. Just that it is not so simple! You’ll have to consider a few basic points before buying a pair of boat shoes because if you pick the wrong pair, you’ll be disappointed. Head below and check the features to look for before buying.
Material
Boat shoes come in two types; canvas and leather. Now, most of you might like canvas because it’s lighter than leather, but it’s not a durable option. Besides, canvas shoes are restricted to a particular preppy or casual dress code, while leather boat shoes can be paired with any outfit. Although leather shoes require a breaking period, they are easy to maintain as you can polish them, and they’re spik and span. Also, leather offers more protection to your feet when on the boat. As for canvas shoes, you don’t have the option of shoe polish, and you’ll have to wash them for a good clean.
Color
Unlike Sperry’s boat shoes, today’s boat shoes come in a variety of different colors. You will find them in all sorts and shades of colors, but a few smart colors can be enough for most occasions. For your first pair of boat shoes, always buy a darker brown shade, as it works in contrast with almost any color. It is also a very classic man shade and does not disappoint you. The second comes in navy blue. It works with denim, so navy blue is your color if you’re a denim boy; the third and last basic color is khaki, as it’s versatile and will work with anything.
Size
Most people probably go for the perfect fit when buying boat shoes, but that’s not the right thing to do while buying boat shoes. It is recommended that you try them on without socks and find a fit that is tighter. Now don’t go for a size that is smaller than yours, but a fitted shoe will be perfect. Why? Because boat shoes usually lose their fit after a couple of trials. If you’re wearing them regularly, your then-fitted boat shoes will become way too loose, and you’ll have to replace them.
Non-marking Sole
The key feature of the boat shoes is their sole. Boat shoes have a rubber sole that doesn’t mark. So you can walk on the deck without fear of scuffing it or leaving marks. This feature might sound neglectable when it can come in quite handy for sailors who are off-shore most time. So how to check if the shoes have a non-marking sole? Simply check the sole for a minimal or light pattern. Also, the sole should have a white or light-colored sole as well as flat and not hard.
Wear Boat Shoes With or Without Socks?
Coming to the debate of the century; boat shoes with socks or without? Now there’s no harm in wearing boat shoes with socks, but that’s just against the rule. The quality of boat shoes doesn’t allow socks, as they keep your feet dry and protected in the heat and warm in the cold. However, if you’re wearing a preppy outfit, then socks might be a nice addition. If you want to wear socks that badly, then you can wear the no-show socks as they end below the ankles. Liner socks are also a great option and go well with canvas boat shoes.
Boat Shoes VS Deck Shoes?
Boat shoes and deck shoes are the same things. Most people consider them as two different types of shoes when they’re not. So what’s with the two names? There are theories (or probably stories) that deck shoes were the introductory name for boat shoes. In Sperry’s time, these shoes were called deck shoes, but after a while, their name got changed to boat shoes. It is also said that deck shoes and boat shoes have the same rubber sole, but their color is different. Deck shoes have a dark black sole, while boat shoes have a regular rubbery-color sole.
How to Break in Boat Shoes
What can be more satisfying than wearing comfy boat shoes? But shoes are made of different qualities, which makes them more vulnerable to different breaking-in techniques. You can break in boat shoes by warming up the sole using a hairdryer. Also, try wearing and walking in the boat shoes with thick socks on. This will do the job of breaking in new boat shoes faster. Another thing you can do is wear them when wet until they dry. This will do the trick in no time!
How to Clean Boat Shoes
Cleaning boat shoes is important to remove bacteria and prevent bad odors. The best way to clean leather boat shoes is by removing the laces and applying a leather cleaner, and that’s all you have to do. While you are cleaning the boat shoes, let the lace soak in cold water mixed with soap. In the case of canvas shoes, you should avoid any cleaner and wash the shoes with gentle soap and water. Like the leather shoes, make sure to remove and wash the laces before cleaning them. After you’ve cleaned the shoes, air dry them for 24 hours and deodorize them using baking soda pods.
How to Wear Boat Shoes
Boat shoes are unisex shoes that are loved by all and do justice with them; you have to style them properly. Since we’re talking about fashion, there are no rules and principles because it’s art, but you can follow the norms and wear them the way your ancestors have. If you’re a guy, then pairing boat shoes with jeans, chinos, or shorts is the recommended way. And if you’re a girl, then cropped denim, khakis, skirts, and dress go perfectly blended with these bottoms. With that being said, those are the norms; you do you!
Where to Buy Boat Shoes?
Since boat shoes are popular, you can find them everywhere – in a retail shop or online. Know that you’ll have much more choices and better prices online because there is no need to pay wages for salespeople, rent for the location, and other expenses. On the other hand, it’s riskier to buy online in case you’ve picked the wrong size. But today, the shipping is very fast, and all shoes have a return policy. However, always make sure to buy on a trusted platform such as Amazon, Zappos, Footlockers, Shoes.com, or Sperry.
Final Words!
Summing up, boat shoes are the best choice for sailors. And even if you’re not a sailor, boat shoes can be your ultimate go-to for a comfortable stroll or just for style. Plus, these shoes are super easy to maintain and durable as well. Wear these shoes with polo shirts, blazers, shorts, or croaky shades, and slay all day because such combos never disappoint!
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Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
