A boat shoe is a highly durable type of footwear that was created to be worn on boats but is now widely used in everyday fashion. Boat shoes have tight laces, cut soles for extra grip on boat decks and are often made with leather or even canvas for extra protection. In today's popular culture, this type of shoe is worn as casual footwear while enjoying a walk in the park or even running errands in town. Boat shoes have gained traction as a fashion accessory beyond their original functional use while out on the water.

Boat shoes can be worn with a variety of casual outfit styles to complete the look with more class and overall fashion. There are many great brands in the market to choose from that provide a quality shoe with many personalization options. If you have never tried out a boat shoe in the past, it might be the time now. 

Boat Shoe Outfits

Boat shoes are most in style when they're worn to the beach or while traveling. They're easy to take off and more comfortable than other shoes for long use. They can even be worn to the office or on a date to style up an outfit. They shouldn't be worn with formal wear or with any socks showing. They're best in warm weather when near water, enjoying nature or wanting to add style to a regular outfit.

There are several outfits and situations where boat shoes are the best option. They work great with jeans and colorful pants. It's best to always allow the shoe to be seen so the colorful stitch work and shape of the shoe can be seen and admired. Cuffing pants is a great way to wear these shoes with longer bottoms that may fall a little too low on the leg. They're great with shorts as well, which can make the perfect beach ensemble along with a casual short-sleeve button-down or t-shirt.

The warmer, more energetic seasons like spring and summer are perfect for boat shoes. They provide plenty of outdoor activities and occasions to wear them and can allow the ankle and top of the foot to show without getting too cold. Boat shoes can be worn instead of tennis shoes, trainers or flip flops to give more style and class to an outfit. They're a great conversation piece and provide a wonderful amount of comfort and protection when wearing them in wet climates. Consider stylizing an everyday casual outfit with a pair of stylishly classy boat shoes and leave the tennis shoes at home.

Best Boat Shoe Brands

Finding a great pair of boat shoes can be hard when searching for the right retailer and brand. Sperry is renowned for the fashionable and authentic boat shoes they've been selling for nearly a century. They have many different styles and sell boat shoes in both leather and canvas that have unmatched traction in both wet and dry environments. Sperry is a great quality brand for those who want a shoe made with excellent materials that can be used functionally and casually. It's important to note that Sperry's boat shoes are high-functioning, highly stylized and often on the more expensive side.

Dockers is a great brand for those who want to buy a quality shoe for a more affordable price. They have many color options and a wide range of sizes. Their shoes are versatile, comfortable and easily worn on both fun days at the beach and business casual afternoons in the office. The lower price point does come at a cost, and Dockers shoes may not last as long as other boat shoes on the market due to the type of leather they use. Overall, Dockers is a great option for those who want to try out this type of shoe and want to make sure they're getting a great pair at an affordable price.