The Best Boat Shoes That Every Sailor Needs
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Give anyone the right shoes and they can conquer the world.
The classic sailors’ footwear known for its great versatility and top-notch comfort, boat shoes are a must-have in your gear, and we have compiled a list of the top boat shoes in 2024.
Sailors and water sports enthusiasts know the essence of having a good boat shoe. Asides from making the feet look good, boat shoes are the best in preventing you from slipping when walking on wet surfaces on your boat. So many things come into play when choosing the right boat shoe and with the gazillion options in the market, you’re bound to get overwhelmed when making a choice, so here’s a list of the best boat shoes to add to your shoe rack in your floating fortress.
Here is the Top Boat Shoe of 2024
Top Pick
The Dockers men’s boat shoe is the best boat shoe when you are looking for great attention to detail, elegance, and style. Crafted from 100 percent high-quality leather, the Dockers boat shoes are perfect shoes to go with anything.
Pros
- It comes with excellent stitching
- It is water-resistant
- It is very durable
Cons
- It is not leather-lined
- It acing may fray
Key Features
- Full leather construction with a natural appearance
- Durable rubber outsoles for maximum comfort and also enhance traction
- Flexible construction is suitable for all-day wear
- Made of soft and flexible leather combined with an EVA footbed for great comfort and heel cups that ensure proper walking posture
- Classic two-eyelet design with an additional 360-degree lacing system for tightening the shoe
Runner Up
Looking for the best boat shoes that you’ll never get tired of? Then the Jamonwu’s canvas sneakers are just the thing for you. These bost shoes are soft and lightweight and can be worn for extended periods without creating pressure on your feet.
Pros
- They are washable
- They are quick to dry
- They are very comfy
Cons
- Its material can be a bit itchy on the feet
Key Features
- High-quality lining that gives your foot a comfortable sense and never makes you feel tired even after a long day of wearing
- Soft and lightweight with no pressure on the feet and makes it easier for you to walk
- Round toe cap that fits the feet and is spacious enough not to squeeze
- Wear-resistant soles that can withstand bending and stretching and provides you with enough security to let you go further
- The elastic band gives you an easy on and off feel
Honorable Mention
While you’re getting some breeze out at the sea, your feet shouldn’t be left out too. The Sperry Men’s Billfish 3-eye boat shoe helps your feet breathe with its mesh sides.
Pros
- It is available in different colors
- It is exceptionally breathable
- It can be worn for extended periods
Cons
- The stitching may stretch
- Wears down quicker than other brands
Key Features
- 100 percent leather and air mesh construction that gives you the perfect combination of support and breathability
- Molded EVA cushion midsole and heel for premium comfort and also helps to absorb shock while walking on hard surfaces
- 360 degrees lacing system for adjusting fit and three rust-proof eyelets that would stay in their best condition
- Perforated side panels help add to breathability and allow for a substantial amount of airflow to keep your feet cool even on the hottest of days.
- Wave-sipping rubber outsole for stability on wet and dry surfaces that leave no marks and are designed to give you the best traction.
Contender
Don’t miss out on getting stylish while relaxing at sea with the best boat shoe; The Timberland’s Classic 2- Eye. Fully sealed seams prevent any leaks and rubber soles that maximize grip which allows you to be sure-footed even in slippery conditions.
Pros
- It is waterproof
- Its durable leather outsoles leave no marks
- It is very stylish
Cons
- Inside sole cuts off at the ball of the foot
Key Features
- Premium full-grain and nubuck leather uppers
- Hand sewn uppers are stitched to the midsole and cemented to the outsole
- The 360-degree rawhide lacing system provides a custom fit
- 3/4-length leather-lined EVA footbeds
- Sipped rubber outsoles for maximum traction and slip resistance
- The classic two-eyelet design as well as moccasin stitching along the front really adds to the great impression.
Also Consider
Built for the water life with a plush design, the Columbia Men’s boat shoe is the best boat shoe that gives you a super clean look. It boasts of an advanced water and stain repellency that makes it the ultimate companion for active days out on the water.
Pros
- It is the perfect shoe for going fishing
- It is waterproof and stain resistant
- It ensures maximum grip
Cons
- It comes in a very tight fit and may not be wide enough
Key Features
- It features an open mesh and synthetic rubber composite construction
- Lower durometer EVA for ultimate comfort
- It comes with a lace-up closure for an adjustable and secure fit
- Signature technology that ensures high-quality protection and prevention
- Advanced traction outsole that prevents slipping
Great for Comfort
Stay grounded in this anchor lace boat shoe which features a classically nautical silhouette and luxurious leather construction for pure comfort.
With an impressive amount of structure, the Margaritaville anchor lace shoes are the best boat shoe for the outdoors.
Pros
- Perfect breathability for summer
- Doesn’t leave any marks
Cons
- Only available in two colors only
- Discomfort from heel stitching
Key Features
- Comfortable foam insole for perfect feel as opposed to the traditional soles that offer little to no comfort
- The integrated foam insole gives you added support
- Soft padded collar and tongue that is ideal for summertime wearing
- Breathable leather mesh upper to prevent your feet from getting trapped in a hot pair of shoes, with textile panels on the uppers, there’s a guaranteed high level of airflow.
- Leather and textile construction that offers a great appeal with the option to last for a while
- Contrast stitching that breaks up the color of shoes and adds a little bit of depth and dimension in all the right areas
Most Affordable
Get some groove in your yacht with the comfortable Skechers relaxed-fit Elent-Mosen boat shoe. With a soft woven canvas fabric, the Skechers relaxed-fit Elent-Mosen shoe is the best boat shoe for easy slip-on and also comes with an air-cooled memory foam insole.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Good quality
Cons
- Not fit for every foot shape
Key Features
- Soft woven canvas fabric upper and slip-on stretch laced casual comfort boat shoe design
- Padded tongue and collar with shock-absorbing midsole
- Flexible rubber traction that prevents slipping
- Stitched seam moc toe front
- Soft suede textured synthetic overlay at heel panel
Buying Guide: Boat Shoes
Boat shoes are perfect for both looking good and also functional – when you want to go into the water as they provide traction on any slippery surface.
Boat shoes are mostly made of leather or canvas which are known to repel water and are great for a day out on the sea.
Earlier on, we gave an outline of the best boat shoes that stand out from the bunch, but you may still be in a fix as to which to choose. But we’re still here to help. In the rest of this buying guide, we take a look at some of the important factors we considered, and you should too so that you can zero in on the perfect boat shoes to take along on your next water adventure.
What Should I Look Out for When Choosing a Good Boat Shoe?
Choosing a good boat shoe should not be a difficult task if you know what to look out for.
With a lot of options at your disposal, the buying guide would help you navigate through the factors you need to consider when picking out the best boat shoe for you.
What Are the Factors to Consider When Picking Out the Best Boat Shoe?
Fit
It takes a while to break into boat shoes.
Fitting into a boat shoe is very important since you would likely be wearing them without socks and a great fit is essential for traction and grip. You should go for a snugger fit because the longer you wear them; the more they stretch and get loose.
Go for a half size down from your normal size and if you are in-between sizes, go with the smaller of the two. The heel should not move around too much to prevent boat shoe-induced blisters. If your feet get sore quickly, look out for additional features such as padding underfoot and a shoe collar.
Make sure to walk around in the shoes while trying them on so there aren’t any spots that would gap open or chafe your feet. To let your boat shoes break in, try wearing them for shorter periods before wearing them for a full day.
Having a shoe that does not fit is bound to ruin your day and that is one thing you would want to avoid when you are out there on a boat.
Durability
Boat shoes need to be well made because of the conditions they are subjected to. When you are on a boat, your shoes are always exposed to the harsh conditions of the water.
The best boat shoes should be durable enough for walking and everyday use.
Boat shoes are mostly made of leather which is a super-strong material. If you take good care of your shoes, it’s bound to last you a very long time.
An important aspect to look for is water and stain-proof boat shoes.
Also, look out for eyelets, make sure they are rust-proof because of the saltwater if not you will end up with a good boat shoe but with rusting eyelets. The durability of a good boat shoe is in the stitching. Ensure that the stitching is excellent to prevent it from falling apart.
Water resistance
Out on a boat with a shoe that absorbs water and does not dry quickly? Very bad idea. This is why you need to look out for a shoe that is waterproof.
The best boat shoes are meant to have uppers that resist moisture from seeping in or allow water but also dry quickly.
This can be achieved with boat shoes that have water-resistant leather and mesh sides. Leather resists water and it’s hard for any moisture to come through it. Good boat shoes have leather that is specially treated with an oil coating to enhance its water resistance. For mesh uppers, water comes in easily but dries quickly.
Grip and traction
Boat shoes should offer enough traction and grip so you won’t slip on wet surfaces. To get the best boat shoes with good traction, go for the ones that do not come off. Make sure the heels of your shoes are tight to your ankle and it does not slip off. Ideally, boat shoes should have rubber soles so you can have a better grip on wet surfaces.
For the outsole, softer rubber is recommended so they can give the sides of your feet an additional grip. Go for soles that do not leave marks on your boat.
Yes, style is important when getting the best boat shoes but traction and grip should always come first because no one wants to get caught slipping right?
People Also Asked
Is socks with boat shoes a good combination?
Boat shoes should not be worn with socks. There is a good chance that your feet would get wet when you are out in the water and wet socks are a no-no because they make your feet damp and prone to soreness and blisters. Socks also make it easy for your feet to sleep in and out of your shoes, so not wearing socks is the safest option.
How do I clean my shoes?
It depends on the material. Some boat shoes are machine washable and you can just wash them in the washing machine. For other non-machine washable shoes, a toothbrush and some warm soapy water would do the trick. Do make sure you dry them properly too so they don’t smell. Also, air out your shoes after every outing.
What can I wear my boat shoes with?
Boat shoes are the best fit for casual clothes. A polo shirt or button-down shirt with some nice jeans or shorts is the perfect combo.