Boat shoes are elegant men’s footwear meant for wearing in warmer climates and for summer. They match perfectly with suits, linen shirts and shorts and give a more laidback touch than classic shoes, but are more refined than sneakers. If you’re browsing boat shoes online, here’s what you need to know.
What Are Boat Shoes?
Boat shoes are a type of footwear that look like moccasins. They’re known for their low-cut and hand-sewn construction. The shoes have a soft, white, non-skid, non-marking, siped rubber sole. The laces of oat shoes not only go through 2-3 eyelets on top of the shoes but also weave in and out of the sides, creating a 360-degree configuration. This unique design allows for a tighter fit when the laces are cinched all around the shoe.
Manufacturers often use canvas or leather, but the latter is the most traditional and iconic material, especially when treated to repel water. The lace materials are usually leather, often rawhide. Once the laces are cinched and tied, they serve mainly as decorative elements, as the shoe can be easily slipped on.
How to Choose Your Boat Shoes?
If you’re looking for boat shoes online, there are various factors to consider such as the following: materials, colour,
- Material – opt for a leather deck shoe as it offers both durability and a more sophisticated look compared to canvas options. Pair your boat shoes with slightly dressier outfits for a more polished appearance.
- Colour – while boat shoes come in a wide range of colours, it’s best to choose a darker brown shade. This colour is considered the most attractive, classic, and versatile option that can complement almost any outfit. Navy is another versatile choice that pairs well with burgundy and grey bottoms, and decently with khaki-coloured ones.
- Fit – these shoes need some time to break in, so don’t expect them to feel extremely comfortable right out of the box. However, it’s crucial to find the right fit for a shoe that you will likely wear without socks, as certain issues breaking in won’t be resolved. Opt for a slightly snugger fit than usual; with time they’ll stretch and become looser as you wear them. In most cases, you may need to choose a half a size smaller than your normal size. If you find yourself between sizes, go with the smaller size. This snugness is particularly important if you intend to wear the shoes without socks. When trying on the shoe, take a walk around to ensure there are no areas that gap open or cause significant pinching or chafing on your feet.
Why Wear Boat Shoes?
The boat shoe offers a practical and stylish option for men seeking casual summertime footwear. Unlike sneakers, which are limited in their level of formality, and flip-flops, which can appear immature, boat shoes make a balance between comfort and sophistication. They are easy to slip on, similar to sneakers or sandals, but possess a sharper aesthetic that can be paired with slightly dressier outfits. Additionally, boat shoes are known for their coolness and once you break them in, they provide a high level of comfort. Not only do they look good, but they also offer functionality, allowing you to confidently navigate slippery surfaces, including water.
Do’s and Don’ts
For Warm Weather Only
These shoes are designed to be worn in warmer weather. Their low cut and softer, thinner leather, along with their seafaring background, make them suitable for pairing with lightweight pants and shorts, and for wearing during the summer and in consistently warm climates. However, due to the shoe’s open design that leaves much of the foot exposed, it’s not suitable for snowy and icy conditions and doesn’t complement pants made of thicker fabrics. It’s not smart to wear them in winter and colder climates.
Wear Them With Refined Outfits
Boat shoes are a step up from sneakers in terms of sophistication, so they are best styled with a polo shirt, button-down shirt, short-sleeve henley, or guayabera on top, and nicer jeans, khakis, or shorts on the bottom. You can even incorporate them into a blazer outfit, as long as you keep the rest of your look more relaxed. However, when the occasion calls for a tie, it’s time to leave the boat shoes behind. They aren’t suitable for events that require a more formal dress code beyond “smart casual.”
Lacing
Traditional shoelace knots may not secure rawhide laces effectively, thus it is advisable to explore alternative techniques to prevent them from becoming untied. Additionally, different lacing styles can alter the appearance of your shoes, such as the barrel knot which imparts a more sophisticated aesthetic.
Don’t Wear Them in The Office
These shoes aren’t a suitable choice for office attire, even if your workplace has a “smart casual” dress code. They give off a relaxed, casual, post-work vibe that is not appropriate for a professional setting. Opt for something more durable and active, like a chukka boot or a stylish leather sneaker, for a better office look.
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