Summer calls for a perfect mixture of beaches, boats and relaxation. The best boat shoes are the ideal kind of footwear to go with you on any such relaxing beach day. Boat shoes are a perfect mix of style, comfort, and safety.
These shoes are designed for boat usage. Be it hot sand, saltwater, or sharp rocks; these boat shoes can handle them all. Boat shoes for men and women should be non-slip in nature. The market out there is enormous, and the products are vast, with many options to search through and find the right ones to buy.
So read on below to find out more about our top 10 handpicked boat shoes for your summertime activities.
Product Review
1. ALEADER Aqua Water Shoes
This one may earn the number one spot but its well deserved. The main attraction we like about this shoe is the breathable mesh. This forms the outer body of the shoe. The mesh adds support to your feet while keeping them safe at the same time. Durability is a bonus with this boat shoe.
The lightweight midsole offers a fantastic amount of bounceback as well for better motility. These shoes are built for better traction on wet or slippery surfaces. These are watersport boat shoes for mens. They have an outsole that allows water to drain out quickly. This technology is known as FluidFlow technology.
The sock liner in these shoes known as the ComforDry sock liner helps keep feet dry and cushioned. All of these features keep this boating shoe lightweight.
Pros
- These shoes offer excellent traction on wet surfaces.
- Very durable, especially in wet conditions.
- Cushioned insole for added comfort.
- Breathable mesh helps in keeping the feet dry.
- Very light midsole with good bounceback.
Why we liked it
The durable and lightweight midsole makes movement on slippery surfaces easier. The breathable mesh and the FluidFlow technology help keep the feet dry and comfortable. This is one of the primary features which makes this shoe worth every penny.
2.SPERRY Top-Sider Boat Shoes
Under Armour Highlight MC Cleats is one of the best you can find on the market. The shoe is designed to provide comfort and support. It allows participants to control their speedy moves. The synthetic material and CompFit sleeve of the cleats fit your ankle perfectly. The snug fit of the shoes assists players during cuts, push-offs, and stops.
The cleat has 3D molded MPZ tongue. Its lightweight design provides the perfect padding to protect your upper foot. The cleats allow absolute mobility and flexibility to the foot. The outsole features beaded studs that control stops and cuts at high speed.
Pros
- A beveled heel, which gives a fantastic grip on all uneven terrain.
- The EVA heel cup and OrthoLight underfoot cushions work as brilliant shock absorbers.
- The snug fit due to the rawhide lacing systems
- Durable leather uppers make the shoes look good.
- The rust-proof eyelets which allow you to wear these shoes even in wet conditions.
Why we liked it
The leather upper makes these boaters’ shoes look like an age-old classic. The OrthoLight underfoot cushions increase the appeal for the Sperry Top-Sider. To be honest enough, Sperry has been making men’s deck shoes for a while now..
3. GLOBALWIN Casual Loafers
The Globalwin Casual Loafers are one of the less expensive pair of boat shoes available on this list. However, this is one of those boat shoe brands which manufacture quality shoes. This is a slip-on boat shoe, and it fits true to size as well.
The faux leather upper gives these shoes a stylish touch, and the Moc Toe design gives it an exquisite and classy look. These shoes are very lightweight and durable and provide an ample amount of comfort and security to the wearers’ feet.
The Globalwin casual Loafers offer excellent traction, irrespective of the surface. These boat shoes for men are designed for those individuals who flaunt their style even while being active outdoor. The lightweight body makes the shoe more durable. And this shoe provides fantastic traction on any surface.
Pros
- Slip-on design makes it easy to wear.
- Faux leather makes the upper part look classy and elegant.
- Fit to size offers a comfortable fitting.
- Excellent traction and grip, irrespective of the surface.
- Very lightweight, does not put additional stress on the feet.
Why we liked it
As mentioned before, the Globalwin Casual Loafers is one of the cheaper alternatives available on this list. Even though it comes with a low price tag, this classic boat shoe is high on quality. A simple slip-on design makes these shoes easy to wear.
4. COLUMBIA PFG Boat Shoes
The Columbia PFG boat shoes brag about their leather and canvas manufacturing, which promises to stay healthy in every situation. This boat shoe has a midsole that offers excellent cushioning along with an equally impressive bounceback. The Techlite construction makes this one of the most lightweight and one of the best boat shoes for men on this list. The ports around the midsole add to the breathability of the shoe as a whole.
Traction is impressive even in wet conditions, thanks to the non-marking rubber sole on this shoe. The Omni grip technology ensures that these shoes for boats will hold their ground even in the wettest of conditions. The razor design on the outsole is built explicitly for better motility in wet conditions. Overall, these boat shoes mean nothing but business which we like.
Pros
- A combination of canvas and leather adds durability to these pair of boat shoes.
- Excellent cushioning and bounceback offered by the midsole.
- Lightweight because of the Techlite construction.
- Ports on the outsole for breathability. Authentic original
- Omni grip technology provides a terrific grip in wet conditions.
Why we liked it
The Columbia PFG boat shoe boasts about its unique non-marking rubber sole. This results in an excellent grip on any wet surface, be it on a boat or the beach. The ports on the outsole make it a breathable shoe, which is essential in wet and damp conditions.
5. Tommy Hilfiger Bowman Shoes
The Tommy Hilfiger Bowman is a classic boat shoe. Fashion and work go together with this shoe. A non-marking rubber sole offers a fantastic grip. The very texture of this shoe provides additional traction on the boots. The insole is designed for comfort.
The rawhide laces run 360 degrees and offer an additional snug fit for the wearer. These classic boat shoes can be worn with or without socks. These are the best boat shoes for whoever will like look fashionable and stylish at the same time. These shoes are breathable and offer excellent traction due to the very design of the body.
Pros
- The quality of the build of this boat shoe stresses that the shoe is durable.
- The texture of this shoe offers excellent traction.
- 360-degree rawhide laces guarantee a good fit even in damp conditions.
- Very comfortable insole. Authentic original
- A non-marking rubber sole guarantees a good grip on wet surfaces.
Why we liked it
Tommy Hilfiger has always been involved in making the fashion world a better place. Functionality meets style with the Tommy Hilfiger Bowman, a classic boat shoe.
6.Margaritaville Anchor Lace Shoes
The blend of leather and mesh uppers makes this shoe extremely lightweight and durable. The strength and durability of this shoe don’t mean that the manufacturers have compromised on comfort. The foam insole of the shoe assures a good fit for the wearer. The padded collar and the tongue of the shoe add extra comfort to the pump. The rubber sole gives a good grip on slippery and wet surfaces. The contrast stitching on this shoe guarantees that these shoes will live through all sorts of wear and tear. The rubber sole helps in adding traction on damp or slippery surfaces.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and durable.
- Foam insole adds comfort to the feet of the wearer.
- The rubber sole gives added traction on surfaces that are wet.
- The padded collar and the tongue of the shoe add extra comfort.
- Breathable design. Authentic original
Why we liked it
The Margaritaville Anchor Lace shoes sure look heavy, but they are not. Extremely lightweight due to leather and mesh upper, these shoes are very durable. The padded collar and tongue with the foam insole give excellent comfort.
7. Crocs Santa Cruz 2 Luxe Loafer
Trust Crocs to come up with boat shoes. They are one of the best brands which manufacture lightweight shoes for added comfort. The Crocs’ triple comfort ensures that the wearers’ feet experience added comfort.
The footbed has a memory foam that remembers the shape of your feet, guaranteeing a comfortable fit for the wearer. The canvas upper makes this shoe breathable and durable These shoes offer non-slip traction. So it doesn’t matter if you’re walking on a pier or the wet deck of a boat, slip you shall not. This is one amongst the best boat shoes ever made.
Pros
- Strong and durable due to the canvas uppers.
- Brilliant traction
- Memory foam guarantees a comfortable fit.
- Easy slip-on design. Authentic original
- Breathable loafers, granting added comfort.
Why we liked it
The brand name Crocs screams comfort. Their non-slip technology ensures that wearers will have a good grip on any surface they decide to walk on. The canvas upper makes these shoes very breathable, essential for boat usage. The slip-on design of this boat shoe makes it quick to wear. This comes in handy when people like to rush out to the deck on short notice.
8. Bruno Marc Pitts Oxford Shoes
This comes for a shoemaker in the US. The stylish slip-on pair is definitely amongst the best boat shoes around in the market. Genuine leather forms an integral part of this shoe. The footbed has a latex cushioning, which gives added comfort to the wearer. The Moc Toc stitching vamp ensures durability for the shoes.
The design of this shoe ensures that you don’t lose your grip over wet or slippery surfaces. The rubber outsole adds to the clasp as well. These shoes are built for a purpose and the purpose they serve.
Pros
- Good quality leather uppers
- Non-slip outsoles for better grip.
- Latex footbed for additional comfort.
- The insole is cushioned.
- Slip-on footwear, hassle-free, and comfortable to wear.
Why we liked it
This boat shoe comes from a manufacturer from the US. This pair of shoes is not only elegant, but they also serve their purpose. The hand-stitched leather adds durability to it. Non-skid soles ensure stability for the wearers as well.
10.Polo Ralph Lauren Faxon Sneaker
This boat shoe is extremely lightweight, thanks to its suede and cotton construction. This also makes it one of the most popular boat shoes in the market. These shoes have a low top lace and are built to survive. The bumper styling on the toe and the heel adds to the durability factor. Rawhide laces ensure the safety of your feet within the shoes at all times.
The design is unique and distinctive. Excellent traction on slippery surfaces is an added specialty of the outsole on this shoe. This is a crucial aspect of any right boat shoe.
Pros
- Heel and toe bumper for added durability.
- Suede and cotton build gives comfort to the wearer.
- Rawhide laces ensure that the shoes stick on to the feet of the wearer.
- Excellent traction offered by the outsole.
- Lightweight
Why we liked it
These boat shoes look very classy and have a distinctive style with respect to other boat shoes. The cotton and suede build makes this shoe very lightweight and durable. The bumpers on the heel and the toe makes the shoe additionally durable.
10. Dockers Vargas Leather Shoe
This hand-sewn genuine leather shoe is built for people with wide feet. The hand-sewn aspect of this shoe makes it one of the most expensive shoes on the market. These shoes are perfect for wearing on the boat or the pier. The rubber outsole gives this shoe a fantastic level of traction on slippery surfaces.
The lace closures keep the shoe stuck to your feet under all circumstances. These shoes are flexible and durable and can be worn with shorts or jeans during the summers.
Pros
- Genuine leather hand-sewn construction, especially for individuals with wide feet.
- Siped rubber outsoles for excellent traction.
- Flexibility and durability come into play because these shoes are hand sewn.
- EVA foot cup offers excellent comfort for the wearer.
- Very stylish, can accompany jeans or shorts easily.
Why we liked it
This shoe is built for comfort. The EVA foot cup offers support to the feet like no other. The siped outsoles provide excellent traction on wet or slippery surfaces. These boat shoes are apt for all kinds of sailors. A little rough on the pocket, this boat shoe is undoubtedly worth the entire money.
Buyer’s Buying Guide
It is essential to look at vital aspects before investing in any product, especially shoes. These include the material that the shoe is made of and material the sole is made of.
Traction is an important aspect to consider when it comes to shoes. For boat shoes, traction is more important because it’s vital to stay on your feet on the deck of a boat.
It is common knowledge that women and men have different kinds of feet, so chances are, there won’t be any unisex boat shoe because of the difference in requirements. Many boat shoes may appeal to men because of their functionality but may not appeal to women because the boots look like a rock.
Continue reading to find out about some of the aspects you should consider while buying any shoes.
Material
The material of the shoe is essential. It should dry quickly and fast — this aids in maintaining the hygiene by allowing your feet to dry quickly. Any shoe which drains and dries quickly does not get affected by mildew. The ability to remove the sock is also an important feature that assists in the drying of the boat shoes.
Airflow is an essential factor which further improves the drying of the boat shoes: more porous the material, quicker the drying, and better the airflow. The shoe should be as lightweight as possible. The best boat shoes feel so light that it feels like walking barefoot but with a better grip. Available in various material in various colors from brown leather to denim.
The material should not absorb moisture and hold on to it. This would lead to the boat shoe being soggy and damp. This also makes the feet feel heavy. Leather and mesh help add comfort and stability to the shoe.
Construction
The construction of the shoes should be as seamless as possible. Wet shoes begin to chafe very quickly, so it is vital that the boat shoes have as little irritants as possible.
Boat shoes with a flat seam and a padded tongue are preferred over any other boat shoe. Slip-on style boat shoes can double up to be casual shoes off the deck.
A boat shoe should not only be supportive. It should have a comfortable midsole too. You wouldn’t want to wear footwear, which has a brilliant look but hurts your feet after a while.
Sole
The sole is the most crucial part of any boat shoe. Like it’s mentioned before. You don’t want to be sliding on a deck. It’s preferable you stand. Hence, having a sole made of rubber is essential.
The best boat shoe brands have a well-built sole. They provide excellent traction on slippery and uneven surfaces. The shoe also keeps your foot safe while on deck from any hazards.
FAQs
How to wear a boat shoe?
There is no specific way of wearing a boat shoe. Although it is easier to wear a slip-on boat shoe, laces provide that added security of keeping the shoe stuck to your feet.
It is advisable to wear boat shoes without socks, though. This is because socks tend to get waterlogged, and that delays the drying of the boat shoe. If you do consider wearing socks, wear lightweight socks, or ankle-length socks.
As mentioned before, there isn’t any hard and fast rule to wear your boat shoe. Wear it with your family or while lounging in your boat.
What socks to wear with boat shoes?
Boat shoes look stylish in their way. As mentioned before, the boat shoes should be best worn without socks, but they can be worn with ankle-length socks as well.
However, while wearing socks, you need to bear in mind to wear socks that have a good grip. Else you may find your favorite pair of footwear slipping out of your feet now and then.
How to keep boat shoes from smelling?
Firstly, make sure your shoe is aired enough. Shoes should be ventilated to get rid of any moisture that may accumulate within the confines of the shoes.
Secondly, keep your feet clean and scrub them nicely. Bad odor in a pair of boat shoes occurs mostly because of dirty feet. Ensure that your feet are dry before you wear your shoes.
Use foot sanitizers for the insoles. This prevents the accumulation of foot bacteria in the shoe. Antiperspirants work like a charm as well. Sweat is another cause of smelly boots.
Talcum powder or baking soda can quickly help get rid of the smell from shoes.
How to clean Sperry boat shoes?
Sperry is the most popular brand of boat shoes in the United States of America. Boots from Sperry can serve you for many years, provided you maintain them correctly.
Most Sperry products have a suede or leather top, which adds to their elegance. Read on below to know of ways of making your boots look as new as the day you bought them.
Soap and water
The insole should always be removed first. Keep in mind to remove the laces as well. This is the best practice. Make sure you soak the boots in cold water because hot water can cause them to shrink. Clean them using a soft brush and a mild detergent.
Clean the insoles separately. Next add some baking soda or foot powder to help remove any smells that may have accumulated on the insoles. Please take care that no powder falls on the upper part of the shoe.
Once washed, let the pair of boots sundry and then apply some leather conditioner on them and bring them back with a soft cloth.
Brushing
Brushing significantly restores the look of the shoe while helping in cleaning them as well. It is best to brush in one direction only. It’s advisable to use steam while cleaning to remove any stubborn dirt particle.
Suede boots should be rubbed with a suede bar and then brushed off to remove any stubborn and hard dirt particles. Using a protective spray over the pair of boots after brushing is a wise idea. This keeps dirt particles away and keeps it looking fresh.
Machine washing
It is wise to remove the insoles from your pair of Sperry 2-eye boat shoe along with the laces before washing it in a machine. Place the insoles inside a pillowcase to prevent them from being damaged. The boots should be placed in appropriate shoe bags as well before putting them into a machine.
Use cold water and a mild detergent for washing. It is important that you let your footwear dry in the sun for a minimum of 24 hours. Do not forget to use leather conditioners on your footwear after washing to restore the quality of the leather post washing.
Conclusion
This reviews talk a lot about the top footwear for individuals interested in boating. The best pair of footwear is that which is lightweight and durable. Boat footwear needs to be high on the grip while maintaining a good look.
Be it Tommy Hilfiger, Timberland or any other brand like Sperry or Crocs, always check on how durable that shoe is along with the material it is made from.
Boat footwear is meant for your safety, most importantly, over anything else. Of course, they may double over as casuals sometime, but remember, you cannot wear your casual footwear on a boat.
There are some boat footwear which are cheap cost in comparison to others, but please do not compromise on the traction when selecting any footwear for your boating trips. Even though created for boats these can be worn on other surfaces including the street.
Check the material of build and make sure it is lightweight enough. On the same note, do not forget to check on the seam of the shoe. It should be as crease-free as possible because creases can cause severe irritation in wet, damp conditions.
To sum it all up, you’. You have heard our side of the story. We’ve given you our picks. Now select one from there, and you’re good to go on your sailing adventures!
