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Summer’s breezy dress code: a spiffy linen shirt, shorts, shades, a sun hat, and, last but not least, boat shoes. The warmer months bring the unique joy of loosening up your wardrobe—specifically, bidding socks adieu and setting your ankles free. Conveniently, there’s a new wave of seriously stylish boat shoes reviving an old summertime classic.
Originally a utilitarian bit of workwear for sailors, boat shoes were built for function: water-resistant uppers, anti-slip soles. While those crisp white soles were designed to avoid scuffing a ship’s deck, they also speak to more leisurely pursuits, including sunset sails on the Cape and poolside lounging at the country club. So, it was only natural that the boat shoe was adopted by mid-century prepsters and became an Ivy League style grail.
The boat shoe is, in many ways, the perfect shoe for right now: fuss-free chic, whether you’re kicking around the house or strolling around town. From traditionally reverent top-siders to streetwear-inflected riffs, here are ten of the best to buy now.
Brunello Cucinelli Leather-Trimmed Suede Boat Shoes
Brunello Cucinelli’s knack for laid-back elegance takes these boat shoes firmly out of frat boy territory, thanks to their combination of supple suede uppers, tonal stitching and a darker rubber sole. Surely, one of the most luxurious ways to shod your sea legs.
Buy Now on Mr Porter: $945
Sperry Gold Cup Authentic Original Maine Boat Shoes
Sometimes, you can’t beat the original. If you fancy yourself a traditionalist, Sperry is credited with inventing the boat shoe in 1935 (the company was even commissioned by the U.S. Navy). This pair ups the ante with hand-sewn details, buttery lambskin lining, and a rich patina.
Buy Now on Sperry: $375
Sebago Green Portland Flesh Out Boat Shoes
Maine-based Sebago is another heritage maker of traditional boat shoes. It takes classic silhouettes and hits it with a fashion swerve, like this pair made of supple leather in moss green. It’s a more elegant alternative to the originals, and better suited for weekend brunch and leisurely strolls along the harbor.
Buy Now on Ssense: 195 $140
Yuketen Canoe Moc Shoes
Yuketen is a brand that has a deep reverence for heritage styles, taking tried-and-true classics and slightly tweaking them to make them fresh. A great example is this pair, which refines the time-honored moccasin by giving the silhouette greater definition and a sturdier frame. It’s a pair that can work in both casual settings and formal ones.
Buy Now on Huckberry: $429
John Lobb Pier Boat Shoes
Thanks to their navy leather uppers and sneaker-esque rubber-crepe soles, this pair from John Lobb is hardy enough to be worn year-round, in town or country. Versatile and durable, consider these your new wear-with-everything shoe. Stan Smith, who?
Buy Now on Saks Fifth Avenue: $900
Manebí Hamptons Boat Shoes
Leaning into the boat shoe’s breezy, beach-bum side, Spanish brand Manebí combines an unstructured, unlined suede upper with an espadrille’s woven jute sole. If the thought of popped collars at the yacht club makes you seasick, these are the boat shoes for you.
Buy Now on Farfetch: $162
Scarosso Orlando Boat Shoes
This pair from Italian shoemaker Scarosso features an oiled leather that provides a weathered, seadog patina from the get-go. It’s just the thing for adding a bit of salty character to white jeans (bonus points for rolling the cuffs up to accommodate high tides).
Buy Now on Scarosso: $265
L.L.Bean Camp Moc Shoes
Ah, L.L.Bean, a name synonymous with duck boots and other styles that can withstand frosty weather. Brand loyalists, however, know that the label’s prowess also extends to durable, sleek, and comfortable boat shoes—ones that are built for stylish seafarers, particularly in Maine, in mind.
Buy Now on L.L.Bean: $99
Manolo Blahnik Sidmouth Croc-Effect Nubuck Boat Shoes
With their oversized, crisp white laces and croc-effect surface, this pair has a playful attitude. But, rendered in cool gray suede, they’re still understated enough to work with everything from jeans to linen shorts.
Buy Now on Mr Porter: $745
G.H.Bass Hampton Boat Shoes
G.H.Bass is the veritable OG of loafers, a label that provides the highest quality at a price that’s so good that it’s hard to believe. Of course, its Hampton boat shoes are no exception.
Buy Now on G.H.Bass: $145
Authors
Kareem Rashed
Kareem Rashed is Robb Report's style editor. Prior to joining the magazine, he worked for publications including Departures, Vogue, Elle and Interview, covering men's and women's fashion, jewelry…
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