There is no shoe that is more quintessentially New England, more American, than the boat shoe, also known as the “topsider.”
The following guide will cover everything that you need to know about Boat Shoes including:
Click on any of the links above to jump ahead or keep scrolling down to read the full guide!
Top 10 Best Boat Shoes:
What Are Boat Shoes?
Much of the world’s contribution to men’s footwear comes from the eastern shores of the Atlantic Ocean, specifically England and Italy. The plethora of styles and brands these two countries have produced leave no question as to their expertise in the world of men’s shoes.
The United States, while perhaps less prolific all around, is no slouch when it comes to footwear inventions. The preppy tradition from the Northeast has spurred many a permanent style item, and the boat shoe is one of those items.
There is no shoe more quintessentially New England, more American, than the boat shoe, also known as the topsider.
What Makes A Boat Shoe Unique?
Boat shoes are typically medium-vamped, two-eyelet bluchers that have a “non-marking” rubber “deck” sole. This is for both traction on a ship’s fiberglass deck and avoiding scratches on that deck (apparently boats are expensive. Who knew?!).
They are similar to camp moccasins in terms of construction.
The laces wrap all the way around the shoe’s collar, are often white leather, and can sometimes be cumbersome to tie. Brown was the default color for years, but nowadays they’re available in just about any color you can imagine.
Available on mostly leather or canvas uppers, boat shoes look very similar to camp moccasins with off-white rubber soles at first glance.
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Top 10 Best Boat Shoes To Buy Online
With so many options out there it can be difficult to find the right pair of boat shoes for your needs. We’ve researched and reviewed dozens of boat shoes to help you find the best boat shoes for this summer.
- Brand: Sperry
- Style: 2-Eye Slip-On Boat Shoe
- Pricing: $345 [Buy On Zappos]
Overview
When it comes to boat shoes the Sperry Authentic Original is widely considered to be the iconic boat shoe. This classic 2-eye boat shoe makes for the perfect casual summer footwear and is available in a wide variety of colorways as well as materials to choose from.
Also Featured In
- Brand: Allen Edmonds
- Style: 2-Eye Slip-On Boat Shoe
- Pricing: $225 [Buy From Allen Edmonds]
Overview
The Maritime by Allen Edmonds is a 2-eye slip-on boat shoe featuring Horween’s famous Chromoexcel leather. This is the perfect boat shoe for those in need of a very functional boat shoe that is also stylish.
- Brand: Sebago
- Style: 2-Eye Slip-On Boat Shoe
- Pricing: $119.95 [Buy On Zappos]
Overview
The Sebago Schooner is a simple yet elegant boat shoe featuring genuine canoe moccasin construction. This popular boat shoe is available in a light-brown “Cognac” leather, as well as a darker brown “Oiled Wax” leather which lends the shoe a bit of added formality.
- Brand: Vionic
- Style: 2-Eye Lace-Up Boat Shoe
- Pricing: $129.95 [Buy Now On Amazon]
Overview
The Vionic brand is known for making footwear that is particularly comfortable and supportive. The Lloyd boat shoe is no different and happens to be one of Vionic’s best-selling shoes. These are ideal for those in need of an extra comfortable boat shoe that can provide added support without compromising on style.
Also Featured In
- Brand: Sperry
- Style: 2-Eye Slip-On Boat Shoe
- Pricing: $159.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
The Gold Cup Authentic Original is another timeless boat shoe by Sperry. These deck shoes are similar to the Sperry Authentic Originals mentioned above, but they are part of Sperry’s Top-Sider Gold Cup line which is a line of select Sperry shoes crafted from the finest leathers and materials.
Also Featured In
- Brand: Mephisto
- Style: 2-Eye Lace-Up Boat Shoe
- Pricing: $350 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
The Hurrikan is a premium lace-up deck shoe by Mephisto featuring hand-stitched moccasin detailing. The dark brown leather, which is described as “Rust Smooth,” gives these boat shoes a decidedly more formal appearance. Great for those times when you want to bring a bit of formality without forgetting it’s summer.
- Brand: Frye
- Style: 3-Eye Slip-On Boat Shoe
- Pricing: $178 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
The Briggs by Frye is a slip-on deck shoe featuring 3 eyelets and a full leather upper. These efficiently designed boat shoes have a laid-back yet refined look that can fit in just as well on the boardwalk as they do at the yacht club.
- Brand: Rockport
- Style: 2-Eye Slip-On Boat Shoe
- Pricing: $119.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]