Boat shoes can be…controversial for some guys. I get it, I really do. Movies like Wedding Crashers paint men who wear the classic footwear as fratty jerks. But the shoe’s preppy heritage can be seen through a more stylish lens, too. Think: JFK at Hyannis Port. A man who’s tanned, confident, and looking handsome as hell.
If you’re ready to embrace this versatile, warm weather footwear, now’s the time to invest. After all, the sun is out, the water is calling, and your feet deserve a break from stuffy sneakers. Plus, according to Gen Z tastemaker Emma Chamberlain, boat shoes are ready for a comeback. So, that settles it.
You can opt for a classic lightweight pair that combines traditional leather uppers with rubber soles for superior traction on wet surfaces. These bad boys have a surprising amount of cushioning and support for your arches, meaning your feet stay happy from dock to after-deck drinks.
Or, go with a trendy lug sole style. They may weigh you down a little more, but they look very cool with everything from shorts to jeans to chinos.
Even better? So long as you take care of them, your boat shoes look even better with age. Buy a pair now, and you’ll have them forever. Really, what’s not to love?
We’ve rounded our favorite pairs that are perfect for you to wear right now.
Below, the 10 best boat shoes for guys:
The classics
When it comes to the best boat shoes for guys, Sperry, and to a lesser extent, Quoddy, remain at the top of the pile.
After all, they’re the OG! If you’re going to get just one pair, make it one of these.
Lug sole
Caspian suede boat shoes, $325
Authentics 3 Eye Classic Lug, $150
If a traditional boat shoe doesn’t feel quite right for you, consider slipping into a trendy lug sole style this summer.
READ MORE: 5 Boat Shoe Outfits for Guys to Wear This Summer
Sneaker aesthetic
lace-up boat shoe $35
Burnner knit boat shoe, $99
Two more pairs that show you dark brown leather boat shoes are not your only option! Team SG loves the tan twill Nautica pair and the Dune London style above, the latter made of a breathable knit upper. Both are sportier styles you could try if a traditional boat or deck shoe isn’t your vibe.
Dadcore boat shoes
The dark colors and sturdy construction on these styles could turn any skeptic into a boat shoe aficionado. They look like an ’80s throwback…in a good way, obviously (or we wouldn’t be recommending them). Like something the dad in Alf would wear on the weekends.
Stylish in suede
Want to go even farther afield with your boat shoe? Go for a suede lug sole, like the Yuketen style above. Or, slip into Scarosso’s Felipe boat shoe, with an espadrille-like sole for a “best of both worlds” vibe.
RELATED: 3 Nautical-inspired outfits for guys to wear this summer
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