The Most Popular Boat Shoes

Looking for a comfortable alternative to sneakers that are a step down from dress shoes but still are comfortable and versatile? Consider getting a pair of boat shoes.
Once considered the foot apparel of yuppies, boat shoes continue to grow in popularity. Generally fashioned with white soles and sides with a loafer-style top, these kicks are perfect for slipping into for the summer, whether you’re taking to the waterways or staying on land. Plus, they’re remarkably affordable for semi-casual footwear!

With the simplicity of build, it’s not surprising that boat shoes are produced by the some of the biggest names in the apparel industry. Men’s Fitness writer Patty Hodapp recently looked at the top designs for 2015, featuring premier designers that could be familiar to you already.

Clarks
One of the kings of foot apparel is Clarks, who appears in closets across the globe. Clarks’ calling card is their semi-casual style that lends well to many occasions, as Hodapp explains “Wear them with khakis for a dressier look (think: dinner with her parents) or jeans or shorts for a casual look (think: heading to a baseball game with friends),” she wrote. Clarks boat shoes are available in a variety of materials, including leather.

Lacoste
It’s probably no surprise that the alligator synonymous with high-class stylings can be found on boat shoes. There’s something that just goes so well together from the company whose product line includes polo shirts. Brunch or seaside strolls are perfect for Lacoste boat shoes, including Hodapp’s choice, the Sculler, which she denotes as “a modern spin on the classic nautical shoe.”

Nautica
Perhaps the least shocking name on the list from Hoadapp is Nautica, whose name has been associated with top-line boating apparel for ages. The heritage of the name alone would be attractive to the average buyer, but the designs put forth by the company live up to their legacy, whether they have the classic lace-along-the-side style or more modern appearances.

Sebago
Defined by Hodapp as a sportier boat shoe, Sebago’s area of expertise has always been in casual shoes, be they deck or boat shoes; but the Michigan-based manufacturer who once were known for their Dockside shoes, all the rage in the 1980s, have hardly sat back and let their name carry them forward. Instead, footwear like Hodapp’s preferred Wentworth Two-Eye blend modern and classic features.

Sperry
Hodapp called Sperry’s Cloud Logo Authentic Original 2-Eye the design favorite of Men’s Fitness. Regardless of personal taste, there is a universally approved facet: “Its soft to the touch, but stain and water resistant so it's durable enough for daily wear.” Hodapp says. It’s hardly surprising that Sperry received such high praise, since they have been a boat shoes leader since being founded in 1935.

Vans
“Wait a minute,” you’re saying to yourself, “doesn’t Vans make skateboarding shoes?” Indeed they do, but the company who has been huge with the anti-culture crowd for years really shows off their versatility without completely going off the grid from their signature look. In fact, the variety of Vans shoes show hints of reminiscence to their signature kicks in their boat shoe styles.