Boat shoes are casual shoes that are popular among men. Also known as “top siders” or “deck shoes,” boat shoes were originally worn when in boat decks, which are usually slippery. It is believed that modern boat shoes were designed after moccasin, and Indian footwear, which has side lacing, water-resistant hide, and low profile.

Structure of boat Shoes

How are boat shoes different from other types of shoes? Boat shoes have leather uppers or vamps that hold and support feet. These leather uppers are treated with special water-repellent oil. They have special soles made of non-skid rubber for improved grip and friction. Like slippers and loafers, boat shoes have a low profile. Because of this, it is easy to put boat shoes on and to take them off.

Boat shoes for everyday Use

From their use as favorable footwear on slippery boat decks, boat shoes are now used as regular footwear for everyday use. Since they are designed to fit somewhere between very casual loafers and formal dress shoes, boat shoes provide people with fashionable footwear that can be used for almost any purpose.

Boat shoes are stylish, providing a casual and sporty look without being too ragged. Those who like traditional looks usually prefer to wear boat shoes without socks, though they can be worn with them. Typically, boat shoes are manufactured with removable sock pads that provide additional comfort and cushioning to the feet.

Boat shoes are not advisable for use during winter. Nevertheless, they can be used during any of the other three seasons of the year.

Boat shoes and loafers

Boat shoes are frequently compared to loafers. Like boat shoes, loafers are casual shoes that have low profile. People usually have trouble choosing whether to wear loafers or to wear boat shoes for casual wear. Fashion experts, however, suggest that for casual office attire, jeans, and button down shirts, it is better to wear loafers. For sportier casual wear, polo shirts, golf shirts, and khaki shorts, boat shoes are better.

Maintenance of boat shoes

To keep boat shoes in good shape, it is important to treat them with care. Regularly apply special leather oil on the uppers to keep them supple and water-resistant. Remove the insoles once in a while and spray them with shoe cleaner to avoid bacteria and fungi from infecting your feet. When the soles are worn out or when the shoes have lost their usual friction, don’t use them on boat decks to avoid accidents.