The Best Boat Shoes For Men That Deliver Grip, Comfort And Style

Sailor Paul A. Sperry originally invented the boat shoe in 1935, and his Sperry boat shoes have achieved icon status several times over. This Gold Cup pair features water-resistant leather, a moccasin toe construction, 360-degree rawhide lacing and a lambskin lining with cushioned insoles. Of course, it also has a non-marking white outsole. This style comes in brown and navy, which both look great with linen, madras or a worn, old-school pair of Nantucket reds.

Constructed from supple kidskin with a luxe nap, this style has a slightly dressy feel. It comes in three colors—whiskey, navy and paprika—and features a non-slip sole and leather laces. Bear in mind that even though the suede is water-resistant, this pair is more “dinner out at a restaurant” than “coastal clambake on a wet and sandy beach.”

While this isn’t technically a boat shoe, think of it as a docksider with a dressy twist. It has a typical moccasin toe and white sole, but it’s sans laces, which gives this soft goat suede pair a streamlined look. Reviewers report that it’s both comfortable and high quality. The Malibu Moccasin 2.0 comes in shale and navy.

Think of this as a traditional docksider, but with extra layers of EVA cushioning for a more comfy wear experience. The sole is a departure from the norm, too—this style has Cole Haan’s proprietary Anchortrac outsole, which provides extra grippiness in both wet and dry environments. This shoe comes in four colors, including dark chocolate and paloma.

New Zealand brand Rodd & Gunn makes quality menswear with a preppy bent—think Oxford shirts, polos and crewneck sweaters. This low-key boat shoe is another effortless classic, featuring a cushioned footbed and flexible sole. It comes in charcoal, denim and tan. Pair these with a pair of flat front shorts and a linen shirt for easy summer style. For another option we like, try the Gordon’s Bay Boat Shoe.

For when you need a boat shoe you can walk longer distances in comfortably, this pair has extra cushion and support in the midsole. The Kennebec comes in two easy-to-style colors—dark earth and dark mushroom—and has a breathable engineered mesh upper so feet won’t overheat. The upper has a durable water-resistant treatment so you’ll stay dry in wet conditions. The only additional accessory you may need is an L.L.Bean Boat And Tote.  

Maine shoemaker Rancourt and Co makes quality, handcrafted shoes, and they’ve got a wide selection of boat styles. This particular pair features a thicker, lug-like camp moc sole. Another key trait is that it’s broad through the toe box to allow extra room for toes.

Made with eucalyptus fiber for comfort and breathability, this pair has flex to adapt and move with your feet while walking. They’re even machine washable, so you can wear them sans socks and not worry about them getting smelly. The Tree Skippers come in four classic colors and two limited edition shades.

Made with a mix of leather, breathable mesh and synthetic fabric, this boat shoe has a collapsible heel and elastic laces that allow for easy on and off. A lightweight grippy sole makes them great for fishing or just for wearing around town, and reviewers report they’re comfy right out of the box. They come in both standard and wide widths, and in five colors.

Made of rubber and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), Swims’ loafer is meant for a day on the water. This breathable shoe has a unique drainage system for when things get wet, a comfy, cushioned EVA midsole and non-marking soles with special treads for safety. In terms of care, this shoe is even machine washable. The Swims Braided Lace Loafer comes in lots of colors, including brights like orange and aqua, as well as neutrals such as gray and navy.

Olukai’s casual boat shoe may be less formal than some other docksiders, but they feature thoughtful details that will make them your everyday go-to. They have a drop heel so these shoes can function as a slide, they’re cut from lightweight and breathable mesh and they have an anatomical silhouette with a springy EVA midsole and a gel insert for comfort. Also great: the no tie laces and grippy soles for non-slip traction. 

This suede summer pair has the comfort of a sneaker, with memory foam cushioning and sturdy rubber outsoles. It comes in four colors—a more traditional tan as well as crimson, citron and denim.

From Italian brand Geox, this loafer style blends the boat shoe aesthetic with a more refined silhouette. It’s made with soft tumbled leather that looks elevated but is also forgiving on feet. The Avola boat shoe comes in navy or light brown.