It seems too good to be true – shoes that are comfortable to wear, but also built to make it through the long haul.  However, that’s exactly what you get with boat shoes!

Designed to look like a cross between a loafer and a moccasin, boat shoes have been popular for decades, and they will continue to be popular for decades more.  They have a classic look that will never go out of style. 

In fact, that’s why you see them everywhere – from the boardwalk to the boardroom.  They are perfect to wear out on the docks with your catch of the day, and they are also perfect to wear out to dinner after a long day.  They may have been originally intended to wear out on the water, but men, women, and children wear them all the time – with everything from shorts, to jeans, to khakis, to dresses!

Part of the reason for their popularity?

They are incredibly comfortable!

Boat shoes are made out leather that has been treated with special oil.  That oil serves two purposes.  First, it makes the shoe even more water-resistant – an important feature when you are out and about on your boat!  Plus, the oil also makes the leather softer – meaning that you wind up with a shoe that fits just right.

As comfortable as they are, boat shoes aren’t all about comfort… They were actually created with a very specific purpose in mind. 

Back in the 1930’s, Paul Sperry, the inventor of Sperry Boat Shoes, noticed that his dog had no trouble walking around on his cold, icy, wet boat deck – even though Paul was having plenty of problems staying upright himself! 

So, Paul decided to design a shoe sole that modeled the pads on his dog’s feet.

Just like that, boat shoes were born!

Ever since, they have come with thick, rubber soles that have plenty of grooves and tread carved into them.  With good ones, you can walk confidently on even the wettest and most slippery of decks!

But aside from keeping you upright, that rubber tread also serves a very important function – it prevents your decks from getting scuffed.

Nothing upsets a boat owner more than a pair of tennis shoes, loafers, sandals, or heels that leave scuff marks behind.  After all, it takes a lot of work to keep boat decks looking crisp and white.  A few footsteps in the wrong shoes can undo all of that work!

But boat shoes have thick, white rubber soles that won’t create any marks.  While you’re wearing them, you can feel free to walk from bow to stern, without worrying about making anything dirty!

And, you can count on them for the long haul.  That’s because a good pair is durable; it is designed to last for years and years.

After all, when you’re out on the boat, you are subjected to all sorts of elements – everything from salt water to scorching sun rays.  You need a shoe that can keep up, and, unfortunately, most shoes can’t.

Traditional sneakers and loafers don’t respond well to water and sun, but boat shoes do.  It all goes back to that special leather.  Boat shoes can take on a tremendous amount of water and dry out quickly – all without losing their shape.

And, as an added benefit, it doesn’t take much to take care of them!

Boat shoes are built to withstand a lot, so you don’t have to worry about babying them.  If you want to keep them looking their best, check out our Maintenance and Care page.  We’ve got some easy tips for keeping your boat shoes clean and in good shape that you can take advantage of anytime!

Jump ahead to these pages for information on womens boat shoes, mens boat shoes, deck shoes and kids boat shoes.

So, what are the best boat shoe brands to buy?

If you are looking for a shoe that you can rely on during even the toughest of fishing seasons, opt for a pair by Sperry, Sebago, or Timberland:

-          Sperry boat shoes are the “founding father” of the industry, and Sperry has maintained its #1 position in the boat shoe industry for decades.  Ever since Paul Sperry modeled a pair of shoes after his dog’s feet, countless other shoe companies have followed suit.  And, in a world where it seems like new technology is taking over every aspect of our lives, Sperry’s design has held strong – and completely unchanged – for all these years! 

-          Sebago boat shoes are all made by hand.  And, they are made out of a single piece of leather, so, over time, they will conform specifically to your feet!  Plus, Sebago’s shoes come in a variety of hard-to-find sizes – like extra narrow and triple wide.

-          Timberland boat shoes are just as durable as the traditional Timberland work boots that you see all over the place.  In fact, Timberland’s boat shoes are some of the best sellers in the industry – with millions of pairs sold every year!

A great pair of boat shoes can keep up with you – no matter how busy your lifestyle is.  Whether you’re at the docks or at the dinner table, you can rest easy knowing your feet look and feel their best!

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