Many men are ready to break ranks with their sneaker collection in favor of more stylish casual footwear, but just don’t know where to start. Fear not!
This style guide will explain how to wear boat shoes with a variety of looks you may already have in your closet.
How To Choose Boat Shoes
Boat shoes have long been a popular choice for fashion forward men who want to look as good at leisure as they do at the office every day. They offer comfort and support simultaneously, and they convey sophistication without being too stuffy.
Also owing to their appeal, this versatile shoe style pairs well with a variety of weekend ensembles. The most important rule is choosing the right pair for your particular wardrobe, lifestyle and personality.
Consider The Clothes
When shoe shopping, it’s always a good idea to keep your lifestyle in mind. Will you be hanging out at the beach or on a boat? If so, rolled up chinos or shorts and a tee shirt make the most sense. You likely want to stick to canvas varieties with water resistant laces, as these styles stand up to dampness and breathe better than leather options. Pay special attention to the sole and the traction it will provide if you’ll be navigating slippery boat decks.
Dapper On Dry Land
Are you going for a more sophisticated, strictly-dry-land look? Does your typical casual ensemble consist of pressed trousers with a polo or Oxford shirt? This look works well with a soft leather boat shoe. The leather cranks up the style factor by at least a few notches, and the traction provided is not quite as essential. You can focus more on aesthetic preferences than sole performance.
The Right Fit
Leather or canvas, fit matters. Your heel should be well supported and “hugged” by the widest part of the shoe without being restrictive. There should be a half inch of free space between your big toe and the shoe itself. Your foot should feel gripped but not tight inside the shoe. Boat shoes tend to loosen up slightly after several wears, especially leather varieties.
Your personality should always shine through in your footwear. Luckily, boat shoes come in a wide array of colors. It’s smart to keep both blue and brown pairs in your arsenal, as they serve different purposes and achieve different looks.
