21 Best Boat Shoes For Men, Summer 2021

The temperature is warm, the days are sunny, and afternoons on a boat or behind the grill are calling. Your summer leisure activities need the proper preppy aesthetic, which is why we’ve put together a guide of best boat shoes for men. Now that summer is on the horizon, it’s the ideal time to break in a new pair of boat shoes, every man’s favorite pair of closed-toe footwear in the warm weather months.

A quality pair of boat shoes is one of the essential shoes every man needs.

Appropriate for almost any situation, it’s hard for men to feel out of place in a pair boat shoes. They’re versatile and stylish, you really can’t go wrong when you have this timeless classic on your feet – no socks needed.

Once upon a time, there were only a few major players in the men’s boat shoe game: Sperry and Sebago. They remain some of the options out there, but there are plenty of other boat shoe brands in the space, with all sorts of price points.

With that said, here are the best boat shoes for men in 2020…

The Best Boat Shoes For Men

Sperry Authentic Original

Features: 

  • Genuine leather upper offers excellent craftsmanship and long-lasting wear.
  • Genuine handsewn tru-moc construction.
  • 360° Lacing System™ with fully functional rawhide laces and rustproof eyelets for an easily adjustable, secure fit.

The original. The OG. The timeless classic worn by generation after generation. If you’re looking for the quintessential boat shoe, then you can’t go wrong with the very basic Sperry’s Top-Sider. When it comes to the best boat shoes for men, it doesn’t get more authentic than the Sperry Authentic boat shoes.

It’s been considered the best boat shoe for men since you great grandfather’s era – a bonafide classic for a reason.

BUY IT HERE

 

Sperry Gold Cup A/O 2-Eye

Features: 

  • Stain and water-resistant leather offers durability and lasting wear.
  • Genuine handsewn tru-moc construction.
  • 360° lacing system allows you to lace up these shoes to your preferred fit.
  • 18K gold plated eyelets for added style.
  • Genuine deerskin lining offers a great in-shoe feel.
  • Full-length, triple-density footbed features memory foam for all-day comfort.
  • EVA midsole provides exceptional comfort and flexibility.
  • Non-marking rubber outsole with razor-cut Wave-Siping™ for the ultimate in wet and dry traction.

A true classic. The Rolls Royce of all boat shoes – crafted with fine leather and an extra soft cushioning from a soft deerskin lining.

Sperry Gold Cup boat shoes are easily the most comfortable pair of boat shoes out there. They’re a little more expensive, but you’re paying for top-notch quality and craftsmanship. These puppies are soft and fit your feet like your favorite pair of slippers for summer day.

Plus, they variety of different colors and designs, so it’s impossible to find a pair that doesn’t appeal to you as a great boat shoe option this summer. If you’re anything like me, you’ll live in Sperry Gold Cup boat shoes from April – October: Wear them to beach, wear them to the bar, wear them to Saratoga for a horserace or a the trip to the Vineyard or the Cape.

They even looks great around the office with a pair of khakis and jeans on a casual Friday.

BUY IT HERE

 

Sebago Dockside Portland

Features:

  • Leather upper features moc-toe stitching details and rawhide lacing.
  • Easy slip-on with functional laces.
  • Soft leather linings offers all day comfort.
  • Molded EVA foam insole provides optimal comfort.
  • Non-marking rubber outsole.

To true boat shoe traditionalists, there are only two brands worth recommending: Sperry, of course, and Sebago, an iconic New England brand that popularized moccasins and penny loafers in the ’80s with their inclusion in The Preppy Handbook.

Sebago released Docksides in 1970, which quickly became their hallmark thanks to handsewn genuine moc construction, slip-resistant rubber sole, and non-corrosive brass eyelets.

Similarly to Sperry Top-Sider, Sebago’s Docksides have that timeless preppy look that is more or less synonymous with boat shoe life. They’ve been around forever and millions of men can attest to Sebago Dockside Portlands as one of the best boat shoes for men.

Just like Sperrys, you’ll slip in and out of them like butter once you wear the leather in. The non-marking bottom makes them a true shoe for whatever vessel you’re setting sail on this summer.

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Sebago Dockside Portland Waxed

Features: 

  • Buffed leather conditioned with a rich combination of oils and waxes.
  • Moc-toe stitching and rawhide lacing in a boat shoe silhouette.
  • Lace-up closure for a secure fit.
  • Breathable leather linings.
  • Lightly padded leather-covered footbed for all-day wear.
  • Durable rubber outsole.

Buffed and waxed leather, baby! Another truly great boat shoe for men by Sebago. These are the shiny version of the  Dockside Portlands – a boat shoe has been in Sebago’s arsenal for years for a very good reason: It’s handsome, affordable, breathable, and stitched to be one of the best boat shoes out there.

In other words, the ultimate nautical shoe for your laidback summer lifestyle.

BUY IT HERE

 

Rockport Ports of Call Perth

Features:

  • Classic two eye boat shoe features a soft leather upper and a 360º design.
  • Moisture wicking suede lining offers breathability to promote a healthy foot environment.
  • Steel shank reinforcement in the arch area for midfoot support.
  • Genuine handsewn construction provides long-lasting wear.
  • Flexible rubber outsole delivers durable grip on a variety of surfaces.

A preppy summer classic, perfect for those afternoons at the country club or brewery or simply throwing some cornhole with the boys. With a plethora of different color combinations, Rockport has created a stylish and modern interpretation of the boat shoe with the Ports of Call Perth. Many boat shoe-enthusiasts like myself consider one of the most iconic boat shoes of the last 30 years.

BUY IT HERE

 

Lems Mariner

Features: 

  • Full-grain leather
  • IBR OUTSOLE – Blown rubber outsole is what makes Lems incredibly lightweight and flexible.
  • ZERO-DROP – Places the forefoot and heel flat to the ground correcting posture, aligning your spine, and encouraging mid-foot strike.

A couple years ago, I went on a quest to try something different. A friend recommended Lems after gushing about how happy he was hiking in their Boulder Boot. So I bought a pair of Lems Mariners – a high quality pair of boat shoes that I logged hundreds of miles in over the years.

I wear my shoes hard and I love my Lems. They’re durable and reliable, ready for all kinds of wear-and-tear.

If you’re looking for a modern, comfortable take on boat shoes for men – Grab a pair of Lems Mariners; they’re a little outside the norm compared to Sperrys and Sebagos – A true minimalist design, with an ultra wide toebox and a flexible feel, incorporating a full-grain leather upper. But you’ll be shocked how lightweight and comfy they are.

They also look great as a casual shoe for the warm months.

BUY IT HERE

 

Margaritaville Men’s Anchor Lace Boat Shoe

Features: 

  • Breathable leather mesh Upper
  • Contrast stitching
  • Comfortable foam insole for perfect feel
  • Colorful printed anchor on rubber outsole
  • Soft padded collar and tongue for comfort

Nothing like throwing on a pair of boat shoes to jump in your Boston Whaler and grab a bunch of dockside boat drinks, with the boys, amirite? Jimmy Buffett knows a thing or two about grillin’ and chillin’, living the laidback breezy lifestyle that’s synonymous with boat shoe season. While it’s clear that Margaritaville’s Dock Boat Shoe are more casual than most of the other boat shoes appearing on this list, they’re still appropriate for many situations.

They’re also one of the most affordable pairs of boat shoes on this list.

Fins up for that, Jimmy!

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Tommy Bahama Stripe Breaker

Features: 

  • Durable canvas and leather uppers with a round toe.
  • Traditional lace-up closure with decorative 360° lacing and a heel tab.
  • Soft and breathable striped fabric linings.
  • Offers a generously cushioned footbed with a tropical print.
  • Striped and textured midsole.

Tommy Bahama is synonymous with stylish resort-wear, so it just makes sense to include their best boat shoe on this list. The Tommy Bahama Stripe Breaker is casual and comfortable, with great arch support. It’s canvas design makes it a more breathable option compared to strict leather boat shoes.

And that tropical print? It’s a mini vacation in itself.

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Sperry Billfish 3-Eye Boat Shoe

Look – There’s no point in owning a pair of boat shoes if you’re not going to get them wet. The best boat shoes for men are boat shoes that fit your feet like a glove while giving you plenty of traction on the deck of a seafaring vessel (…or pontoon boat). After all, you want your feet to be comfortable when strapped in for battle against a marlin or bottom fishing or grouper.

Comfortable and stylish, Sperry’s Billfish 3-Eye Boat Shoe have great traction if used as actual boat shoe a.k.a exactly how they were supposed to be.

BUY IT HERE

 

Dockers Men’s Castaway Boat Shoe

Features: 

  • 100% Leather
  • Rubber sole
  • Mocc-toe loafer featuring two-eyelet lacing and slotted collar

A classic pair of leather boat shoes from an iconic brand steeped in San Fransisco’s deep nautical history. Dockers has created a solid, affordable, and comfortable boat shoe with it’s classic Castaway boat shoe. They take a little bit of breaking in, but they look great for the price.

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Dockers Vargas Boat Shoe

Features:

  • Robust in style and comfort, the Vargas makes the most of your leisure time.
  • Rich leather uppers features hand sewn construction.
  • Features decorative 360° lacing and traditional lacing at vamp for an adjustable fit.
  • Soft and breathable microfiber linings.

Sometimes you just need a simple pair of boat shoes that pair well with anything. Khakis? Jeans? Shorts and a South-of-the-Border shirt? Ideally for those looking for a traditional, simple boat shoe with a modern feel, Dockers Vargas boat shoes are an awesome choice.

They also get notes for affordability compared to the more traditional boat shoe brands on this list.

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Sebago Naples

Features:

  • Leather upper features a stitched toe and a 360º lacing system.
  • Smooth leather and textile lining.
  • Generously cushioned footbed for all-day wear.
  • Non-marking and slip resistant rubber outsole.

Back to the classics. Sebago Naples is a handsome boat shoe that earns points for comfort against a weather-worn pair of Sperrys. It features a sturdy sole and ample support, with customer reviews raving about its “buttery soft leather.”

BUY IT HERE

 

Unlisted by Kenneth Cole – Comment-ater Boat Shoe

Features:

  • Contrast stitching and laces
  • Manmade materials upper and lining
  • Rubber sole

Who says that boat shoes need to be purely leather? Kenneth Cole has created a simple, contemporary twist on the boat shoe with the Comment-ater Boat Shoe. It boasts a textile exterior and a rubber sole, making for maximum comfort in your summer leisure wardrobe.

Also: Highly affordable!

BUY IT HERE

 

Sanuk Shaka

Features:

  • Washed-canvas sneakers made cotton with Better Cotton Initiative® certification.
  • Elastic faux laces pair with a cushioned achilles pad to lock in your heel.
  • Canvas lining offers breathable wear.
  • Soft but supportive die-cut memory foam footbed.
  • High-density IMEVA cupsole provide long-lasting wear in a lightweight design.

Ok, ok. It’s technically not a boat shoe – it’s made fully from washed canvas. But the intentions are boat shoe-esque in this laidback design from Sanuk.

One of the least expensive options on the list, Sanuk has created a super comfortable boat shoe/sneaker/sandal hybrid with their Shaka shoe. It’s ulltra lightweight and it includes a canvas upper with custom printed liner, making it one of the most lightweight boat shoes for men on the list.

BUY IT HERE

Dunham Captain

Features:

  • Waterproof leather upper with water venting mesh sidewalls.
  • 360 degree lacing system secures forefoot and heel.
  • Cushioned, removable insole is washable for convenient maintenance.
  • Midsole has water channels and incorporates foam pods for extended wear comfort.
  • Graphite component helps keep you steady on your feet.
  • Genuine rubber outsole with grooves that channel water away from the foot and siped for a sure grip.

The ultimate boat shoes for taking to the high seas. Durham’s Captain shoes offer plenty of arch support and heel support, along with a comfy sole for long afternoons around the marina.

BUY IT HERE

 

Clarks Step Isle Base

Features: 

  • Made from durable canvas with a lace-up design and a sporty, lightweight EVA outsole.
  • Breathable textile lining and removable OrthoLite® footbed wicks away moisture and reduces impact.

Clarks Step Isle Base are nautically-inspired kicks for everyday life. Matches perfectly with a pair of jeans or khakis, with classic Clarks comfort.

BUY IT HERE

 

Sperry Striper II CVO Washed

  • The Striper II CVO Washed is a slightly slimmed down version of the beloved classic deck shoe by Sperry.
  • Washed canvas upper.
  • Genuine rawhide laces.
  • Shoe can be worn with or without laces for a versatile look.
  • Vulcanized construction provides a secure bond between upper and outsole.
  • Durable textile linings.
  • Cushioned removable footbed conforms to the foot for comfort.
  • Nonmarking rubber outsole with Wave-Siping™ for the ultimate traction on wet and dry surfaces.

As much as I love a traditional pair of Sperry Gold Cups leather boat shoes, my all-time favorite Sperry purchase was the Striper II CVO Washed. They’re the ultimate deck shoe – perfect for paling around a boat or the marina, as well as a backyard BBQ. The washed canvas upper is extremely comfortable and breaks in easily with a couple of wears. I wore my pair all day, everyday for practically an entire summer a year years ago, so much so that I wore a hole in the big toe.

If you’re looking for a pair of sockless shoes with laces this summer, I can’t recommend Sperry Striper II CVOs more. You’ll definitely get your moneys worth out of them.

BUY IT HERE

 

Sperry Bahama II Distressed

  • Featuring a tightly knit canvas upper with a lightly distressed finished for a classic, nautically worn-in look.
  • Genuine handsewn Tru-Moc construction.
  • 360° Lacing System™ with leather laces and rustproof eyelets for a secure fit.
  • Breathable textile lining for a comfortable fit.
  • Lightly cushioned textile footbed.
  • Vulcanized construction for a secure bond between the upper and outsole.
  • Non-marking rubber outsole with razor cut Wave-Siping™ for the ultimate in wet/dry traction.

Sperry Bahama II are the legacy brand’s take on a canvas upper boat shoe. You get the comfort and breathability of the Sperry Striper II CVOs with the classic look and feel of a traditional pair of Sperry Authentic boat shoes.

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Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Bowman Boat Shoe

Features: 

  • Leather upper.
  • Lace-up closure.
  • Contrast lacing at collar/sides with metal eyelet accents.
  • Moc toe with contrast stitched detailing.
  • Contrast color sole.
  • Leather lining and insole.
  • Man-made rubber outsole.

A casual and simple take on boat shoes, with a dapper coffee leather aesthetic. Tommy Hilfiger Bowman Boat Shoe are the perfect starting point for anyone jumping into the boat shoe without the price tag of the legacy brands.

BUY IT HERE

 

TOMS Men’s Culver Boat Shoe

Features:

  • Lace-up style.
  • Removable insole.
  • Textile upper and lining/rubber sole.

Another textile boat shoe, this time fashioned from tough hemp. But what we love about TOMS boat shoe is the sleek design that makes them look and feel less clunky than their competition – They’re less traditional than most boat shoes for men, but if you’re looking for boat shoe that has a slightly less conventional look, you won’t find a better option on the market.

BUY IT HERE

 

Sebago Schooner Crazy Horse

Features:

  • Leather upper features moc-toe stitching details and rawhide lacing.
  • Easy slip-on with functional laces.
  • Soft leather linings offers all day comfort.
  • Molded EVA foam insole provides optimal comfort.
  • Non-marking rubber outsole.

Let’s end with an icon. With soft leather and moc-toe stitching, the Sebago Schooner boat shoe is about as classic as it gets. It’s an easy-going, slip-and-go boat shoe crafted with some of the best materials out there.

IIt’s a higher price point, but – much like a pair of Gold Cups – the quality is unparalleled.

BUY IT HERE

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Brandon Wenerd is BroBible's publisher, writing on this site since 2009. He writes about sports, music, men's fashion, outdoor gear, traveling, skiing, and epic adventures. Based in Los Angeles, he also enjoys interviewing athletes and entertainers. Proud Penn State alum, former New Yorker. Email: brandon@brobible.com