Superior Grip, Classic Style: The Best Boat Shoes - Gear Hungry (2024)

Tuesday Kirby Kahl

Tuesday Kirby Kahl is a contributor at Gear Hungry. Her fierce love for the outdoors fuels everything she does. Her professional pursuits include writing, creating art, and photography. These professional passions allow her the time to live life outside as a rock climber, skier, runner, backpacker, paddle boarder, swimmer, and explorer.When Kirby is indoors, she enjoys tea, whisky, old films, cooking, and baking. Her product testing and feedback have shaped the design of everything from climbing shoes to candles.

1

Sperry Top-Sider Men’s Authentic Original Boat Shoe

Sperry takes the cake with one killer boat shoe. And so, aptly, we’ve named these the best boat shoes for men. First of all, we’re big fans of versatility in design, and they give you up to thirty options to choose from between coloration and style. It certainly doesn’t get any better than that and many shoe manufacturers don’t come close to giving you that many options. Besides the looks, it’s about comfort and construction: all leather, all the time. You’ll slip right into these shoes, feeling completely at home, while feeling comfortable wearing them all day long. Humor aside, we couldn’t be happier with the non-marking rubber outsole, and the shock-absorbing EVA heel cup. Sperry sits at number one for value and comfort: it’s time to hit the boardwalk, lads.

As for the ladies, you’ll be pleased to hear learn Sperry also offers fantastic women’s boat shoes: Sperry Women’s A/O 2-Eye Boat Shoe.

2

Sperry Top-SIder Billfish 3-Eye Boat Shoe

Sounds like a ZZ Top song or a new A&E reality show, but it’s the title that Sperry tossed onto one of their best boat shoes. The Billfish 3-Eye is about as far away as you can get from boat shoes while still sticking to the general construction and providing that long stitching pattern on top of your feet to give a nautical feel. Thanks to the air mesh and leather hybrid construction, these slip-on shoes are breathable and durable against the elements, whether that’s the roaring ocean waves or if it’s the festivities around the backyard on a Fourth of July weekend. Either way, you get to choose between a handful of killer designs, and get the same great Sperry quality that earned our top spot on this list.

You can combine these great-looking shoes with one of the top leather backpacks from our list.

3

Margaritaville Men’s Anchor Lace Boat Shoe

Legend has it that Margaritaville Men’s Anchor Lace Boat Shoes won’t make Jimmy Buffett appear and start singing, but they’re still fun either way. These ultra stylish boat shoes cost next to nothing (for the quality they bring to the table), and are versatile without compromising on that rustic look that sailing shoes are known for. Two leather straps cross near the tongue and meld into the comfortable padding that keeps your ankles from chafing, even if you’re not using socks. All around, it’s a leather and textile build that’s destined to last, if you’re adventurous enough to handle it. Breathable, affordable, and complimenting to your wardrobe: what more could you ask for?

4

Globalwin Men’s Casual Loafers

The Globalwin Men’s Loafers are casual enough to wear with just about any look, whether you go with our favorite white/grey or choose from the other seven styles available. These comfortable boat shoes have a faux leather top, the traditional double lace over the tongue, and a serious sense of style when you slip them on your feet. They don’t take long to break in and deal with oncoming saltwater and wet surfaces with relative ease. If you look for angular lines, you’ll be happy to know that this pair of sailing shoes narrows your feet, giving you a slightly taller appearance. Hey, every little bit helps, right?

Pair these with an amazing V-neck T-shirt and you are ready for a boat adventure.

5

Sperry Top-Sider 2-Eye Canoe Mocs

You can’t escape the Sperry; not on this list. Sperry is the name you think of when you think of boat shoes for men and women and they put out some of the best boat shoes, over and over again. Much like their 3-Eye model, the 2-Eye comes with rust-resistant eyelets to run your laces through while sticking to that rubber non-marking sole that we love them for. On top of that, they went the extra mile with comfort, giving you dual-density padding along the bottom. This works for immediate comfort and some support throughout the day to reduce fatigue. Last but not least, the shock-absorbing EVA heel adds so much to these moccasins. Whether you choose our favorite (tan) or the other four styles, you’re sure to fall in love with Sperry one way or another.

6

Timberland Men’s Classic Two-Eye Boat Shoe

No ultimate footwear list is complete without Timberland making an appearance. The original makers of the yellow boot took their nautical caps, put their heads together, and made one dapper pair of deck shoes. Leather-lined EVA footbeds cradle your heels and remove pressure from your arches, while the rubber sole adds some nice pep to your step. On top of that, this deck shoe is made from primarily leather, giving you serious durability. You’ll have these for years to come, whether they’re going on the boat deck with you every Sunday or merely adding a more sophisticated element to your casual wardrobe. Timberland is synonymous with quality: they deliver and never fail to impress.

For more stylish & casual footwear, check out our guide to the best Sanuks for men.

7

Rockport Men’s Perth Boat Shoe

We know you can likely see yourself in Rockport’s killer boat shoe. Full grain leather and a dual eyelet design leave nothing to be desired: you’re looking at exactly what you get, with an added benefit. You get a little pep in your step with the synthetic sole, so you’re not kicking around on pavement with sore heels by the end of the day. It’s not all about being on the boat, it’s also about heading into town and enjoying the sights, and your heels shouldn’t be killing you like a double-shift Denny’s waitress by the end of the day. Do yourself a favor; slip into something that’s comfortable, and built to last for years beyond anything else you own. We love these slip-on shoes for their comfort and full-grain leather upper.

8

Sebago Men’s Docksides

You’re a high-roller, aren’t you? We’ve got just the thing. Sebago has graced the feet of tens of thousands of men, giving them a unique style to cherry-pick from with over twenty different ways to approach this boat shoe. Our favorite is the grey leather, which goes wonderfully with the white stitching and rawhide laces. Every part of this shoe defines your outfit, not the other way around. Thanks to the primary leather upper construction and EVA foam insole, these high-end boat shoes are built to cradle your feet in comfort and weather every literal storm with you. Rain or shine, boat or the docksides, you’re good to rock and roll with Sebago as your wingman.

For some awesome waterproof boots, check our helpful guide.

9

Unlisted, By Kenneth Cole Santon Boat Shoe

Nothing’s cooler than not caring enough even to list your own shoe, right? Humor aside, this Unlisted Santon boat shoe brings all the quality of Kenneth Cole to the table that we’ve grown to know and love over the years. This modern take on the classic boat shoe features canvas and a flexible synthetic sole. These deck shoes bring all the rustic charm to the table while keeping the unnecessary add-ons at home. No frills, all flair with these guys. The traditional two-eye design and the thin brown strip above the outsole showcase attention to detail that can’t be beaten, while the durable interior keeps you comfortable and under protection. Best of all? Kenneth Cole’s name is widespread and adored, but the prices are kept relatively low.

10

Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Bowman Boat Shoe

You didn’t think we’d leave ole Tommy out, did you? While they weren’t the top-tier boat shoes we were hoping for, Hilfiger gives you a very attractive pair with over eight different options to choose from for style while keeping true to the brand name we’ve all come to know, love, and trust. 100% leather upper blended with a durable rubber sole gives you sustainability for the ages, while looking smart-casual. Round moc toe stitching, non-marking siped rubber outsole, and lace-up closure make this deck shoe not only stylish and ready for any adventure, but also good-quality with great dry/wet traction.

11

Dockers Men’s Beacon Boat Shoe

Dockers have been in the shoe business for over 30 years, and are owned by Levi Strauss & Co. So, with those credentials, you can expect high-quality materials, great style, and generally well-made shoes. These boat shoes are made from 90% genuine leather and 10% rubber, making them both durable and comfortable. The grippy rubber sole keeps you from slipping, even on wet and uneven surfaces. They’ve also been treated with NeverWet, which makes them impervious to water and stains. You can spill red wine on these shoes, and it’ll slide right off. The inside of the shoe has been treated with CleanSport NXT, an antimicrobial treatment that prevents odors. If you’re looking for an inexpensive boat shoe that can genuinely withstand life on board, the Dockers Men’s Beacon Boat Shoe is the way to go.