Ahoy! Boat shoes ahead...
Join me through the depths of the internet as we seek the treasure of nautical footwear
Forgive me for the extra cheeky language, it’s just that I am a boat person. Or rather, I am a boat person by proxy. I was born by two sailors who met on the high seas and continue to wonder the earth by its waterways.
My parents live on a boat most of the year. When I tell people this, they think, “oh, how luxurious.” Well, I assure you it is not. It’s hard work and uncomfortable a good majority of the time. You must live in small quarters, endure treacherous weather, navigate by the stars when equipment fails, eat food that won’t easily spoil, and live without real plumbing.
When I spend time on the boat, my parents try to make it as relaxing as possible, with the hopes that I'll decide to return. Because of their hard work, life on the boat for guests is quite enjoyable. Waking up to the gentle sway of the water, feeling the fresh salty air against your skin, spending much of the day barefoot and carefree, and always cocktails to the backdrop of a warm sunset.
Boat-life requires one to embrace nature's unpredictable dance, to navigate through beauty and hardship as one.
This to me explains the rugged allure of a preppy boat shoe. It signals a certain class or type of person on the surface, but if you walk a mile in those shoes, you’ll see there is much more below (the deck).
I was excited this week to come across an old pair of L.L. Bean boat shoes, and even more excited when I saw Highsnobiety declare “It’s Finally Time to Redeem the Boat Shoe.”
Is it really the year of the boat shoe? Could be fun – I am on board. Here’s a couple to get you started if you are too. You’ll see some classics (Sperry,L.L.Bean, etc), but hopefully there are new brands or style’s to get you excited.
Bon Voyage!
Vintage Timberland Women Black Leather Boat Shoes
These cool, clean, blues can be worn straight from the galley to the yacht club.
Vintage Best of Maine Boat Deck Shoes Moccasins Sz 8
You know everything they make in Maine is delicious. These classic browns are no exception.
GUCCI 7 WHT 367923 Shoes Driving Tassel Bamboo
Ok so these aren’t technically “boat” shoes, but they feel close enough and they (yacht) rock.
LL Bean Women's Brown Leather Moccasin Boat Loafer Shoes size 6.5
Another moccasin boat hybrid with the softest light suede to boot.
Vintage Eastland Moc Toe Lace Up Shoes womens 9
I like the contrasting laces with the dark sole on these.
LL Bean Women's Brown Leather Boat Deck Slip On Mule Shoes 6.5
Love that these are slip-ons!
Women 8 Paraboot Deck Shoes
Stylish boat shoes that are both luxurious and deck-friendly, perfect for lounging on your yacht without worrying about scuffs.
Sebago Campside Brown Dock boat shoes Sz 7.5
The sage color makes these feel really unique and almost cabin-like. You could be on a river cruise in the Pacific Northwest in these.
Sperry Top Sider Womens 8.5 Brown Leather
Classic Sperrys in a beautiful dark leather, can’t go wrong.
Rockport boat shoes 7.5
A brand I hadn’t seen before, but they look just as elegant and sturdy as any.
VINTAGE WOMENS QUODDY CLASSIC RED LEATHER BOAT MOCCASINS SHOES SIZE 7.5
If you’re looking for a statement shoe, why not go for a red Quoddy! You’ll surely be the life of the party in these.
BASS Kiltie Wedge Boat Shoes Size 8N
Can you believe how wonderful these are! Someone please get these.
LL Bean Leather Shoes Womens Sz 9 Boat Style Oxford Brown Lace Up
This is the pair I got (in a slightly lighter leather). Will report back when they arrive.
Women’s LL Bean Shoes Boat Deck Shoes Light Gray Size 8 EUC Slip On
These remind me of my Nana. She would run around town in these looking chic no matter what she was doing.
XO - Best Friend ⚓️
I had a pair a of sperry’s in high school 🙂↔️
The red ones are so good! Also unlocked a memory of a pair of Eastland ones i used to have ... gotta look for them!