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Authentic Original Boat Shoe
Pros
  • Pro Modular construction that will last forever
  • Pro Life expectancy > average
  • Pro Extremely long-lasting
  • Pro Leather takes little time to soften up.
Cons

These classic Sperry slides have set the bar for boat shoes for nearly a century. And its staying power is hard to dispute. Sperry's signature boat shoes are made with full-grain leather and rust-proof eyelets; they are a work of art that will last a lifetime.

Top-Rated Slide Sandals: More Information

Tree Skipper Shoes for Men
Pros
  • Pro Trendy in any casual attire
  • Pro Upper that wicks away moisture and controls odor
  • Pro Durable enough to be washed in a washing machine
  • Pro Unbeatably light
Cons

If you're interested in boat shoes but aren't ready to invest in a pair of Sperrys, these are a great compromise. They have the sneaker look down, but the air flow, support, and durability you need for a day at the beach. Moreover, the fabric is antimicrobial and moisture-wicking, making these the most pleasant boat shoes for the summer.

Wave Rocker

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Pros
  • Pro Traction is maximized with the help of Adaptive Wave Siping.
  • Pro Distinctly cutting-edge flair
  • Pro Fits like a sock upper
  • Pro Wonderful air circulation
Cons

You probably guessed that you'd see Sperry pop up a few times in this guide. If you haven't checked out their new shoe styles yet, we highly recommend it. The Wave Rocker is a high-performance boat shoe, boasting a dynamic sock fit upper and excellent grip thanks to Adaptive Wave Siping technology. Ignoring the fact that these Rockers feature a sleek, cutting-edge design would be a shame.

Best Waterproof Shoes: Recommended Reading

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Classic Ranger Mocs
Merchant's Own Work
Pros
  • Pro Produced in the USA
  • Pro Constructed from luxurious bison leather
  • Pro Sole made of durable rubber
Cons

J. Crew teamed up with the iconic American shoe company Rancourt to create a new collection. It is Crew's intention that this boat shoe serve the wearer well for many years. The bison leather upper is extremely durable and comfortable, while the thick rubber outsole will keep your feet safe as you walk the docks. The more you wear in this pair of boat shoes, the better they'll look.

Pros
  • Pro Under
  • Pro In excess of forty thousand 5.0 Amazon ratings
  • Pro Available in a plethora of hues
Cons

Hey Dude has over 40,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, which may come as a surprise to those who are unfamiliar with the company. The lightweight, breathable, and reasonably priced shoes have received rave reviews. What's more, they are available in a rainbow of hues, allowing for limitless permutations and combinations.

The Top 10 Pairs of Summer Shoes

L L The Bean Slip-On Wellie Sport Shoes

Wellie Sport Shoes, Slip-On

L L Bean Slip-On Sport Shoes, the Wellie

The exterior fabric of boat shoes is designed to be water-resistant, making them ideal for a day spent in the surf. These athletic shoes are a great option if you need a pair of waterproof footwear for water activities like swimming and boating. The neoprene around the ankles and collars makes them easy to put on and take off, and the rubberized upper protects your feet and dries quickly.

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Tahoe Water Shoe by Rhodes

Tahoe Boat Shoe

Tahoe Boat Shoe by Rhodes

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At first glance, we notice that this boat shoe has a sturdy, boosted Vibram outsole, making it a good choice for those who prefer to explore rivers and lakes from their banks rather than slipping around on a smooth boat dock. That Rhodes employs high-quality Bentley materials like suede for the upper and leather for the lining is a huge plus.

The Water Strider is another new release from Sperry that excels in breathability, lightweight, and waterproof protection. It's a reliable option for those trying to find a boat shoe with a more contemporary design.

A Pair of adidas Terrex Boat S Water Shoes for RDY

Terrex Boat S.RDY Water Shoes

adiTerraneo Boat S Rapid Deployment Water Shoes

With its traction sole and breathable fabric reminiscent of a boat shoe, the Terrex is destined to become your go-to pair of summer sneakers.

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Boat Shoe with a Quoddy Head

Head Boat Shoe

Boat Shoe with a Quoddy Head

Shoes resembling boat shoes don't have to adhere to any particular nautical aesthetic. This one (made in a special partnership with Huckberry) has a cushiony, non-slip rubber sole for wear all day long.
Moreover, they are constructed so that they can be worn without socks, achieving a more barefoot appearance.

Boat Shoes with a Florsheim Edge

Edge Boat Shoes

Boat Shoes with a Florsheim Edge

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Canvas uppers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally excellent at allowing air to circulate and cooling the wearer down. These boat shoes are the best of both worlds: they're practical and fashionable thanks to the thick white sole and navy accent on the back.

Spinnaker for a Sebago

Spinnaker

For a Sebago, hoist the Spinnaker!

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To anyone who doubts that boat shoes can be stylish, I present these. The combination of burgundy, navy, and white is classy without being overly "4th of July-y."

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Loafer with Braided SWIMS Lace

Braided Lace Loafer

S.W.I.M.S. Lace-Up Loafer with Braided Straps

The lightweight, quick-drying fabric of these boat shoes makes them ideal for swimming, pool parties, and pretty much any other water-based summer activity. Further, they can be easily washed in a machine to maintain a crisp appearance all season long.

Best Men's Loafers - Click Here to Learn More

Men's Toms Dorado Canvas Boat Shoes with Shade Heritage Print

Shade Heritage Canvas Dorado Boat Shoes

Toms Dorado Canvas Boat Shoes with Shade Heritage Print

The slip-on is a TOMS specialty, so it stands to reason that they would create a boat shoe in their trademark style. The lace-ups are an in-between option, fitting in with both casual and dressier attire.

These slip-on shoes are a modern take on the classic boat shoe, and they have the convenience and comfort of sneakers. As a bonus, they're pretty stylish, too!

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A Pair of Kenneth Cole REACTION Ankir Slip-On Boat Shoes

Ankir Slip-On Boat Shoes

Shoes: Kenneth Cole REACTION Ankir Slip-On Boat Shoes

A pair of white boat shoes, like your favorite sneakers, can revitalize an otherwise mundane summer outfit. They have a low cost-per-wear and can be worn in a variety of ways, making them a great investment.

The Original Sperry Top-Sider BIONIC® Boat Shoe

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Top-Sider Authentic Original BIONIC® Boat Shoe

A Pair of Genuine, Vintage Sperry Top-Sider BIONIC® Boat Shoes

Ever-chic Sperry top-sealed boat shoes If you already have a pair of classic moccasins, it's time to invest in the new and improved patchwork version, which is crafted from fabric made from more than five recycled plastic bottles. Making a difference and looking good at the same time is possible by purchasing items from the environmentally friendly Bionic collection.

Check out these best slip-on shoes for men!

Cloth Deck Shoes by JAMONWU

Cloth Deck Shoes

Cloth Deck Shoes by JAMONWU

JAMONWU's boat shoes are versatile enough to accompany you anywhere. The soles are water-resistant, so you can walk around confidently in wet conditions or mud.

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Boat Shoes, Columbia Dorado CVO PFG

Dorado CVO PFG Boat Shoe

Boat Shoes, Columbia Dorado CVO PFG

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These boat shoes from Columbia are perfect for any adventure, be it a quick walk in the woods or a day at the water park. These shoes are designed for all-day comfort with a lightweight, durable midsole and a low profile, quick-drying upper.

best boat shoes

After asking the editors and contributors at Men's Health about the best boat shoes for men over the course of a year, we found the following products. Many pairs of boat shoes were tested by experts, including our Gear and Commerce Editor John Thompson, who considered their design, performance, cost, and longevity. Similarly, we looked at the most highly rated boat shoes sold by reputable online retailers.

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Headshot of Christian Gollayan

Christian GollayanCristobal Gollayan

Managing Editor, Business

Christian Gollayan is in charge of the merchandising content on menshealth.com in his role as Deputy Editor, Commerce for Men's Health. After working as the Associate Managing Editor for TheManual.com in Portland, he has returned to New York. Christian has had pieces published in numerous high-end publications, including InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.  

Headshot of John Thompson

In honor of John Thompson1John Thompson

Commerce and Equipment Editor

Gear and Commerce Editor at Men's Health, John Thompson focuses on the latest in style, grooming, gear, and technology. He has worked as the BroBible.com's Style & Gear Editor and TheManual.com's Commerce Editor. He enjoys hunting for one-of-a-kind vintage clothing and rooting for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball.  

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