20 Best Boat Shoes for Men & Women in 2023

When it comes to seaworthy style, Sperry boat shoes are the most recognizable loafer, combining form and function. But it’s their comfort that is most remarkable.

With genuine leather materials hand-sewn for durability, a signature 360° lacing system with rustproof eyelets for a secure fit, and razor-cut wave-sipping soles for the ultimate wet/dry traction, the Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe from Sperry hits it out of the park in terms of construction, comfort, and style. Definitely, one of the best boat shoes you can find.

It features moccasin construction with OrthoLite insoles for enhanced shock absorption and comfort as well as a shock-absorbing EVA heel cup. There has been some discussion about a new production of Sperry boat shoes, one that relies more on automation than handwork. We’ve found it hard to validate.

Either way, just remember that a Sperry shoe will often stretch a wee bit, so don’t order big.

When it comes to both sports- and menswear, Polo Ralph Lauren requires no introduction. And their line of boat shoes is a genuine reflection of what the brand became renowned for—high-quality, refinement, and timeless aesthetic. 

Crafted from waxed, burnished leather, the Polo Ralph Lauren Merton Boat Shoe features a single-needle-stitched toe, reinforced heel with a signature tacked lace knot detail, rawhide laces through antiqued metal grommets, and rope-inspired treads honoring its nautical roots.

These are for boaters who like heavier shoes.

This loafer is of a classic caliber and will prove durable and reliable. Feel the leather and notice the difference between it and others.

One of the finest manufacturers when it comes to crafting boat shoes, Sperry’s take on a lighter, sleeker and more refined silhouette of their classic boat shoe is spot on in terms of comfort, functionality, and style. You’ll see these women’s loafers at premium yacht clubs.

The Top-Sider Angelfish Varsity Boat Shoe features hand-sewn construction with a comfortable and padded tongue, premium suede, nubuck and tumbled leather uppers—which are stain and water-resistant, a memory foam footbed, and an EVA molded midsole for added support.

Plus, razor-cut wave-siping delivers ultimate wet/dry traction with non-marking rubber outsoles while the adjustable 360-degree lacing system ensures a secure fit.

Whether lounging on the deck of a boat or strolling through town, you’ll be in perfect nautical style with the Timberland Men’s Classic 2-Eye Boat Shoe. 

Industry-leader when it comes to high-quality outdoor wear, their line of ruggedly casual boat shoes is a true reflection of the craftsmanship, comfort, and durability Timberland became known for. 

It features hand-sewn premium full-grain and nubuck leather uppers, a foam EVA insert for added comfort and support, a 360-degree rawhide lacing system for a custom fit, and grippy rubber outsoles for maximum traction on slippery and wet surfaces.

For over 70 years Columbia has been committed to making outdoor gear intended to keep you warm, dry, cool, and protected. And their line of women’s boat shoes is no exception.

It features a combination of synthetic textile upper and open mesh, a lower durometer EVA for improved comfort and shock absorption, and their exclusive Techlite midsole for superior cushioning and high energy return. A nice marriage of style and comfort in probably the best boat shoe for women.

But it doesn’t stop there! The Delray Slip Boat Shoe is also treated with a Blood and Guts Technology to keep your feet dry and stain-free together with the Omni-Grip non-marking rubber outsole with razor siping for high traction on wet surfaces.  

A modern boat shoe with the look and feel of a pair of sneakers, but with the style and versatility of a water shoe. These loafers are the maritime version of Stan Smith’s with their iconic stripes.

Highly suitable for water activities like kayaking, canoeing, dinghy sailing, or simply a day at the beach, the Adidas Outdoor Women’s Boat Shoe features a textile and synthetic upper construction as well as 360 degrees of climacool made from perforated neoprene mesh with a soft lining and drainage system for enhanced breathability and quick-drying. 

In addition, a stretchable heel insert provides an optimal fit while the TRAXION outsole gives the perfect combination of stability and grip for everyday outdoor activities.

Slip into our next pair of boat shoes for a taste of the island escapism lifestyle Jimmy Buffett sang so much about. This is a loafer designed for a carefree lifestyle and comfort.

The Margaritaville Men’s Anchor Lace Boat Shoe looks great and has the performance to match. 

It features a breathable leather mesh upper section for airflow, a soft padded tongue and collar that keeps your ankles from chafing, a foam insole for unparalleled comfort, a palm tree on the side along with a printed anchor on the rubber outsole ensuring that tropical look. 

These loafers dry quickly, making them ideal for both beach and boat. The Margaritaville boat shoes might not be classically designed, but the practical components propel it into consideration for the best boat shoe for a specific kind of lifestyle. A great one.

From Adidas, an unconventional boat shoe has been making waves. The Terrex Boat S.RDY demonstrates how sailing and boating has become a less elitist hobby. Most boat shoes look like Sperrys, slip-on moccasins with non-marking, rubber soles. Not these.

The Adidas Boat Shoe is also a more sustainably produced water shoe that brings a bit of sport into boating with a spillover into all water sports. In fact, it looks more like beach-walking, kayak-friendly water shoes. But is it a reliable footwear for all water activities or just a non-marking boat shoe with good grip?

We tested these water shoes, putting it through its paces to answer these questions.

Boasting that classic deck shoe look that never goes out of style, the iconic Docksides from Sebago features moccasin construction, which means that the leather wraps around the foot, thus creating a flexible and comfortable fit that just gets better with wear. 

The moc toe stitching is beautifully complemented by an around-the-collar rawhide lacing. Plus, a molded EVA foam insole for comfort and support and a non-slip and non-marking rubber outsole.

Clearly, Sebago has tried to make the best boat shoe with this line up, and there are many reviews that reflect this success.

Why not combine the Dockers distinguished khaki pants with a pair of their soft and well-made boat shoes? 

The brand which first introduced khakis as a casual alternative to jeans and dress pants back in 1986, has since then expanded into a wide range of apparel and accessories including loafers.

Hand-sewn and crafted from rich leathers, the Vargas Boat Shoe features the classic two-eyelet design, a grippy rubber sole for maximum traction on wet surfaces, a cushioned EVA footbed for unmatched comfort along a molded EVA heel cup for extra support. 

Due to its classic style, you can wear them with shorts, jeans, or of course khakis and take them from the beach to your everyday activities.

Designed by a podiatrist, the Lloyd Boat Shoe from Vionic offers an unbeatable combination of science and style that will carry you through your day comfortably and elegantly. 

It features an oil-treated leather upper, a soft interior, arch and heel support for extended wear, a 360° lacing system with leather laces and metal eyelets, as well as a rubber outsole with siping tread for added traction.

Highly suitable for those who suffer from overpronation, plantar fasciitis, or joint pain.

Designed with comfort in mind and a style that goes well with practically everything, the Jocolin Vista from Clarks will quickly become your go-to casual shoes throughout all warm weather months.

These maritime loafers for women will turn heads, but their practicality is probably more interesting.

The perforated textile upper ensures excellent breathability while the OrthoLite footbed together with the Cloudstepper technology will pamper your feet and provide them with a super soft cushioning.

The Yarmouth from Eastland perfectly embodies what the brand has been committed to since 1955—crafting high-quality, heritage-inspired, and comfortable footwear praising its Maine roots.

This one-eyelet slip-on boasts the classic and versatile design every boat shoe wearer desires. It features hand-sewn moccasin construction, 100% American Horween leather, and Eastland’s exclusive active memory foam comfort insole which supports and conforms to the curves of your foot.

Also, a shock-absorbing rubber outsole for traction and support and a handcrafted rawhide lacing for that polished look.

From the dock to pool parties to lounging around the house, the Hey Dude Wally Sox Loafer is a modern and versatile boat shoe for those who appreciate a more hip style and comfort. 

It features a low-top, wide chukka construction allowing total circulation of the toe area, a bi-component knit upper material that provides a flexible fit, a memory foam insole, and a soft, oxford cloth lining.

Plus, two lacing options and an extremely flexible ultra-light outsole.

From business casual to beach-wear, the Globalwin Men’s Boat Shoes fit perfectly in almost every situation and check all the boxes when it comes to comfort, quality, and above all, price.

It features a faux leather upper, a textile lining for a comfortable fit, a non-skid rubber outsole, and the classic moc toe design for an all-time classic look

The Rockport Men’s Perth Moccasins boasts the iconic boat shoe design we’ve all come to know and love, with the comfort we need for all-day wear, and the heavy-duty construction to last for many seasons.

It features hand-sewn full-grain leather construction, EVA footbed and heel cup, a synthetic insole, and a grippy rubber outsole. 

This is a timeless loafer: your grandfathe

r used to wear these, as does your son too.

Celebrating the essence of the classic American cool style, the Bowman Boat Shoe from Tommy Hilfiger delivers an outstanding level of comfort and sophistication whether you’re at the helm, relaxing on the dock, or at any summer event in between. 

It features a moccasin toe design, a leather upper, an around-the-collar lacing system, a synthetic insole, and a rubberized outsole for easy navigation on wet surfaces. 

Tommy Hilfiger loafers, like the rest of their line of clothing, can sometimes be flamboyant. Not these ones. TH has made these boat shoes as classic as can be in a well-designed construction that feels like quality.

Stylish and functional, the Beacon from Dockers is a sport-inspired lace-up boat shoe built to cradle your feet in comfort all through the warm weather months. 

These casual-wear deck shoes come packed with features including the CleanSport NXT, an anti-microbial technology that provides odor control and promotes good foot health as well as the NeverWet, a revolutionary water and stain guard that keeps liquids from attaching to the leather of these loafers.

Plus, it’s designed with a combination of genuine leather and mesh netting for improved breathability, double goring on each side for an easy slip on and off, six eyelets for a blister-free and secure fit, and lastly, a lightweight EVA outsole for maximum comfort and flexibility

The Casa Barco from Sanuk might not look like your traditional boat shoe but it still carries that nautical flair that every summer shoe owner craves. Plus, a casual design that can be dressed up or down with confidence.

It features a canvas upper, a molded EVA footbed that’s removable for easy cleaning and the option to be worn with or without laces while still feeling snugly on your feet. The pair has also been treated with antimicrobial additives so you don’t need to worry about stinky feet after a long day.

The brand even went the extra mile to design smiley faces on the rubber outsole so you leave joyful marks as you stroll along the shore. They might represent the happy place your feet find themselves in, as walking and just standing in these loafers is not at all unpleasant.

If you’re trying to remain budget-conscious when searching for boat shoes but you’re not willing to compromise on comfort and style, then you might want to take a look at the Unlisted Santon Boat Shoe from Kenneth Cole. 

It features the traditional two-eye design, a synthetic upper, a flexible sole, and a thin brown strip above the outsole giving it a nice touch. These loafers are slightly maverick in design and color scheme, going somewhat unconventional. But the look is unmistakably maritime and construction will likely hold up several year’s worth of sea air use.

Moc toe boat shoe designed specifically for walking, these Skechers are so comfortable and lightweight that several owners of these loafers describe them as “walking on a cloud.”

Built with canvas and faux leather, the pair comes with a 5 Generation cushioning system for maximum impact absorption and cushioned support. Plus, the Skechers Goga Max high-rebound insole for improved comfort, an inner soft moisture-wicking fabric lining to keep your feet dry after a long day, and a durable and grippy rubber outsole.

For the fashion-conscious, they’re also quite stylish and go well with virtually anything: shorts, jeans, and a casual dress.