Boat shoes carry a fascinating heritage that dates back to 1935, when American sailor and inventor Paul A. Sperry had a breakthrough idea after slipping off his boat. Observing how the paw pads of his cocker spaniel gripped slippery surfaces, he was inspired to create a non-slip sole. This led to the birth of the first Sperry Top-Sider: a leather moccasin with a siped rubber sole, specially designed for wet boat decks. The shoe soon revolutionized nautical footwear and beyond.
By 1940, Sperry boat shoes had become part of the official U.S. Navy uniform. In the decades that followed, they transitioned from the deck to dry land. During the 1950s and 1960s, berry shoes for men and women found a home on Ivy League campuses, becoming a key symbol of preppy style and a fashion staple for an entire generation. In the 1980s and again in the 2000s, American elegance and luxury fashion brought boat shoes back into the spotlight as a must-have accessory.
Today, boat shoes are experiencing a new golden age in both men’s and women’s wardrobes, thanks to their stylish yet comfortable appeal. Style icons like Paul Newman, John F. Kennedy, and Steve McQueen helped make them legendary, while modern celebrities such as Timothée Chalamet, Pharrell Williams, and Tyler, The Creator have embraced the look in bold, streetwear, or minimalist ways—proving just how versatile this iconic shoe can be.

In Spring/Summer 2025, boat shoes ride a new creative wave, making a strong return in the fashion world thanks to updated shapes, materials, and bold new colors. This year’s key trend brings back retro lines while preserving the shoe’s signature moccasin-style stitching, now reinterpreted with modern details. Think of sleeker, laceless silhouettes, oversized styles like the Les Batto loafers by Jacquemus, or bold patterns such as Bally’s perforated red leather boat shoes.
Among the standout trends for summer is the introduction of unexpected color palettes. While traditional hues like natural leather, beige sand, and navy blue remain timeless, they’re now joined by more vibrant shades: soft pastels, crisp white, sage green, powder blue, and even bolder tones like red, yellow, and orange. These chromatic updates allow deck shoes to work with both minimal and expressive outfits.
Material innovation also plays a key role this season. Pebbled leather gives way to soft suede finishes, technical canvas, and sustainable vegetable-tanned leathers—ideal for those seeking a more conscious wardrobe. Dolce&Gabbana highlights artisanal craftsmanship with woven leather boat shoes that look more like works of art than accessories.
Brunello Cucinelli stays true to its refined identity, offering high-quality leathers and neutral tones for a quiet luxury feel. Sebago preserves its nautical heritage while incorporating modern accents like metal details and bold color combinations. Many designers are exploring contrasts this year, with visible stitching, color block soles, and vibrant laces adding personality to even the most understated looks.

The variety of styles and trends seen on the Spring/Summer runways offers countless options to suit any outfit. Leading designers are embracing the comeback of this iconic shoe, giving it a fresh twist with couture details, updated proportions, and luxurious materials. Here’s a look at the best boat shoes of the season and the standout brands for both men’s and women’s fashion.

Men’s Boat Shoes 2025

When it comes to men’s boat shoes, classics from Timberland, Church’s, and Tod’s remain strong contenders. Timberland stays authentic with its iconic Authentic model, featuring thick laces and contrasting stitching, ideal for both seaside walks and urban adventures. Tod’s enhances the artisanal appeal with sophisticated boat loafers fitted with the brand’s signature gommino soles, merging performance and elegance. Thom Browne channels a preppy, tailored inspiration, while Dsquared2 brings a bold, fashion-forward take with chunky silhouettes, thicker soles, studs, and vivid colors. Details like metal trims, color-block inserts, and textural contrasts shape the evolution of this timeless style.

Boat shoes are a key staple in both men’s and women’s wardrobes for summer. They’re stylish, versatile, and incredibly comfortable—easily adapting to a range of aesthetics from polished eveningwear to relaxed daywear. But how do you wear boat shoes without losing their timeless charm?
For a laid-back men’s daytime outfit, perfect for a beach stroll or rooftop brunch, pair deck shoes with linen shorts, a lightweight short-sleeved shirt, and vintage-inspired sunglasses. Add a loose trench coat on cooler days, like those styled by Ami Paris. Women fashion can borrow from menswear by combining tailored linen shorts with matching blazers for effortlessly chic monochrome ensembles. For something sportier, opt for a cotton dress with a belted denim jacket as seen in Auralee’s summer collection, where soft structure meets subtle contrast.
For evening, go casual-chic. Try light-colored chinos, a knit polo, and a pale denim jacket for a look that’s polished yet relaxed. Women can lean into quiet luxury with wide-leg trousers and a lightweight black sweater or stick to classics like jeans, a shirt, and a blazer—ideal for city nights or seaside aperitivos.
Avoid common styling mistakes. Choose socks wisely: go for invisible liners with minimalist outfits or make a bold statement with visible socks if the look allows. Don’t wear boat shoes to formal events like ceremonies and weddings—they remain, after all, casual shoes. And remember to care for them properly. Clean them regularly, store them in a dry place, and if they’re suede, use a protective waterproof spray.
The strength of boat shoes lies in their incredible versatility. They adapt naturally to a variety of settings, always delivering effortless charm. Because when it comes to style, it’s all about the details—and this summer, boat shoes are leading the way.