Boat Shoes Started For Maritime Use And Are Enjoyed By Everyone Now

Boat shoes, or deck shoes, are canvas or leather shoes that have non-marking rubber soles with a siping pattern cut into them that provide good grip on wet decks. Worn by both men and women, they are designed to be used when boating. Initially, they were only worn by sailors. In the 1970s they became a popular type of casual footwear for people living in coastal areas worldwide. They were seen as a status symbol because wearing them meant you regularly spent time on an expensive boat with a large deck. Boat shoes were worn without socks traditionally and that made people who wore them look cool and stylish. Boat shoes became so popular with school-age young people in the 1990s, schools made them acceptable uniform shoes. It became commonplace to see boat shoes worn with low-cut ankle socks by both youths and adults.

Invention of Boat Shoe

American sailor Paul A. Sperry invented the boat shoe in 1935. Sperry, from New Haven, Connecticut, became interested in creating a boat shoe after he slipped while on his boat and fell overboard. Unsurprisingly, he would prefer that not happen repeatedly. Over the winter, he noticed that his dog could run on ice without even sliding or slipping. That inspired him to experiment with developing a non-slip shoe sole that could mimic a dog's paw. He took a knife and he began to cut notches in a rubber soled shoe so it would have better traction.

As a result of his experiments, Sperry came up with a siping design for the sole of his boat shoes that made it possible for him to keep his balance as he moved across the deck of his boat even when it was wet. He called them Sperry Top-Siders. Sperry used moccasin-style leather to make the upper part of the shoe and a white sole so it would not make dark scuff marks on the deck of his boat.

Styles of Boat Shoes

There are many styles of boat shoes to choose from depending on the outfit you plan to wear it with. They are no longer only for sailors or people who plan to go boating. For a growing number of people boat shoes are simply a fashion statement. There are boat shoes that make you look modern and preppy. There are unique styles and colors that work well with casual outfits when you are hanging out with friends or business casual when you want to look good enough to impress business clients.

You can find different boat shoes that are ideal for any situation. They make minimal or boring outfits look much better. There are boat shoes you can wear with shorts and tees, chinos and button-up shirts, or a white long-sleeved shirt and denim shorts when travelling. Plus, you can have boat shoes made with canvas uppers and in all kinds of funky colors,  prints or leather pairs in neutral colors like brown, black, or dark blue.

Best Brands of Boat Shoes

Since the invention of the Sperry Top-Siders deck shoes, a number of companies have made some very high quality versions of the shoe. Some of the best brands of boat shoes

on the market today are:

1. Sperry Boat Shoes - These boat shoes have a style for everybody. They are fashionable, durable, have good traction and are made with high-quality materials.
2. Bass Boat Shoes - The well-known G.H and Bass Co. is known for making high-quality general outdoor shoes. Their boat shoes are known for their reliability, classic style and modern style.
3. Quoddy Classic - Quoddy Classic makes boat shoes that are versatile and individually customized to perfectly fit your feet and your needs. They can customize the leather, thread, lace and even the sole to your exact specifications. You can even wear them for hiking and camping.
4. Irish Setter Lakeside - The Irish Setter Lakeside boat shoes are solid, reliable, comfortable, quick drying, have excellent traction, are great for everyday wear and perfect if you are an avid boatsman.
5. Dockers - Dockers boat shoes are sturdy, soft, comfortable, high quality, look great when worn casually, and are easily affordable.