No matter how enjoyable boating is, a lot of people find it difficult walking or even standing up on the deck. Boats not only sway with the waves, but the decks are always wet. This is why for safety reason, boat shoes are highly recommended.

Boat shoes look like regular shoes at first glance. They are usually made of canvas and leather. What separates them from typical shoes, however, are its non-marking rubber soles specially designed for use in boats. These soles add traction and are non-skid, which allows you to stand firmly on boats. This means that even when the deck is wet, there is traction so there’s less chances of you slipping and falling down. Boat shoes, otherwise known as Topsiders or deck shoes, have been around for more than seven decades, having been invented by Paul Sperry in 1935.

Since its invention, boat shoes have been designed to cater to sailors. because they’re made from premium leather uppers, these boat shoes dry very fast, making them perfect for those whose feet and footwear are constantly soaked in water. And on a sailboat, between the sprays and the swells, this is always the case.

Aside from providing you with steady footing whenever on a boat, the rubber soles of these boat shoes are also specially designed to prevent scraping or scuffing on the surface of the boat. Hard soles tend to damage material used as flooring for the boat, but non marking rubber soles of boat shoes are just right to avoid these kinds of scratches. Plus, because they’re white, there are no scuff marks on a pristine deck! Therefore, aside from providing protection from unexpected slips and falls, wearing these kinds of shoes also protects your boat. Truly, these shoes offer total functionality at its finest.

Boat shoes are also very versatile. They are perfect for casual summer fun. From the marina to the mall, these boat shoes will go anywhere, and in style, too. They can be paired with a casual getup of polo shirts, khaki shorts, golf shirts or any other preppy outfit. These boat shoes are no longer limited to the boat, but function splendidly and stylishly on land, too.

In addition to the traditional sailing colors of brown, white, cream and navy, today’s boat shoes come in all colors and patterns. Most are still made from traditional premium leather uppers, but today’s boat shoes are also often made from heavy duty canvas. This means that these boat shoes are lighter and breathable. Some styles have even mesh in them, making them more versatile for the boat and for the park.

Boat shoes no longer are the exclusive footwear of sailors. Most summer casual footwear are boat shoes styled. The addition of colors and prints make them more modern and young. But one thing they all have, no matter if these boat shoes are made from leather uppers or heavy duty canvas, is the white rubber sole. This herringbone or grooved rubber sole is what Paul Sperry knew would make the difference between good boat shoes and great boat shoes. Seventy five years later, today’s boat shoes still pay homage to Sperry’s vision. Great looking boat shoes with a sole for function.