AE boat shoe quality

stevent · Aug 22, 2011

How are these AE Westbrook boat shoes in terms of quality. I'm willing to pay the premium over Sperrys if the quality is there, but given that I could get two-three pairs of Sperrys...

hohneokc · Aug 22, 2011

While I don't have the Westbrook, I do have the AE Eastport. The Eastport is much nicer than my Sperry's or Sebago's. The Eastport is fully lined and the finish on the leather is much nicer. The Eastport also feels more cushioned in the insole. The Eastport also feels much more sturdy than the Sperry's or Sebago's.

I don't know how the Eastport and Westbrook compare, but I would bet they are similar.

Chris

stevent · Aug 22, 2011

hohneokc said:
While I don't have the Westbrook, I do have the AE Eastport. The Eastport is much nicer than my Sperry's or Sebago's. The Eastport is fully lined and the finish on the leather is much nicer. The Eastport also feels more cushioned in the insole. The Eastport also feels much more sturdy than the Sperry's or Sebago's.

I don't know how the Eastport and Westbrook compare, but I would bet they are similar.

Chris

Thanks for the info. How quickly do they smell compared to Sperrys?

atila · Aug 22, 2011

I've worn 3 different pairs of Sperrys fairly frequently for the past few years and all are still in good condition and none of them smell. So perhaps, if you have a smell issue, it is with you, and not the shoe.

BlueHorseShoe · Aug 22, 2011

I suspect they are similar to the Mephisto Spinnakers, in that they are nicer, higher quality leather boat shoes that are lined. For me, they smelled less quickly than Sperry's, but not by a significant period of time. In the end, I decided that it wasn't worth it to shell out the $300 for the Mephistos and just buy cheaper shoes that I can throw away when they get the funk.

YMMV.

Also, IMHO many of the 'nicer' boat shoes can end up looking kind of 'old-manish,' for lack of a better term.

atila · Aug 22, 2011

Confused how you guys are getting smell? Do you guys wear the same single pair of shoes every day? I've had mine the same 3 pairs for 3+ years and have worn them everywhere and there is NO smell.

BlueHorseShoe · Aug 22, 2011

You don't have it, teh funk.

Be grateful.

OceanColorPants · Aug 22, 2011

BIG warning on the westbrook. The shoe is excellent quality and far surpasses Sperry, but at some point AE decided to put a red lining under the tongue. I don't think this is the case with the most current models but the red bleeds all over everything and if you don't wear socks or if you wear light-colored socks you will continually horrify yourself and others when you take your shoes off. First complaint I've ever had about AE, but the shoe is exceptionally comfortable and well-made otherwise (Just use navy socks).

BlueHorseShoe · Aug 22, 2011

Why are you wearing socks with boat shoes?

stevent · Aug 22, 2011

BlueHorseShoe said:
Why are you wearing socks with boat shoes?

This. haha

And yeah I'm leaning on just picking up Sperry's when they are on sale for $50. I had the Polo made in USA ones a few years ago, smell didn't come for 11 months or so vs. the 6 months or so for Sperry's.

Atila, do you wear with socks? Not sure how you don't get any smell in 3 years.

OceanColorPants · Aug 22, 2011

BlueHorseShoe said:
Why are you wearing socks with boat shoes?

Uh... if this is for me, they're no-show socks. I'd rather use powder but I'm scared of the evil red feet.

hohneokc · Aug 22, 2011

stevent said:
Thanks for the info. How quickly do they smell compared to Sperrys?

I haven't had any smell issues with Sperry's, Sebago's, or the Allen Edmonds. I will admit I don't boat with the shoes, so they don't ever get wet.

Chris

MyOtherLife · Aug 22, 2011

stevent said:
How are these AE Westbrook boat shoes in terms of quality. I'm willing to pay the premium over Sperrys if the quality is there, but given that I could get two-three pairs of Sperrys...

I also have the Eastports and they are not only excellent, but also recraftable. Top notch cushioned insole and never an odour problem.
Sperrys have removable (and washable) foamy rubber insoles that would be a better option for guys with toe jam issues and if one has Athlete's Foot it is best advised to get to a doctor. They'll either give you a shot or some pills that will kill it.
The Westbrook looks like a nice shoe and a good price at Amazon.

atila · Aug 22, 2011

No, I don't wear them with socks, but I work in my jewelry store 50+ hours a week, so I wear my Sperry's no more than 2x a week. Even if its a hot, sweaty day (like today) my Sperry's won't be worn for another few days at the very minimum which will give them enough time to get all odor/sweat/moisture out.

I've even worn one of my 3 pairs to a couple different music festivals and still, no smell.

AE boat shoe quality

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Classic Menswear Featured products

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: