Boat Shoe Fit

[Flyswatter]

Greetings SF'ers,

This is my first post, although I am a frequent lurker. I hate making this thread, as I'm sure I'll be flamed, but my SF and Google searches on the topic of boat shoe fit have not helped me much.

I bought my first pair of boat shoes yesterday (Sperry Top-Siders, in this color) and am unsure if I bought the right size. I bought a 10.5, and they are slightly loose throughout the shoe, although without much room to spare between my toes and the front of the shoe. I tried on a 10, but I can feel my toes touching the front of the shoe. It's not exactly uncomfortable, but I can definitely feel my toes against the leather when I'm standing in the 10s. Otherwise, I'd say the 10s feel much better throughout the rest of the shoe, as it's a more snug fit and there is no heel slippage when walking, as there is with the 10.5s (though only slightly).

I should also add that I am wearing these shoes without socks, as they are intended to be worn. I understand that the leather will of course stretch somewhat over time as the shoes are broken in, leading me to believe that the 10.5s that I bought will only further loosen. I have only worn the shoes indoors. Should I exchange them for 10s? I guess the better question to ask is how should boat shoes fit? Rather snuggly, even if that means toes touching the front of the shoes? Or maybe I have the wrong idea altogether, and boat shoes are supposed to be a little loose and "sloppy", almost like a slipper?

Thanks for helping out this boat shoe noob. I really like mine, but just want to make sure I get a properly fitting pair.

 

[ice86x]

One problem may be the width. You said it feels loose throughout the shoe and that your toe is already touching the front of the shoe. That probably means you should try for a smaller width.

If size is the problem people usually size down from .5. I'm 8.5 in most shoes and wear 8 in Sperries. I find that in the beginning it feels tight around the toe area (it's really narrow in that area), but after breaking it in, it feels more comfortable.

You also don't want your toe touching the front of the shoe. it will not stretch out vertically so your toe will always be in that spot.

 

[jet]

You may want to post in one of the ten boat shoe threads in existence.

 

[Flyswatter]

Originally Posted by ice86x

One problem may be the width. You said it feels loose throughout the shoe and that your toe is already touching the front of the shoe. That probably means you should try for a smaller width.

If size is the problem people usually size down from .5. I'm 8.5 in most shoes and wear 8 in Sperries. I find that in the beginning it feels tight around the toe area (it's really narrow in that area), but after breaking it in, it feels more comfortable.

You also don't want your toe touching the front of the shoe. it will not stretch out vertically so your toe will always be in that spot.

Thanks for the reply. I thought about possibly needing a narrow width, but I've never had to go with a narrow width in any other shoes I've worn, and if anything, I'd actually consider my foot to be a tad on the wide side. And besides, do Top-Siders even come in a narrow width?

Originally Posted by jet

You may want to post in one of the ten boat shoe threads in existence.

Thanks, I posted in this thread.

 

[v1100110]

Mine slipped a bit when I first bought them. I tightened the laces a bit and they've been fine.

 

[McCurry]

I am normally a 9.5, and I really wish I have gone down to 9.0 for my topsider, I can fit my middle finger behind the heel, but the worst part is that the width is too wide, it is constantly grinding at my ankle, to a point that the skin falls off and I have to band-aid my ankle. Should I get Heel Grip or Insole for them? and oh I can't return them because I am on the other side of the world.

but OP, I think you should stick with the 10, and just reorder with the width reduced to small.

 

[kraands]

I give up on Top Siders. Nice shoes, but no matter what my heels always get destroyed and bleed even after the shoes are broken in. And yes, I've tried different sizes.

 

[McCurry]

Originally Posted by kraands

I give up on Top Siders. Nice shoes, but no matter what my heels always get destroyed and bleed even after the shoes are broken in. And yes, I've tried different sizes.

so you gave up on boatshoes or just switch to another brand? enlighten me please!

 

[kraands]

Originally Posted by McCurry

so you gave up on boatshoes or just switch to another brand? enlighten me please!

Neither. I don't like boat shoes enough to purchase another pair but I'm definitely done wearing top siders. I guess I'd wear a pair of some other boat shoes if they were given to me.

 

[wahwho11]

Originally Posted by jet

You may want to post in one of the ten boat shoe threads in existence.

it's 11 now