Deck shoes

[Teacher]

Originally Posted by JoeWoah

Sperry Topsider's... it's the only brand, period. All others are copies since they are the original.

I'm the first to admit he doesn't know squat about deck shoes, so I can't help with brands. However, as we all know, being the first doesn't always equal being the best.

 

[whacked]

Originally Posted by coachvu

Sebago's Docksides are much better made than Sperry Top Siders, IMO. More expensive, too.

Good to know, thanks. I have a pair of Sebago driving loafers in the mail.

 

[coogie]

Originally Posted by Teacher

I'm the first to admit he doesn't know squat about deck shoes, so I can't help with brands. However, as we all know, being the first doesn't always equal being the best.

it just means they've been doing it the longest ;-)

 

[p.o.t.u.s]

I really like the look of boat shoes, but have always been a bit reluctant to wear them as I'm never sure when or how I'm supposed to wear them...well, off of a boat.

I know no socks and light cotton pants is the default attire for boat shoes, but is it really bad form to wear them with khakis and socks? I've even seen people wear them with jeans!

I've heard some say both combinations are fine, but have heard others actually guffaw when such paring is proposed.

Verdict?

 

[coachvu]

Originally Posted by p.o.t.u.s

I really like the look of boat shoes, but have always been a bit reluctant to wear them as I'm never sure when or how I'm supposed to wear them...well, off of a boat.

I know no socks and light cotton pants is the default attire for boat shoes, but is it really bad form to wear them with khakis and socks? I've even seen people wear them with jeans!

I've heard some say both combinations are fine, but have heard others actually guffaw when such paring is proposed.

Verdict?

People guffaw at lots of outfits posted on this forum. There's no firm rule on this issue, and it's been debated in past threads. I wear my deck shoes with shorts, pants, and jeans. In the winter, I wear socks. I use them instead of driving mocs, as I haven't really found any driving mocs that I really like. It's different, but I like it. There are certainly worse looks out there.

 

[mcqueen]

I have always worn them without socks. I don't know of any unbreakable rules concerning this, definitely not in the sandals w/o socks category!

 

[1969]

I thought Quoddy were the boat shoe of choice on the Men's Clothing board?

 

[robin]

Originally Posted by 1969

I thought Quoddy were the boat shoe of choice on the Men's Clothing board?
Only for those in the know... ssshhhh...

 

[JOA]

I have both A/O Topsiders and Quoddy's, and like each for different reasons. Overall, I find myself going for my Sperry's more often. I suppose that's tied to childhood/youth, since that's what I've always worn. You can't go wrong with them.

 

[JoeWoah]

Originally Posted by 1969

I thought Quoddy were the boat shoe of choice on the Men's Clothing board?

They're really well made and are nice, but I think they're on the dressy-side and more adult. They're good to have around for specific occasions, I still have a pair from college that are still in excellent shape, but I find myself wearing Sperry's much more even to those occasion. Probably why they are in such good shape.

 

[Confederate]

Can we just agree that every jerkoff who runs out and buys Sperry Billfish without ever having owned another pair just ought to be shot? The Billfish are hideous abominations of boat shoes. The color is awful, the mesh is utterly unnecessary, they look ridiculous with a jacket, and they are an overbearing sign that you are a wannabe-frat-prep fake who jumped on the bandwagon 6 months ago. The beauty of the classic Original Boat Shoes is that you can wake up and put them on before you run over to the golf course, boat, or whatever, wear them all day (without socks!), and then when it's time for dinner at the country club, you don't even have to change your shoes. The Billfish have just got to go.

 

[yachtie]

If you're actually going sailing, Sebago. If you're just trying to look cool, Sperry, I guess. Truth be told,if the tops aren't worn from crawling around a deck you'll be pegged as a poser regardless of brand.

 

[Teacher]

Originally Posted by Confederate

Can we just agree that every jerkoff who runs out and buys Sperry Billfish without ever having owned another pair just ought to be shot?


No.

 

[Mark from Plano]

Originally Posted by Teacher

I'm the first to admit he doesn't know squat about deck shoes, so I can't help with brands. However, as we all know, being the first doesn't always equal being the best.

It doesn't always, but in this case it does.

 

[Dranakin]

Is the Sperry Top Sider Original Boat Shoe machine washable? I can't decide between the navy Sperry and a navy Rockport Bridgeport. I suppose that "machine washable" could be a factor since they're the same price...