Opinions on boat shoes?

[cellphoneguy81]

As a “senior member” here (LOL) I have been around fashion blogs and publications a long time. I know many “stylish” dudes would not be caught dead in boat shoes. However, I was raised in Connecticut (maybe the birthplace of “preppy” in the USA at least) and grew up liking them. I still wear them and they are probably my most worn summer shoe as I don’t wear flip flops or sandals unless at the beach.

Over the past decade they have been very “in” at points but that time has come to an end I think. I still wear them (with appropriate clothing and NO SOCKS) and plan to continue.

I now live in Texas and regularly wear roper cowboy boots and love them as well.

Thoughts stylish dudes?

 

[ter1413]

I don't own a pair...but if you like them, wear them. Nothing wrong with that as long as, IMO, you don't try to dress them up.

 

[johng70]

I see no issues whatsoever with wearing boat shoes where appropriate. Just like there are probably members here that wouldn't be caught dead wearing shorts. That doesn't mean there's a problem with shorts. Without socks and in casual environment, I think boat shoes are highly acceptable in many areas.

 

[MrAmbrose]

I like them and wear them with shorts.

 

[ValidusLA]

Just like there are probably members here that wouldn't be caught dead wearing shorts. That doesn't mean there's a problem with shorts.

Harumph Harumph. I am one of those members who won't be caught dead in shorts lol.

Here is my 2 cents on boat shoes. I am not a fan of them in generally, but I think that has to do more with connotation than with the article itself.

Too many frat guys circa 2005 wearing boat shoes with popped lime green polo shirts kind of ruined the look.

The boat shoes was "cool" for a bit in the early 2000's...I knew a lot of girls from the 7 Sister Sect who exclusively wanted men to wear Sperrys lol. It has....not been cool for a while now. That being said - Prada put it on the runway this year quite stylishly.

If you want to wear boat shoes - make sure to look like a Kennedy getting ready to sail and not a frat boy getting ready to chug beer. If you are doing boat shoes with bright pastel polos / shorts + braided and or critter belts you are probably going too far. Simple chinos and a clean polo will make for a good look.