The 10 Best Boat Shoes for Women of 2023
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Sperry’s Authentic Original Two-eye Boat Shoe is one of the best options for looking stylish and relaxed while at sea.
Courtesy of Amazon
Boat shoes were originally designed with a soft-soled tread that provides traction on slippery surfaces without leaving scuff marks. Of course, boat shoes have since been woven into summertime and vacation wardrobes beyond boating thanks to their association with sophistication and laid-back warm-weather style. Today, most boat shoes still provide a soft sole and additional traction that makes them a great alternative to sandals or flip-flops, especially if you plan to go directly from the pool deck to a more formal environment while on vacation. Our favorite is the classic and comfortable Sperry Authentic Original Two-eye Boat Shoe, thanks to its soft-sided but durable rubber sole and timeless look.
We spoke to a handful of podiatrists and footwear experts to get their tips on exactly what to look for in boat shoes and which brands they recommend when it comes to quality, affordability, and style.
Sperry Women's Authentic Original Two-Eye Boat Shoe
Best Overall
Why We Love It: This classic pair of boat shoes will always be in style thanks to the sophisticated neutral-hued leather material and soft-sided but durable rubber sole.
What to Consider: The leather material might be too hot in warmer climates.
The Sperry Women's Authentic Original Two-eye Boat Shoe will always be our top pick when it comes to deckside footwear. An Americana summer staple, these boat shoes pack a serious punch in both the style and quality departments. The classic silhouette and water-resistant leather material make this option a particularly good choice for anyone hoping to pack just one pair of shoes that can easily take them from the pool deck to dinner and drinks without appearing overly casual.
This option is also a smart pick for those in search of a summer-appropriate shoe that offers more foot support than a flip-flop or sandal. The rubber sole features shock-absorbing support while the perforated, cushioned footbed provides even further comfort and arch support for long days on your feet.
Price at time of publish: $110
Materials: Leather, rubber︱Sizes: 5 to 12︱Weight Per Pair: 1.7 pounds | Water-resistant: Yes
Roxy Women's Ahoy Slip-on Boat Shoe Sneaker
Best Budget
Why We Love It: You don’t have to spend a ton to get a high-end-looking summer shoe, and this lightweight and comfortable canvas boat shoe is proof of that.
What to Consider: This option tends to run large, so you might have to size down.
Leather boat shoes are great, but a canvas and rubber option will be much more affordable and can look just as sophisticated as the more expensive alternative. The Roxy Women's Ahoy Slip-on Boat Shoe Sneaker is one of our favorite budget-friendly options for a number of reasons. The lightweight canvas material is much more breathable and weather-appropriate for hot summer days while the memory foam interior and recycled terry cloth lining help ensure your feet are comfortable and cool all day long.
Price at time of publish: $44
Materials: Canvas, rubber︱Sizes: 5 to 11︱Weight Per Pair: 1.15 pounds | Water-resistant: No
Skechers Women's Go Walk Lite Boat Shoe
Best for Walking
Why We Love It: This option might look like a classic boat shoe, but the lightweight sneaker was designed to suit city travelers who need something with enough support to wear walking around all day.
What to Consider: The laces are not adjustable and might be too loose for smaller feet.
Looking for a boat shoe silhouette but don’t want to forego optimal foot support? The Skechers Women's Go Walk Lite Boat Shoe features a laundry list of perks that make it an excellent option for those who tend to walk tens of thousands of steps while on vacation. The lightweight design features a responsive 5Gen cushioning for protecting your feet while wandering through city streets as well as a Skechers Goga Max high-rebound insole and a soft fabric lining so you won’t have to worry about uncomfortable rubbing or blisters.
Price at time of publish: $60
Materials: Textile, rubber︱Sizes: 5 to 12︱Weight Per Pair: 10 ounces | Water-resistant: No
Related:The 20 Best Swimsuits for Women of 2023
Sperry Women's Angelfish Boat Shoe
Best Style
Why We Love It: This modern boat shoe offers a much more feminine and elegant silhouette than higher-top alternatives and can easily be paired with dresses and skirts.
What to Consider: The low-top design might not be comfortable for those with wider feet.
The boat shoe silhouette is one of the most versatile options to bring on vacation — but this low-top alternative is an even better option for women who plan to wear it with dresses or skirts. The shorter-cut kicks are much more elegant than high-top boat shoes, which makes them easy to pair with your entire vacation wardrobe without sacrificing comfort or support. This model also comes with a molded EVA midsole that provides all-day cushioning and proper arch support.
Price at time of publish: $95
Materials: Leather, rubber︱Sizes: 5 to 12︱Weight Per Pair: 1 pound | Water-resistant: No
Betrue Lightweight Boat Shoes for Women
Most Breathable
Why We Love It: This pair of casual boat shoes is made from an ultra-lightweight canvas material that will allow your feet to breathe even in warmer climates or hot summer afternoons.
What to Consider: The slip-on design is much more casual than a more classic boat shoe.
Although leather boat shoes offer a sophisticated and versatile vacation staple, they might be too warm or tight-fitting for those who run hot or experience swelling while in warmer climates. This canvas and rubber alternative is an excellent option for travelers looking for a breathable and lightweight shoe that is easy to slip on and off even after hours of wear. The honeycomb air vent insole and mesh upper were designed to push air through the shoes to keep your feet dry and cool throughout the day.
Price at time of publish: $25
Materials: Canvas, rubber︱Sizes: 6 to 11︱Weight Per Pair: 1.04 pounds | Water-resistant: No
Sperry Women's Authentic Original Float Boat Shoe
Best Waterproof
Why We Love It: This pair of fully rubber boat shoes floats just in case you lose them in the water.
What to Consider: This option might not be the best for wearing in formal settings or in the city.
The Sperry Women's Authentic Original Float Boat Shoe offers a happy compromise between boat shoes and more typical sandal-style footwear; think of it as a slightly more elevated version of a Croc sandal. The rubber design is fully waterproof and can double as a water shoe when needed, while the super lightweight design was made to float on top of the water just in case you lose your shoes in the pool or ocean. We also love that the molded treads offer surprisingly good traction and grip even on wet and slippery pool decks.
Price at time of publish: $45
Materials: Rubber︱Sizes: 5 to 12︱Weight Per Pair: 2 pounds | Water-resistant: Yes
Related:The Best Waterproof Speakers of 2022
Twisted X Slip-on Boat Shoe
Most Durable
Why We Love It: This slip-on boat shoe is crafted from extremely durable recycled material and is an excellent option for those looking for a sustainable alternative.
What to Consider: The colorful design is not very versatile and might be hard to pair with your existing wardrobe.
Boat shoes go through a lot throughout the course of their lifetime, which is why it’s so vital to opt for a pair that'll last you for years to come. The Twisted X Slip-on Boat Shoe can go the distance thanks to the high-quality leather, tweed, and rubber material. Even better, this option was crafted using sustainable and recycled materials so it won’t just last you a long time — it has actually saved post-consumer trash from ending up in the landfill. The colorful red and orange print might be a little loud for some, but it can easily be paired with neutral colors like browns, beiges, and even black or white.
Price at time of publish: $90
Materials: ecoTWX tweed, leather, rubber︱Sizes: 5.5 to 11︱Weight Per Pair: 1.3 pounds | Water-resistant: No
Hey Dude Women's Wendy Shoes
Best for Wide Feet
Why We Love It: This minimalist option is breathable and spacious with additional width to accommodate for wider feet or those whose feet get swollen in warmer climates.
What to Consider: The contrasting white sole makes this option look more like a sneaker than a traditional boat shoe.
Shopping for boat shoes can be difficult when you have wide feet, or if your feet tend to swell in warmer climates or after a long day of walking around. That’s where the Hey Dude Women's Wendy Shoes comes in. This minimalist option offers the same style and comfort as a more traditional boat shoe but it was made with a little extra room on the sides to accommodate wider feet. It also includes a unique rounded toe design that flexes and folds as needed in order to provide more room in the front of the shoe without sacrificing proper arch support and cushioning.
Price at time of publish: $55
Materials: Cotton, rubber︱Sizes: 5 to 11︱Weight Per Pair: 2 pounds | Water-resistant: No
Related:The 14 Best Packable Sun Hats for Travel of 2023
Timberland Heritage Noreen Boat Shoe
Best Splurge
Why We Love It: This stylish and on-trend option is well worth the investment if you’re looking for a unique and city-appropriate alternative.
What to Consider: This option isn’t water-resistant and might not be the best for waterside escapes.
There’s something to be said about a reimagined platform boat shoe. The Timberland Heritage Noreen Boat Shoe might not be the best option if you’re looking for a practical and water-friendly shoe to bring to a pool deck or beach — but it will pack a serious punch when it comes to stylish city dressing. What’s more, the stunning shoe also shines in the sustainability department. At least 50 percent of the leather was sourced from tanneries that have achieved a Leather Working Group silver rating (this encompasses energy use, waste production, and water treatment).
Price at time of publish: $140
Materials: Leather, rubber︱Sizes: 6 to 11︱Weight Per Pair: Not listed | Water-resistant: No
Columbia Women’s Dorado PFG Boat Shoe
Most Versatile
Why We Love It: They look more like a tennis shoe and can be worn for just about any occasion.
What to Consider: They aren't water-resistant, but they are water-repellent and dry quickly.
If the style of traditional boat shoes isn't your thing, consider the Dorado PFG Boat Shoe from Columbia. It looks just like an everyday tennis shoe while still providing the no-slip grip that other boat shoes offer. These shoes feature a mesh and synthetic upper that is both breathable and lightweight and a Techlite midsole for extra cushioning and arch-support. While they aren't water-resistant, the textile fabric does repel water, so you're safe to wander on deck or on a dock without suffering with wet feet for the rest of the day. They also come in four cute colors, so you can find the perfect pair to match your style.
Price at time of publish: $70
Materials: Textile, rubber︱Sizes: 5 to 12︱Weight Per Pair: 9 ounces | Water-resistant: Water-repellent
Tips for Buying Boat Shoes
Choose the best material
According to Dr. Patrick McEneaney, owner and CEO of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, the material you choose for your boat shoes should be breathable, first and foremost. “Some of the materials are very dense and very thick and don't have a lot of give to them which can cause your toes to rub, especially if you have bunions or hammer toes,” he explains. “Some of the fabrics are a little looser and there's actually a little more stretch to them, kind of like you'd find with a leather shoe where it'll actually stretch over time. Some of these fabrics are very tightly woven, which won't stretch and other ones will.”
Prioritize comfort
“Most boat shoes don't have a ton of support to them. But some of them are as flimsy as a bedroom slipper while some have some support built into them,” explains McEneaney. “So I like to see a little bit of bend in the shoe and not have as much bend in the midsole.”
Look for shoes with great traction
If you're actually going to be boating, it's important to buy shoes that are designed for that function, not just what looks cute and fashionable. Be sure your boat shoes offer an appropriate amount of traction to ensure you'll remain safe while onboard, and look for soft rubber soles that won't damage the boat, either.
“Don't assume your running shoes or tennis shoes will do the job on a slippery boat deck. It's one thing to be a tourist on a river cruise; it's another thing to be responsible for helping to steer a sailboat. Those environments are totally different, and you'll only be helping yourself by having the right footwear.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean boat shoes?
Keeping boat shoes in clean and like-new condition isn’t all that difficult. Most boat shoes are quick-drying or water-resistant so all you’ll need to do is take a little water and dish soap to the upper material before letting the shoes air-dry. You can also remove the insole in most boat shoe styles before wiping them down with some soapy water and hanging to dry.
If your boat shoes are made of leather, you may also consider regularly applying leather conditioner, especially after they've gotten wet, to prevent cracking.
Can I wear socks with boat shoes?
Boat shoes are designed to be worn without socks for a classic maritime look — but these days, it’s totally fine to wear socks with your boat shoes for a more city-appropriate style. A good pair of no-show socks might also reduce friction if you’re worried about rubbing causing blisters.
How do I tie boat shoes?
Although most boat shoes have laces on the upper and around the exterior of the shoe, boat shoes are designed to fit loosely but shouldn't feel like they’re going to fall off. You should be able to slip your boat shoes on and off without having to unlace them each time.
How do you break in boat shoes?
Most boat shoes, especially those made of leather, can use some breaking in to get the most comfortable fit. You should consult your manufacturer's instructions on breaking in since for many pairs, including Sperry's, the break in process can take weeks.
Before you wear your new pair of shoes for long periods of time, you should consider wearing around your house so they can mold to your feet. If they feel a bit tight, you can also wear them with a pair of socks to help them stretch.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a travel writer and spoke to fashion and footwear professionals to curate the best boat shoe options to suit most needs.
Related:The Best Sun-protective Clothing for Women of 2023
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