Boat Shoes Have a Classic Style and Comfort Aplenty
Boat shoes are one of the easiest ways to dress up or dress down an outfit. They work equally well with a t-shirt and jeans as they do with your Sunday best. They have been popular in the United States since the 1940s and 1950s when they were first introduced by Sebago. Boating was at its height during this period, so it's no wonder that these shoes became such a hit. Boat shoes have a reputation for being casual and comfortable, but they can also help with so many other things. They offer protection against blisters caused by rubbing or chafing of the skin on top of the foot from tight-fitting footwear. This article will explore 5 brands of boat shoes to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about which boat shoe brand would be best for your needs.
1 - Sebago
Sebago is one of the premier boat shoe manufacturers in the world, with a history dating back to 1946 when the first pair was crafted by hand on Sebago Lake in Maine by employees Martin Crosby and Wilburt "Bill" Cobb for friends who appreciated fine quality products made in the USA. Today they are still family-owned and operated by three generations of Crosbys that continue to follow their founding philosophy of fine craftsmanship, superior comfort, and luxury styling at an affordable price point. You can find many different styles of shoes from this brand but most are unstructured and premium leather with an all-rubber outsole.
2 - Bostonian
Bostonian is a branch of Red Wing Shoes that was introduced in 1931 as a more formal dress shoe than what Red Wing had been making at the time. It wasn't until 1998, however, that they introduced their first pair of boat shoes. Their boat shoes feature premium leather and rubber, classic styling, and Made in the USA quality.
3 - LL Bean
LL Bean is a well-known outdoors brand that began back in 1912 with their Maine Hunting Shoe. They didn't make boat shoes, however, until 1968 when they introduced their very first pair of Sebago style moccasin styled boat shoes which were quickly followed by another popular style called the Deck Shoe. Both styles are crafted from premium full-grain leather uppers and all rubber outsoles. As with most brands of boating shoes, these options are not waterproof and should only be used in dry weather conditions.
4 - Duluth Trading Company
Duluth Trading Company is a company that was founded in 1991 and specializes in making products for people who work hard. They began making boat shoes for their line of workwear clothing which has such items as pants, bibs, coats, and overalls. The Sebago style they make features premium full-grain leather uppers with handsewn moccasin stitching and all rubber outsoles. You can find these styles at Duluth Trading Company online or at 21 retail locations across 21 states including Minnesota and Wisconsin.
5 - Sperry Top-Siders
Sperry Top-Siders have also been worn by the US Navy and Army – which speaks volumes about how great their quality is. They're currently one of the best-selling shoes in the United States and it's easy to see why. They come with a well-padded footbed and rubber soles that can resist heat up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. These boat shoes are built for durability and comfortability, making them perfect for all sorts of casual outings during the summer season.
6 - Chaco Shoes
Chaco Shoes are perfect if you want something more than a standard boating shoe. Chaco is a company that specializes in outdoor footwear for men and women, with a variety of different styles available. For example, Chaco offers several types of sandals if you want something more casual or don't plan on venturing far from the shore. Their boat shoes are also ethically manufactured in Brazil and come in a wide range of colors from brown leather to bright blue canvas. These boat shoes are great because they're waterproof too. They might be one of the pricier options on this list, but worth it if you're looking for something durable and long-lasting during your next boating adventure.
