As Spring rapidly approaches we have to pay homage to one of the classic All-American shoes, the boat shoe. Modern boat shoes were invented in 1935 by Paul Sperry after noticing his dog’s ability to run easily over ice without slipping. Using a knife, he cut siping into his shoes’ soles, inspiring a shoe perfect for boating, and a company called Sperry Top-Sider. Sperry Top-Siders are still a popular brand of boat shoe today, among many others, namely Sebago. -Wikipedia
These shoes, made popular by the preppies, are mostly worn during the Spring/Summer without socks. Opt for a boat shoe instead of sneakers for the Spring and Summer as it can be work with shorts, khakis and jeans.
Below are our Top 4 Picks for Spring/Summer 2012.
#4 Timberland Slip-On Boat Shoe – $90
You don’t even have to see the Timberland tree logo on the side of this shoe to know that it’s crafted to high standards – the handsewn stitching and premium leathers speak for themselves. And as with all of our boat shoes, our Slip-On Boat Shoe features a siped rubber outsole that’s designed to channel water away and increase traction.
#3 Cole Haan Air Yacht Club Boat – $158
For the daring, here is a boat shoe that can add a pop of color to your wardrobe. A stepped up take on the classic boat shoe with bold contrast color and texture. Soft suede and leather combination upper. Concealed NIKE AIR Technology. Partial leather lining. Traditional rubber boat shoe outsole with genuine functional siped rubber bottom.
#2 Sebago Docksides -$100
With rubber slip-resistant, non-marking soles, rawhide laces and non-corrosive brass eyelets. Genuine moccasin construction wraps the foot in a single piece of leather, creating a fit that’s uniquely your own.
#1 Sperry Topsider Authentic Original Boat Shoe by Made in Maine – $300
Of course the original would be #1. You can’t go wrong with the originators! The Made in Maine collection of footwear is hand stitched by artisans in Maine, using U.S. sourced leather and the finest materials. Handcrafted with a commitment to quality, Sperry celebrates over seventy-five years of heritage as the Authentic Original and an icon of American style.
What Do You Think?
-Phaon Spurlock, The Southern Gentleman
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2 thoughts on “Top 4 Boat Shoes for Spring/Summer 2012.”
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DOPE post!!! I just ordered some boat shoes from Lands End…my first pair :-/
Nice! Trust me, you will love them. They are very comfortable!