Last week, I attended the Miami Open with a group of friends. We came prepared with stadium-approved mini bags and shoes made for walking, because if you’ve been, you know the trek from the parking lot to the stadium and between courts is no joke. I went with my trusty Adidas sneakers, but the shoes that truly stopped me in my tracks and quickly became the topic of conversation were the brand-new Gucci pair on my friend’s feet.
She had just gotten back from a weekend in Rome and was wearing Gucci’s brown suede boat shoes. A boat shoe is nothing new, and honestly, it’s a style I’ve typically avoided. I’ve never found it particularly flattering and always filed it under the “dad shoes” category rather than something I’d consider fashion-forward.
But consider my mind officially changed, because now I’m fully on board.
How I Went From Avoiding Boat Shoes to Wanting a Pair
As someone who prioritizes comfort, this is exactly the kind of shoe my wardrobe has been missing. My friend swore they were the most comfortable pair she owns, and she had the steps to prove it after days spent walking the Miami Open grounds. Not once did she complain, which, to me, says everything.
And then there was the outfit. She paired the shoes with a white denim skirt, a Celine belt, an easy white shirt, and a lightweight windbreaker. It had that perfect mix of sporty and polished, the kind of look that feels effortless but still incredibly cool. The boat shoes were the finishing touch that pulled it all together.
That’s really what sold me. Not just on those shoes, but on the idea of boat shoes in general. This season, there are so many great options that take the classic silhouette and give it a more fashion-forward edge. While the Gucci pair is the one that made me do a double-take, it’s far from the only one worth considering.
The appeal is clear: a shoe that feels casual and easy, yet polished enough to elevate your everyday outfits. And right now, that’s exactly the kind of balance I’m looking for.
Shop 10 More of the Best Boat Shoes
Boat shoes were all the rage in the 1970s — wearing “real” boat shoe brands like Sebago Docksides and Sperry Topsiders. The originals are still popular and I’d pick those over the designer wannabes. (when not in boat shoes, a lot of 1970s teens wore Frye boots all made in the U.S.; only a few Frye boot styles can make that claim today)
Oh ya, the Sperry Topsider is still popular – my dad has worn them forever!!
I like boat shoes and am glad they are in. Among the above recommendations I have the Hermés Member Loafer and I have one issue to report: the laces. They are in leather which is lovely, however, they tend to get undone fairly easily (but I am generally not very good with lacing so there’s that).
Other than that, they are comfortable and made for city walking – this one does have a more walking-friendly sole than many others as you can see. I walked airports in them.
Thanks for the info – def good to know about the laces! I was quite drawn to those as well!
Ugh! I find this style of shoe so ugly. Probably comfortable but with all of the amazing and more attractive sneaker, mules, ballet flat options I think I will pass.
I never ever thought I’d like it either until I saw it on my friend and it looked great on her! I still need to try them on myself and see if it translates to looking good on me, but I hope they do – because I love comfort! ha
I can smell your feet from looking at this pic.
These were massively popular when I was 14 – in 1984!! I desperately wanted a pair back then. Don’t have the same pull anymore.
I feel you!!! Also, throwback moment, eh?!
*dusts off Sperrys
Breaking boat shoes is a pain, but they’re very much worth it.