They once screamed “trust fund and tequila shots,” but boat shoes have quietly rebranded. Less frat boy, more coastal grandpa who reads the FT. Fashion, in its usual ironic full-circle cruelty, has decided they’re cool again. And weirdly, it’s working. With the sneaker world bloated on limited drops and recycled silhouettes, boat shoes suddenly feel fresh. Minimal, grown-up, smug in the best way. They’re showing up in collections from Miu Miu to JW Anderson, on Instagram under ‘fisherman-core,’ and at airports worn by people who definitely have a separate skincare bag for flights.
But what are they? Originally designed in 1935 by Paul Sperry, boat shoes were made for sailors who kept slipping on wet decks. With siped rubber soles for grip and moccasin-style uppers that stayed snug even without socks, they were built for function long before fashion caught on.
If you’re ready to retire your overworked sneakers and step into something a little quieter and sharper, here’s a list of the best boat shoes to buy right now, along with exactly how to wear them.
1. Zara Suede Deck Shoes
Price: ₹4,550
Clean, minimal, and surprisingly premium for the price. 100% cowhide leather upper with that classic rawhide lace and a grippy toothed rubber sole.
Style Cue: Pair with a light-wash denim shirt and white drawstring trousers. Think relaxed brunch, not yacht club invite.
2. M&S Collection Leather Boat Shoes
Price: ₹5,999
Smooth leather, a no-fuss silhouette, and that contrasting white sole for the traditional nautical vibe.
Style Cue: Works best with navy chinos and a striped Breton tee. Add tortoiseshell sunglasses if you’re feeling generous.
3. Craft & Glory Voyager Boat Shoes (Vintage Brown)
Price: ₹8,999
Goodyear welted, full-grain leather, hand-finished. These are built to last and age beautifully.
Style Cue: Try them with olive green chinos, rolled up just above the ankle, and a slightly rumpled white linen shirt. Wear like you didn’t try.
4. Aldo Pereza-In Black Moccasins
Price: ₹11,999
A sleeker, modern take that leans into moccasin territory without losing its boat shoe DNA.
Style Cue: Pair with black tapered cargos and a crisp white T-shirt. Subtle, slightly street, but still polished.
5. Cole Haan Grandpro Windward Boat Shoes
Price: ₹17,981
FlowerFoam cushioning and Anchortrac outsole. Basically, the boat shoe equivalent of business class.
Style Cue: Sharp with grey tapered trousers and a tucked-in polo. Clean, unfussy, office-to-evening energy.
6. Polo Ralph Lauren Merton Leather Boat Shoe
Price: ₹20,500
Matte leather, oiled and waxed for durability. With signature Ralph stitching and hand-finished laces.
Style Cue: Pair with tan linen shorts, a Cuban-collar shirt, and the quiet confidence of someone who doesn’t need to shout.
7. Jacquemus La Croisière 'The Batto' Boat Shoes
Price: $620 (Approx ₹52,000)
Croc-embossed tan nubuck with lace-up detailing around a padded collar. All about textures.
Style Cue: These deserve tailored off-white shorts and a collarless cotton shirt. Ideal for long lunches with too much wine.
8. Tom Ford Robin Suede Boat Shoes
Price: $695 (Approx ₹58,000)
Calfskin suede, square toe, treaded sole, and just the right amount of attitude.
Style Cue: Suits minimalist wardrobes. Black or slate grey trousers, oversized white tee, and a pair of tortoiseshell frames. Quiet luxury, with opinions.
9. Loro Piana Sea-Sail Walk Boat Shoes
Price: €775 (Approx ₹70,000+)
Supple, wax-treated leather with a soft matte finish and a design that whispers old-money vacation.
Style Cue: Wear with a cream-coloured knit polo and tailored beige trousers. This is resortwear, not casual Friday.
10. Brunello Cucinelli Monili Leather Boat Shoes
Price: €830 (Approx ₹75,000)
Monili beading, supple leather, and hand-applied finish. These aren’t shoes. They’re jewellery with a sole.
Style Cue: Tailored ecru trousers, a dove grey cashmere tee, and maybe a plane ticket to Florence.
11. Ferragamo Sailor Moccasin Loafers
Price: ₹90,000
Artisanal construction with the brand's signature Tubular hand-stitching. Light, soft, luxurious.
Style Cue: Go full Riviera. A breezy white popover shirt, navy pleated trousers, and a wrist that looks like it has somewhere to be.
The boat shoe renaissance isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about grown-man polish with zero try-hard energy. The kind of shoe that doesn’t need a flex. Just a linen shirt, a half-smile, and the knowledge that you were cool enough to wear these before everyone else came crawling back.
