Spring is on its way and, with the weather getting warmer, it’s time to start digging out those shorts, t-shirts and summer dresses. Whether you’re looking forward to spending sunny days in the city or on the coast, boat shoes will finish off your outfits beautifully. However, make sure you choose a practical, stylish pair that will stand the test of time.
So what should you be looking for? Here are our top five tips for finding the perfect pair of boat shoes.
1. Get to Grip with Boat Shoe Soles
If you’re planning to set sail while wearing your new boat shoes, ensuring that they provide enough grip to keep you on your feet without damaging the deck is a must - so look for shoes featuring non-marking, non-slip, siped soles. Even if you’re likely to be staying on dry land, a little extra grip is sure to be a good thing, so choose high-performance footwear.
Chatham Men’s Sloop G2 Pro Deck Shoe
Our Chatham Men’s Sloop G2 Pro Deck Shoe, for example, features a double design sole. A phylon inner sole adds cushioning so it’s comfortable, while its non-slip, non-marking, outer sole boasts added suction cups to give you more grip.
2. Comfort is Key When Choosing Boat Shoes
Opt for lightweight shoes with a padded insock so you’ll have plenty of cushioning underfoot and, if you’re going sockless, choose unlined boat shoes so your feet will stay fresh. Getting the right sized shoes is vital too – we recommend buying snug-fitting leather boat shoes, so they’ll shape themselves to suit your feet, but we stock them in an impressive range of sizes.
Chatham Men’s Rockwell G2 Wide Fit Deck Shoe
For men with wider feet, we’d recommend our Chatham Men’s Rockwell G2 Wide Fit Deck Shoe. Made from leather, they’re amazingly comfortable and are available in sizes 6 – 15.
3. Opt for Boat Shoes with Durable Design Features
Don’t forget to take durability into consideration when selecting a new pair of boat shoes. Good boat shoes will usually be made from high-quality materials, but it’s the little details that set premium shoes apart from their competitors and ensure that they will last.
Chatham Ladies’ Pippa G2 Boat Shoe
The Pippa G2 Boat Shoe, from our women’s deck shoe range is made from washable leather for practicality and boasts rustproof eyelets and rot-proof thread. As with all shoes in the Chatham G2 range, it also comes with a two year guarantee.
4. Look for Boat Shoes Displaying Quality Craftsmanship
The best boat shoes on the market share something in common – they have been designed and made with the customer in mind. Quality craftsmanship always shines through, so look for shoes from highly regarded and trusted brands. Details like leather lacing and hand-stitching are also indicators of quality when it comes to boat shoes.
Chatham Men’s Docksider G2 Handstitched Deck Shoe
We think our Men’s Docksider G2 Handstitched Deck Shoe displays all the hallmarks you’d expect to see in high quality footwear. Made from pull-up premium leather, it features hand-stitching and leather laces, as well as a practical non-slip, non-marking rubber sole with razor-cut siping, and it comes with a two year manufacturer’s guarantee.
5. Choose Boat Shoes With Real Style
Make your feet a focal point by choosing boat shoes that will enhance the look of your favourite outfits. Opt for a pair of boat shoes that will go with the timeless classics in your wardrobe as well as the latest trends, and you’ll be adding a versatile and fashionable asset to your wardrobe.
Chatham Ladies’ Heather G2 Kudu Leather Boat Shoe
Denim’s set to be all the rage again in 2015 and boat shoes make the perfect companions for a pair of jeans or denim cut-offs. The Chatham Ladies’ Heather G2 Kudu Leather Boat Shoe in blue looks fantastic when teamed with denim as well as with white or navy, making it a wonderful option for spring.
What do you look for when choosing boat shoes? Do you have any tips to share? Leave a comment below or let us know on Facebook or Twitter.