Man wearing navy blue genuine leather boat shoes on a boat at sea — TZARO

What is Boat Shoes?

December 17, 2024

Why Every Man Needs a Pair of Boat Shoes

Boat shoes are one of the most comfortable shoes a man can own — as comfortable as sandals, yet refined enough to wear with chinos or denims. But what exactly makes a shoe a boat shoe, and how did they come to be?

What Is a Boat Shoe?

A boat shoe is a slip-resistant, moc toe construction shoe originally designed for use on boat decks. It is built for grip, comfort, and durability — characteristics that have made it one of the most versatile everyday shoes for men.

How Did Boat Shoes Come Into Existence?

Boat shoes have been around since the 1930s. American sailor Paul Sperry is credited with a significant part of their evolution. Inspired by watching his dog run on ice without slipping, he carved herringbone-pattern cuts into a rubber sole — giving the shoe its signature grip even on wet, slippery surfaces. The boat shoe as we know it was born.

There are 4 Things That Are Specific to Boat Shoes:

Back to blog

Blue nubuck leather boat shoe wide opening measurement arrow True Moccasin construction white rubber sole – TZARO

These shoes have bigger opening

so it’s easier to get into them; which is why they are as comfortable as slippers. The opening is almost 20% bigger than say driving shoe or an everyday loafer as well.

Browse TZARO's genuine leather boat shoes — wide opening, True Moccasin construction, built for all-day comfort.

Boat shoe True Moccasin construction front diagram showing leather wrapping around sides stitched seam width measurement – TZARO

Boat shoes come with moctoe construction

which is what gives them an ability to expand and contract with every step that you take in them. This makes them very comfortable, infact the upper is not pasted with the sole – it’s stitched to the sole which gives it extra flexibility and also extra life. Moctoe is an expensive construction technique in which the shoe upper envelopes the feet even at bottom part; which means higher consumption of leather which is why this technique is expensive.

Read more about True Moccasin construction and why it delivers unmatched comfort.

Boat shoe illustration showing herringbone patterned rubber outsole grip design for wet slippery surfaces – TZARO

The sole in boat shoe has a distinct herringbone patterned cuts

which gives extra grip even on slippery surfaces, the best of the boat shoes has rubber or crepe outsole but now even TPR sole is extensively used.

Tan oil pull-up leather boat shoe hand-stitched with wax thread cobbler's last leather crafting tools handcrafted construction – TZARO

Boat shoes are made with thick oil-pull-up or nubuck leathers

These leathers have extra softness and also extra life. In fact oil-pull-up leathers also have extra water resistance.

All TZARO boat shoes use oil pull-up or nubuck genuine leather. Shop leather boat shoes for men.

What makes boat shoes so comfortable?

Three things work together to make boat shoes exceptionally comfortable:

The wider opening makes getting in and out effortless
Moc Toe construction gives a snug fit while still allowing your feet to move freely
The soft leather upper cocoons the feet in a natural, comfortable way

TZARO Boat Shoes — Genuine Leather, True Moccasin Construction

TZARO boat shoes are handcrafted using True Moccasin construction with genuine leather uppers. Available in sizes UK 5–12 with free shipping and Cash on Delivery across India.