Last year, we predicted that boat shoes would go viral. Well, it happened. Normally associated with rich kids, yacht owners, and frat boys, the deck shoe has taken over the fashion world. Having made it on the catwalks, it’s now the cool girl’s shoe of choice.

The minute these lived-in, rugged shoes walked the runway at Miu Miu, they sealed their style status with the front row. Combining a relaxed preppy look with a posh boy aesthetic, it felt like a vibe we could easily embrace. However, with the luxe £710 Miu Miu boat shoes almost immediately selling out, you’ll be hard-pressed to get your feet into a pair.

Thankfully, this is no new style. Also known as deck or jetty shoes, they were created in 1935 by American Paul A. Sperry as more of a practical, non-slip style of footwear ideal for boating. The soft leather moccasin look gained popularity first for its practicality. Fast forward to the eighties and it was the shoe of choice for the New England set. Today, brands like Sperry and Maine-based Sebago have a wave of new, younger fans. And now, thanks to this fashion revival, there’s a tsunami of Gen Zers sashaying about in scuffed-up boat shoes.

Worn with relaxed denims and a preppy blazer, boat shoes elegantly say summer has arrived.

Mango and H&M are on the case with a high-street version, but you can still rely on those classic heritage brands. We’re talking Jones Bookmaker, Timberland and Bally.

If you’re looking for a shoe that won’t date, will always be considered a classic and offers function and form, invest in a label that knows its boat shoes. Free People is on it, having created a whole section dedicated to said footwear, including designs from G.H. Bass, Sebago and, of course, Sperry. All we need now is that yacht…

If you’re a trainer girl, but want to switch it up, you’ve got to give these deck shoes a try.

The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.


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