Men’s deck shoes (sometimes called ‘boat shoes’) are a stylish footwear choice that complements many different kinds of leisure clothing, from smart casualwear and ‘dress down Friday’ office attire to shorts, tee shirts and sports apparel.

As the name suggests, the style may have originated from the type of footwear sometimes worn on boats — the non-slip sole providing the kind of traction needed to cope with slippery deck surfaces. But these days, deck shoes are a fashionable accessory that’s useful for everyday wear in the spring, summer and fall.

The History of Boat Shoes

Deck and boat shoes usually have a distinctive non-skid, non-marking sole that’s characterized by a siping pattern — a tread that has been cut into the surface of the rubber to improve resistance to slipping. This technique was incorporated into the design of the first boat shoes, the invention of Paul Sperry whose winter walks with his dog are said to have given him the idea for the pattern of the sole in his original Top-Sider shoes.

The soft uppers of leather deck shoes are treated with water-repellent oil, and these features add to the versatility of this style of shoe, making it a practical solution not only for sailing but for many other leisure pursuits! Sperry Authentic Originals are still part of the US Naval Academy’s casual uniform.

The feel as well as look of deck shoes for men and women may have been partly inspired by the traditional Native American moccasin, with its soft leather construction and distinctive variations of sole pattern.

Deck Shoes Give Style And Comfort

The appeal of deck shoes comes from their signature combination of comfort, style and versatility. Like the moc that inspired them, their construction — often from a single piece of leather — makes them comfortable to wear, and their hardwearing, non-slip features are appreciated by active men and women. But they also look good with jeans, chinos or shorts, and can be worn with or without socks.

They’re also available in a wide range of different colors, such as white, blue, black and two-tone or three-tone designs, and with light or dark soles to suit your style and wardrobe choices.

Featured Deck Shoe Brands

Sperry Top-Sider®

An American classic, the Sperry Top-Sider combines durability with stylish design to create one of the best known deck shoes on the market today. Its look has inspired the wide range of colors in suede and leather in the Sperry boat shoe collection, with features such as hand-sewn construction, water-resistant uppers and foam padding for the comfort of an all-day fit.

Sebago Docksides®

Sebago has been making footwear inspired by tradional moccasin designs since the 1940s, and they have preserved the classic aspects of boat shoes with modern features such as brass eyelets that resist corrosion and rawhide laces.

Dubarry of Ireland

The Dubarry Marine collection includes ranges such as the Compass, Commander, Regatta and Navigator styles, with details such as a padded collar around the top of the shoe, different leather finishes, anti-bacterial protection and midsole comfort features.

Vans® Deck Shoes

Vans have been making mens canvas deck shoes since the 1960s, when they introduced their custom designs to the Southern California skating and surfing community. Today their range includes classic as well as custom shoe collections, with lace-up and slip-on styles, and shoe designs for surf, skate and BMX enthusiasts as well as shirts, tees, hoodies, shorts and other casual clothing.

Other popular brands include Clarks, the Polo Ralph Lauren Barx range, Harken, Columbia and Danassa.