Top Boat Shoe Brands Making Waves in Style and Comfort

Boat shoes, known for their classic style and versatile comfort, have become a staple in many wardrobes. From their origin in the sailing world, these shoes have sailed into everyday fashion, embraced for their practical elegance. Renowned brands such as Sperry, Sebago, and Timberland offer some of the finest choices, combining quality craftsmanship with timeless design. For a deeper dive into the best brands offering the ultimate in boat shoe style and comfort, explore the details below.

Illustration of boat shoes

Best brands of boat shoes in 2025

Sperry

Sperry, founded in 1935 by Paul Sperry, is a renowned brand for its iconic boat shoes, particularly the Authentic Original(tm) Boat Shoe, which has been a standard issue for the US Navy since 1940. The brand has seen significant milestones, including a 20% increase in e-commerce in 2020 and recent collaborations with notable brands like Todd Snyder and Chris Echevarria to appeal to a new generation of customers. Despite a 41.4% revenue drop to $46.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2023, Sperry is poised for growth under Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and its partnership with ALDO Group. The brand is also expanding its market share and product offerings, including a focus on sustainable and streetwear-inspired lines. With 75% of shoppers on Sperry.com being first-time customers, the brand continues to attract new audiences. For more details about their history and innovations, visit Sperry's about page.

Sebago

Sebago, a renowned brand in the boat shoe industry, was established in 1946 by Daniel J. Wellehan in Westbrook, Maine. The company is famous for its iconic Docksides® design, launched in 1970, and its partnership with Ted Turner in 1978. Sebago was the first American company to sponsor a boat in the O-Star Race in 1984 and has since sponsored several prominent sailing events. The brand is now part of the BasicNet Group's portfolio and is distributed in 90 markets worldwide. Known for their comfort, flexibility, and durability, Sebago boat shoes are a staple in both sailing and casual fashion.

Timberland

Timberland is renowned as one of the best producers of boat shoes, having entered the market in 1978 and revolutionizing the "rugged casual" footwear category. Their 3-Eye Lug Handsewn Boat Shoe, introduced in 1978, combines the rugged lug sole of their boots with handcrafted upper designs, making it a staple in summer wardrobes, particularly among the East Coast elite in the 1980s. This model has remained largely unchanged since its introduction, showcasing Timberland's commitment to quality and durability. The brand's global presence and innovative products have contributed to its success, with Europe seeing a 17.1% revenue increase in one quarter, driven by strong boot sales and retail growth. Timberland's focus on authenticity and durability has also driven consumer preference, especially during times of uncertainty.

TOMS

TOMS is renowned for its impactful and stylish footwear, including its popular boat shoes, which are part of a broader product line that includes shoes, eyewear, coffee, and apparel. Since its inception, TOMS has adhered to its One for One model, donating a pair of shoes for every pair sold, resulting in over 105 million pairs donated worldwide as of recent years. The company's commitment to social responsibility is evident in its donation efforts, which have supported health, education, and community development programs globally. TOMS' shoes are known for their quality and affordability, with manufacturing costs ranging from $3.50 to $5.00 per pair, while retail prices vary from $44 to $150. The brand's strong marketing and social cause have contributed to its significant revenue, reaching $392 million in 2019. You can learn more about TOMS' mission and impact.

Rockport

Rockport is renowned as one of the best producers of boat shoes, known for its innovative designs and superior comfort. Founded in 1971 by Saul and Bruce Katz, Rockport was the first to introduce rubber-soled casual shoes, a breakthrough in the industry. The company boasts a 50-plus-year history and has been part of several major brands, including Reebok and Adidas, before being acquired by Authentic Brands Group in 2023. Rockport's boat shoes, such as the Steel Toe Boat Shoes, offer features like ASTM F2413 compliance, electrical hazard protection, and metatarsal guards, ensuring both safety and style. Despite facing financial challenges, including two Chapter 11 bankruptcies, Rockport continues to operate internationally with over 1,100 points of sale across 60 countries. For more information on their boat shoe collection, visit their official website.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is renowned for its high-quality and stylish boat shoes, reflecting the brand's commitment to classic American style and exquisite craftsmanship. Since its founding in 1967, Ralph Lauren has consistently elevated its product offerings, with a 13% increase in Average Unit Retail (AUR) across its direct-to-consumer network in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2024, highlighting the brand's continued success. The Polo Ralph Lauren Men's Bienne Leather Boat Shoes, for example, feature tumbled leather upper, rounded toe, and a "Polo" tab, showcasing the brand's attention to detail and premium quality. With a strong global presence, including significant growth in Asia with a 7% increase in constant currency in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2024, Ralph Lauren remains a leader in the fashion industry. The brand's ability to blend timeless heritage with modern spirit has made it a favorite among consumers seeking luxury and elegance.

Quoddy

Quoddy is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, particularly in producing high-quality boat shoes that embody traditional moccasin construction. Each pair is made to order, allowing customers to customize their shoes with various leathers, laces, and soles, ensuring a unique and comfortable fit. The company saw significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 2020 and 2021 being the best two years in its 25-year history, driven by increased online shopping and a shift towards casual footwear. Quoddy's commitment to durability is evident in their repair and resoling services, extending the lifespan of their shoes. With a production of around 12,000 pairs annually, Quoddy aims to increase this number by 6,000 to 7,000 in the next two years while maintaining its heritage of manufacturing in Maine.

Allen Edmonds

Allen Edmonds is renowned for its high-quality boat shoes, leveraging their expertise as one of the largest producers of Goodyear welted shoes in the world. Despite a shift in recent years towards more basic constructions made abroad, their American-made range, including the new Reserve collection, maintains a strong focus on quality and craftsmanship. The Reserve collection, introduced in 2024, features models made entirely in the USA with advanced details like 360-degree storm welts and hand-finished burnishing. Allen Edmonds has a long history of producing premium footwear, with their Independence line, though discontinued, being highly appreciated for its closer cut soles and tighter stitching. Their boat shoes, such as the Maritime model, are crafted with premium leathers like Horween Chromexcel and are known for their comfort and classic design.

Rancourt & Co.

Rancourt & Co. is a renowned brand in the footwear industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality, handmade boat shoes. Established in 1967 in Lewiston, Maine, the company has maintained a strong commitment to traditional craftsmanship and the use of finest materials. Their boat shoes, such as the Rancourt Read Boat Shoe, are priced at $250 and feature classic designs with unique details like heavily waxed thread and Blake construction. The brand offers a lifetime guarantee and reasonable resoling services, with a cost of just $60 for a new sole. Rancourt & Co. has also been recognized for its role in producing Sperry's Made-in-Maine line.

G.H. Bass & Co.

G.H. Bass & Co., established in 1876 by George Henry Bass, is renowned for its high-quality footwear, particularly its boat shoes, which combine classic construction with contemporary creativity. The brand's meticulous manufacturing methods, involving bench crafting and hand stitching, ensure comfort and durability. Notably, G.H. Bass & Co. introduced the world's first penny loafer, the Weejuns, in 1936, a style that remains popular. Their boat shoes, such as the Hampton Boat Shoe, are crafted from the best leather and are known for their true-to-size fit. With a rich history of innovation, G.H. Bass & Co. continues to be a favorite among shoe enthusiasts. Explore their collection of footwear, including the iconic Weejuns and Hampton Boat Shoe, on the Saks Off 5th website.