Boat Shoe Guide - How To Wear Deck Shoes, Break Them In & Mistakes To Avoid

[@martinwagner7619]

I've been wearing boatshoes for the last couple of years but as a non US-Viewer I just recently discovered the preppy east coast style and they fit in so perfectly. Thank you for this video it's so informative.

[@gentlemansgazette]

You're welcome. We have more on www.gentlemansgazette.com

[@dramirezg70]

They are also very long lasting. I've had my Sperry's for almost 20 years, and still look and feel awesome.

[@danielainsworth4092]

mine only lasted two years, but i think that has alot to do with me welding in them. after those were gone i went out and bought the exact style and color over again

[@dramirezg70]

Worth every penny. :-)

[@jefffawcett]

They last a long time HOWEVER The grip of the soles on wet surfaces absolutely does not last nearly as long as the uppers. I’ve had my current pair for at least 10 years of fairly frequent use and right now they are outright dangerous on wet surfaces, even a wet sidewalk never mind the deck of a boat. Meanwhile the newer boating flip-flops I have are awesome on wet

[@baylorbenson8603]

I guess im randomly asking but does someone know a tool to log back into an Instagram account? I was dumb lost my account password. I love any tricks you can offer me

[@cohentadeo3033]

@Baylor Benson Instablaster :)

[@RonPaul4Pres2k8]

Coming from someone who attended private schools growing up, spent many days jumping in and out the springs in our neighborhood, been on many boats, yachts, etc... I can tell you that the design of these shoes is for you to not wear socks of any type. Theses shoes are basically intended to become your 2nd pair of skin ... if you will. That said, they have an iconic Americana look to them, which compels a lot of people to wear them around town (even when not at the lake, beach, boats, etc... ) I admit, I do this as well... as I've worn them out around town shopping at beach-side communities (think Saint Armands circle, Sarasota, FL and all keys in FL), If I'm on a boat, it's a must because you're not going to be the guy/girl who leaves marks all over the deck (people will come looking for you lol). One quite note: the color of the sole doesn't mean they're non marking. It's the type of rubber they use to create the sole. This allows soles of many differing colors, though the most classic sole is white and off-white. Naturally, you'll therefore see these shoes at yacht clubs all around the globe (yet depending on the club, always call ahead and ask what attire they do not allow when booking or having been invited to dinner specifically). Now, does this all mean that you cannot wear socks with them? Yes, you can wear them, though they will feel extra snug when you option to do so vs. always doing so and you will hate the feeling should they get wet! One very common complaint is that your feet will peel or blister, which is why people think they have to wear socks. The solution for this is quite simple. Yes it's true that with enough wear and enough use within water (and wearing them until they dry), they will conform to your feet, but here's the thing... it takes about 5-10 times of that type of scenario to get to that goal. So, what I've always done is never wear socks (not even no-show socks) and instead use moleskin!!! I use the moleskin for my heal until the shoes are worn-in. Another option that I use in combination with my new Sperrys are to use gel/silicon toe protectors (i like the cylindrical type so your toe breaths more and they go on/off much quicker). Something else I do is coat and rub the inside of the shoes with mink oil, although i have honestly no idea if this speeds up the process ... it seems mostly anecdotal at this point to me. If you still feel that you rather wear socks, then go for it, but no-show socks are really the only option in that scenario unless you wanna be "that guy/girl" who will be invariably lumped in with those who wear sandals with socks lol. One other side-note is that if you are happen to come across a beach that has a lot of sharp shelly/rocky sand, look into water-shoes for that specific application so that you can enjoy all you want. Boat shoes are not for this application however since they're not designed to quickly drain the shells and water. Bon voyage.

[@andrewkoastephens210]

This is a super video. I would like to add a couple points to the boat shoe discussion. Since a sea-scout as a boy to sailing my own vessels on the San Francisco Bay. I have worn them my whole life. Perhaps we have our own traditions here but they are close held traditions. First, sailors never wear cotton socks. Wool stays warm even when wet, cotton does not. I keep to this tradition while wearing top-siders. If wearing socks I only wear wool with boat shoes. After the break in period, laces will not require readjustment. If using leather laces, it is traditional (at least on the West Coast of the US) to tie a square knot instead of a bow then snip away the excess lace about an inch from the knot. It looks tidy and will not accidentally become untied.

[@gentlemansgazette]

Thanks for the input!

[@stevenbryant4718]

With leather laces I use a closed jack ketch knot and slip them on. This was common ar one time.

[@stevenbryant4718]

Also a heaving knot can be used on each lace end instead of both into the jack catch that bights the lace ends on either for,ed loops. You only have to tie it once.

[@SassyPonytail]

I work for Sperry, and I very much appreciate the advice on styles to wear with the deck shoes. This video is very informative, and "to the point". I appreciate you for making it. 👍🏻

[@joshuaandrosebartley896]

Mama Mouse I’m behind times here lol I just got my first pair of Sperry’s today lol. I’ve had other boat shoes but find the sperry top siders I just got much better looking!!

[@westernmike365]

Thanks for making so many things possible. North is true always!

[@great-garden-watch]

Nothing beats the thin razor cuts that Sperry does for keeping grip on a wet deck!

[@edubwalter3179]

I fell in love with Sperry Boat Shoes as a teenager in the 80's! Absolute classic...I still wear them to this day!

[@B8T4]

I literally came here to see if I should wear them with socks or not lmao

[@gentlemansgazette]

What did you find out? :D

[@iljitoto]

Betta without, even the top siders

[@Bobduncan556]

Betta you wear no show socks I wear them and they work perfectly with them :D

[@Bru946]

I wear nike socks to school and stuff but out leasurly I wear them with the small Sperry socks.

[@Rmon_34]

Same

[@nicolasgombert8551]

Love my timberland boat shoes, bought in the US for half the price than they selling them here in Germany! Super long lasting and you don‘t sweat at all in them! I highly recommend buying these;)

[@manuel_winde]

I really like the chunky sole timberlands shoes in this style- always better ti get Ralph Lauren and timberlands in USA where possible, so much cheaper than Europe! (I’m in the U.K. where everything is more expensive 😫)

[@a1ecu]

This video actually made me want to buy my first pair of boat shoes! Great informative video!

[@gentlemansgazette]

Sounds good. Thanks for the support! Please spread the word.

[@gentlemansgazette]

There's also more at www.gentlemansgazette.com

[@winternorthener3350]

sunt faini asai?

[@slimphotog]

Same here. I'm wearing my red, white and blue pair for Independence Day. I bought them after I saw this video. Sperry's owes Gentleman's Gazette a commission. :)

[@anomnomnomnivore1350]

Ralph Lauren and timberland also makes good boat shoes

[@RcW1023]

Can I wear boat shoes even though I do not own a boat?

[@SweeturKraut]

Ge Qu I bet 90% of people who wear these don't own a boat.

[@RcW1023]

SweeturKraut Really? I didn't start wearing drivers until I got my first car. What a shocker

[@denaboys7609]

Ge Qu I mean you can, it's not a law. I own 2 and wear these. But it's extra points on women if you have a boat and wear boatshoes

[@nickgameplyr2613]

While it's true that exceptions can be made for passengers on boats or employees on boats, like deckhands or fishermen, the general public is discouraged from wearing boat shoes while not engaging in boating or other boat related activities.

[@dogymal7260]

I own an airplane and boat shoes at the same time

[@darylee9023]

Dear Mr Schneider, Would you use shoe trees for your boat shoes? Thank you.

[@pubu2010]

You are fast becoming a National Treasure. Well Done.

[@edwardCYHsu]

How to tie boat shoes laces, especially the tarsel knots. I was told it had its maritime tradition that sailors would not want to be tripped by their shoe laces. I found them on the posters of the Sperry series of shoes, but I am not able to tie mine.

[@seriouswithdaysoff]

So after seeing the ones at 2:02 I have to ask. How does someone match their belt with odd ones like those?

[@martinwagner7619]

I would match the belt with the rest of the outfit mostly and I think a brown or a blue belt is appropriate.

[@drkz4ck]

Are Docksides the same as Boat Shoes? Also, what differs from Boat Shoes to Moccasins?

[@JosephGallagher]

My Gods, that was very detailed. Loved it, thank you.

[@Ichigolificacioon]

Where could i find the guide of differences between moccasins and boat shoes that yoy talk about in 2:49?

[@jonathonshanecrawford1840]

I was referred by Suzane _chat_ *Gentlemans Gazette,* to watch this video, and I found it very helpful, as here in Australia and New Zealand cedar shoe trees cost from $100 to $150 a pair!

[@albertlund8561]

Hello!! I am from sweden and I am goding to travel to Miami in a week. I wonder if they have boar shoes there? (Especially Sebago)

[@gentlemansgazette]

Not sure. The only stores we can attest to are the ones in this guide: www.gentlemansgazette.com/boat-shoes-guide-buy-style-history-care/

[@cspiegs1]

Hello. In your video you mention that spending at least $150 will get you a decent pair of boat shoes with nice leather. I see that Sperry Topsiders are about $75 on average. So are these not good boat shoes to buy? Thanks for your thoughts on this.

[@barronlux440]

Thank you for another great video. Very informative. If I want to know something about style, I always start here.

[@gentlemansgazette]

Sounds good. Thanks for the support! Please spread the word. There's more on www.gentlemansgazette.com. You can also sign up to our newsletter to get a free ebook as well as updates on our contents and products. www.gentlemansgazette.com/newsletter-sign-up/

[@abdelrahmanabuelnaga8178]

Wonderful video.Before watching this video,i knew nothing about Boat shoes;however,i know now a huge deal of information about them.Thanks a lot.

[@danielmads9160]

I love Boat shoes, I use a pair this day, they are blue and brown with brown lacing

[@danielmads9160]

Also I use a blue Blazer and I think it maches

[@themoonisaspacestation]

just bought a pair of timberland classic 2 eye, awesome quality

[@AchidAbd]

me 2

[@realblackbetty2204]

So I got a 9.5 and they are a bit snug, the 10 are too roomy and I bit of heel slippage. Should I just stick with the 9.5 and it will fit to better as it stretches?

[@llcooljaz1097]

Great timing with this vid just purchased my first pair 👍🏽

[@Crocomum]

OMG Raphael, you wear shorts, i didn't know you went that casual :,)??????

[@robenmillan6994]

150 dollar boatshoe? where you get yours. mine are all sperrys and its only 35 to 85 dollars tops ..

[@1BCamden]

good overview, any thoughts on taking them off without bringing the insole along too

[@redneckboy6555]

I found some margaritaville ones at DSW shoe store for 75 $ good deal or no?

[@fluttershy77x]

How about Nubuk leather? Can it get wet too?

[@potado2430]

Who else is paranoid of getting their shoes wet

[@MiniaceX]

Potado it’s alright man they’re boat shoes that’s what they’re for

[@Christian.h.]

Mine got absolutely drowned when I came into a rainstorm on my bike. They where totally fine

[@jonclarkson5911]

Put a protector spray on them. They look better when you do.

[@Gigabajts]

Perfect timing! Wonderful video, as always

[@gentlemansgazette]

Sounds good. Thanks for the support! Please spread the word. There's more on www.gentlemansgazette.com. You can also sign up to our newsletter to get a free ebook as well as updates on our contents and products. www.gentlemansgazette.com/newsletter-sign-up/

[@MatthewJBD]

I bought Timberland ones, very happy with them. They were around £80.

[@pmue437]

The same with french TBS boat shoes

[@MrAsgeir93]

Think about Bass(brand) boat shoes?

[@gentlemansgazette]

Check this. www.gentlemansgazette.com/boat-shoes-guide-buy-style-history-care/

[@marksshoereviews6028]

I bought a pair of boat shoes from Rancourt and they’re far better quality than the standard line Sebagos or Sperrys (although pricier too). I’ve heard great things about Quoddy too.

[@-----REDACTED-----]

Iirc the hand sewing usually only refers to the vamp, specifically where the “tongue” meets the front half to make the typical moc shape.

[@FuckTrump-p8m]

Any recommendations please ! I have black leather sperrys and they are getting wrinkly is normal or should I be putting something on them

[@stephen4347]

Wow, very informative. Need to get one for the summer maybe two.

[@gentlemansgazette]

Cool ;)

[@AzuarARazak]

Got my Sperry Soletide 2-Eye Black (hybrid boat shoes)..ATW! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@stevenbryant4718]

Great overview on deck shoes!

[@lucymelancon6534]

I love how you throw in the history :)

[@ironlung8780]

Learned a lot from your videos. Thank you!

[@gentlemansgazette]

You're welcome!

[@edwardchan2920]

Is the gold club shoes of sperry good as they are premium of sperry but don’t have a white sole

[@GabeCokerMS]

I know this isn’t intended to be a catch-all for deck shoe info, but I do wish more had been discussed about the differences between shoes worn on-deck and shoes simply styled in the boat shoe manner. For instance, the Sperrys I wear to church are very appropriate for casual wear, even with a tie. The shoes I wear on the water are VERY different. They’re vented, to allow water to enter and escape easily, and wouldn’t look right in many other applications.

[@wolfgang_patrick]

Pokhara Lakeside at 6:40

[@alistairgongob1423]

How well do they fit? True to size? Or half size down?

[@buggsbunny9025]

I am looking for the timberland classic boat (white sole). My problem is that my foot length is 26,7 cm. size 8,5 is for foot length 26,5 cm , and size 9 is for 27 cm. the size 8,5 feels a little tight, but not really unconfortable. the size 9 fells confortable, but give me the feeling to have to much space and less grip in the shoes. Does anybody have recommendation which size to buy? or does the leather go wider? any experiance? thank you very much

[@achilliesrocks1]

Love the informative videos!

[@CNYoungboy]

Love wearing my sperrys but i can't stand not having socks on so I use those socks that are completely hidden (forgot what they're called)

[@Bobduncan556]

Iron Giant no shows

[@leileung2446]

Iron Giant heel socks or foot socks

[@misteroz]

I sometimes pair my navy topsiders with a blazer if it’s a casual summer evening event with friends, like a barbecue. I only wear trainers in the gym, so it’s great for a slightly less formal look.

[@Heartrender1st]

Would you say that the brand tods provide good quality boat shoe? or shoes in general? the have many collections of mocs and boat shoes and are very stylish

[@actionLEGOs]

Awesome! I've needed a guide like this!

[@ahmetmehmet5690]

I think you should make a video about cordovan dress shoes Raphael.

[@Pop15789]

Sir what shoes do you suggest for out side but dressy?

[@NEKONEKOOOOOO]

Is this good for JS prom?

[@bryanrodriguez4000]

Hey can someone tell me if boat shoes go well as a busniess casual shoe or go for something else

[@miguelc6563]

I hope there's a video on how to easily lace boat shoes.

[@salvage6636]

to take to the beach? Last time I did the salt from the water messed up the leather. It confuses me

[@ajlovesyou8807]

can i wear these for fashion? for example im going to a date with someone....

[@qxpn9220]

Baby So i be seeing hood people wear these there awesome lol

[@usetheschwartz52]

been looking for something like this. appreciated!

[@gentlemansgazette]

Sounds good. Thanks for the support! Please spread the word. There's more on www.gentlemansgazette.com. You can also sign up to our newsletter to get a free ebook as well as updates on our contents and products. www.gentlemansgazette.com/newsletter-sign-up/

[@W81Researcher]

What about the ones without the laces to tie?

[@lolitsnick6610]

where can i find the one at 3:27 ? Or one similar to it.

[@somekid6718]

lolitsnick I’m guessing a store

[@NL-in6uj]

There's some new startup called BoatSide USA that makes belts to match these boat shoes. They're made in the US too.

[@alexandermcsorley-denholm3365]

Where are your polo shirts from?

[@gentlemansgazette]

www.gentlemansgazette.com/polo-shirt-guide/

[@alexandermcsorley-denholm3365]

Thank you :)

[@williamkazak469]

I wear the Sperry CVO styles with socks. Living in the Midwest they are more practical. When I had the leather boat shoes styles, I needed the three eyelet versions in order to keep the shoes taunt.

[@felix121984]

Your feet stink mine smell better than your feet.

[@LikeItOrNot117]

Hi! In my opinion, this is the best presented video I have seen you create so far! Just wanted to let you know everything about the way you presented was spot on, the information, to be honest I can't even think of any words to better describe it to you, 10/10 for everything! I feel perhaps one of the reasons it was a lot better than your other videos (again just my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt) is you seem to be having a bit more fun when delivering it, the slightly more casual nature and your more genuine look of happiness really dial the video to 11! Cheers

[@AJohnson0325]

My Sperry topsiders were very uncomfortable and even painful at times when they were new because of where they would rub against my ankle. Now they are extremely comfortable and, as he said, a good daily replacement for athletic shoes. I wear them all the time.

[@fastfoxblox]

Hi, how long does it take to break these types of shoes in? I just got a pair and they've been quite uncomfortable, especially around the heel area

[@natnatdarwin]

Hi may feet is size 8, what size should I buy on boat shoes

[@MrJackrockerman]

i have a white boat shoes.. how to style it ? (pants colour type)

[@brianc9374]

I think if it's a dark brown shade, it can work with chinos and blazer.

[@christophercolby6680]

Cool video, very informative. thank you

[@murrayzuckerman123]

Great video. Love this type of shoes.

[@zhenxinraysong3846]

Great video! Thanks!

[@gentlemansgazette]

Sounds good. Thanks for the support! Please spread the word. There's more on www.gentlemansgazette.com. You can also sign up to our newsletter to get a free ebook as well as updates on our contents and products. www.gentlemansgazette.com/newsletter-sign-up/

[@TheMrSiMoNN]

What is your opinion of suede boat shoes?

[@scottwallace901]

Boat shoes also make the best slippers. Last a lot longer that real slippers.

[@CarverAlcantara]

Is Sperry a good boat shoe brand

[@joeyveloso]

Depends, from what I hear the quality from sperry's has gone down on recent models. Sperry's do have a gold cup variant which is supposed to be of higher quality but I haven't tried them before and my only basis are an old pair from my dad that he'd gotten 5-6 years ago which he still wears today. Otherwise i haven't heard a lot of good things about it lately. Sebago on the other hand has been making higher quality ones but they lack variety of colors compared to sperry's and they might not look as good.

[@Daedolon134]

Great video! Very informative.

[@eriquerique]

You know who would make a lovely Gentleman's Gazette guest presenter? Manny Delgado.

[@qegvW3H]

what I like on boatshoe's its perfect casual footwear for summer

[@magwence]

very informative

[@kashmikaakash]

I am srilankan and I think this is a helpful video

[@MarvelNowProduction]

Is it OK if it has a heel

[@bromine1480]

apparently my laces don't go all around. is it acceptable?

[@fegelkidsavage9418]

I just wanted to know if boat shoes let me run at pe because I have to wear them instead of my rebooks

[@vinewood8295]

Bad idea to wear them for anything fitness related other than maybe riding a longboard...

[@CapitanFantasma1776]

Thanks!

[@albertlund8561]

Is Sebago making good boat shoes? They cost around 150euro

[@gentlemansgazette]

+Albert Lund check our guide on the website. Link underneath the video

[@martysat2760]

Should I wear them in rainy days?

[@drew8235]

The important thing to remember is that you don't have to be a preppy person to wear boat shoes, and you can wear them with socks if you want so long as you're aware that to pull either of those things off you have to not care about what other people think. The majority of other people largely don't matter in your day to day, so who cares what they think. =) Confidence is generally what makes an atypical outfit work.

[@ujumakunaruto5840]

That lake photo is from nepal.

[@JeremyUyloan]

kind of a dumb question but, do sailors where boat shoes?

[@gentlemansgazette]

Not really. And you can find the answer here: www.gentlemansgazette.com/boat-shoes-guide-buy-style-history-care/

[@JeremyUyloan]

+Gentleman's Gazette ah thank very much 😄

[@tomasbachtik8450]

+Gentleman's Gazette As a sailor I must say that we do wear them! Not for super competition sailing, but for example while recreationaly sailing we definitely DO! :) And I wear them all summer in city too...

[@cookiewaa]

Question please. I tried breaking in my boat shoe bye soaking it in water. After taking it out and walking around with it, i noticed some dark stains on it. Is that from water damage? My boat shoes are brown btw.

[@williamjc7195]

great info as always.

[@depressedcow9564]

Does anyone have the problem that the shoe release air or something... Its not a squeak but sounds like it

[@alexparker215]

I have that problem too on my new pair. I read that this will go away as the shoe is broken in.

[@cristiancastaneda7931]

Alex Parker it could be cuz its too wide or cuz you're not wearing socks.

[@errrzarrr]

Shoe farts

[@Harrypotterxx2]

Whoa, I've never seen him in anything other than a suit!

[@josephmac4654]

I prefer brown soles as they don't get as dirty and look a little less frat boy

[@NihilisticHatred]

What's the comfort level on these versus a well made off-road running shoe?

[@lovepewdie13]

Boat shoes give me blisters in the sides of my ankles and sometimes in the back of it. Any tips for this to stop?

[@Bellaexe5091]

Wear socks

[@TR-Mead]

Yeah, buy shoe stretchers that you can twist to stretch.

[@paulorlando5877]

Socks,no show.

[@17dumitru]

Most comfortable shoes 👍

[@Bobduncan556]

my friend wears them with long soccer socks I honestly don't think it looks good your opinions?

[@muzza307]

the pepend

[@paulorlando5877]

No good like that too geeky