I used to wear boat shoes (Sperry or Sebago). I started to have some feet issues and switched to other types of supportive shoes, mostly walking/hiking types (Merrell, Salomon, etc).

My feet have been better and was thinking about getting some boat shoes again - casual, walk about town use. A little more dressy than sneaker / hiking shoes.

I know it's been awhile but I remember when I went to buy boat shoes, it was just a matter of choosing color and size.

I took a look online and I can't even figure out what I used to buy. I get presented with a few hundred - hundred! - choices. The company website is not helpful - I can't figure out the real differences, if any, between models. WTF?

At this point, Sperry and Sebago are out for me. I can't figure out which model to prefer and where they are made.

I'll be looking for some other casual shoe brand model now. Perhaps just stick with Danner or Ecco.

Bass used to make a good boat shoe as dis Timberland (which were the flat out best, until Warren Buffet bought them and trashed the quality).

Both still seem to be made. I'd also check out LL Bean. I've had very good luck with their branded shoes.

But it's been decades since I had a pair.

Sperry's largest brick n'mortar dealer is West Marine, most of their stores carry several varieties of their ubiquitous boat shoe style. Their large-format and flagship locations have a much bigger selection of boat shoes. Much of the differences come down to material quality and color....you want leather or pleather? contrasting stitch lacing and brass eye-lets or, tonal? Vibram or flat siped sole?

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:
Bass used to make a good boat shoe as dis Timberland (which were the flat out best, until Warren Buffet bought them and trashed the quality).

When did Buffet buy Timberland? They've been apart of VF since 2011 and before that they were public for about 15 years.

Sperry A/O is the traditional two eye classic. The Gold Cup A/O is the top of the line version… the only one I wear anymore.

The Sperry Original Boat shoe is still made and probably the most original "boat shoe" there is. Its available easily online. You don't have to get it there but its easily available on the Sperry web site. I have probably worn out more of these than most people.
The LLBean Casco bay boat shoe is an alternative that I can vouch for but personally I prefer the Blucher moc in their lineup. Worn out many of them.

Sperry Gold Cup

Sperry Topsiders for me. Thankfully they make them in size 15. They hold up very well.

quote:

Originally posted by corsair:
Sperry's largest brick n'mortar dealer is West Marine, most of their stores carry several varieties of their ubiquitous boat shoe style. Their large-format and flagship locations have a much bigger selection of boat shoes. Much of the differences come down to material quality and color....you want leather or pleather? contrasting stitch lacing and brass eye-lets or, tonal? Vibram or flat siped sole?

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:
Bass used to make a good boat shoe as dis Timberland (which were the flat out best, until Warren Buffet bought them and trashed the quality).

When did Buffet buy Timberland? They've been apart of VF since 2011 and before that they were public for about 15 years.

Thanks for the correction. I thought it was Buffet who bought them, not VF. Never the less, they are't what they once were.

I lived in boat shoes for years, my favorite was Timberland. Then I switched to Rockport and was very happy. That was over 20 years ago, sold the boat and moved to the desert, now it's Keen sandals.

Have a look at Skuse shoes. They very comfortable and lightweight

I have a pair of Timberland and a pair of LL Bean. I like them both.

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:
Thanks for the correction. I thought it was Buffet who bought them, not VF. Never the less, they are't what they once were.

Trying not to derail this thread but you bring up an interesting factoid......one of the oddities of international trade & branding, most of Timberland's business is from oversea's markets and not US-domestic. As the Euro and Asian market embraced American urban-fashion the last 20-years, Timberland was one of the first brands to jump-in and take advantage thus, they do not resemble what they were 20-30 years ago. They've still got a handful of good items but, not to be mistaken for any kind of technical or, hard-use as they're just lifestyle oriented.

High School and College, summer time was Sperry TopSiders, and if you wanted to dress up Bass Weejuns were de rigueur, bad weather, Duck Shoes or Duck Boots....

Allen Edmonds Force 10 made with Horween Leather Co.’s Chromexcel leather. Unfortunately, they seem to be discontinued. Best boat shoes I’ve ever owned.



What size are your feet?

For the past 10 years I have been wearing Rugged Sharks. Cabelas and Bass Pro sell them as Blue Water but the soles say Rugged Shark. One or twice a year they go on sale for $49. During the sales I usually buy 3 pair, different styles.

Thanks guys. Looking at the various suggestions.

Columbia boat shoes are much more comfortable than sperry's.