Once relegated to sailboats and preppy college campuses, boat shoes are officially having a moment in fashion. What started as a practical silhouette for sailors has evolved into a versatile shoe that now fits into wardrobes far beyond the sea. And this season? The obsession shows no signs of slowing down.
Sure, the boat shoe may have unglamorous roots. They became really popular in the 1930s, when Paul Sperry created the first boat shoe by carving grooves into the rubber sole of a standard shoe. This innovative design made them favorable for sailors, who needed shoes with grip on wet surfaces.
The Boat Shoe Obsession Shows No Sign Of Slowing Down For Autumn
While boat shoes have historically been more of a spring/summer silhouette, they are proving to be more seasonless than a sandal or a boot. And that’s exactly why they’re gaining traction again. As versatility becomes a non-negotiable for consumers, the boat shoe finds itself in the sweet spot: polished enough to style for autumn, comfortable enough for everyday wear, and unexpected enough to feel cool again.
Paired with wide-leg trousers, maxi skirts, or even a sharp blazer, they’re carving out a new space in the fashion world—one where practicality meets quiet luxury.
The Rich Girl Aesthetic
Perhaps what’s fueling this resurgence is the fashion world’s current obsession with the “rich girl aesthetic.” Think quiet luxury, understated elegance, and timeless staples that whisper rather than shout. Boat shoes slot perfectly into this narrative: unfussy, heritage-driven, and effortlessly chic when styled the right way.
Once a symbol of prep school privilege, they’ve now been reclaimed by the style set as a marker of understated sophistication—perfectly aligned with today’s preference for pieces that feel both nostalgic and timeless.
How to Style Boat Shoes in 2025
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With Tailored Pieces
Pair classic leather boat shoes with pleated trousers and a crisp white shirt. It’s a nod to preppy heritage, elevated with a modern twist.
-
With Skirts & Dresses
A pleated midi skirt or a slip dress styled with boat shoes balances feminine softness with tomboy cool. Add a blazer or bomber jacket for structure.
-
With Denim
Think straight-leg jeans cuffed at the ankle, a knit polo, and leather boat shoes for an effortless weekend look.
-
With Rich Textures
Suede or nubuck boat shoes styled with wool trousers or a cashmere sweater are a subtle way to embrace the trend for autumn.
Final Thoughts
From 1930s to TikTok moodboards, the boat shoe has had quite a journey. Once dismissed as a niche shoe for sailors and students, it’s now shaping up to be a versatile fashion staple with staying power.
Whether you lean into the rich girl aesthetic, style them with oversized tailoring, or wear them casually with denim, one thing is clear: boat shoes are no longer just for summer—and no longer just for the yacht crowd. They’re here to stay.
See the boat shoes collection here.
The Boat Shoes Trend: Here to stay?
Once relegated to sailboats and preppy college campuses, boat shoes are officially having a moment in fashion. What started as a practical silhouette for sailors has evolved into a versatile shoe that now fits into wardrobes far beyond the sea. And this season? The obsession shows no signs of slowing down.
Where Do Boat Shoes Come From?
Sure, the boat shoe may have unglamorous roots. They became really popular in the 1930s, when Paul Sperry created the first boat shoe by carving grooves into the rubber sole of a standard shoe. This innovative design made them favorable for sailors, who needed shoes with grip on wet surfaces.
The Boat Shoe Obsession Shows No Sign Of Slowing Down For Autumn
While boat shoes have historically been more of a spring/summer silhouette, they are proving to be more seasonless than a sandal or a boot. And that’s exactly why they’re gaining traction again. As versatility becomes a non-negotiable for consumers, the boat shoe finds itself in the sweet spot: polished enough to style for autumn, comfortable enough for everyday wear, and unexpected enough to feel cool again.
Paired with wide-leg trousers, maxi skirts, or even a sharp blazer, they’re carving out a new space in the fashion world—one where practicality meets quiet luxury.
The Rich Girl Aesthetic
Perhaps what’s fueling this resurgence is the fashion world’s current obsession with the “rich girl aesthetic.” Think quiet luxury, understated elegance, and timeless staples that whisper rather than shout. Boat shoes slot perfectly into this narrative: unfussy, heritage-driven, and effortlessly chic when styled the right way.
Once a symbol of prep school privilege, they’ve now been reclaimed by the style set as a marker of understated sophistication—perfectly aligned with today’s preference for pieces that feel both nostalgic and timeless.
How to Style Boat Shoes in 2025
With Tailored Pieces
Pair classic leather boat shoes with pleated trousers and a crisp white shirt. It’s a nod to preppy heritage, elevated with a modern twist.
With Skirts & Dresses
A pleated midi skirt or a slip dress styled with boat shoes balances feminine softness with tomboy cool. Add a blazer or bomber jacket for structure.
With Denim
Think straight-leg jeans cuffed at the ankle, a knit polo, and leather boat shoes for an effortless weekend look.
With Rich Textures
Suede or nubuck boat shoes styled with wool trousers or a cashmere sweater are a subtle way to embrace the trend for autumn.
Final Thoughts
From 1930s to TikTok moodboards, the boat shoe has had quite a journey. Once dismissed as a niche shoe for sailors and students, it’s now shaping up to be a versatile fashion staple with staying power.
Whether you lean into the rich girl aesthetic, style them with oversized tailoring, or wear them casually with denim, one thing is clear: boat shoes are no longer just for summer—and no longer just for the yacht crowd. They’re here to stay.
See the boat shoes collection here.