Which summer footwear will you choose: fisherman’s sandals or boat shoes?
Photos: Neil Mackenzie Matthews. Boat shoes, Crew Clothing
This summer, footwear has gone coastal. With nautical style inspiration blowing in from the harbour in the form of fisherman’s sandals and boat shoes. Previously associated with the yachting set (or WASPs if you’re on the other side of the Atlantic), most of us are old enough to remember Timberland’s deck shoe trending in the late-1980s and early-1990s. Thanks to the Miu Miu spring/ summer catwalk show, the soft leather lace-up is back. And, Vogue has declared 2024 ‘the year of the boat shoe.‘ While I do like the Miu Miu styling (the Jeffrey Campbell Boat Shoe is quite similar and approx £650 cheaper), the jury’s out on this nautical-but-quite-nice look. Perhaps deck shoes are a bit too posh to push my feet into?
Apparently, the OG boat shoe was invented by Paul Sperry, in 1935; after falling overboard he developed a non-slip sole (inspired by his cocker spaniel’s footpads); and Sperry is still a good place to shop for sporty footwear, today. I’m into the Authentic Original boat shoe in navy and conker, the stacked sole version and laid back Bahama sneaker-cum-boat-shoe-hybrid. Sebago is another excellent brand if you’re looking for a tan leather pair, or why not whoop things up with this jaunty Portland style. And, Timberland’s Classic Boat Shoe has recently blown-up on social media, I like the chunky lug-soled version. Take my advice and lean-away from the Hamptons/ Hampshire vibe and wear deck shoes barefoot with rolled up cargo pants, a Miu Miu-inspired pencil skirt or midi dress and a chore jacket.
Inspired by Mediterranean fishermen of the 1940s, the other nautical option on offer has the breathability of a sandal combined with the sturdiness of a shoe. My favourite style this season is the Siracuse at Russell & Bromley, with an enclosed heel (that won’t flap about like most sandals) and supportive leather footbed. Head to LK Bennett for a similar design in a soft blush tone and Seasalt Cornwall for a lovely forest green.
The slingback sandals I’m wearing above are the Queenie from Grenson, available in tan, black and white leather. There’s also a version with a chunkier, low platform sole. On the high street, M&S has a strappy fisherman’s sandal in tan and black, and Toast has a chic Italian leather option by the family-run company Fracup. If you prefer to shop small, Blackhorse Lane Atelier’s city sandals are well-worth a look. In terms of styling, I like my fisherman’s friends teamed with a neat shirtdress or oversized boiler-suit. If the British summer doesn’t show up this year, these shoes also look good paired with socks and a waterproof coat.
When you’re bored with Birkis and prefer to keep your podiatry problems covered, these are both bunion-concealing styles.
Boat shoes or fisherman’s sandals, which summer shoes will you choose?
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Discussion (15 Comments)
Sierra says:
When will moccasins come back? I do love a moccasin. I leave the boat shoes to my husband and sons.
Donna M. Johnson says:
I bought a pair of soft suede sandals a few years back from Officine Creative that were a modern take of moccasin like shoes. They were beautiful, looked handmade and they were expensive–but so worth it. They are falling apart but I still wear them. Fashion be damned!
Funny you should say that, Sierra and Donna. When we were shooting the photos – I thought of Tod’s driving shoes and how much chicer they would be (in my fantasy life!).
Martine Large says:
I’m packing for a move and came across a pair of moccasins with the Todd-style bobbly heel (I think that’s the technical term!) and I’m definitely wearing them this summer. As Donna says, fashion be damned, though I have some fisherman’s sandals too.
Mrs Tonia says:
Ah boat shoes, my hubby wore the tan leather original version when we met and never thereafter. I’ve been looking at some recently in shop windows for both him and me. We have yet to buy. I like the look of fisherman’s sandals especially the more expensive Grenson ones whenever I’ve seen them in fashion press. If I get some I’d like a sling back style for warmer weather and they seem perfect as an urban sightseeing walking sandal for dresses, skirts as well as trousers. I’m resisting any shoe purchases since it’s not been warm and I have so many already to hand.
Thanks for these ideas and examples nevertheless.Elaine says:
I love the idea of fisherman’s sandals as I like to keep my toes and bunions out of sight but long for a pair of sandals. I sent for a pair of red Mahabis and while they fitted the bill, covering my awful toes and having a wide enough foot bed. The fitted strap over my instep was far too tight for comfort. Sadly I had to return them. The search continues….
My favourites are Ilse Jacobsen Tulip shoes which are AMAZINGLY comfortable and come in every colour you can think of! Mine are Orange, but I want another pair in black, to wear with coloured tights in winter! Plumo is where I found mine but Ilse Jacobsen website is excellent!
Robyn says:
I like both shoes. In the spring, while waiting for my car to be serviced I saw a woman with a pair of boat shoes on and loved her look. From that point on boat shoes have been on my mind. Boat shoes would be the perfect throw on for a grocery store run etc. Once fall comes I may continue my search. In my high school, college days and shortly after we all wore Sperry boat shoes. If purchased I’ll stick with the more traditional style.
Karen says:
I can’t stand having my feet enclosed, so I live in Birkenstocks about seven months of the year. I like the look of fisherman sandals, but they are too confining. I wear Sperry boat shoes in the winter.
Janet says:
I recently bought a pair of the Marks and Spencer fisherman sandals in the tan colour – they are extremely comfortable. They are a wide fitting, so may not suit those with narrow feet.
Janey says:
I’ve just ordered these in tan after trying on in black in store. I want them for South East Asia ( when in the town) when my feet might be puffy in the heat but I also want protection for my toes. When out of town, I have supremely ugly, but also supremely comfortable and practical Keens! think these Marks and Spencer fisherman’s sandals will be perfect for the above purpose. Hope so.
I bought a pair of fisherman’s from M&S and was horrified to catch sight of
myself in a shop mirror and realise that my feet looked really large and out of proportion to the rest of me, in my new purchase . Straight to the charity shop
they went. I like the concept though, and will look for a less chunky pair.
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Boat shoes for me and at one time (the 80s) I lived in a pair of tan Sebagos, which shows how circular fashion is. They were my ‘trainer’ and practically indestructable. I do like the pink version in the pictures, but I struggle with the white lace and my Sebagos had a leather lace, so far more practical.