Hear Us Out… Are Boat Shoes Back?
If Emma Chamberlain wears boat shoes, then we do too.
Yes, we said it, boat shoes are having a major comeback. Across Spring/Summer 2025 runways and recent streetwear team ups, the coastal silhouette is experiencing a new shift in popularity.
Now, if you grew up in The South in the 2010s, boat shoes are a big blast from the past. The shoes were an essential to the prep uniform alongside a Vineyard Vine polo and a Vera Bradley backpack. If your mind wanders to the “You know I had to do it on ‘em” meme, boat shoes instantly come to mind. But how did boat shoes become more than just a prep staple?
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You’ve most likely heard of a little brand called Sperry from New Haven, Connecticut. The founder of the brand, Paul Sperry, was inspired by his dog’s footpads and created a shoe that was non-slip for boating purposes. Sperry would soon become *the* New England essential shoe and it maintains prominence across Americana fashion lovers nationwide.
But what convinced us that boat shoes have officially docked? This past summer, internet IT-girl Emma Chamberlain wore Spring/Summer 2024 Miu Miu boat shoes — which screamed “costal prep.” Since then, we’ve been seeing boat shoes sailing the streetwear seas at pace.
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During the SS25 fashion week circuit, the “Sperry Authentic Original” boat shoe was decadently covered in a whimsical grass material at the Collina Strada show. We later saw boat shoes at Jonathan Anderson‘s SS25 Loewe show in a two-toned hybrid loafer sihlouette. Eleswhere, at Copenhagen Fashion Week, Linda Cui Zhang sported her customized boat shoes with beaded charms.
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But these shoes aren’t just on the runway, they’re hitting the streets, too. Earlier this year, the Instagram account, DATA, BUT MAKE IT FASHION, reported that the footwear style has increased by 4%, and trends like “Old Money Prep” and “Americana” are synonymously making waves with style figures such as Nara Smith and Lucky Blue Smith. Resident Copenhagen fashion girl Laura Schulte told us that she’s rocking the shoe style this fall because “it feels like a hybrid of a boot and sneakers. The leather shell protects you from the rain but they’re still not as heavy as a full-on boot.”
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Sperry President Jonathan Frankel adds to this sentiment telling us, “the boat shoe’s timeless design and craftsmanship offers a versatility that allows the shoe to be dressed up or down and be styled into different aesthetics.”
Continue reading to see and shop some of our favorite boat shoes for the fall season. Before you go, check out the first-ever adidas and Moon Boot collaboration.
Sperry Authentic Original™ Boat Shoe
For starters, you can’t go wrong with the classic Sperry Authentic Original™ Boat Shoe. It’s the OG leather top side, which means you won’t be slipping off any boat — or sidewalk. The shoe, which comes in a variety of neutral hues, provides a clean slate for customization, too.
Miu Miu Unlined Bleached Leather Loafers
Is Emma Chamberlain your style icon? Well, you’re in luck because Miu Miu’s take on boat shoes are exactly what she’s wearing. This boat-loafer hybrid is the perfect addition to the preppy side your wardrobe.
Labucq Nelson Boat Shoe in “Pink Suede”
Designed by Rag & Bone alum Lauren Bucquet, the Nelson Boat Shoe in “Pink Suede” is perfect for girls who love a bit of color. Crafted from calf suede and contrasting white stitching, this brand is one to look out for if you love wearing reinvented, yet classic silhouettes.
Timberland Noreen 3-Eye Lug Handsewn Boat Shoe
The Timberland Noreen 3-Eye Lug Handsewn Boat Shoe features the brand’s famous boot sole, ensuring durability through transitioning seasons. Our favorite Copenhagen IT-girl Laura Schulte styles the shoes with an oversized polo and khakis.
