Ahhhh the boat shoe. Stumble into any college bar in the South and you’re bound to see at least a few guys (and more frequently girls) sporting this preppy staple. When I lived a block behind a popular college hangout in the Garden District I started a game called “boat shoe count”. I’d see no less than 12 khaki clad guys bustin’ out the Sperry’s.
Lately magazines have been showing the shoes as new “trends” but here below the Mason-Dixon line we’re so far behind we’re ahead. Just because you’ve been wearing the same brand or style of shoe since, well since your mom picked them out for you doesn’t mean you are limited in your options. Designers are offering up new twists on this old classic.
When buying classics always invest in the best quality you can afford. These blue J Shoes from Shoefty are made of supple leather that will only look better with age.
The bright color way on these Jack Purcells,available at Urban Outfitters, are sure to make these conservative slip ons a little more fun.
Looking for something sleeker? The To Boot New York nubuck versions, available at Saks, are a less clunky option that will pair well with shorts.
Of course women have a far broader range of options when it comes to footwear.
No boat shoe conversation would be complete without a Sperry Topsider mention. The Sperry Freeports, available at Zappos, are more ballet flat, less boat shoe.
These Sperry’s are the classic shape but updated with metallic gold so they pack in some fun yet maintain their roots.
Not sold on them yet? Payless has viable options that won’t break the bank.
FYI: This post comes by special request from a certain Northshore frat boy I know. ;P
3 replies on “Not a ship in sight”
haha…I will make sure Michael reads this!! lol 😀
I told you I’d do it!
Loving the blue J’s… this post is taking me (waaaay) back. There was a time in the (ahem) 80’s that these shoes were all I owned!