Men leather boat shoes

Elegant without ever overdoing it, men's boat shoes embody a perfect balance between assumed casualness and discreet refinement. Inspired by the nautical world, they charm with their timeless look and their ability to carry through the seasons with ease. At In Corio, we see them as far more than a simple summer shoe: a true everyday style companion, crafted from noble materials and designed for comfort with every step.

What is a men's boat shoe?

The men's boat shoe was born on the decks of sailboats, originally designed to face maritime conditions. Its invention answers a simple need: keeping a perfect grip on wet surfaces while offering comfort and flexibility to sailors. It quickly established itself as a classic of the summer wardrobe thanks to its fluid and functional silhouette.

Its DNA rests on three pillars: a non-slip rubber sole, full lacing with leather laces that encircle the upper, and a supple leather that follows the movements of the foot with ease. Both sturdy and refined, it adapts perfectly to urban strolls as well as seaside getaways.

Not to be confused with a loafer — more minimalist — or a more formal shoe such as an Oxford, the boat shoe finds its place between these two worlds: elegant without rigidity, casual without carelessness.

Why choose boat shoes?

Choosing men's boat shoes means opting for a shoe that is both practical and elegant. Lightweight, breathable and easy to slip on, they offer immediate comfort and stylishly accompany the most active days. Their versatility makes them a valuable ally for everyday life: elegant enough to be worn as a city shoe, yet casual enough for relaxed moments. They thus fit into a smart casual aesthetic that appeals to lovers of simple refinement, just like our men's brown derby shoes.

How to wear men's boat shoes?

Versatile by nature, men's boat shoes easily slip into many summer silhouettes. For a smart casual look, pair them with light chinos, well-cut shorts or a linen shirt. It's a natural pairing of noble materials and relaxed cuts, ideal for sunny days.

They adapt just as well to days in the city, weekend getaways, or moments of relaxation by the water. Midway between casualness and refinement, they elegantly accompany the transitions of the day, from the morning coffee to the walk around the harbour, just like our men's black derby shoes.

The boat shoe is one of the few shoes designed for a specific use, sailing, that later became a classic of the summer wardrobe. Here is where it comes from, how to choose it and how to wear it, from town to the seaside.

What is a boat shoe?

A boat shoe is a low shoe, inspired by the loafer, with a moccasin-style apron stitched on top of the foot, light lacing and a rubber sole designed to grip wet surfaces. It is also called a deck shoe.

A sole born of an observation

According to the most often told story, the boat shoe was born in the 1930s in the United States. A sailor, who kept slipping on the deck of his sailing boat, is said to have noticed that his dog ran on ice without skidding, thanks to the grooves in its paw pads. He is then said to have cut fine grooves into a rubber sole: the non-slip deck sole was born.

From the deck of sailing boats to café terraces

Adopted by yachtsmen, then by students on the American East Coast, the boat shoe left the deck for the city. It has remained the emblematic holiday shoe, halfway between the suppleness of the loafer and the look of a lace-up shoe.

How to choose boat shoes for men?

A good boat shoe is judged on three elements: the suppleness of the upper, the quality of the lining and the grip of the sole. For urban and summer use, suede is the most pleasant material to wear.

Suede or smooth leather

Oiled smooth leather is the historic material of deck shoes, designed for seawater. Suede, softer and warmer to the eye, suits town and holidays better. This is the choice we made for Raphaël, with an ultra-supple Italian suede that needs no breaking in.

Lining, welt and sole

Worn barefoot, a boat shoe benefits from being lined with leather: it absorbs moisture and stays soft against the skin. The welt, the strip of leather that runs between the upper and the sole, signals careful workmanship. Finally, the rubber sole provides grip and insulation.

How to wear boat shoes?

The boat shoe is worn barefoot or with an invisible trainer sock, with chinos, linen trousers, light jeans or Bermuda shorts. It suits relaxed summer outfits, in town as on holiday.

In town and on holiday

With chinos turned up at the ankle and a linen shirt, Raphaël makes a sharp look for a lunch on a terrace. At the seaside, beige or navy Bermuda shorts and a knitted polo are enough. Tobacco and brown suede go everywhere; sand and denim blue play more of the summer card. Our article on men's shoes to wear in summer offers more ideas for the heat.

An alternative to derbies for summer

Raphaël shares with our men's derbies and Oxfords the same last and the same attention to finishing, with a summer suppleness. For cooler or dressier days, a smart-casual look with a suede derby naturally takes over.

How to care for suede boat shoes?

Suede is cared for dry, with a brush and a renovator, and left to dry in the open air if it has got wet. Here is the ritual we suggest:

1. Brush the suede with a brass suede brush to lift the nap and shake off the sand.
2. After a damp day, fill the shoe with newspaper and let it dry away from a source of heat.
3. Let each pair rest for a day between wears, especially when worn barefoot.
4. At the end of the season, revive the colour with a suede renovator before putting your shoes away.

Not sure about your size? Come and try our models and feel our leathers in our stores in the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Lyon. Online, returns and exchanges are free.

Frequently asked questions about men's boat shoes

What size are Raphaël boat shoes?

Raphaël fits true to size: take your usual size. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one, especially as the shoe is often worn barefoot and the suede relaxes slightly.

Which shoes to wear on a boat?

For sailing, a supple, light-coloured, non-slip sole is preferable, to protect the deck and keep your balance. Raphaël, with its rubber sole and Italian suede, is designed for town, the harbour and holidays rather than for competitive sailing.

Are boat shoes comfortable?

Yes, when they combine a supple upper, a leather lining and a sole that insulates from the ground. Raphaël's Italian suede needs no breaking in and its calf leather lining stays pleasant barefoot.

What is the difference between a boat shoe and a loafer?

Both share an apron stitched on top of the foot. The boat shoe adds lacing and a grippy rubber sole; the town loafer slips on without laces and often sits on a leather sole.

In summary

The boat shoe was born for the deck of sailing boats and has become established as the holiday shoe. Raphaël offers a version in Italian suede, lined with calf leather, on a rubber sole, in sand, tobacco, brown or denim blue. Worn barefoot with chinos or Bermuda shorts, it goes with the whole summer. Discover our models above.