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The Best Women’s Boat Shoes

StepPro/Shutterstock.com
🕚 Updated January 2022

One of the best things about a pair of boat shoes is their versatility. You can wear them on a morning walk, to a casual dinner, on the beach, or while shopping. If you want a new pair, here are some we recommend.

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  Classic Look Best Sneaker Look Most Lightweight Also Great
 
  Skechers
Women's Go Walk Lite Boat Shoe
Sperry
Women's Crest Vibe
Betrue
Lightweight Boat Shoes for Women
Clarks
Women's Jocolin Vista Boat Shoe
 
Our SummaryFrom a trusted brand that designs comfortable shoes, these boat shoes have thick traction and maximum cushion insoles.These women's boat shoes are made with top-quality care and style.These adorable loafers are made to go on and off easily.These chic boat shoes from a renowned, family-owned shoe company will make you feel like you're walking on a cloud.
ProsHalf and wide sizes, chic color choices, slip on and off easily.Lightweight and very comfortable for walking, super easy to slip on and off, stylish.Come in three different colors, super breathable, flexible soles for a comfortable stride.Available in several trending colors, fit true to size, slip-resistant.
ConsCushioned insoles wear down quickly, laces may not be snug enough for all feet.Narrow, laces are made of dyed leather, lack arch support.Run large, rigid insoles, high backs can cause rubbing.Not water-resistant, sand particles can get stuck in the holes, not washable.
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The Best Women’s Boat Shoes

A woman sitting down wears a pair of brown boat shoes.
StepPro/Shutterstock.com

Boat shoes are built for comfort, so you’ll feel great while looking great in them. They’re made to handle the elements, so you can be sure they’ll last, too. We’ve done the research and found some fabulous pairs of women’s boat shoes for you to choose from.

Buying Guide for Women’s Boat Shoes

two people wearing boat shoes while on a boat.
Max Topchii/Shutterstock.com

Why buy women’s boat shoes?

Boat shoes provide excellent traction with their thick treads and fitted shape. They keep you level aboard a boat (hence the name) while being easy-on, easy-off shoes. Yet boat shoes go beyond the docks and shores as a favorite for casual, everyday wear. They also have a posh history that makes them look and feel like a luxury item.

What should you consider in women’s boat shoes?

  • Traction: Boat shoes are made to be slip-resistant, but some treads are better than others. Look for thicker soles with deep treads to keep you on your feet. Higher-quality boat shoes have great traction that should last beyond one season.
  • Sizing: Be careful when buying shoes online that you read the sizing chart carefully. Some shoes are made tight, so you may need to size up, and some are loose-fitting, so you may need to size down. Be sure to try your shoes on as soon as they arrive in case a return or exchange must be made.
  • Water Resistance: It may seem odd, but not all boat shoes are water-resistant. They may be made of leather or other materials that will get ruined if submerged. However, other boat shoes are waterproof or even water-loving.

How much can you expect to spend on a good pair of boat shoes?

A well-made pair of boat shoes can run a little steep. However, most boat shoes range from $25-$300. Our picks are quality-made and fall around the middle of that price range.

Our Picks for the Best Women’s Boat Shoes

Classic Look

Skechers Women's Go Walk Lite Boat Shoe

From a trusted brand that designs comfortable shoes, these boat shoes have thick traction and maximum cushion insoles.

Pros: These classic boat shoes come in lots of different sizes, including half sizes and wide sizes. There are a few chic color choices to choose from. They’re made to slip on and off easily. For shoes with great traction, comfortable insoles, and a light weight, these are a reliable pair.

Cons: The cushioned insoles wear in quickly. Also, the treads can wear out quickly if worn solely on the pavement. The fixed laces may not be snug enough for all feet.

Bottom Line: For a solid pair of boat shoes from a trusted name in comfort, these are a great selection. You can be sure you’re getting top quality for a great value. And they’re soft on bare feet, so you don’t have to grab a pair of socks to wear with them if you don’t want to.

 

Best Sneaker Look

Sperry Women's Crest Vibe

These women's boat shoes are made with top-quality care and style.

Pros: These shoes are lightweight and very comfortable for walking. They’re super easy to slip on and off. And they’re incredibly stylish, a great sunny day look. They come in many pretty colors to go with your many pretty outfits.

Cons: They run a bit narrow, so be wary when ordering. The fixed laces are dyed leather, which may stain the shoe fabric when wet. There’s not a lot of arch support.

Bottom Line: Since these shoes aren’t being made by the manufacturer anymore, they’re a rare gem. The color selections are stylish and fabulous for fashionable warm-weather wardrobes.

 

Most Lightweight

Betrue Lightweight Boat Shoes for Women

These adorable loafers are made to go on and off easily for summer vacation fun.

Pros: These boat shoes come in three different colors: white, canary pink, and warm pink. They’re super breathable, so you don’t have to worry about wearing socks. Plus, they have flexible soles for a comfortable stride.

Cons: They run large, so size down. Some buyers didn’t find the insoles comfortable and had to replace them. They also sit high on the foot, which can cause rubbing.

Bottom Line: These are a great buy for easy on and off wear. If you’re looking for an easy shoe to tighten, the elastic straps on these are adjustable. Plus, they’re great for all-day wear.

 

Also Great

Clarks Women's Jocolin Vista Boat Shoe

From a renowned, family-owned shoe company, these chic boat shoes will make you feel like you're walking on a cloud.

Pros: These super-cushioned and sophisticated boat shoes are available in several trendy colors. They fit true to size and are slip-resistant to keep you safe. They’re made with solid yet lightweight materials.

Cons: These shoes aren’t water-resistant or washable. They’re also not the best in fine sand, as the sand particles can get stuck in the holes in the shoe design.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for easy-on, stylish shoes, these may be a good fit. They’re sturdy daytime shoes perfect for strolls, trips to the store, or casual-chic dinner looks. They’re made from high-quality materials and built to last.

Final Thoughts

While there’s a misconception around boat shoes that they belong in a “posh” wardrobe, you can wear boat shoes with just about anything and rock your unique style. That’s because modern boat shoes come in various colors, prints, and styles to fit a variety of people.

Stacy Rounds Stacy Rounds
Stacy is a freelance writer. She has created a variety of web and print copy, from lifestyle and dating advice to small business reviews and short stories. She has a degree in business and marketing and has worked for several years as a social media manager. Through writing creative fiction, satire, and advertisements, she developed a passion for the written word. She enjoys cooking and painting in her free time. Read Full Bio »
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