Deck Shoes for Men
Typically made from either leather or canvas, men's deck shoes are a popular choice in the summer months if you're looking for footwear that's casual and comfortable, as well as stylish. Originally known as boat shoes and typically worn on deck, their soles were designed to provide extra grip whilst the soft material offered great pliability. Nowadays though, they are an increasingly versatile option and can be styled in many different ways.
Deck shoes are normally found in styles either with laces, often ones which extend around the entire shoe, or as slip-on style loafers. Both are equally stylish and offer different benefits depending on where you will be wearing them.
How to Style Deck Shoes
Whilst they are perfect for a preppy look and often associated with this style in particular, there are many ways to wear deck shoes, making them a great choice for men of all ages and with all style preferences.
For an ultra modern look, try pairing lace up style deck shoes with tailored slim fit trousers. This often looks good when the shoes are a brighter colour paired with neutral trousers, or in reverse with plain coloured shoes matched with statement trousers in shades like crimson or plum.
Another good look with trousers is to wear deck shoes with jeans, with skinny fit jeans rolled slightly at the ankle offering a great way to show off your shoes to their best advantage. This also works well with tailored chinos , and classic brown leather styles are the most popular choice for this aesthetic.
For an easier summer style, you can't go wrong pairing deck shoes of any design with shorts . They tend to look best with shorts that are relatively tailored and finish just above the knee, with denim and chino materials a good choice. You can even pair your shorts with a well cut white shirt for a really modern twist on a classic.
When shopping for deck shoes, look for fine neat stitching which helps to indicate quality craftsmanship has gone into the creation of the footwear. Choosing a well made pair that feature premium materials is best with this type of footwear as they are usually worn with bare feet, making comfort even more important.
Traditionally they should be handsewn and feature treated leather that's suitable for wearing around water, as well as including rawhide laces and hand cut soles for extra grip. Beware of wearing your boat shoes in winter or any bad weather though, as they are unlikely to last long when subjected to tough conditions for long periods of time.