Fashion enthusiasts, it's time to jump on the bandwagon! Boat shoes are resurfacing, making a comeback in the world of footwear.
Boat Shoes Make a Splash in Fashion Runways and Retail
Boat shoes, also known as top-siders or deck shoes, have been making waves in the fashion world, with various designers showcasing them in their collections for both spring/summer and fall seasons of 2025.
One of the standout innovators is Miu Miu, who brought boat shoes to fashion runways and gained viral popularity. In their SS24 Miu Miu show, boat shoes were prominently featured, and the trend is set to continue for Summer 2025.
Besides Miu Miu, other notable producers of popular boat shoe designs for Fall 2025 include classic brands like Sperry with their Authentic Original Boat Shoe, which remains a staple for timeless styling. Luxury and designer labels such as Loeffler Randall, Freda Salvador, and Tony Bianco also produce sought-after designs.
Loeffler Randall offers the Franco Boat Shoes, while Freda Salvador's Light Loafers align with the boat shoe comfort and style ethos. Tony Bianco's Gatsby Black Venice is another popular choice with a boat shoe influence. Miu Miu presents a modern twist on boat shoe aesthetics with their leather monk-strap thin sole loafers.
These designs are not only limited to runways but also have a growing mainstream appeal in retail. Platforms like Nordstrom feature a variety of boat shoes as part of their Fall 2025 shoe trends.
The boat shoe trend is also rooted in its nautical origins. Paul Sperry patented the sole of the boat shoe in 1939, and they have been a popular choice for sailors and beachgoers ever since. The US Navy's casual uniform included the boat shoe after 1940.
In addition to their practicality, boat shoes have become a smart-casual standard, combining the comfort of a sneaker with the polish of a loafer. Brands like Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, and Zegna are among the most in-demand boat shoe labels.
Online retailer Mr Porter reports a 120% increase in searches for boat shoes in the past six months, indicating a growing interest in this classic footwear style. If you have an old pair of boat shoes, consider adding colorful laces for a fresh look, as seen on the Miu Miu catwalk.
In summary, Miu Miu is a standout recent innovator bringing boat shoes to fashion runways and viral popularity, while Sperry, Loeffler Randall, Freda Salvador, and Tony Bianco continue to produce sought-after designs. This resurgence of boat shoes is linked to a broader trend toward comfortable, stylish loafers and casual shoes seen in Fall 2025 fashion.
