I'm looking for a comfortable pair of boat shoes to go with khakis for a job this summer. I know the obvious brand choice is Sperry but I was wondering if their was anything comparable that I may be missing out on. I had a brief look in the mall today but didn't seem to find any Sperrys around the $50 dollar range. Any brand name/store/website advice would be appreciated!

2/23/2008 8:39:18 PM

try Rockport

2/23/2008 8:43:36 PM

I have a cheapo pair of Highland Creek brand that look virtually identical. Can't remember where I got them. Penny's or Belk. This looks like them:

http://www.rackroomshoes.com/product/Highland+Creek/2000.315013.html




[Edited on February 23, 2008 at 8:45 PM. Reason : ]

2/23/2008 8:43:52 PM

^Thanks those Highland Creek ones are just like the Sperrys I liked today.

2/23/2008 8:47:00 PM

And only $39.99. Thanks, China!

2/23/2008 8:54:19 PM

If you go to Rackroom, they're usually buy one pair of shoes get the other 50% off. So, if you need another pair of shoes, or know someone who does, it's a pretty good deal.

2/23/2008 9:17:21 PM

What kind of job is it?

2/23/2008 10:07:17 PM

^It's at a consulting structural engineering company...my boss told me I am welcome to wear jeans and sneakers but I kind of wanted to make a better impression. Not too dressy because we do some field work but I was thinking of going with a polo, khaki pants, and some comfortable shoes that go well with the khakis.

2/23/2008 10:18:32 PM

go ahead and get the Sperrys. They are comfortable and will last a long time.

2/23/2008 10:37:51 PM

so you think brown on brown?

they do make sneaker that aren't obviously sports shoes you know...

2/23/2008 10:38:05 PM

^yea. I hadn't really ruled out anything. I was really just going for the brown on brown look (khaki will go with the a darker/two-tone brown, right?). Boat shoes seem pretty stylish and comfortable so I thought I'd give them a try. I think I'll go Rack Room tomorrow and check things out.

[Edited on February 23, 2008 at 10:44 PM. Reason : *]

2/23/2008 10:43:08 PM

i still think boat shoes not on a boat are pretty funny

2/23/2008 10:46:42 PM

boat shoes aren't stylish

but to each his own

2/23/2008 10:50:44 PM

Oh, I didn't tell you my office is on ship. lol. Yea it is a little strange but my grandfather has worn Sperrys as long as I've been old enough to notice and he has always referred to them as "deck shoes".

2/23/2008 10:54:53 PM

Docker's sometimes has nice styles that are on sale because they're not quite as super-stylish any more. I've got some dockers that are what you would sort of consider boat shoes.

Similar styles with more practical usability, if you will. Just saying to give them a look. They have some good medium-dressy styles that also don't look bad if you're pairing them with jeans.

2/23/2008 10:57:57 PM

You can sometimes get cheaper Sperry's at outlet type shoe stores for pretty cheap.

2/23/2008 11:00:28 PM

^^Yea, I'll definitely take a look. I have a real nice pair of brown Docker dress shoes but they are too dressy for work and would never look right with jeans. I appreciate the suggestions, I really didn't want to end up buying $80 Sperrys just because everyone else has them.

[Edited on February 23, 2008 at 11:03 PM. Reason : ^]

2/23/2008 11:02:34 PM

Have not had any problems out of those Highland Creek shoes, and I have had them for several years now. They are probably made at the same factory as Sperrys.

2/24/2008 12:18:29 AM

I had a pair of Bass boat shoes that I literally wore the soles off of. Definitely look into them.

2/24/2008 12:28:13 AM

I've got a pair of sebagos, timberland boat shoes, dingy shoes, foul weather boots, and keens.

If you don't set foot on a boat, don't buy them.

For a pair of casual shoes, get a pair of loafers, driving mocs, etc.

50 won't give you anything that will be comfortable and durable, no matter what you are using them for


(actually I take that back, you can get a decent oly weightlifting shoe for that much online)

2/24/2008 3:00:18 AM

You are really going to wear these to the office???

2/24/2008 4:56:47 AM

^Yea. It's pretty laid back. The guy who interviewed me and showed me around was wearing jeans and a fleece with some tennis shoes.

2/24/2008 6:48:06 AM

Quote :

"Yea it is a little strange but my grandfather has worn Sperrys as long as I've been old enough to notice and he has always referred to them as "deck shoes"."

uh, yeah... as in boat deck. the whole point of them is they don't leave scuffs/marks on things like other shoes, they don't hold dirt/gravel, yet still give you good traction on slick surfaces.

2/24/2008 9:52:48 PM

I get my Sperry's at the Neuse Sports Shop in Kinston. They have a good amount of different styles and sometimes have some pairs on sale. I always stop by there on the way to Morehead City. Good luck. You can find the Highland Creek brand at Rack Room shoes.

2/25/2008 9:27:49 AM

Be careful trying to make a "good impression" if EVERYBODY in the office is wearing jeans and tennis shoes you will quickly be classified as "a pretentious little prick" before anybody even gets to know you...

but most places that allow jeans have a fair number of people wearing dockers/khaki's too... so you should be ok

2/25/2008 2:35:10 PM

^ true, he can always dress down after he gets a feel of the place...

2/25/2008 2:40:27 PM

^^True. Hadn't really though of that. I don't really think it will be that big of a deal though. Most of them play golf, as do I, so it is basically like I am wearing country club golf attire to work everyday. In the two times I was there, they mentioned playing this summer. If I feel over-dressed in the first week, I'll probably just go to jeans, tennis shoes, and a polo.

2/25/2008 3:26:21 PM

how are boat shoes country club attire? Yacht club attire, yes, but not country club.

[Edited on February 25, 2008 at 4:10 PM. Reason : ]

2/25/2008 4:09:56 PM

^I meant the khakis and polo, I would be wearing golf shoes at the country club.

2/25/2008 10:10:10 PM

Quote :

"50 won't give you anything that will be comfortable and durable, no matter what you are using them for"

I don't necessarily agree with that. If you go to a Rack Room/DSW or the shoe department of Kohl's, you can find some pretty nice shoes for cheap. You're not going to find Cole Haan or anything like that, but some decent stuff.

2/25/2008 11:51:10 PM

if you think this guy looks dumb with boat shoes on then you look equally as retarded regardless of what the rest of your clothes look like.

2/26/2008 8:27:17 AM

'croakies and boat shoes'

2/26/2008 8:39:51 AM

^^ he also looks like he mixed his style with punk rock, new orleans high waters and the english/french backpack look, all while trying to pull off the african american hairstyle and wearing boat shoes

doesnt really fit together well

2/26/2008 3:27:57 PM