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Boat shoes are back: Fashion experts weigh in on 2025's most unexpected fashion hero

Shop boat shoes for spring
J. Crew, Sperry, Tuckernuck
ByCasey DelBasso
May 29, 2025, 9:07 PM

The boat shoe has officially sailed back into style, and it's charting a new course for summer 2025.

Once reserved for prep school weekends and yacht decks, the silhouette is now turning heads on the runway and city streets.

"The silhouette has made a major comeback due to its broad appeal and versatility," said Marissa Galante Frank, fashion director at Bloomingdale's.

Both fashion insiders and modern prepsters are embracing the boat shoe for its effortlessly cool look and unexpected versatility.

"It's a perfect choice for shoppers who are seeking a more casual alternative to the loafer," Frank explained. "They add a chic sense of ease when styled back to more tailored looks."

Another fan of the boat shoe trend is celebrity stylist Sophie Lopez, who says she has been working with shoe and accessory brand Cole Haan on a series of edits meant to "curate options you can wear everyday in the city, on a weekend getaway or a summer vacation."

"This boat shoe is such an adaptable style for summer," Lopez explains in the Cole Haan campaign. "There are so many ways to wear it -- keep it casual and relaxed with shorts or lightweight pants, or dress it up with darker denim or dresses."

As seen below, Lopez added a relaxed touch to a otherwise buttoned-up ensembled by pairing blue suiting with a the Bayport boat shoes in the light brown shade, Biscuit.

In other words, think of boat shoes as the fashion world's new neutral -- easy to slip on, easy to style and sophisticated. Whether paired with slouchy trousers, crisp suiting or a flowy spring dress, the boat shoe is proof that a casual element can give an outfit just the right touch.

"Comfort is of the utmost importance," Lopez says. "When you're uncomfortable in your clothes, it really translates into your body language."

Below, shop our top picks to step into summer with sophisticated ease.

By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave ABCNews.com and Goodmorningamerica.com, and these e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SOME PRICES ARE DYNAMIC AND MAY CHANGE FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Have questions about ordering or a purchase? Click here.

Cole Haan

Women's Bayport Boat Shoes

  • $140
  • Cole Haan
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29% off
DSW

Lucky Brand Tirani Boat Shoe

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60% off
Nordstrom

Doris Boat Shoe (Women)

  • $56
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Macy's

Madden Girl Galley Boat Shoes

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14% off
Amazon

Sperry Women's Crest Vibe Core Sneaker

  • $60
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Free People

Yachting Day Boat Shoes

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Sperry

Authentic Original Boat Shoe

  • $100
  • Sperry
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39% off
Macy's

Style & Co Women's Saffiee Boat Shoes, Exclusively at Macy's

  • $35.70
  • $59.50
  • Macy's
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H&M

Deck Shoes

  • $39.99
  • H&M
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Tuckernuck

Whiskey and Coconut Jia Boater Loafers

  • $330
  • Tuckernuck
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