Boat Shoes vs. Loafers: Everything You Need To Know
While dress shoes are often the more complicated kind of footwear, it is important to be educated on various kinds of everyday footwear in order to not only look your best but walk comfortably and without injury. The shoes that we wear every day can have a major impact on feet, meaning it is imperative to not only have your sizing in order but also know which occasions and settings call for which kinds of shoes.
Boat shoes and loafers are two casual kinds of footwear that look and feel similar in certain ways but are actually quite different in others. From various details such as their lacing and outsoles, there are some key distinctions to be aware of when shopping for your next pair of everyday footwear. In order to get you started, here is our guide to everything you need to know about boat shoes and loafers.
Boat Shoes
There is no denying the fact that boat shoes literally look like shoes that should be worn on a boat. The decorative lacing that wraps around the body of the shoe has a very nautical vibe to it, adhering to the famous name. They are also known for having razor-cut soles to help with grip. Though boat shoes are very casual, they often have subtle yet nice detailing in them that does not go unnoticed.
Loafers
Loafers are perhaps most famous for their slip-on design, making them easy and convenient to put on Though they have no laces, their easy-to-use design means that there is no real reason to have laces in the first place. While this does mean that loafers are perhaps as comfortable as a shoe can be, it is extra important to make sure that you always get the correct size when buying a pair since you won’t have the option of tightening the shoes with laces if needed.
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Key Differences Between the Two
The biggest difference between boat shoes and loafers is the fact that loafers will never have laces. Ever. Boat shoes on the other hand almost always have a long lace that is made of either leather or nylon. Another difference between the two is the outsoles. Boat shoes were designed with rubber outsoles, keeping a sailor on a slippery boat deck in mind.
The rubber outsoles provide ample traction and grip, while loafers often have leather outsoles or even a synthetic combination of rubber or leather. Also, being that loafers were originally inspired by moccasins, it is no surprise that loafers are seen as a more casual type of shoe.
However, when compared to boat shoes, some loafers can pass as smart-casual, while boat shoes are strictly casual through and through. Though this might seem surprising the often rigid shape of boat shoes, they are also seen as the more comfortable option, often unbeatable when compared to other kinds of footwear.
Similarities Between the Two
While there are some important differences between the two, it is impossible to ignore the very obvious similarities that exist as well. For one, both boat shoes and loafers have heels (though loafer heels are often higher). Another similarity can be found in the stitched upper seams on both kinds of footwear.
Overall, if you’re having a hard time choosing between the two shoes, just remember that loafers can be a bit more dressed up than boat shoes, but boat shoes are a tad more comfortable and can be worn without issue for longer periods of time.
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