Alright, let’s talk about them dockside boat shoes, you know, the ones for when you’re messing around by the water.

Summer, that’s when you really need ’em. Sun’s beatin’ down, you wanna be out on the lake, maybe fishin’ a bit, or just sittin’ there soakin’ up the rays. But you can’t be doin’ that in your good shoes, no sir! That’s where these boat shoes come in handy.
I heard some fancy folks call ’em “deck shoes” or “top-siders” too. Sound highfalutin’ to me, but they’re all the same thing, far as I can tell. They’re made for bein’ around water, see? Keeps your feet dry and comfy, that’s the main thing.
Now, some of these shoes, they’ve been around a long time. I heard tell of a brand, Sebago they call it, makin’ these “Dockside” shoes since way back when. They say 1970! Can you believe it? That’s a long, long time. They must be doin’ somethin’ right if they’re still around.
- Keeps Your Feet Dry: That’s the most important thing, ain’t it? Nobody wants soggy feet.
- Good for Walkin’: You ain’t just sittin’ on a boat all day. You gotta walk around too, get things done.
- Looks Alright: Don’t wanna look like a total slob, even when you’re just havin’ fun.
These shoes, they’re tough. Made to last, you know? They gotta be, with all the wear and tear you put ’em through. Walkin’ on docks, gettin’ splashed with water, climbin’ in and out of boats… it ain’t easy bein’ a shoe!
I seen some fellas wearin’ ’em with fancy pants and jackets, like they’re goin’ to some important meetin’. I guess they can look alright if you dress ’em up a bit. But mostly, folks just wear ’em with shorts or jeans, somethin’ comfortable. That’s how I like ‘em, casual and comfy.

There’s another brand, Sperrys, I think they’re called. They make boat shoes too. Seems like everybody and their brother is makin’ ’em these days. But you gotta be careful, some of ’em ain’t worth a lick. You want the ones that are gonna hold up, the ones made with good leather and strong stitching.
The best boat shoes, they feel good on your feet right from the start. You don’t gotta “break ’em in” like some other shoes. You just put ’em on and go. And they should have good grip, too. Don’t wanna be slippin’ and slidin’ on a wet deck, that’s for sure! Fallin’ down can break a hip you know.
Some of these fancy shoes, they call ’em “Gold Cup” or somethin’. Says they’re made by hand, up in Maine. Well, that’s nice and all, but I reckon any good shoe is made with care. It ain’t about where it’s made, it’s about how it’s made. You want somethin’ that’s gonna last, somethin’ that’s worth the money you spend on it.
So, if you’re lookin’ for a good pair of shoes for the summer, somethin’ that’s comfortable and practical, you can’t go wrong with dockside boat shoes. Just make sure you get the good ones, the ones that are gonna last. And don’t let them fancy names and prices fool ya. A good shoe is a good shoe, no matter what you call it.
They’re perfect for anythin’, really. Goin’ sailin’, walkin’ around town, even just sittin’ on the porch swing. They’re comfortable, they’re sturdy, and they look alright too. What more could you want from a shoe?

And remember, take care of your shoes, and they’ll take care of you. Clean ’em off when they get dirty, let ’em dry out if they get wet, and they’ll last you a good long time. That’s the way things used to be, and that’s the way they should still be.
So there you have it. My two cents on dockside boat shoes. They ain’t the fanciest things in the world, but they’re good, honest shoes, and that’s what matters. Now go on and enjoy your summer!