For anyone who loves a classic, preppy look, Sperry boat shoes are an absolute wardrobe staple. With their non-slip soles, durable leather, and timeless nautical style, they're the kind of shoes that work for everything from a day on the water to a casual weekend brunch.
But if you've already broken in your favorite pair of Sperrys and are looking for something new, you're in the right place. Whether you want a more rugged vibe, a touch of luxury, or a colorful twist on the classic, here are 17 other brands that capture that same coastal cool aesthetic.
While Timberland is famous for its iconic work boots, the brand also makes a fantastic line of boat shoes that carry its signature rugged DNA. Think of them as a tougher, more outdoorsy cousin to Sperry. Often made with a focus on durability and eco-friendly materials, Timberland’s nautical footwear is built to handle more than just a walk on the boardwalk. They offer a similar vibe with a heavier emphasis on adventurous, all-weather performance.
Shop now at timberland.com
If Sperry is East Coast prep, SeaVees is pure California cool. This brand channels a retro, laid-back coastal vibe into its sneakers and slip-ons. They share Sperry's nautical roots but give them a vintage-inspired, sunny twist. Their styles are perfect for someone who loves the idea of a classic boat shoe but wants something that feels a bit more casual and effortlessly stylish, like it belongs on a California beach in the '60s.
Shop now at seavees.com
Known for its preppy, tennis-inspired fashion, Lacoste brings a touch of French elegance to the nautical footwear scene. Their loafers and boat shoes are often sleeker and more polished than Sperrys, trading rugged charm for a refined, sporty look. If you appreciate clean lines and a more sophisticated take on casual style, Lacoste offers a high-quality alternative that is perfect for a country club or a stylish city outing.
Shop now at lacoste.com
Cole Haan masterfully blends classic design with modern comfort technology, creating shoes that look timeless but feel incredibly lightweight and supportive. Their boat shoes and loafers take the traditional nautical silhouette and elevate it, making it perfect for someone who needs a versatile shoe that can transition from a casual weekend to a business-casual setting. They offer a more polished alternative to Sperry, without sacrificing all-day wearability.
Shop now at colehaan.com
Tommy Bahama turns the nautical look into a full-blown island vacation. Their footwear collection is all about relaxed luxury, with soft leathers, easygoing silhouettes, and a sun-drenched, tropical vibe. While Sperry feels classic and preppy, Tommy Bahama feels like you’ve just stepped off a yacht in the Caribbean. Their boat shoes are perfect for resort wear or anyone who wants their style to feel like a constant getaway.
Shop now at tommybahama.com
Straight from the British countryside, Barbour is known for its durable and timeless outerwear, and that same quality extends to its shoes. Their boat shoes and moccasins have a distinct British seaside feel - rugged, practical, and effortlessly classic. Unlike Sperry's all-American preppiness, Barbour offers a look that feels more connected to the misty, windswept coasts of the UK, blending country heritage with nautical function.
Shop now at barbour.com
While famous for their vibrant flip-flops, Havaianas also makes casual espadrilles and slides that capture the same fun, beach-ready spirit. They aren't a direct boat shoe alternative, but they share Sperry’s connection to summer and being by the water. If you're looking for an ultra-casual, affordable, and comfortable shoe for a pool day or a beach trip, Havaianas delivers that breezy, coastal feeling in a much more relaxed package.
Shop now at havaianas.com
If Sperry is the poster child for American nautical style, Ralph Lauren is its sophisticated, high-fashion counterpart. A quintessential preppy brand, Ralph Lauren offers boat shoes and loafers crafted from high-quality leathers with a more polished and luxurious finish. Expect timeless designs that feel a bit more refined and intentionally styled. They’re a great choice when you want that coastal vibe with an added dose of upscale polish.
Shop now at ralphlauren.com
For a fun, youthful spin on coastal prep, Vineyard Vines is the go-to. Their footwear embraces the "every day should feel this good" mantra with playful patterns, bright colors, and unabashedly preppy details. While Sperry leans more traditional, Vineyard Vines adds a dose of fun and energy to its boat shoes and loafers, making them a perfect fit for summer parties and relaxed weekend getaways.
Shop now at vineyardvines.com
Clarks is a brand rooted in comfort, and their nautical-inspired shoes are no exception. Prioritizing wearable design and quality materials, Clarks' boat shoes and loafers offer a classic look with the added benefit of cushioned insoles and supportive construction. They're a practical and versatile choice for someone who loves the Sperry aesthetic but needs a shoe that puts all-day comfort first.
Shop now at clarksusa.com
As the originator of the iconic "Weejuns" penny loafer, G.H. Bass & Co. is a titan of classic American footwear. Their boat shoes and loafers share Sperry's heritage feel but skew slightly more traditional and polished. Crafted with quality leather and timeless silhouettes, their shoes are a great option for anyone looking for a versatile style that bridges the gap between casual nautical and everyday smart-casual wear.
Shop now at ghbass.com
Madewell takes classic styles and gives them a modern, effortless cool. Their take on nautical footwear, including loafers and boat shoes, is typically more minimalist and contemporary. With soft leathers and streamlined designs, Madewell appeals to a younger shopper who appreciates coastal-inspired style but prefers a cleaner, more understated look compared to Sperry's traditional preppy aesthetic.
Shop now at madewell.com
Known for its ultra-durable, weather-proof boots, Sorel brings a functional-first approach to all its footwear. Their casual slip-ons and nautical-inspired shoes are built for adventure, often featuring waterproof materials and rugged, grippy soles. If you're looking for a shoe that captures the coastal spirit but can also handle unpredictable weather and more demanding outdoor activities, Sorel is a fantastic, utilitarian choice.
Shop now at sorel.com
J.Crew has perfected the art of modern, wearable prep. Their footwear collection translates that sensibility into classic boat shoes and loafers that feel both timeless and current. Similar to Sperry, they nail the versatile coastal look, but J.Crew often adds a fresh, polished twist through unique colors or materials, making their shoes an easy choice for polished, everyday style.
Shop now at jcrew.com
For a taste of Italian luxury, Boglioli offers exquisitely crafted loafers and slip-ons. This is where subtle elegance meets the sea. Forget rugged boat shoes, think sleek, minimalist designs made from premium leathers. While much more upscale and refined than Sperry, Boglioli appeals to those who want a high-end loafer that carries a quiet, coastal-chic vibe perfect for a summer evening in Portofino.
Shop now at boglioli.it
This Swedish brand blends clean Scandinavian design with all-weather function. Tretorn is well-known for rain boots, and their boat-inspired shoes often reflect that practicality with waterproof details and simple silhouettes. They share Sperry's connection to the outdoors but offer a minimalist aesthetic that’s perfect for someone who appreciates clean lines and functional design for seaside days, rain or shine.
Shop now at tretorn.com
Though rooted in skate culture, Vans - especially their classic slip-ons - has become a staple of laid-back, coastal style. They offer that same easygoing, summery appeal as Sperry but with a much younger, edgier attitude. For casual days by the beach or boardwalk, their sneakers are an incredibly comfortable and cool alternative that replaces the preppy nautical look with effortless, streetwear-inspired cool.
Shop now at vans.com
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