A picture of these classic mocs appears right next to the entry for “Boat Shoes” in the dictionary.

(If not, there certainly should be.)

Unless you’ve been asleep for say the last eight decades, you have to acknowledge that these shoes are the undisputed standard that all other boat shoes are judged against. Often credited as the world’s first boat shoes, Paul Sperry invented the first generation of these iconic shoes in 1935 to replace the slippery leather-soled shoes boaters of that era were wearing. Today you’d have a hard time finding a more recognizable AND functional pair of shoes. And when you aren’t on a boat, they add a nautical feel when matched up with jeans, chinos, walking shorts, polos and oxfords. See below for the low-down on the very heart and sole of these Authentic Originals.

The Uppers: Genuine all-leather uppers for years of wear that just gets more comfortable with age. Their minimal pattern requires less piecing. Translation: Fewer seams and more comfort against your feet. The kicker (that stitched roll around the back of your heel) also helps them keep their proper shape.

Genuine Handsewn Tru-Moc Construction: Why is this important? In a word, comfort. By hand fitting the leather to a last (a shoe form) and then hand stitching it with needles and waxed thread, you get a timeless moccasin upper that fits true to size and width. Moccasin construction also provides more flexibility so it conforms to your feet, not the other way around. The result is a pair of shoes that are so comfortable you’ll want to wear them even when you’re just wishing you’re on a boat.

The Lacing: A feature Sperry shoes are known for—their 360° Lacing System™ with rust proof eyelets. Unlike lesser boat shoes, Sperry provides for a secure fit all the way around your feet, not just across your insteps. Why does that matter? Once your shoes get wet (and they will get wet unless your boating only involves cruise ships or mega yachts), they will have a tendency to separate themselves from you if they aren’t snugged down tight around the outside of your feet. The rawhide skip lacing also improves overall stability since it will keep your shoes from slipping around on your feet.

Full Active Comfort System: Sometimes the little things make all the difference. The right amount of padding in the right place means these shoes will feel just as comfortable at the end of the day as when you first put them on. You’ll find a padded comfort wedge under the heels, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam under the heels and the forefoot areas and a full leather sockliner so you can even wear them barefoot if you like.

Heel Cups: EVA heel cups have been added to this high-impact zone to absorb and disperse shock. They offer a way to stop foot, leg and back pain before it even has a chance to start.

The Outsoles: Authentic Original Boat Mocs wouldn’t be complete without the soles Paul Sperry invented to keep you from being an MOB (Man Overboard) statistic. Having watched his dog move effortlessly across the ice one day, he was inspired to cut grooves in the bottom of a gum rubber sole to mimic those on his dog’s paws. Wave-Siping™—razor thin, wavy slits in the rubber— which channels water away and provides ultimate traction whether your footing is wet or dry was born. In fact, they grip even better when coming in contact with wet gelcoat (what boat decks are typically covered in). You’ll appreciate how they keep you firmly stuck to the surface when you’re scrambling across a heeling deck in a sudden squall. Plus, these soles are non-marking so you won’t have to scrub off those ugly black marks that ordinary shoes leave on the previously mentioned white gelcoat. The soles are stitched-on for a bond that will last and feature beveled heels that give you a place to brace against when needed.

Finally, as mentioned above, you don’t have to wear socks with your Authentic Original Boat Mocs; however, if you’d feel more comfortable we offer a selection of socks that are specifically made to wear with boat shoes and not show above the uppers so it looks like you aren’t wearing socks. Imported.

Key Features

• Genuine all-leather uppers for durability
• Handsewn tru-moc construction for longevity
• 360° Lacing System for a secure fit
• Rustproof eyelets
• Full Active Comfort System with just the right amount of cushion
• Razor-cut Wave-Siping in the soles provides ultimate wet/dry traction
• Non-marking rubber soles eliminate scuff marks on gelcoat

Care Instructions

• Remove dirt with soft bristle brush
• Treat leather with cream or gel leather protection
• Stuff shoes with newspaper and air dry before wearing again or storing