We've got nothing against a classic pair of boat shoes for soaking in the summer. But if you're still exhuming that ancient pair from your garage every time the weather heats up, well, it's time for an upgrade. These days, there are plenty of great boat-shoe alternatives that will offer sockless comfort and inject a little style oomph into your wardrobe at the same time. We're talking killer sneakers, loafers, driving shoes, espadrilles, or sockless shoes. We've compiled them all right here.
1. | Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Original Laser Perf Boat Shoe
Amazon$70; Buy now at amazon.com
A classic boat shoe is always a good idea, but for the dude who has everything, this perforated version is a cool, sporty update.
2. | Gucci Signature Web Driver Loafer
Amazon$448; Buy now at amazon.com
Luxe driving loafers project a casual but still elevated vibe. The blue suede contrasts perfectly with the red and black stripe on these, making these sockless shoes versatile enough to wear with black, grey, and khaki pants.
3. | Buddy G.S. Slip-On BFF
End Clothing$259; Buy now at endclothing.com
If you've got plain white slip-on sneakers covered, give these tan leather ones a try. They're dressy enough for a summer suit but casual enough to wear with jeans.
4. | Frye Mason Venetian Loafer
AmazonStarting at $99.90; Buy now at amazon.com
One advantage of grey is that is goes with pretty much everything, so if you're looking for a pair of sockless shoes that will blend seamlessly with your entire wardrobe, these are it.
5. | Soludos Men's Striped Original Espadrilles
Amazon$55; Buy now at amazon.com
If you're heading on vacation this season, espadrilles are essential. Go for a nautical stripe design like this to really get into the warm-weather spirit.
5. | Soludos Men's Striped Original Espadrilles
AmazonStarting at $33.21; Buy now at amazon.com
No need to mess with a classic, right? Simply put, these are a closet staple that you need to have. Once you snag these sockless shoes, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
7. | Tod's Leather Moccasins
Tods$495; Buy now at tods.com
For guys who are looking for a comfortable option that they can get away with wearing to work, these super leather mocs with a proper rubber sole are a no-brainer.
8. | Ecco Transit Slip-On
AmazonStarting at $84.28; Buy now at amazon.com
Call these commuter shoes turned stylish. Not only do they look good, but they're ultra-breathable and even absorb sweat from your foot so you can wear them sans socks.
9. | Kenneth Cole New York Thrill-iant Leather Loafer
AmazonStarting at $169.75; Buy now at amazon.com
Getting in on the ankle-cuffed pant trend? These tasseled loafers are the perfect way to top off the look with an extra hit of style.
10. | Lacoste Marice Sneaker
Amazon$70; Buy now at amazon.com
Lacoste's signature French-guy aesthetic brings an element of sophistication to these polished but decidedly informal shoes.
11. | Nike Sock Dart SE Running Shoe
AmazonStarting at $60; Buy now at amazon.com
If you find yourself in need of a dose of sneakerhead street-cred, these will do the trick. A plain black and white colorway makes them appropriate for men of all ages.
12. | Officine Creative Maurice Shirred Suede Loafers
Mr. Porter$550; Buy now at mrporter.com
This combo of espadrilles and sneakers gives you the best of both worlds: a hint of sleek athletic-wear with a touch of bohemian detail.
13. | Toms Alparagata Classic Chambray Slip Ons
AmazonStarting at $25; Buy now at amazon.com
Not only does buying from a brand that gives back feel good, but this super simple chambray style feels totally current.
14. | Vass Ash Slip On Sneakers
Saturdays NYC$150; Buy now at saturdaysnyc.com
This is the kind of print you can only get away with in the summer, so we say go for it. Plus, the blue and white color scheme makes it easier to pair back to your most classic pieces.
15. | Salvatore Ferragamo Faro Loafer
Amazon$540; Buy now at amazon.com
When you're shopping for more casual shoes, a white rubber sole gives a stuffier silhouette a more relaxed edge.
16. | Swims Braided Lace Loafer
AmazonStarting at $49; Buy now at amazon.com
Waterproof, sockless shoes aren't always the best-looking, but it's hardly noticeable at first glance that these loafers are made of rubber, making them ideal for braving and beach and boat days in style.
17. | Thom Browne Espadrille
Thom Browne$1,050; Buy now at thombrowne.com
Prepping your outfit for the 4th? These espadrilles are equal parts patriotic and summer-cool.
18. | Polo Ralph Lauren Woodley Slip-On Loafer
AmazonStarting at $70; Buy now at amazon.com
There's a reason it seems like every man has this shoe in his closet: It's comfortable and can be worn on almost any occasion. Work? Check. Weekend? Check. Vacation? Check. This style looks great with almost everything—just avoid wearing it with solid black pants.
19. | PS by Paul Smith Clyde Cockatoo Print Slip On Sneakers
Amazon$195; Buy now at amazon.com
If you're the kind of guy who isn't afraid of wearing something loud, go for a tropical print. Try to keep the rest of your outfit fairly neutral and solid to avoid a look that's too "out there."
20. | Off White Spray Slip-On Sneaker
End Clothing$355; Buy now at endclothing.com
Graphic black and white stripes add a bit of interest to an otherwise basic shoe, making it easy for any guy to add to his collection.
21 | H by Hudson Vista Suede Oxford
Amazon$48.97; Buy now at amazon.com
The smoking slipper silhouette is totally old school, but this mesh-like design adds an ideal modern update to these sockless shoes.
22. | Vince Lucio Sneaker
AmazonStarting at $119; Buy now at amazon.com
High tops don't always have to come with a mess of laces—these suede ones are proof. Even better, the cutaway ankle makes them feel appropriate for warmer weather.
23. | Bally Perceval Drivers
Amazon$450; Buy now at amazon.com
Though almost everyone wears loafers, they don't have to be boring or run-of-the-mill. Adding a simple stripe to a basic style gives it a super fresh feel.
24. | Loro Piana Summer Walk Suede Loafers
Mr. Porter$750; Buy now at mrporter.com
Built for summer walks, these slip-ons are equipped with grippy rubber soles and water-repellent suede, so they can take you anywhere you want to adventure.
25. | Seavees Huntington Middie
Seavees$108; Buy now at seavees.com
If you're a fan of the shorts and high-tops look, these sockless shoes are your best bet. They hit at exactly the right place on the ankle to flatter calves, and feature an easy-on easy-off tab on the back.
26. | Topman Tan Suede Weaved Loafers
Top Man$90; Buy now at us.topman.com
These loafers are the shoe equivalent of a Panama hat. In other words, they're equally summery and sophisticated.
27. | Maians Rufini Combi 2 Sneakers
Maians$110; Buy now at maians.com
Made from totally natural fabrics, these three-tone sneaks are unpretentious but have plenty of style.
28. | Quoddy Downeast Nubuck Boat Shoes
Mr. Porter$180; Buy now at mrporter.com
Straightforward boat shoes are a must in every summer shoe wardrobe, so grab a pair like these in a high quality material and neutral color way.
29. | Rubinacci Leather-Trimmed Denim Loafers
Mr. Porter$585; Buy now at mrporter.com
It might be too hot to wear proper jeans at the height of the season, so get your dose of denim on your feet with these sleek loafers.
30. | Rivieras Classic 20 Slip Ons
AmazonStarting at $51.81; Buy now at amazon.com
These canvas slides are durable and equally ideal for both beach strolls and city sidewalks.
