November 19th 2024.
Whether you're a fan or not, it's time to say goodbye to the classic Adidas Sambas and New Balance 530's. A new footwear trend has taken over the fashion world, and it's got us all rummaging through our dad's closets for that effortlessly cool look.
Cast your mind back to December 2023, when American influencer and style icon Emma Chamberlain made a bold statement about the future of fashion. "Boat shoes," she confidently declared, "they will be back, take it or leave it." The video went viral, sparking a heated debate among fashion enthusiasts. Some argued that boat shoes never went out of style, while others swore they would never be caught dead wearing a pair.
In fact, Vogue even dubbed them the "ultimate ugly shoe" and labeled them as "dad shoes". But here's the thing – that's not necessarily a bad thing. These shoes are more versatile than you think.
And now, almost a year later, Emma's prophecy is coming true. From Paraboot to Ralph Lauren, Birkenstock, and Sperry, Gen Zers all over the world are slipping into these once-reserved-for-dads shoes and making them their own. And dare we say it, they actually look chic?
So, how do you style the ultimate dad shoe, where can you get them, and why are they perfect for those drizzly days? Don't worry, we've got you covered with everything you need to know.
But first, let's answer the question on everyone's mind – who invented boat shoes? Well, they were first created by Paul A. Sperry in 1935. Legend has it that he was inspired by watching his dog effortlessly run over ice without slipping. After some experimenting, he found that cutting siping into rubber soles provided a steady grip on the deck of his boat.
Since then, Sperry Top-Sider shoes and other brands inspired by them have become somewhat of a status symbol. They're a favorite among wealthy boat owners and even schools that require leather footwear. And of course, dads love them too.
But despite their popularity among certain groups, boat shoes are making a comeback in everyday fashion. And it's not surprising – in both the 80s and early 00s, they were embraced by high fashion icons such as Paul Newman, Victoria Beckham, and even Princess Diana.
So why are boat shoes becoming popular again? Well, aside from being comfortable, they're also a practical choice for colder months. Their original purpose was to prevent slipping on wet surfaces, making them ideal for drizzly days, icy conditions, and even snow.
But that's not all – according to Vogue, boat shoes have the ability to elevate a look while still keeping it casual. The leather gives them a classy touch, making them suitable for anything from a lunch date to the office or even a semi-formal event. Plus, with trends leaning towards old money, prep, and Americana, boat shoes are the perfect accessory for a polished look.
Now, the big question – how do you style boat shoes? The good news is, there's no right or wrong way. One TikToker, Fromage Freya, even borrowed her dad's pair to try them out before investing in her own. Harper's Bazaar writer, Julie Tong, loves pairing them with tailored trousers and pleated skirts for a chic office look. Nordstrom's associate fashion director, Linda Cui Zhang, wore them at New York Fashion Week with a black dress, and others have been spotted rocking them with slip skirts, baggy trousers, and even hot pants.
Boat shoes are also a great match for slacks, blazers, dresses (both summer and winter), and your everyday casual outfits. They truly are a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
So what do Gen Zers think of this trend? Well, for some, it's a no-brainer. "All you need is a pair of boat shoes, and you can solve so many problems," wrote one user on X. "I'm here for the boat shoes comeback," added another on TikTok. And for some, they never left – "What do you mean they will be back? They were never gone," commented one user.
But of course, not everyone is on board with this comeback. "Boat shoes were the only ones allowed at my private catholic high school, please, I cannot relive that trauma," wrote Izzy Liberti on TikTok. And as for Irish Cate, the squeaking sound when breaking them in is "sickening".
But with boat shoes offering both practicality and effortless style, they're becoming more and more appealing. And with so many options available, from classic Sperrys to designer versions, there's a pair for everyone. So go ahead, channel your inner dad and rock those boat shoes with confidence.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
