Best Boat Shoes with Arch support
Comfortable and casual with enhanced traction.
Whether you’re spending the day on the ocean or the golf course, leather or canvas boat shoes keep you effortlessly classy for any occasion.
Originally designed for long days of boating under slippery conditions, boat shoes feature a slip-on design, versatile style, and grippy rubber outsoles. These women’s and men’s deck shoes provided the traction, stability, and adaptability needed on the open seas.
Today, many people don boat shoes for a wide variety of occasions. And at KURU, we want to make sure they stay comfortable no matter the event.
That's why we’ve taken the classic boat shoe design and built in our pain-relieving technology—to offer some of the most comfortable boat shoes on the market.
Experts Guide to Boat Shoes
What are Boat Shoes?
Boat shoes are can-be-casual, can-be-classy shoe fit for a formal dinner on the Marina, a game of golf with friends, or a weekend stroll down the boardwalk.
Often featuring a leather or canvas upper with a laceless or half-laced look with grippy rubber outsoles, boat shoes are perfect for slippery boat decks and more formal events alike.
While there’s certainly a classic boat shoe design, which was the inspiration for KURU’s PACE shoe, you don’t have to use an authentic original style for footwear to work well as deck shoes.
In fact, at KURU, we’ve had customers tell us they’ve used our anti-slip KINETIC as black boat shoes on a slippery boat surface, and their feet stuck to the deck like a dream. Our leather slip-on KIVI can also work well as a leisure shoe in casual or business casual settings.
Boat shoes are can-be-casual, can-be-classy shoe fit for a formal dinner on the Marina, a game of golf with friends, or a weekend stroll down the boardwalk.
Often featuring a leather or canvas upper with a laceless or half-laced look with grippy rubber outsoles, boat shoes are perfect for slippery boat decks and more formal events alike.
While there’s certainly a classic boat shoe design, which was the inspiration for KURU’s PACE shoe, you don’t have to use an authentic original style for footwear to work well as deck shoes.
In fact, at KURU, we’ve had customers tell us they’ve used our anti-slip KINETIC as black boat shoes on a slippery boat surface, and their feet stuck to the deck like a dream. Our leather slip-on KIVI can also work well as a leisure shoe in casual or business casual settings.
Top Selling Shoes
Our Customer Favorites
"Thank you for my sandals
Normal flip flops caused my feet so much pain, so I was wearing shoes all summer. I was frustrated because my feet were always sweating, and I missed the convenience of sliding off my flip flops and going in the water. My husband and I love to fish on our boat. When Kuru brought the sandals out I had to try them. I LOVE THESE. They are very comfortable. After wearing these my feet are never sore the next day."
KALA
"DUAL FUNCTION--FANTASTIC!
I have been wearing Kurus for about 4 years and love them. Finally a slip-on to go grab the mail and also a casual boat shoe. The pace is as supportive and comfortable as all my other Kurus. GREAT SHOE!"
PACE
Technology for a Natural Fit, Engineered to Fight Foot Pain
KURUCLOUD
Our KURUCLOUD is an EVA midsole that acts as a cushioned footbed to offer padding and shock absorption for the whole foot. This lightweight foam helps absorb impact to your body, especially when standing on hard surfaces or walking for long periods.
KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE features a unique design that cups and protects the heels and allows them to dynamically flex with each step. This superior support helps us use our body’s cushioning system, the heel’s fat pad, for all-day comfort.
ULTIMATE INSOLE
How to Pair Your Boat Shoes and When to Wear Them
The boat shoe of today is about style and function. Given its adaptability, it should be in every wardrobe before summer.
A canvas, leather, or waterproof boat shoe gives you the little-bit-casual, little-bit-classy vibe that can effortlessly adapt to your surroundings. It’s a versatile style that can match a wide variety of wardrobes.
Try a white boat shoe for a warm day at the beach or a darker leather or canvas option for a classy, evening dinner.
This nautically themed footwear works equally well with breezy shorts, casual jeans, a summer dress, or a blazer and suit pants.
Shoe Care Tips
We take a look at helpful tips and suggestions to keep your favorite footwear in tip-top form.
Tip #1: Protect your boat shoes from the elements with a preventive spritz of KURU Shield, our proprietary blend of shoe protector spray. This water-repellent layer works on all shoe materials and helps safeguard your footwear from ocean spray or a spilled beverage.
Tip #2: Refresh those leather or canvas uppers with our KURU Shoe Cleaning Kit. Equipped with an all-material shoe cleaner, cleaning brush and microfiber cloth, this kit ensures you can make your shoes look like you just bought them—over and over again.
Tip #3: Allow shoes to dry out away from sunlight after being worn, especially if your shoes were exposed to water. Sunlight and moisture can prematurely break down materials, so giving shoes some breathing room after being worn each day can help them stay fresh.
Tip #1: Protect your boat shoes from the elements with a preventive spritz of KURU Shield, our proprietary blend of shoe protector spray. This water-repellent layer works on all shoe materials and helps safeguard your footwear from ocean spray or a spilled beverage.
Tip #2: Refresh those leather or canvas uppers with our KURU Shoe Cleaning Kit. Equipped with an all-material shoe cleaner, cleaning brush and microfiber cloth, this kit ensures you can make your shoes look like you just bought them—over and over again.
Tip #3: Allow shoes to dry out away from sunlight after being worn, especially if your shoes were exposed to water. Sunlight and moisture can prematurely break down materials, so giving shoes some breathing room after being worn each day can help them stay fresh.
How to Tie Boat Shoes
Although boat shoe laces are sometimes for cosmetic purposes, we break down the most popular ways of tying boat shoe laces.
Not all boat shoes are created equal. Some are canvas and laceless while others offer full-grain leather with rawhide lacing.
So while not all boat shoes come with laces, many do and they can prove tricky to tie.
Here are a few methods on how to tie your boat shoes.
Surgeon’s Knot. Add an extra loop for extra hold. Here's how.
Chain Knot. Twisting each lace in a chain-like pattern. Here's how.
Barrel Knot. Wrap around each lace without a tie. Here's how.
Tassel Knot. A square knot with a twist at the end. Here's how.
FAQS
Answers to the most frequently asked questions are just a click away.
What are boat shoes?
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Boat shoes are a versatile, slip-on footwear option that can work equally well in casual and formal environments. Boat shoes for women and men often feature grippy rubber outsoles for traction on decks, quick-dry canvas uppers, or a more formal leather upper with laces. No matter the style, they offer a uniquely classy and timeless flair.
Do you wear socks with boat shoes?
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This choice comes down to personal preference. While many prefer to wear boat shoes without socks, socks can provide a barrier for sweat and bacteria, making them helpful on extra warm days. If you prefer a sockless look but still want the moisture-wicking benefits, opt for a low-profile sock that can hide behind the shoe line.
How do I wear boat shoes?
+-
Boat shoes are a classic, versatile footwear option that really shine during spring and summer. Wear them for long days on a boat, at the beach, on a city stroll on a summer day, or an evening dinner with friends. Boat shoes work both as a dress shoe and casual shoe and they look great with shorts, pants, and summer dresses alike.
Are your shoes considered orthopedic shoes?
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While our shoes are not currently considered orthopedic by a medical standard, we have received thousands of positive reviews from customers who say their KURUs helped reduce or eliminate their foot pain.
How long do athletic shoes last?
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Podiatrists recommend replacing footwear about once every 6–12 months or about 300–500 miles, depending on frequency of use.
Runners or those with more mileage may need to replace their shoes more often to help avoid injury and maintain the most optimal support.
Can I use custom orthotics with KURU shoes?
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Due to the anatomical shape of the KURUSOLE, custom orthotics with a rounded heel fit best inside our shoes. If the underside of the custom orthotic (the part that sits on the footbed) is squared off, then it may not fit into our deep heel cup—which is rounded like your foot.
That said, many of our customers tell us the KURUSOLE technology offers better support and stability than they expected, and that they don't need to wear their custom orthotics with KURU shoes.
How is the arch support of KURU shoes?
+-
KURU shoes deliver excellent arch support without the need for thick inserts or expensive, custom orthotics.
Superior arch support starts with our patented KURUSOLE technology, which delivers natural cushioning and dynamically hugs your heel with every step. Every foot is unique, and our ULTIMATE INSOLES adapt to fit your needs by using your own body heat to custom-mold to the shape of your feet over time.
The corrective nature of our superior arch support is designed to neutralize your weight distribution and place your foot in the best anatomical position. This support can take some getting used to. We suggest slowly breaking in your new shoes over the course of 2–3 weeks.
I just received a pair of your shoes and my feet are sore/hurt after wearing them. Why is that?
+-
Some customers experience tenderness when they first start wearing a new pair of KURUs. That’s ok! Your body may need time to adjust to the new levels of anatomical support you experience with our patented KURUSOLE technology. Our shoes are also designed to mold to your unique foot shape, which takes a bit of a break-in period.
To help mitigate this, we suggest you follow our break-in procedure, including wearing your KURUs for a couple hours per day around the house in the first couple of weeks as they break in and form to your foot.
Are boat shoes business casual?
+-
The right pair certainly can be! While some boat shoes are canvas or linen with a more casual feel, some options offer a sleek-looking leather upper that could absolutely work for a business casual event.
Should boat shoes be tight or loose?
+-
While athletic shoes need to be snug for the activities ahead, women’s and men’s boat shoes can fit with a little extra wiggle room. While you never want shoes to be down-right loose, a healthy, snug-yet-breathable fit will help you remain pain free and comfortable all day long.
What are boat shoes?
Boat shoes are a versatile, slip-on footwear option that can work equally well in casual and formal environments. Boat shoes for women and men often feature grippy rubber outsoles for traction on decks, quick-dry canvas uppers, or a more formal leather upper with laces. No matter the style, they offer a uniquely classy and timeless flair.
Do you wear socks with boat shoes?
This choice comes down to personal preference. While many prefer to wear boat shoes without socks, socks can provide a barrier for sweat and bacteria, making them helpful on extra warm days. If you prefer a sockless look but still want the moisture-wicking benefits, opt for a low-profile sock that can hide behind the shoe line.
How do I wear boat shoes?
Boat shoes are a classic, versatile footwear option that really shine during spring and summer. Wear them for long days on a boat, at the beach, on a city stroll on a summer day, or an evening dinner with friends. Boat shoes work both as a dress shoe and casual shoe and they look great with shorts, pants, and summer dresses alike.
Are your shoes considered orthopedic shoes?
While our shoes are not currently considered orthopedic by a medical standard, we have received thousands of positive reviews from customers who say their KURUs helped reduce or eliminate their foot pain.
How long do athletic shoes last?
Podiatrists recommend replacing footwear about once every 6–12 months or about 300–500 miles, depending on frequency of use.
Runners or those with more mileage may need to replace their shoes more often to help avoid injury and maintain the most optimal support.
Can I use custom orthotics with KURU shoes?
Due to the anatomical shape of the KURUSOLE, custom orthotics with a rounded heel fit best inside our shoes. If the underside of the custom orthotic (the part that sits on the footbed) is squared off, then it may not fit into our deep heel cup—which is rounded like your foot.
That said, many of our customers tell us the KURUSOLE technology offers better support and stability than they expected, and that they don't need to wear their custom orthotics with KURU shoes.
How is the arch support of KURU shoes?
KURU shoes deliver excellent arch support without the need for thick inserts or expensive, custom orthotics.
Superior arch support starts with our patented KURUSOLE technology, which delivers natural cushioning and dynamically hugs your heel with every step. Every foot is unique, and our ULTIMATE INSOLES adapt to fit your needs by using your own body heat to custom-mold to the shape of your feet over time.
The corrective nature of our superior arch support is designed to neutralize your weight distribution and place your foot in the best anatomical position. This support can take some getting used to. We suggest slowly breaking in your new shoes over the course of 2–3 weeks.
I just received a pair of your shoes and my feet are sore/hurt after wearing them. Why is that?
Some customers experience tenderness when they first start wearing a new pair of KURUs. That’s ok! Your body may need time to adjust to the new levels of anatomical support you experience with our patented KURUSOLE technology. Our shoes are also designed to mold to your unique foot shape, which takes a bit of a break-in period.
To help mitigate this, we suggest you follow our break-in procedure, including wearing your KURUs for a couple hours per day around the house in the first couple of weeks as they break in and form to your foot.
Are boat shoes business casual?
The right pair certainly can be! While some boat shoes are canvas or linen with a more casual feel, some options offer a sleek-looking leather upper that could absolutely work for a business casual event.
Should boat shoes be tight or loose?
While athletic shoes need to be snug for the activities ahead, women’s and men’s boat shoes can fit with a little extra wiggle room. While you never want shoes to be down-right loose, a healthy, snug-yet-breathable fit will help you remain pain free and comfortable all day long.
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