SebagoPortland Waxed Boat Shoes - Handsewn Waxed Leather Moccasins with Leather Sock Lining and Non-Marking, Slip-Resistant Rubber Outsoles

Bottom Line: Excellent, comfortable nu-buck alternative to Sperry’sWhat is the appeal of boat shoes? They’re simple, comfortable and convenient; they can be slipped on and off with ease, worn with or without socks (go no socks), and they pair well with chino’s, jeans and shorts.Right out of the box, I was impressed with the smooth, soft nu-buck exterior. The nap is ever so slight with a velvet touch and the texture can be appreciated both visually and physically. The construction is especially solid with the Docksides being flexible and close to the ground which presents an interesting dichotomy; while I wouldn’t go on hikes with them or unusually long walking day trips, they are very relaxed and non-restrictive compared to Sperry’s, which tend to be stiffer boat shoes. So what does that mean? Great for casual and boating use, not so great for walking the length of Manhattan.The upper and interior linings are made from heavy-duty leather, with brass eyelets for the rawhide laces which are suitably thick to prevent breaking but not so thick to prevent easy lacing. The outsoles are rubber (compared to man-made soles which are made from cheaper plastic). Rubber outsoles are non-marking and slip-resistant.Usually reserved for spring and summer use, the shoes should last for quite a many years, depending on levels of abuse. If you’re a landlubber, these can easily go a decade. The design is not unnecessarily garish so these bad boys will never date themselves in the long run.Better arch support would have made these a 5 but keep in mind, that's rare for boat shoes.

I expected to receive something average but I've been wearing these regularly for quite a while now and they're doing great. No signs of poor stitching or other construction anywhere on the shoe.They fit great and feel comfortable. I can't say that about a whole lot of shoes, but I can say that about these.The bottom is rubber, so Keep looking if you're searching for shoes with a different bottom. To me it doesn't matter.As you can see in the images I took of them, they're made of very nice material and look better than in the product image provided.I would definitely buy these again.

First - these shows are since almost 20 years my go-to shoes (no pun indented). I could order them and walk in them the first day without any issues; for many years I knew each new pair would be comfortable. Not lately. They seem to be stiffer at first but soften up of course. However, the last pair I got are unbearable and unwearable. There are stitches in the middle of the back of the shoe that rub against the skin with each step - through the socks and within half a day through the skin. I can only wear them with thick blister bandaids and even those got destroyed. I might give them another try but am very disappointed. Not sure if manufactoring changed over the years.

I only bought these as they were on sale. Glad I switched it up.Over the last six or seven years, I've had three pairs of Topsiders. The first pair lasted five years and they were great shoes. The second pair lasted less than two; decent shoes, but less comfortable and certainly less durable. The third pair lasted for a summer; they were uncomfortably and shoddily built. So after the last of the Sperrys failed, I searched around for a replacement brand at a less-than-$100 pricepoint, and of course Sebago was what I came across first.They're built of much sturdier, thicker leather. And, unlike Sperrys, these will require a break in period. But after the leather has some creases and had suppled up, they're golden. After they conform to your foot, they're a pleasure to wear.I realize that both Sperry and Sebago are owned by footwear giant Wolverine, but it's obvious that the current manufacturing processes is still very different between the two sub-brands. I'll report back if there are any durabilty issues, but these things seem solid, and I'm looking forward to a few years with them before I get another pair.

I bought the brown leather with the brown-ish outsole and was concerned they'd look too dressy or old. They do in a way right out of the box; but, when you wear them and they develop their creases and wear marks...Wow, they make a rapid transition from old and stodgy to vintage and cool. Kind of like a Saddleback bag for your feet. I've owned many pair of Docksides in the past and think Sebago's are terrific when built properly. They aren't always nor are the left and right always a good visual match; but, this recent pair is excellent including the 3/4 leather footbed remaining glued after a couple weeks of wearing. As for sizing, the 11 bends exactly where my size 10.5 foot (arch length on Brannock) bends. FWIW, I wear an 11 in Chucks, 10.5 in most Allen Edmonds dress shoes and 11.5 in Brooks & Nike running shoes.

If you wish to go back to a time when Sperry's lasted more than six months, look no further than Sebago. The exact same timeless style, but built with quality leather, quality soles, and constructed to last. The second you hold these shoes in your hand you will be blown away with how sturdily constructed they are. The soles are thicker than Topsiders, the leather is stiffer, the stitching is visibly thicker, and the stitching attaching the sole is more deeply recessed.Everything about this shoe screams quality in a way that makes topsiders seem cheap in comparison. All while costing half as much. Consider me a convert after a lifetime of Topsiders. Sorry Sperry, but you suck.