The 5 Best Mens Summer Shoes for 2021
Undoubtedly Deck shoes, Boat shoes, Docksiders or Sailing shoes - whatever you wish to call them - cover a wide spectrum of essential summer wear for the British Gent.
Our favourite supplier of these styles has to be Orca Bay.
The quality of the leathers, the soles and construction is second to none. Of course there are much cheaper equivalents but they simply do not have the same standards.
So what makes a 'good' deck shoe?
Obviously the leather itself is vitally important. Orca Bay use a range of Saddle leathers, pull-up leathers, nubucks, oiled nubucks and soft suedes.
Combine high quality input materials with manufacturing consistency and you have a durable and comfy shoe to last not just one season but several. Not only that, Orca bay shoes keep their shape. So many cheap boat shoes have thin leathers and poor colouring and they simply look cheap - especially after a soaking or two in salt water.
Orca Bay use rust resistant eyelets, raw hide leather laces, salt/weather resistant leather, razor cust rubber soles. all vital ingredients for 'proper' sailors - but you don't have to be a sailor to require durable shoes.
So here is our pick of the 5 of the best essentials for this summer of 2021.
- For the serious walker wanting a robust performer with support and strong sole - the BUFFALO - in 2 colours
- For the casual garden potterer / stroll to the beach - the CREEK - in 3 colours
- For the smart casual al-fresco diner - the BROMPTON or CHALFONT chelsea boot -
- For the serious sailor - the CHEROKEE in 2 colours
- And finally for the older gent or those who don't want laces - the FRIPP - in 3 colours
The stout walking shoe, with a commando-style sole, sure to give you grip in the wet, a sturdy sole to cope with rought ground, 3 eyelets to give support to the foot, durable and hard-wearing
Click image to shop Buffalo
2 eyelet casual everyday deck shoe, for the beach, the garden or the pub. Ideal to pack in your holiday bag when heading for sunnier climes.
Click image to shop "Creek" for Gents and Ladies
The chalfont and brompton have a more modern, elegant last and come in both brown suede or leathers. A leather sole with rubber protective forepart they will work in all weathers as a smart-ish town boot
Click image to shop Brompton and Chalfont
The number one sailing shoe, with a strong, grippy double-sole, 3 eyelets, non-marking soles
Click image to shop Cherokee
The Fripp - a most popular summer slip-on, perfect for those who dislike laces, but with the same high quality uppers, razor cut rubber sole, a great summer loafer. It comes in Elk, sand nubuck, and for crew - black leather
Click image to shop Fripp