Features of a Boat Shoe
Boat shoes, or deck shoes, are a ubiquitous part of any preppy wardrobe. While these shoes are often worn for casual wear, their design also includes many functional attributes that make them well suited for their original purpose -- boating. Even if you are not on a boat, the utilitarian traits of boat shoes make them a shoe well-suited to match your chinos and polo shirt. Does this Spark an idea?
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Vamp Material
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The vamp, or upper portion, of a boat shoe is made of washable full-grain leather. The waterproof treatment of boat shoe leather allows it to withstand the moisture they frequently encounter during wear on a boat. This treatment also allows boat shoes to be practical casual shoes that wear easily during outdoor activities or in rainy conditions.
Sole
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The waterproof leather upper of a boat shoes is mated to a rubber sole. The rubber sole of deck shoes serves two purposes. Rubber allows for traction in wet conditions, making boat shoes a safety necessity for boaters. Additionally, the rubber sole of boat shoes protects the deck's surface from the scratches that a leather sole could inflict on the wood or plastic.
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Insole
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Many boat shoes feature a removable lining or insole. This helps extend their usable, life allowing for easier drying after wear, as well as preventing the buildup of odor and mildew. The benefits of this feature extend beyond the boat, as well, since many people wear boat shoes without socks.
Laces
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Boat shoes use rawhide laces due to the durability of leather, as opposed to the nylon laces frequently used on sport and dress shoes. The laces are laced through holes with metal eyelets. These corrosion-resistant eyelets are more durable than leaving the leather exposed as is done on a normal shoe. The eyelets protect the leather from the effects of water and stretching by diffusing the shoelace's stress.
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