His original inspiration for a special shoe surfaced after slipping off of his boat one too many times, and after a long period of careful design, the first deck shoe was born.

These specially treated shoes are designed to stop the spreading of bacteria, which can lead to bad odors and foot infections. Before the Preppy boom, the brand’s Docksides were popular among boaters since they were first released in the 70s. Manufactured from a full-grain leather with a hand sewn construction, the Dockers Castaways look the part, and are tough and durable too.Orthopedic linings can really boost your shoes comfort factor, and there are some that are designed to closely hug your feet and provide a very close and comfortable fit. The soles are quite thick and have a nice amount of shock absorption, which works excellently with the shoe’s cushioned EVA foam insole, for a comfortable and cushioned fit. Since you’re going to be up on deck, having shoes that are sturdy, comfortable, able to resist the elements, and with plenty of grip, are what makes the difference. It’s similar with motorcycle jackets: it can be hard to find what you’re looking for under the masses and masses of fashion products. The top section also has a leather panel section that houses the lace eyelets, and bold stitching that give it a rebellious look.

On the inside, the shoe is lined with a moisture wicking suede material to boost breathability and keep your sweating down to a minimum. They don’t need to be completely waterproof, since you shouldn’t be wearing them underwater, but a material with a chemical treatment that allows water to run off of your shoes rather than soak in to them will make your wearing experience more enjoyable. These Sperry boat shoes are fastened together with a 360(0) lacing system, with rawhide laces and rustproof eyelets.

The result is a pair of casual sneakers that look like regular fashion shoes, but with all of the important features that a real, hard-working boat shoe would need.