The days of men wearing a suit and tie to work are pretty much nonexistent in most offices. Dress down days, casual Fridays and business casual seem to have taken over from office building to banks.
If you are one of the lucky ones who has a job that is business casual, you’ve no doubt seen plenty of deck shoes in the office. They provide a lightweight alternative to a heavy shoe or boot. The deck shoe is a traditional shoe that has endeared itself to many men through the years and casually made its way into the work place.
The first deck shoe was actually invented by Paul Sperry in 1935. Sperry watched as his dog ran through water and over ice without slipping or loosing balance. Taking inspiration from his nautical dog, he then took a knife, cut slits into his shoe soles. These grooves gave the rubber sole more tread helping them to grip the surface of his wet boat deck. He introduced his deck shoes to the US navy which eventually lead to world wide popularity.
The deck shoe can be accessorized up or down to fit in just about anywhere and any occasion.
Busy summer day? Take black leather deck shoes. Tonal hue match your shoes with your shorts, add a polo shirt, a black leather strap watch with some sunglasses and there is your beach or BBQ outfit. If you going to stay at the party into the night add a lightweight jacket or windbreaker.
If you have a spring brunch or casual get together, grab a pair of leather or sued decks shoes that have the same tone and colour to a pair of chinos with a short sleeved shirt. If you are worried about he chill later in the night, temporarily roll of the sleeves of a long sleeved shirt and grab a windbreaker. Accessorize with a sporty watch and sunglasses and you’re good to go.
Going antiquing or for a hayride in the fall? Leather deck shoes matching a pair of your favourite skinny or tapered jeans, a t-shirt or long sleeved shirt and a lightweight windbreaker or zip up hoodie and the day is your right into the evening.
Deck shoes are much more versatile than a loafer or a shoe. They can be worn with jeans, khakis or chinos. Deck shoes are more sport with jeans and a t-shirt but can also be worn with shorts. Loafers with shorts are not recommended, stick with the deck shoes. Back when deck shoes only came in brown khakis or light coloured trouser were the rule.
Deck shoes do require a little maintenance. Oiling your deck shoes with leather oil will keep them supple and help the leather last longer. Spray the inside of your shoes with a shoe cleaner to avoid unwanted fungus due to the sweat and moisture of your feet being sockless. Deck shoes are a comfortable warmer weather shoe that can be worn in just about any situation. Try and resist the urge to grab a captains hats to complete your look, unless your climbing aboard your own yacht.
Here at New Forest Footwear we have a wide range of Mens Boat shoes