While on Twitter the other day, one of my friends made a comment about boat shoes being the new Air Force 1s, and I'm inclined to agree. Once upon a time, these shoes were used merely for functional purposes (to prevent you from slipping when standing on a wet boat deck) and, over time, they became a staple in preppy wardrobes (along with khaki bermuda shorts, cardigan sweaters tied around the shoulders, pastel-colored Polo shirts and thin pearl necklaces). But now, boat shoes are emerging as a popular footwear alternative for stylish urbanites — and, catering to a different audience also means re-imagining the shoes' design. To that end, everyone from Sebago and Sperry to Timberland and Dexter has been offering bolder colorways, funky fabrics (like patent leather, rich nubuck suede, etc.), and clever design twists that will appeal to a younger consumer base.
Timberland, however, has taken the game to unexpected heights with its fantastic new "Design Your Own Boat Shoe" program. Consumers can simply log onto Timberland.com and custom design their own shoes, which are then handsewn in Timberland's factory in the Dominican Republic and delivered within 3-4 weeks. Once you log on to the site, you can: add your initials to the shoes' tongue or collar (and select the color and font type for the embroidered monogram), select from an assortment of colors and fabrics for the shoes' tongue, side and collar; pick the type of metal for the hardware (mainly the eyelets); choose a color for the laces; and more. Among the color/fabric options, you'll find: pink nubuck suede, periwinkle nubuck, kelly green nubuck, white tumbled smooth leather, burgundy smooth leather, purple nubuck, hot pink nubuck, wheat burnished suede, brick red nubuck, black smooth leather, pebble nubuck and olive green nubuck.
A few of the design options are pictured above but, trust me: you can spend hours playing around, coming up with new color combinations. I literally spent over two hours fiddling with the design application before finally creating an awesome black-and-white boat shoe that resembles a spectator oxford (I wish I had a photo for all of you but, alas, I wasn't able to grab a photo before submitting my order! I promise to post and/or Tweet it once I get my pair though!)
Those who prefer a more hands-on approach to customizing shoes will be happy to learn that the program will be available at Timberland stores starting in July.
To paraphrase Lil Wayne, don't just cruise control, ladies — control the cruise.
Women's Classic Custom Boat Shoe, $120. Visit Timberland.com
boat shoes=good stuff