I'm Already Over Sandals—These Controversial Flats Are All I Can Think About

This week I've spotted a very specific footwear trend emerge on city streets. Retiring their strappy sandals that simply can't withstand this summer's drizzly forecast, fashion people have been reaching for the boat shoe trend to see them through the summer instead. Whilst there are plenty of interesting boat shoes on the market, it's Timberland's Noreen boat shoes that are absolutely everywhere this season.

Styling them with white crew socks or colourful pairs, the underrated shoe trend is the 2024 summer staple I never saw coming. Originally designed to grip on to the slippery floor of a boat's decking, it makes sense that we're seeing this closed-toe shoe trend more than usual right now, given the particularly wet summer we're having.

Already a mainstay of Instagram's most stylish, this week I spotted Who What Wear UK's senior fashion and beauty editor of branded content, Rebecca Rhys-Evans, styling a pair during a trip to Japan. Wearing hers with Bermuda shorts, a white embroidered shirt and black sunglasses, Rhys-Evans crafted a relaxed ensemble that could hold up for a days worth of exploring.

With a thick lug-sole and full-coverage design, Timberland's boat shoes have stepped up as the hardy alternative to sandals, as well as a smarter option for when trainers just won't do.

Cropping up in London, Tokyo and Paris, the shoe trend has experienced a swell of love this season. Whilst previous years disregarded as the pairs as "dated" and instead shopped sleek loafers and trending ballet flats, this summer the sleek shoe is regaining its high-end status.

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Whilst the trend still feels fresh for the summer season, I have no doubt that it won't be long until it's a mainstay in many wardrobes.

Read on to shop the specific shoe trend that fashion people love below, as well as our edit of the other best boat shoes to discover this season.

SHOP TIMBERLAND BOATS SHOES:

Timberland

Noreen Boat Shoes

£180

Style with fresh white socks or wear with a colourful pair.

Timberland

Stone Street Boat Shoes

£118

This rich burgundy shade is so easy to work into a capsule wardrobe.

Freepeople

Stone Street Boat Shoes

£118

Toughen up a pretty dress or style with baggy jeans.

SHOP MORE ON-TREND BOAT SHOES:

Sebago

Sebago Jackman Boater Shoes

£118

These also come in black.

The Row

Lucca Leather Moccasins

£1150

White shoes are a summer-time staple.

Jones Bootmaker

Leather Bow Slip on Flat Boat Shoes

£89

These also come in gold and navy.

Free People

Eastland Yarmouth Boat Shoes

£98

Style with socks or go without.

Bally

Plume Leather Moccasins

£760

The leather composition gives these an elevated edge.

Crew Clothing

Suede Flatform Boat Shoes

£69

This light pink shade styles so well with browns and reds.