Boat shoes are typically leather or canvas shoes having rubber soles. The non skid rubber soles actually add traction. Also popular as topsiders or deck shoes, these shoes are especially designed to be used on a boat. These shoes were invented by Paul Sperry in the year 1935 after he noted down the ability of his dog to move and run smoothly and easily all over snow. Making use of a knife, he cut the sipping into the soles of the shoes, making it just the perfect footwear for boating.
Deck shoes were originally used by the sailors.They were usually worn when walking on slippery decks of boat.Indian moccasin has originally been the inspiration of the design of the modern deck shoes. The features like side lacing, water resistant hide and the low profile are similar to that of the moccasin. The leather uppers are treated with water repellent oil and makes the shoe water resistant.