Our handcrafted Horween Boat Shoes are back fresh new colors. Honoring the timeless shape and details of this iconic style, they are intricately made right in the USA using some of Horween's most beautiful leathers.
These Gustin Boat shoes are made from Chromexcel leather from the Horween Leather Company in Chicago. You can only begin to see the sheer beauty of this leather from the images we’ve shown you. That special Horween luster, the depth of shade, the hues that you simply don't see from other tanneries. This version is in a deeply saturated navy color, the perfect nod to the style's nautical roots. The slightest change of light lets you see different and new depths of shade. It’s a beautiful surprise each day you put them on. The feel of this shoe is captivating. When you pick it up, you instantly sense the weight and durability. The surface is smooth and slightly oily to the touch. The character this leather develops even after one day of wear is like nothing we’ve seen before. The way it creases where your toe bends, the way the tongue forms indentations around the laces, the way the uppers mold to your foot. Each day we’re torn between wanting to wear this shoe and hanging them on the wall so we can just stare at them all day.
We've retained the iconic shape of the traditional 2 eyelet boat shoe and perfected the fit. Our last was designed to get the specific look and fit we wanted. Overall, the fit is very neutral and accessible. They are wide enough to be worn with socks, but will not slip off when barefoot. 360 degree lacing not only provides an aesthetic touch but allows you to snug up the heel for a custom fit. Our boat shoe features all of the classic elements including a rubber outsole for traction, premium rawhide laces, unlined Horween leather upper and brass eyelets. The crimping toe detail and "heel kicker" are a result of 100% hand sewn moccasin construction. These features are unique to true hand sewn construction and also provide an amazing look. Off white thread throughout the upper offers a stunning contrast to the beautiful natural leather. Our boat shoe is the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe because they pair perfectly with jeans, khakis and shorts.
Our boat shoes are constructed by hand in Maine by a group of craftsmen with over 20 years experience making footwear. It starts with cutting the leather. Careful cutting without any stacking ensures only the best sections of leather are used across all the hides. The shoe's upper is hand-punched and hand-sewn with awl, needle, and thread on our proprietary last. True moccasin construction allows our boat shoe to wrap and mold to your foot resulting in a superior fit. Other, less expensive construction methods will be stroble stitched and the leather pattern doesn't actually wrap under the foot. A Gustin embossed full-leather insole and steel shank reinforcement adds to the comfort and durability. The lasted shoe is little-way stitched through the siped deck sole providing a durable, surface gripping outsole.
Gustin Boat Shoes run true to size. If you typically wear a US 9 or EU 42 or measure 9 on a Brannock device, we recommend ordering a US 9. If you plan on wearing no socks, we recommend sizing-down one half size.