All the cool girls are wearing this transitional shoe trend right now and I want in

I don't know about you but the sudden change in weather has got me excited for the new season. From light spring jackets to softer colour palettes, I’m honing in on any trends that I can wear now and carry through into warmer spring days too.

First, it was leather jackets I was lusting after, thanks to their ability to keep me dry in any unexpected showers, then cosy yet versatile roll neck jumpers were at the top of my wish list. Now, I’m turning my eye to transeasonal shoe trends and there’s one style I’ve been spotting all the most stylish people wearing over the past few weeks: boat shoes.

First spotted on the catwalk at Miu Miu’s Spring/Summer 2024 show, the boat shoe is undoubtedly a controversial footwear choice however when you break down its relationship to the trends we’ve been embracing in recent months, its acceptance among the fashion set is not just unsurprising but practically fated. Bringing together the old money aesthetic, preppy athleisure styling and, of course, all things nautical, it’s easy to see why the boat shoe has emerged as the it-shoe in preperation for spring 2025.

One of the reasons for the boat shoes appeal however lies in its new image, as its aesthetic in 2025 is not quite as squeaky clean as it once was. After spending many years as the shoe choice of dads aiming to hit the perfect smart casual balance, it’s officially back on our sartorial radar, yet in a more relaxed, lived-in imagining.

On the catwalk at Miu Miu, models paired scuffed boat shoes with low slung skirts and rolled up shirt sleeves for a less polished appearance, while, in recent months influencers and street stylers have taken to styling their boat shoes with everything from distressed jeans to dresses and midi skirts fitting with the boats shoes now more relaxed vibe.

So are you ready to take sail? Shop our edit of the best boat shoes below and get weaving them into your wardrobe ASAP.

Shop the best boat shoes