Preppy, comfortable and spring-ready, the classic boat shoe has been more popular than ever with the style set this year, with the practical, stylish silhouette spotted on runways and celebrities ever since the weather allowed for such seasonal shoes. So it’s no surprise that, with a heritage extending back more than 140 years, British shoemaker Crockett & Jones is getting in on the action; adding a twist to the silhouette to make it your favourite summer shoe yet.

But, first, a little history. Originally exclusive to seafarers, who for centuries has struggled with slippy decks, the first boat shoe featured a grippy sole based on the herringbone texture of a dog’s paw. Before long boat shoes had become a mainstay of the well-dressed, offering a brilliant alternative to formal brogues and Oxfords and adopted by well-heeled gents who worked them into preppy weekend wardrobes full of chinos, fishermen’s jumpers and sweater vests. And, whether they’re gathering in Cowes or Cannes, they’ve been a perennial favourite of the social set ever since.

In a first for Crockett & Jones, its SS24 Waterfront collection introduces a newly-created summer boat shoe in the form of the Falmouth. Taking inspiration from the stunning shores of Croatia for its new collection, the Northampton shoemaker’s fresh offering infuses relaxed European design codes with quality British craftsmanship.

The Falmouth bridges the gap between a boat shoe and a loafer with an innovative hybrid ‘Loafer-cum-Derby’ design. The shoe borrows design elements from Crockett & Jones’ famous Boston and Harvard penny loafers, such as the rugged moccasin toe construction, with a few key changes including double-stacked leather open lacing and a new wedge rubber sole. Inspired by classic boat shoe-style soles that provide additional grip on deck, the wedge rubber sole features a sloping design and horizontal tread to lend the shoe grip, flexibility, durability and comfort.

Designed and made in England, the Falmouth is poised to be your go-to summer shoe thanks to its versatile and easy to slip on-and-off design. Crockett & Jones renders the trendy boat shoe in suede and calf leather in an array of shades including khaki, ocean blue and tan.

Whether you’re relaxing on your boat on the Riviera or strolling around the capital, the Falmouth is easy to style for any occasion. As with traditional boat shoes, you can skip the socks and pair with chinos and a polo shirt for the ultimate preppy look. Or, wear with ankle socks and jeans for an elevated alternative to trainers. The Falmouth will also work wonders with a linen suit for more formal social season occasions. 

In fact, we predict you’ll be turning to yours so often you should probably buy a pair in every colour.

Shop the full collection at crockettandjones.com