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.
@thestylearchiviste ♬ No Loss - Instrumental Version - Canon
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:
This rich burgundy shade is so easy to work into a capsule wardrobe.
SHOP MORE ON-TREND BOAT SHOES:
Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.
With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.
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