With warmer days comes the search for shoes that offer both comfort and style. While sandals are left out (for good reason), I wanted to make a list of the most versatile alternatives that fit every occasion.

A list of the best-quality boat shoe options from independent makers who still care about craftsmanship.

Boat shoes, deck shoes, or city moccasins? Each offers a unique summer style. Here’s a guide to how they differ, how to wear them, and why I’ve come around to liking this relaxed footwear.

Boat shoes, invented almost 100 years ago by Paul Sperry, were designed to prevent slipping on boat decks. Originally made with rubber soles, they became popular for both style and function, turning into a timeless classic.

Spring is the most enjoyable season for footwear because you can wear basically all styles, as the weather can drastically change from really cold to super warm in a matter of a day or two.

When we’re talking about casual style, the answer is much more complex than a simple yes or no. It depends on the number of layers, colors and fabrics you’re wearing.

This style of shoes was born sometime after 1900 in Tyrol, a region in the Alps that lies between Austria and Italy.

The Derby shoe we know today may have originally been designed as military footwear during the Napoleonic Wars. After nearly two centuries this shoe may not serve the same purpose as it once did, but it still plays a similar role in style.

These lace-up boots originated with British Army units stationed in India, who wore ankle-high leather boots to play polo.

Loafers are today as popular as ever so almost every fashion brand has their own version. You can find them in the stores of mainstream fast fashion brands, all the way up to luxury brands. But in this article I talk about the quality options you can get from the best makers.

Better quality for most items means they have a longer lifespan, and many of these items can be easily repaired, or when talking about shoes, re-soled. All this leads to less waste.