****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Bought these five years ago. Don’t wear every day or even every week but whenever I reach for them they’re ready to go. Expecting great arch support? Look elsewhere, these are boat shoes. But if you’re looking for the quintessential boat shoe, appropriate for almost every occasion and comfortable for what they are designed to do, these are it. Durable and good looking. Would buy again and considering a second pair.I've been a long-time Sperry Topsider wearer. When I purchased my first pair 1977, they were made in New England and the quality was fantastic. Now they are made in China; it seems to me that the quality has gone down, while the price has gone up.I decided to give Sebagos a try, so I ordered a pair of Sebago Spinnakers last spring. They were stiff at first, but quickly became comfortable, and the "W" width was wide enough for my feet. They have become my favorite casual shoe this summer.My old brown Sperry Topsiders needed replacing, so I ordered these Sebago Docksides instead, and in the same size/width as the Spinnakers. I was disappointed at first, because they seemed slightly tighter and less comfortable than the Spinnakers. I was almost ready to send them back, but decided to wear them a few hours a day inside the house. Within a few days, they began to "loosen up" and become more comfortable and are now a "keeper." I deducted one star because I still think that they are slightly narrow, in spite of being labeled as "Wide." Why do so many shoe manufacturers insist on making narrow Wide shoes? Probably to save on leather and costs.The quality and workmanship is superior to Sperry, in my opinion. The leather is much thicker and has a uniform smooth finish - no weird wavy spots or ripples in the leather like on my last pair of Sperrys. The stitching is also straight and even. The sole is slightly thicker, and a little firmer than Sperrys. They're not made in USA, but at least in the Western Hemisphere - the Dominican Republic - not China.Bottom Line: Excellent, comfortable nu-buck alternative to Sperry’sWhat is the appeal of boat shoes? They’re simple, comfortable and convenient; they can be slipped on and off with ease, worn with or without socks (go no socks), and they pair well with chino’s, jeans and shorts.Right out of the box, I was impressed with the smooth, soft nu-buck exterior. The nap is ever so slight with a velvet touch and the texture can be appreciated both visually and physically. The construction is especially solid with the Docksides being flexible and close to the ground which presents an interesting dichotomy; while I wouldn’t go on hikes with them or unusually long walking day trips, they are very relaxed and non-restrictive compared to Sperry’s, which tend to be stiffer boat shoes. So what does that mean? Great for casual and boating use, not so great for walking the length of Manhattan.The upper and interior linings are made from heavy-duty leather, with brass eyelets for the rawhide laces which are suitably thick to prevent breaking but not so thick to prevent easy lacing. The outsoles are rubber (compared to man-made soles which are made from cheaper plastic). Rubber outsoles are non-marking and slip-resistant.Usually reserved for spring and summer use, the shoes should last for quite a many years, depending on levels of abuse. If you’re a landlubber, these can easily go a decade. The design is not unnecessarily garish so these bad boys will never date themselves in the long run.Better arch support would have made these a 5 but keep in mind, that's rare for boat shoes.Honestly,This is my 3rd Sebago shoes. So you know how I like it.my 1st sebago was about 8 yrs ago. and i am still wearing that one now. (but very close the end of it's life)you know how enduring is Sebago.beside its endurance, i like its materials.there are some other boat shoes has some soft cotton-like pad under your feet. that maybe more comfortable (like Sperry & Dr. Martin)Sebago doesn't have that pad at all. under ur feet is just leather pad and the plastic like bottom.this is why i like it. because i would wear the shoes to the beach, and even jump into the water.i kept my Sebago on when i was swimming in Miami beach. (and to all beaches)there was one time i was picking up stones by a stone beach in Block Island, RI.I found out my shoes and feet are all wet after. so i threw the shoes on the bike basket and bike back to the ferry back to RI.less than 30min bike ride on the basket, the shoes are dry already.(so i have huge fond of Sebago. its stilled with nic trip memory)its leather & plastic material doesn't absorb water at all. (well, has the least water absorbent u can imagine)so it can be dried out about 30min.(it call itself boat shoe, should expect to get wet)also with leather & plastic material i can wear them without socks and don't really smell bad.and its still comfy like that. I wear that to work or out. I can wear them whole day and still don't really feel uncomfortable.and for so many years Sebago shoes is still my first choice to a trip, that i would walk for days or even getting to beachAnother example of AMAZON selling cheaper (probably Chinese) imitation clothing / shoes under a brand name. Same brand as a previous purchase SEBAGO DOCKSIDES. Same colour. Same size (UK 9.5) yet different shoe to original that doesn’t fit and is clearly on receipt a “copy”.My last pair of Sebago Docksides recently gave up the ghost, after 20 years of outstanding service. After reading 'some' negative reviews on here, I was not entirely certain about buying another pair. However I went ahead, and I am so pleased that I did. The new, all white, Docksides are the epitome of 'cool'. They are well made, soft, stylish and fit perfectly, at my normal shoe size. Of course they are made of real leather, and will take little while to adapt to the shape of 'my' foot, to this end I am wearing them around the house, with socks, just to bed them in, they are already very comfortable. I am absolutely delighted with my purchase.Poor random stitching with lose ends. Leather, very different texture on each shoe, one appears to have a burn (small but noticeable) mark on top. Laces noticeably shorter than those on other dockside's ordered at same time. Smell awfully and even after airing still smell, makes my wife and myself cough to be near these shoes. Not looking for obvious faults but trademark inside shoes has no trade mark “T” at end making you question if these are a genuine product. Not impressed at all.These are really cool good quality shoes that I am delighted withTook a little breaking in so advise wearing socks at least initially to avoid blistersI wore for the first time last Bank Holiday weekend. The sole (which is a half size sole over the heel area) moves around and falls out so is uncomfortable. After a couple of days ad hoc wearing, the side stictching has come loose so the seem between the toe and side where the lace goes is now open.My last pair of sebagos lasted 4 years, these have not lasted 4 days. I am unable to return as past the return date.Do not buy online from Amazon as it seems to be dodgy seconds.
