Timberland boat shoes are a summer must-have for fashion people

This week, we’ve seen a very unique shoe trend emerge on the city streets. Ditching the strappy sandals that can’t stand up to this summer’s drizzly weather, fashionistas are reaching for the boat shoe trend to get them through the summer. There are a lot of interesting boat shoes on the market, but this season, Timberland’s Noreen boat shoes in particular have been everywhere.

Styling them with white crew socks or colorful socks is an underrated footwear trend that I would never have predicted would be a staple for summer 2024. Originally designed to provide a firm grip on the slippery floors of ship decks, and with this summer being particularly rainy, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing more of this footwear trend than usual.

Rebecca Rees Evans wears Timberland boat shoes.

Already a staple among Instagram’s most stylish people, I spotted them styled this week by Rebecca Rhys-Ifans, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor, Branded Content at Who What Wear UK, during a trip to Japan, where she teamed them with Bermuda shorts, a white embroidered shirt and black sunglasses for a relaxed ensemble that would stand up to a day of exploring.

With their thick lug soles and full-coverage designs, Timberland’s hero shoes have evolved as a durable alternative to sandals and a smarter option when sneakers just don’t cut it.

A summer shoe trend circulating in London, Tokyo and Paris is proving hugely popular this season. Whereas last year they were dismissed as “outdated” and sleek loafers and trendy ballet flats purchased instead, this summer sleek footwear has reasserted its luxury status.