Women's boat shoes
Women's boat shoes are the kind of pair you slip on without thinking, from the first warm days right through to autumn. Born by the sea and inherited from the world of sailing, this silhouette has become a staple of the casual wardrobe, just as at home in the city as on a weekend away, alongside the rest of our women's shoes. At Odaje, it comes in two versions: Niza and Ovel.
Our women's boat shoes
Our boat shoe selection is built around two models. Niza stays true to the original spirit, with its signature lacing. Ovel borrows its sleeker line from our women's loafers and can be worn closed or folded down mule-style, thanks to its back flap. Two different answers to the same need: a flat, easy-to-wear shoe that holds up all day.
The materials completely change the look of the same silhouette. Smooth leather and suede dress the most timeless colourways, while nubuck brings a more matte, velvety texture. The gold version, meanwhile, plays on laminated leather, a subtle shine that lifts the look without weighing it down.
The craftsmanship behind our boat shoes
Our boat shoes are designed in our Paris studio, then made in Portugal. This split between French design and Portuguese manufacturing is what lets us maintain the same level of quality from one pair to the next.
The materials follow the same logic: Niza's leather is sourced in Spain, the laminated leather and nubuck come from Italy, and Ovel's suede is worked locally, in Portugal. European craftsmanship, from the choice of hide right through to final assembly.
Colours of our women's boat shoes
Black, brown, cognac: these are the safe bets, the ones that go with almost everything already in your wardrobe. Black is the dressiest option, cognac warms up raw denim, brown blends into a natural wardrobe. Three colours that carry through every season effortlessly.
Gold, pink, bengal: these are the bolder options, the ones you choose when you want the colour to stand out. They follow current fashion trends while staying wearable, and are enough to lift a simple outfit, like white jeans and a t-shirt.
How to wear women's boat shoes
Women's boat shoes slip into any outfit with the same ease. With raw denim and a shirt, they create an instant casual-chic look. With a light summer dress, they keep things relaxed. With linen trousers or chinos, they complete a smart-casual wardrobe, perfect for the office as much as an impromptu lunch. For a dressier register, our women's derbies take over.
Boat shoes also cover a large part of the year: from the first warm days with a bare ankle, through to autumn with a thin sock. It's often the pair you throw in your bag for weekends and trips, the one you grab when you're leaving without knowing what time you'll be back.
The Ovel model stands out for its versatility: thanks to its back flap, it can be worn closed for more support, or as a mule for a more relaxed style. Its removable pompom also lets you go for a more pared-back look, depending on the day.
Why choose leather or suede boat shoes?
The choice of material is judged over time. Leather, suede and nubuck each have their own character and age differently: leather develops a patina, suede keeps its velvety look, nubuck holds up well to everyday marks. The laminated leather of the gold version retains all the comfort of a worked leather.
Comfort, meanwhile, comes down to details you don't see once the shoe is on:
- Goatskin lining and insole, which mould to the foot from the first wear
- Lightweight, flexible neolite outsole
- Cemented construction, for a pair that lasts
- Deliberately low sole height: 1 cm for Ovel, 2.6 cm for Niza
Designed in Paris and made in Portugal, our boat shoes are made to be an investment: a pair you keep for several seasons and that ages well, provided you give it regular care. And if you'd rather try before you buy, our models are also waiting for you in store.
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FAQ: women's boat shoes
How do I choose the right size for women's boat shoes?
Our boat shoes run true to size: we recommend taking your usual size. The leather stretches slightly with wear to perfectly mould to the shape of your foot. And if in doubt, returns are free.
What material are Odaje women's boat shoes made of?
Our models are made from leather, suede or nubuck, with a goatskin lining and insole for lasting comfort, and a flexible neolite sole. They are designed in our Paris studio and made in Portugal, from Spanish leather, Italian nubuck and laminated leather, and Portuguese suede.
How do I care for leather or suede boat shoes?
For suede, a soft brush is enough to bring the material back to life. For leather, a soft cloth and a nourishing cream keep it supple over time. Also consider a waterproofing spray to protect your shoes day to day.
What's the difference between a boat shoe and a loafer?
A boat shoe is recognisable by its signature lacing and its relaxed spirit inherited from the world of sailing. A loafer, on the other hand, slips on without laces, for even more simplicity. At Odaje, Niza embodies the boat shoe spirit and Ovel that of the loafer, both sharing the same chic, easy-to-wear feel.
