Credit:
Reviewed / Seastar / Larry Easley
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If you’re anything like me, you find fashions you love and stick with them. One of those things for me, as a Nashville native, is a love for boots. From trendy cowboy boots to timeless Chelseas and chukkas, I’d wear my boots all year round if I could. However, sweltering summers and outdoor activities prevent that. Enter Seastar, the maker of my new go-to summer shoes.
We’ve reviewed some of Seastar’s women’s options in the past and loved them. They're not just incredibly light and easy to wear, the brand’s footwear also holds a secret: they’re full-fledged water shoes. Marrying style and practicality, stumbling upon Seastar made my hunt for an excellent summer shoe a lot simpler than I anticipated. As part of this review, Seastar sent me the Men’s Mariner Slip On ($125) and the Men’s Riviera Boat Shoe ($125). Read on to see what I thought of these versatile shoes.
What is Seastar?
Seastar offers a variety of men’s and women’s footwear that is beach- (and city) life-friendly.
Seastar Beachwear is a shoe and accessory brand founded in 2015. Libby Fitzgerald, founder and CEO of Seastar, recounts being on summer vacation with her family in the Caribbean when her teenage sons poked fun at the less-than-stylish water shoes she was wearing. Inspired and surprised by the lack of fashionable water shoe options on the market, Seastar was born.
Seastar combines classic coastal style with innovative construction and materials. They’re best known for their espadrille style, which features a quick-drying neoprene upper and sturdy, non-slip rubber sole, but the brand also has an ever-expanding selection of other styles available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Seastar water shoes might be the ultimate summer shoe.
What I like about Seastar shoes
These shoes aren’t just comfortable, they’re versatile water shoes, too.
They are comfortable
First and foremost, these are some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I was initially taken aback by just how lightweight both the Riviera and Mariner styles were, but was very pleased to find that their weightlessness didn’t compromise their quality. Thanks to stretchy neoprene uppers (and, in the case of the Mariner, an elastic side panel), these shoes are wearable immediately out of the box. I have wide feet and high arches, but I didn’t have any trouble in these shoes. As long as you size appropriately, there is no need to worry about breaking them in.
They are versatile
Despite being designed with the beach in mind, Seastar shoes are very much at home in the city. I spent long days running around Manhattan in these shoes and never once regretted choosing them at the end of the day. They’re a fun, seasonal alternative to your typical sneaker. The Riviera is a classic boat shoe, pairing well with khaki and linen, while the Mariner lends itself well to more trendy, downtown looks.
They are truly water-proof
When I finally had the opportunity to take my pair of Seastar Rivieras out to the beach to test their water performance, I am happy to report that they did not disappoint. I walked along the water’s edge confidently and, when the big tides came crashing in, did not have to suffer through soggy feet. Grommets on the interior side of the shoe help to drain any excess water and the breathable, water-wicking neoprene material helps to ensure that they dry fast. Even if they get waterlogged, letting them sit under the summer sun for a bit will further their quick-drying capabilities.
This has also been a particularly rainy summer in New York, and I have gotten caught in several flash storms. Thankfully, my Seastar footwear has kept my feet dry and protected from rain and pesky puddles.
What I don’t like about Seastar shoes
There’s nothing to hate about Seastar.
Honestly, nothing.
I don’t have any major objections to the actual Seastar products themselves. They checked off every box in terms of comfort and performance. In fact, my only real critique is that I wish the styles came in a wider range of colors and prints.
Are Seastar men’s shoes worth it?
Whether on the beach or on busy city sidewalks, Seastar makes a comfortable, durable, versatile pair of shoes.
Absolutely!
Seastar’s water-resistant shoes and accessories promise to keep you dry and stylish while partaking in your favorite aquatic activities, and I can attest that they do just that. And even if you aren’t hitting the beach anytime soon, their products are just as well-suited for everyday life. If you’re looking for a water shoe that combines function and fashion, I would certainly recommend Seastar. I found both the Riviera and Mariner to be comfortable, attractive, and fairly priced. They’re suitable for both beachgoing and urban living. I will definitely be packing them for my vacation to Mexico at the end of the month!
Seastar water shoes might be the ultimate summer shoe.
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