Quoddy Classic Boat Shoes

Quoddy boat shoes have been reviewed many times here, so I didn’t think they were worth a post of their own, but this thread looks like the right place.

Link to Album

The pictures were taken after the shoes had been worn for a couple of days. They have been brushed, but no products have been applied to them. The album includes bonus shots comparing Quoddy and Sperry.

Intro

I like to wear sandals in hot weather. I like a snug fit, and lots of support (no flip-flops for me). These Mephisto Allrounders, purchased long before I knew anything about quality footwear, have been my favorite sandals.

Last summer I vacationed in Asia, when it was very hot (100°F+). Many of the temples I visited did not allow sandals. I decided to get some Sperry boat shoes to wear in the temples. I got these in Navy perforated leather.

I got hooked on the look and feel of boat shoes, and decided to get a better quality pair. I went with Quoddy. I liked that I could customize the build, and the MTO price was just a bit more than other RTW options.

I will be using these shoes mostly for walking around the in the city in the summer. Quoddy’s Blucher might have been a better shoe for this purpose, but I like the lower profile of the boat shoe, as well as the perimeter lacing that gives me a perfect fit in the heel.

Makeup

Since these are for city wear, and will rarely if ever be worn on a boat, I went for a monochromatic look with a Vibram sole. I got them lined in the hope that would make them more comfortable sockless, although a post in a recent SQ thread indicates otherwise.

I ordered the following makeup:

• Upper: Chromexcel/Brown
  
• Sole Type: Vibram Rugged Sole
  
• Sole Color: Charcoal
  
• Thread: Dark Brown
  
• Hardware: Antique Brass
  
• Lace: Rawhide/Coffee
  
• Lining: Brown Glove Leather
  
• Size: 8.5 D
  
• Price: $310
  
  Sizing
  
  I am 9C on a Brannock, with low volume and low instep. Many shoes fit me in 8.5D, providing there is enough room for my toes. Here is my sizing in some different brands:
  
  
• Alden Barrie last: 8.5C or 8D
  
• Alden Trubalance last: 8.5B
  
• Viberg 1035 last: 7.5 (2030 has insufficient toe room)
  
• Red Wing 8 last (Beckman): 7.5
  
• Carmina Rain, Forest, & Oscar lasts: UK7.5
  
• Sperry Top-Sider boat shoe: 9M
  
• Asics running shoes: 9.5
  
  I was able to find RTW Quoddy Boat Moc II in a local shop, and 8.5D in those fit me well when wearing thin socks.
  
  I exchanged emails with Elizabeth at Quoddy, and gave her all of the above info. She recommended 8.5D for their boat shoes. The rule of thumb is to go down 1/2 size from Brannock, and get D width if you are width C through E.
  
  Shipping and Receiving
  
  These were ordered on Feb 21. At that time, their web site estimated 8 weeks for delivery (it is currently 3-4 weeks). I received FedEx shipping notification on April 12, and the shoes arrived April 18.
  
  They were well packed with a very nice shoe bag, but there was no Quoddy shoe box, which I thought was a bit cheap.
  
  First Impressions
  
  These fit me perfectly either sockless or with thin socks. They have a slightly snugger fit than the Boat Moc II.
  
  They have great arch support. The arch support feels like it is made from memory foam. The shoes required zero break-in.
  
  These are my first handsewns. To my untrained eye, the quality is perfect. The stitching and seams are totally symmetric between both shoes. Leather quality looks excellent, and there has been only very minimal and tight creasing so far.
  
  I love these shoes!