We spent our summer in ballet shoes, with woven designs proving particularly popular during the endless heatwave. However, as anyone who’s ever tried to wear them on a rainy day will know, they don’t fare well with puddles, and they’re not really made for cold snaps.
So, as we hurtle towards a colder, wetter winter, we’re going to need something more robust to wear on our feet. And judging by how many we’ve seen pounding the pavements in London already, there’s only one shoe worth knowing: Timberland's Authentic 3-Eye Boat Shoes.
Here’s why it’s the comfy style you need this autumn.
The boat shoe comeback
As the name suggests, boat shoes were designed for wearing on deck, where surfaces are notoriously slippery and wet. This means they have slip-proof soles and water-resistant leather (which also makes them ideal for rainy commutes).
They’re often associated with fancy sailing types and Oxbridge graduates, but after making a splash on the catwalk (at Miu Miu in particular), they’ve now hit the high street and we’re seeing them everywhere this autumn.
The 2026 version has a chunkier sole and Timberland’s classic pair delivers on both style and practicality. They’re durable, with soft, breathable, water-resistant leather and they look great with everything from your favourite jeans and funnel-neck jacket to a midi skirt with chunky socks.
The iconic Timberland 3-Eye
I will admit when I first saw these Timberlands, I thought they were a little too preppy to fit with my usual style. But, once I styled them with my go-to casual outfits, they gave them a more polished finish.
They’re also so easy to break in – no blisters or broken skin here, which means they make a great alternative to your trainers or ballet pumps. The leather softens with each wear, and I can really feel them moulding to my feet. Another positive for me is how lightweight they are. I sometimes feel like I’m quite literally dragging my feet around while wearing boots, but the Timberlands’ lightweight sole makes them a breeze to stomp around London in.
They really live up to their boat shoe credentials, too. I usually wear boots to keep my feet dry on soggy autumn days – which are oftenbulky and unpractical if I want to wear trousers – but these shoes are made for wet weather, without being too heavy or warm.
So, if you’re looking for a pair of sturdy, smart, puddle-proof shoes to see you through an El Niño autumn, you can call off the search(and put your ballet shoes away).
They’re a classic that will last for years to come, so just see them as an investment for all the guaranteed cold, rainy days ahead. Less shiver me Timbers, more plain sailing.
Explore many more sturdy styles online at Timberland
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
