Sailing Gear: Buying boat shoes

Mark Moore    Sailing Gear, sailingbreaks     Boat shoes, Canary Islands, Deck shoes, Sailing, sailing gear, sailing holiday, sailing shoes

I just spent the past month sailing on a 52-foot luxury catamaran in the Southern Caribbean. It was an epic trip with a great crew of friends and a very lenient captain.

Relaxing on deck. Image: Flickr/ drcuddy.

Besides a few urchin spines and reef kisses, the worst injury that I sustained was from not wearing boat shoes – also sometimes called deck shoes.

Now, while I didn’t go to the Caribbean to wear shoes, there are advantages to having protection and grip on your feet while walking on board.

Based on this, here’s what’s on the market for people looking at buying the right boat shoes to protect their feet.

Sperry Top Sider Oil Cloth Boat Shoes (men)

These grooving moccasins are fashioned after the original model of the shoe, but with a fresh kick. Non-marking soles won’t scuff the deck and they’re gripped out to avoid slips in wet conditions. Vintage style – tried and tested for the traditional crowd. Comfortable and multi-purpose for those evenings ashore with the tender.

Authentic Original Navy Boat Shoe from Sperry. Classic comfort and enduring style.

Sperry Authentic Original Boat Shoes (women)

These simple but classic shoes are hand sewn and water resistant. To avoid the inevitable rusting from ocean environments, the lacing eyelets are rustproof. You’ll grip to the deck like sandpaper with these shoes. Sperry is offering special width orders by request.

Rugged Shark Men’s Tiverton Boat Sandal (men)

A thong-style sandal with hand sewn leather uppers for maximum comfort. Excellent grip and quick drying are big assets to this footwear.

Sebago Bala Boat Shoes (women)

I love the look of these shoes – they’re trendy and functional. They’re unlined for great comfort in socks or as I prefer to be – bare feet. These can pass as semi-formal for evenings at the dock. Cut down on luggage and bring along a pair of Sebago Bala boat shoes for ladies.

Henri Lloyd Octo Grip Stealth Athletic Boat Shoes (men)

A hybrid of running and sailing shoes. Constructed from high-grade leathers, these shoes are high end. The under soles feature water dispersal channels that work to move water away from underneath your feet to greatly improve grip in slick conditions. These shoes are very lightweight and breathe like a long-distance runner.

Sperry Seafish Boat Sandals (women)

Vibrantly coloured in light green/lime. Built for casual comfort aboard your vessel, but with a trendy presentation. Great for sailing in the Canary Islands and hotter climes. Lightweight and comfort oriented for lounging.

Gill Short Cruising Boat Boot, the ideal boot for on deck use.

Gill Short Cruising Boat Boot (men)

Traditional storm weather boots designed for very wet and hazardous conditions. Made from 100% natural rubber compounds, these boots have razor sharp non-slip soles. They’re also cut shorter than traditional rubber boots at the calf. The liner is quick drying and for comfort, Gill has incorporated cushioned inner soles.

Sperry Starboard Boat Shoes (women)

These kicks are designed for practicality on a vessel and for physical activity ashore. You’ll have no worries wearing these shoes on short hikes and walks through quaint seaside villages. Eliminate an extra pair of footwear with the Sperry Starboard female boat shoes. Trendy detailing in the design work and rugged soles that won’t wear out before their time.

Snatch up some of the aforementioned footwear before your next sailing holidays – see you out on the ocean soon!

About the author

Mark Moore wrote 39 articles on this blog.

A pro kitesurfer on the KSP Tour 2012, I actually grew up in an igloo on the frozen tundra of Canada. After college, I became inflicted with the terrible disease of worldwide exploration. Ever since, I've been roaming around the world looking for waves and windy places. My passport is tattered - I've been to 36 countries. I'm in my 20's and already retired from 9-5 jobs!

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