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CaptPatAg · 05-02-2011, 18:20

I like TEVA's sandals. They are not as good as my Topsiders but they dry quicker. Also I have not had any trouble with the black soles on the TEVA's marking the deck.

**Jim Cate** · 05-02-2011, 18:21

Wow!

I'm astounded by the number of dictatorial responses above: "must wear shoes/can't wear shoes on MY boat! My mom taught me to cross streets safely, and to put shoes on when I felt that I needed them. Never argue w/ mom, so that's what I still do -- if it is too hot or too cold I'll wear shoes or sandals on deck, otherwise I'm usually barefoot. The issue of traction likely depends on the degree of callousing of the subject feet and the type and quality of non-skid on the decks, but on I-2 my bare feet seem to grip just fine, wet or dry. Toes do get stubbed at times, and harsh language follows, but (touch wood) nothing broken on board as yet.

The fancy deck shoes we bought in our newbie days used to work well for a while, and then get progressively slipperier as the rubber aged. Soles got bad long before the uppers gave way. Nowadays they are stupid expensive, and mid-grade cross-trainers etc seem to work about as well if you choose carefully and are maybe 1/3 the price. But whatever turns you on...

So, if you come for a sail on I-2 you can wear whatever (non-marking) shoes or skin you want... but if you stub or burn or freeze your toe, it's your responsibility.

Cheers,

Jim and Ann s/v Insatiable II lying towlers Bay, NSW, Oz

VirtualVagabond · 05-02-2011, 19:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey

I wear shoes

For those who go barefoot, would be useful to also mention how many toes you have (left

).

Still got all 12... why?

Pelagic · 05-02-2011, 19:06

I think it really depends on the circumstances as to whether I get dictatorial or not about shoes.

I have seen idiots run around barefooted in shipyards.
I have also seen shoe wearers, trek thru the yard then, climb on board and enter the spotless cabin, still wearing their shoes.

While safety comes first, then hygiene, I do remind the person that we also have to live with their choices

Smelly footwear is not welcome.
Dirty bare feet will not get a berth
Broken or damaged feet is your responsibility

I advise they have a pair of boat shoes and a separate pair of dock/shore shoes and I reserve a place where they can change and stow footwear.

Underway, while sailing, it is all about safety and what that person is comfortable with.

VirtualVagabond · 05-02-2011, 19:24

It seems that weekend and 1 month a year sailors would be more likely to wear shoes because their feet are tender and don't have time to get 'deck-wise'. Also, because they have limited time they are actually sailing for more of their on board time.

Permanent livaboards, particularly in warm climates spend a lot more onboard time on the hook and as they are at home, they go barefoot.
Their feet toughen up, learn where the toe chrunchers are, and when sailing it's natural in good conditions to carry on barefoot.

I also found boat size has an effect. I seemed to stubb toes much more on 25ft boats than on 40ft+ boats.

SaltyMonkey · 05-02-2011, 19:52

VirtualVagabond - i found I tripped and lost my balance more on smaller boats when I wore shoes because they were awkward in tight places and don't bend easily on the curves. I should add I DO wear shoes coming to dock. I have had my share of 6 inch splinters from jumping onto a dock.

VirtualVagabond · 05-02-2011, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

VirtualVagabond - i found I tripped and lost my balance more on smaller boats when I wore shoes because they were awkward in tight places and don't bend easily on the curves. I should add I DO wear shoes coming to dock. I have had my share of 6 inch splinters from jumping onto a dock.

The curse of being a monkey.... even a Salty one!

Totally agree with the risks of bare feet and timber docks. Not just splinters but rusty nails and abandoned fish hooks.

boris · 05-02-2011, 20:37

bare-feet for me

DeepFrz · 05-02-2011, 20:39

I dropped an alternator on my foot while in San Pedro, Belize and had to fly home. My big toe was broken and badly smashed. If I hadn't had shoes on I would certainly have lost my big toe, which is no small deal.

captain58sailin · 05-02-2011, 20:54

Choice of foot wear or no foot wear or what kind, depends entirely on the circumstances and conditions I am in. I have a brain to work with. Hard and fast rules have their place, but too much rigidity can cause bigger problems than stubbed toes. I barked a toe bad enough to bleed getting out of bed enroute to the head, and I am not going to start wearing shoes in my bedroom. I am going to reduce the number of obstacles betwixt me and the loo.

North26West80 · 05-02-2011, 21:24

50+ responses plus pictures to this question is enough! Who wears underwear?

captain58sailin · 05-02-2011, 21:27

Depends?

Cavalier · 05-02-2011, 22:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by North26West80

50+ responses plus pictures to this question is enough! Who wears underwear?

Let's hope that question doesn't yield even more photo-answers!

rusky · 05-02-2011, 22:08

Never - and have stubbed same toe on same rotten toe breaking thingo a number of times. Then - well never claimed to be a quick learner.

Have to find shoes when go ashore. Has been a month at a stretch sometimes and feet not used to shoes. (Also brain not used to people/cars etc)