Minimalist boat shoe?

[svrecess]

Originally Posted by thinwater

That is actually a relatively old premise (remember the Earth Shoes in the 60s?) that begins with probably false assumption that humans are well designed for walking. We are not. Instead, the foot is just a make-do modification of a climbing design, so a little help is appreciated. Additionally, not all feet are equal. Some people do well in bare feet, and many do not.

Perhaps the previous versions were made for climbing and not walking.. but with a proper forefoot strike, barefoot running is a breeze. Many people do not run properly because of their raised heels, and many have accumulated deficiencies up the chain as a result of many years using these crutches.

I would wager that feet are created equal but that they do not stay that way.

[ReneJK]

Keen's work great for me and lately ive been wearing these
(very) quick drying and non-marking soles

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by klawrence

Hi Can someone recommend a good, quick draining / drying, high-traction boat shoe that doesn't have a significantly raised heel? As in no more than 5mm heel to toe drop. Do they exist?

I am of the new mentality that mostly-flat shoes with no arch support, such as the New Balance Minimus or Merrell Barefoot lines, are healthier and more appropriate for humans. Thanks!

I've long given up on "boat" shoes that after a couple of months become slippery enough to kill you. Get shoes made for other activities that match you needs.

But the best that match your description are called barefoot!

[Sandero]

swims

Swims - Mesh Lace-Up Loafers - saksoff5th.com

[DenverSailors]

After back-to-back Achilles surgeries, barefoot and/or flip flops don't work for me. I bought a pair of Sebago CYPHON SEA FISHERMAN sandals and love them. $80, so pricey, and the white leather fades, as you would expect, but VERY comfortable, stable, and supportive.

[Telesail]

Have you thought of a pair of these?



Quick drying and easy to pack into any case - Furoshiki........

[puffcard]

Barefoot sailing kills my feet and the traction isn't that great. I like a shoes, that you can walk thru water, sand rinses off easily, good traction on wet decks, protects your feet and dries quickly. Check out these Crocs.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by puffcard

Barefoot sailing kills my feet and the traction isn't that great. I like a shoes, that you can walk thru water, sand rinses off easily, good traction on wet decks, protects your feet and dries quickly. Check out these Crocs.

A cheap, basic pair of Crocs works for me in the tropics.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by thomm225

Flip Flops...............most any type

Should be banned on a boat! Getting a line caught between your foot (especially a toe or toes) and the shoe can be a VERY dangerous occurrence.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by StuM

Should be banned on a boat! Getting a line caught between your foot (especially a toe or toes) and the shoe can be a VERY dangerous occurrence.

True Dat! When wet you slip right out too twisting an ankle.

On the cheep... I'm thinking those water/reef shoes might be good. My sandals are uncomfortable and in Hawaii recently I found myself wearing my water shoes a lot!

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by klawrence

Perhaps the previous versions were made for climbing and not walking.. but with a proper forefoot strike, barefoot running is a breeze. Many people do not run properly because of their raised heels, and many have accumulated deficiencies up the chain as a result of many years using these crutches.

I would wager that feet are created equal but that they do not stay that way.

You will loose the wager. I ran barefoot every summer, and was barefoot all day in the house, until I got to a certain size or age, and then the feet flattened out and that was that. My wife has arches that reach to the sky, mine have always been flat on the ground. By highschool I could barely walk any distance barefoot, even on sand. And then I started with orthotics (I'm engineer and have learned I am better off to build my own). I can easily walk until my lags give out now, because the mechanics have been restored. And no amount of "you should have gone barefoot" lecture will make any sense, because I did go barefoot. That was just as likely, based on the evidence, the problem.

A horse has a foot that was built for running. Ours is patchwork at best. We also expect them to last 3 times as long as they were evolved for. Some may do that distance barefoot, but I'm guessing it is a very small percentage.

[dlparch]

I've worn these for years in streams while I fly fish. The closed front protects everything in the toe box, they dry relatively quickly and they last forever. I've had 2 pairs in almost 8 years. They grip on boats that get wet (Hobie 18) and power boats, so I don't see why they wouldn't work on any other boat. Non-marking soles. And you can hike in them.

Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve Black/Wild Dove - Zappos.com Free Shipping BOTH Ways

[jacob30]

Swims. Discovered them in the French islands. Norwegian designed. Not cheap but well made. Great on deck, in the water or on the town. Washable.

https://www.swims.com

[RolfP]

I wear Keens, the have the front bumper, dry fast, anti smell, stick well and are more like bare feet than anything except single wrap moccasins. My rule is if you don't wear shoes you can't complain about stubbing your toe. Lots of bare feet on my boat for a while, but no problem, but they can slip.

[Madwand]

Originally Posted by DenverSailors

After back-to-back Achilles surgeries, barefoot and/or flip flops don't work for me. I bought a pair of Sebago CYPHON SEA FISHERMAN sandals and love them. $80, so pricey, and the white leather fades, as you would expect, but VERY comfortable, stable, and supportive.

http://m.zappos.com/p/sebago-cyphon-...1473/color/876
On sale.