Minimalist boat shoe?

[svrecess]

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!

[Jim Krause]

I'm a HUGE fan of the NB Minimus 10v1. They stick better than my Sperrys or Sebagos, don't scuff, are quick drying (think wading the dink in and out), and are waaay comfy.
Minimus 10v1 Trail - Men's 10 - Running, - New Balance

Oh- yes- they are also great to run in :-)

[thomm225]

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

[Cheechako]

I liked a pair of racquetball shoes I had. Much more grippy than most boat shoes.

[hobopacket]

Probably not the answer you want. But I go no shoes for grip. Nothing grips quite like my bare feet. But those nb look sweet!

[Cheechako]

I have broken little toes .......twice. I mean like bent 90 degrees out. I NEVER go barefoot if I leave the cockpit on a boat anymore.

[svrecess]

I am a fan of bare feet in general too, and originally that was my plan! But as a newbie on a sailboat, Cheechako's comment makes me take notice

Jim Krause I think I will have to give the Trail another shot. I ordered that a few months ago and for whatever reason the normal size I order was too tight. Edit: actually I think I ordered the 10V4 not the MT10V1. I'll try up a half size regardless. If I don't get anything by the weekend I'll just use my canvas Vans for now

Thanks for the replies!

[tatomaceda]

While most soles typically are, you might want to check that they are 'non-marking'.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by klawrence

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!

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 it works for you, but I don't think it is a broadly supportable mentality. It is just a mentality.

As for bare feet having better grip on a wet deck, I have no idea where that comes from. I've slid in bare feet too many times to believe any of it. I also doubt you'll find many racers in bare feet, and they would be if it worked.

[hellosailor]

You might ask the folks at Altra, https://www.altrarunning.com
They are a fairly new company that made a big hit in the running shoe market with "zero rise" running/track shoes. Many with non-marking soles. So while they may not be cheap or quick-drying, they've got "zero rise" nailed from the start. Who knows, they might be interested in making a boating shoe.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

I have broken little toes .......twice. I mean like bent 90 degrees out. I NEVER go barefoot if I leave the cockpit on a boat anymore.

Yeah, Ive broken lots of toes too...once popped so loud that crew turned around and looked.

I always tell students to wear something with good toe protection...do what I say not what I do.

I like being barefoot, but some toe protection would be good...just need a "front bumper" for my toes.

[Jd1]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

I like being barefoot, but some toe protection would be good...just need a "front bumper" for my toes.

Front bumpers would be great !!!

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Jd1

Front bumpers would be great !!!

Something along these lines.

http://www.darcointernational.com/batg

[KetoNomad]

I was wondering the same thing as the OP. I also prefer the flat soles. I'm contemplating making a variation on huaraches with white soles and just hacking together uppers out of canvas. Cheap, custom sized and will keep people from asking you for spare change haha. For now it's my do-all Teva sandals.

[Jdege]

I've been wearing Merrell's Trail Gloves, and I've not had a problem with slipping or with marking, and they've been drying quickly.