Best Sailing Shoes

[Buc210]

Ahoy fellow Sailors & Cruisers!
I am a long time sailor. Always have worn Sperry SB-70 Sailing Shoes. Always worked for me. My situation: Am experiencing some mild soreness in my left Achilles tendon. I put an ice pack on it. What concerns me is that I do a lot of sail training with others (in a few weeks)...and I've read up on treatment. Exercises, PT, etc. Does anyone know of a comfortable sailing shoe that has worked for them (if they had achilles issues)? Secondly, I found elsewhere online that there are inserts that lift your heel slightly, taking pressure off the achilles tendon. Anyone have experience using those? I thought that they referred to the inserts as "Ordontics" or something close. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I had a neighbor a few doors down last year who had surgery for his achilles and had to wear a heavy boot-type cast/support for months afterwards. I'm trying to be pro-active and not go through what that fella did. Fair Winds and Following Seas to everyone here.

[Hudson Force]

I see many casual cruisers wearing "Crocs". For me, they are terrible,- they roll under my foot on a moving deck. I usually wear the standard Sperry Topsiders and save the Crocs for a walk to the beach. I've also done well with comfortable "sneakers" as long as that don't have a sole that mars the deck.

[sailorboy1]

Shoes

[pjShap]

I had Achilles tendon soreness a couple of years ago. Both an orthopedist and a much-respected physical therapist strongly recommended orthotic heal lifts. I bought a couple different types on Amazon, and nothing felt like it made much difference.

I got a couple of books with exercises, etc. One book had 50 different exercises, and the other had only one very simple exercise, with a seemingly reasonable explanation. It was easier to try the one rather than hunt through the 50. Within a couple of weeks the pain went away completely. I was surprised, and very pleased. Occasionally the pain starts to return and I do the exercise again for a few days or a week, and it goes away. Seems too easy to me given that neither the orthopedist nor the physical therapist had suggested it, but I am very happy with the results.

The book is "Treat Your Own Achilles Tendon" by Jim Johnson. I don't have any connection except being a satisfied user.

[Montanan]

Toe Shoes, these are specifically for walking / running through water, rivers, and beaches and rocky tidepools, etc. Great grip.

[nightowle]

your tendon issue may preclude you from this Sperry alternative, but I've gone to Vans over Sperry. Better traction and the soles last much longer.

[Svsumurun]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Shoes

I'm with SB1 on this - only wear my sperrys when it's cold and I see SW Fla by your name. I'll go days with none.
But maybe that's worse for the tendon issue?

[GreenWave]

might try Skechers. lots of options and good support

[Chotu]

I’m with sailorboy. Shoes? Those are for land. So a good pair of running shoes would be most comfortable.

[goboatingnow]

while I like barefeet on the deck, Im for ever bashing my toes into stuff. Hence I tend to wear merrills

[chris mac]

I have foot issues that require me to wear shoes too. (Triple fusion of right ankle)
I'm partial to keen. They are well made and supportive, but the best part is removable insoles. I have custom made orthotics that are the only reason I can walk without a limp.
If you want an off the shelf solution, I recommend an insole brand "red wing". You have to heat them to 200 degrees Fahrenheit then they mold to your feet. I used them for years before it became necessary for custom.
I did go for a walk around on deck the other night without my shoes... I slipped and jammed my pinky toe into a hatch! Pretty sure its fractured! That'll teach me[emoji56]

[hafa]

I'll align with the "no shoes" crowd. There's quite a bit of science (one example article) backing up the long-term biomechanical benefits of ditching shoes altogether. Also, after time, you become much more aware of where your feet are on a subconscious level, your balance greatly improves, and you don't stub your toes.

Full disclosure: I've never worn them onboard or anywhere else for 40 years and counting.

Disclaimer: May be contraindicated for those with pre-existing medical conditions. YMMV, your boss, spouse, SO, partner, colleagues, staff, manager, flight attendant, conductor, etc.. may take exception. Side effects may include the desire to stay onboard and/or permanent departure to lower latitudes.

[goboatingnow]

Also, after time, you become much more aware of where your feet are on a subconscious level, your balance greatly improves, and you don't stub your toes.

hmmm, whats some time , I'm at 30 years on boats and Im not sure my feet have learned anything

[AiniA]

Circumnavigated with Crocs (and barefoot) and loved it. You need the real ones, the rubber in the knock-offs is not as good. I noticed that a number of the Vendee Globe and Jules Verne Trophy sailors are wearing them at least for the warmer part of their journeys around the world.

If you need orthotics you need them fitted by a specialist. Ordering them from Amazon does not work since foot problems are not the same for everyone. They used to make a plaster cast of your foot but now they use a laser scanner.

[dfelsent]

I love bare feet on deck.
But the hot deck can burn.
And I’ve broken toes on hardware.
And been in agony after jamming hardware between my toes.
But I still go barefoot as much as I can.
Feels great!