Get a Grip - Recondition Slippery Boat Shoes?

[Tayana42]

Okay, I'm being cheap. My medium priced West Marine boat shoes used to grip the deck okay but now they are a bit worn and dirty. Now they slip and slide like bald tires on glare ice. Anyone found a way to put the grip back in old shoes?

[SVNeko]

They say you can sand down the bottoms a bit, but that did not work for me. Time for new ones.

[malbert73]

I had same problem with Reef sandals with rubber tread. A few minutes with my random orbital sander with 80 grit on the soles bought me some more life. Not like new, but a few more months until I replaced. Seemed to take off the dried up rubber layer and expose "newer" rubber.

[JPA Cate]

60 grit, or 80 grit sandpaper will do it, really score them.

BUT, as mentioned above, it doesn't last long. The plastic has lost is flexibility and become hard.

Ann

[thinwater]

I've tried a few things. I've learned the most fool proof is to convert deck shoes into around town shoes after 2 years and get my money out of them that way. The ones I like make good round-town shoes anyway.

[JusDreaming]

I read somewhere that a thin coat of "shoe goo" and they are like new

[gunkylump]

It's always shoes in GREAT CONDITION for me...the attached pics should show you why.

I've suffered through a year plus a bit in pain....don't be foolish, spend the $$$ on good shoes!

Zoom in on the pics, the leg bone is straight, the foot dislocated, both leg bones fib and tib broken at the ankle. One plate, six pins and screws and 2 surgeries later..... Kewalo was 1 foot above and 1 foot away from the dock when I stepped off....sure happens fast. My crocs just weren't up to the task.


gunk

[Steve Bean]

I'm thinking of trying a thin coat of 3M 5200 or Loctite PL S40, which I find VERY similar to 5200 and much cheaper.

[SVNeko]

LOL. Make sure they're dry before you walk on em.