Boat shoe lifespan

[Srpulpo]

Hello, what brand or type of basic deck shoe do you like for warmer non boot conditions? I struggle to find a shoe that lasts more then a season before the tread gets hard and slippery. I only wear them on the boat and never on the dock or pavement to preserve the tread. my last pair was sperry and even thou the shoe is good as new the bottom is extremely slippery.

[Bowdrie]

Most of the Sperry shoes are imports of much less quality than they used to be.
The shoes from Gokey are highest quality US made.
You'll wear them for years.
https://gokeyusa.com/home/gokey-shoe...-shoe/#reviews

[flee27]

Practical Sailor just did an article/test on this problem and a few methods to extend the usefulness of deck shoes.

My personal favorite are Vans. The last along time and for are very comfortable.

Best
Foster

[leecea]

I'm trying a few things and I look for sales:

- Adidas shoes for indoor sports (they have non-marking soles)
- Columbia PFG fishing shoes (comfy but less support)
- Keens sandals (watch out for strange tan patterns!)

[Kettlewell]

I think not wearing the shoes ashore allows them to harden up and get slippery sooner. Constant wear and scuffing helps to keep them sticky on deck, but wearing the shoes around does have the potential to bring dirt onboard and creates wear on the tread. Frankly, I buy a lot of boat shoes and gradually cycle them off the boat once they become slippery. Each spring brings a need for a pair of disposable shoes to wear while painting the bottom, so that is a good use for old shoes. Lately, I found some of the HUK fishing shoes quite comfy and good, though the soles wear fast. In more traditional boat shoes I have an older pair of Sebago shoes that the soles have just about worn out, but are still pretty good non-slip. Astral shoes are good too. https://astraldesigns.com/collection...-outdoor-shoes

[pjShap]

I've extended Sperry soles for another year, sometimes two, by sanding the bottoms. Shoe repair places can do that, or you can do it. Removing the dried surface layer improves the grip. It's not as good as new, but usable.

[JPA Cate]

Me, I wear New Balance Cross trainers for everything! They wear out, and i buy some more.

Ann

[Kettlewell]

Me, I wear New Balance Cross trainers for everything! They wear out, and i buy some more.

I've never found any type of running shoe has good traction on wet fiberglass decks, and the ones I have owned also leave black marks that are hard to remove. Some shoes that have great dry traction are absolutely treacherous on wet decks. Crocs are a prime example. I do use New Balance trainers for long walks ashore, but I take them off when onboard.

[Nekton73]

New Balance Minimus
https://www.newbalance.ca/en_ca/pd/m...style=MXMTRGK1
Sticky wet and dry, hasn't marked my deck so far.

[boatpoker]

As a full timer I have found that $10 - $12 Walmart canvas slip-ons last a year and I never get ticked off about having to throw them out

[CrispyCringle]

Merrell Vapor Glove mocs for the win. Fantastic traction. Zero padding so not good for hikes. But for the boat, I love them. Like barefoot, but with a some protection. https://www.merrell.com/US/en/vapor-...refoot&start=1

[Nekton73]

Those Merrells look similar to the NB, and 2/3 the price, I'll have to check them out.


As the OP question included longevity I probably should have added that I am 2 years in on the NB Minimus, including trail use when on shore, and they are still performing well. I'll probably get another season out of them.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

As a full timer I have found that $10 - $12 Walmart canvas slip-ons last a year and I never get ticked off about having to throw them out

Indeed.

[Marathon1150]

I have given up on Sperry's for the same reason noted in the OP - soles become hard and slippery after maybe a season, best two. So far my favourite replacements are:

1. Tevas with Spider Rubber soles in the summer;
2. Columbia water shoes (not sure of the model) shoulder seasons;
3. HH sea boots with gaiters for when it is really wet from the sky, the ocean or both.

The Columbia's are now about 8 years old, look somewhat like the Merrel's but slightly beefier and the soles are as good now as when they were brand new.

[marcjsmith]

Have a pair of gills and aftr two season the soles were hard and slick. so I resorted to earing them them on some walks on asphalt/concrete. also used an R/O sander with 80 grit. it helps buy you some time. but there seems to be no warning on when the sole will loose its traction. fine one weekend, not so much the next... shame since the uppers on the shoe are in great shape. again only worn on the boat.

my latest purchases was a pair of skechers summits. comfy one season in they are doing ok.