Looking for boat shoes

[dmksails]

Now that I've repainted my decks, I would like to get a shoes that won't leave marks all over! I'm not a fan of the low "boat shoe" like sperry. I would like something like a hiking boot that gives support to the ankle. I've looked at hiking shoes, but they seem to all have black soles.

Any suggestions?

[Sailmonkey]

Converse all stars?

[requiem]

Originally Posted by dmksails

I've looked at hiking shoes, but they seem to all have black soles.

Look for "non-marking" in the product details; many dark-soled athletic shoes are actually made with non-marking soles. (I've seen what a single player with marking soles can do to an indoor basketball court and it's quite colorful.)

[Shrew]

Ankle support usually translates to a heavier, hotter shoe.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by dmksails

Now that I've repainted my decks, I would like to get a shoes that won't leave marks all over! I'm not a fan of the low "boat shoe" like sperry. I would like something like a hiking boot that gives support to the ankle. I've looked at hiking shoes, but they seem to all have black soles.

Any suggestions?

Yes. As a matter of coincidence, I spent some time looking for a similar boat shoe/boot a few months ago, prior to buying three new boat shoes (of different designs) for myself.

Sperry (Topsiders) also makes boat shoes that have higher tops (like high top basketball shoes or short hiking boots or chukka boots). They will have the famous Sperry siped soles or other designed for decks soles made of some kind of rubber compound or synthetic rubber (non marking). They come in many styles, some looking like hiking boots (but with “boat shoe type” soles).

That said, I am not sure even those chukka (lower or mid height top) types of shoes will really provide much ankle support that would prevent a twisted ankle. I suspect that would require a higher boot top, something like the US Army (or Marines) wear today.

Sperry does make a high top boot, with a non-marking “siped” sole (appropriate for boats) that is made of leather (and some fabrics). It is probably the best solution for you. You can find them at markdown prices in some places. Here is a link to what I would pick for that purpose :
https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/sp...RoCiQAQAvD_BwE

Also, some shoes may have black or other colored soles that are still “non marking.” Be sure to check that. Even so, some boat owners will not like it.

Finally, depending upon where you sail, you may find “deck boots” are comfortable to wear, especially if you sail in an area with colder water. I really like the feel of deck boots with thick socks in colder water sailing. However, typical deck boots do NOT have laces that allow tighter fit around the ankles. Most have rather open or loose body around the ankle, so will probably not suit your desire for some “ankle support.”

Hope that helps.

Good luck on your boat shoe search.

[Nicholson58]

Caribbean, sandals. Any more shoe is too hot. All controls are in the cockpit so the shoe thing is not important. When we raced on the Great Lakes everyone wore leather Topsiders. Never needed more even with the boat at 40 degrees. Today, many ordinary shoes are non marking so pick one you like and make sure you don’t forget to change before going ashore.

Sandals are so easy. Wear then everywhere and dip them when you return to the boat. Velcro closure, $12.50, I own four spares and throw away as the soles fail.

[rbk]

https://www.olukai.com

I’ve never worn a more comfortable shoe. I plan on buying a pair of their boots this fall. We’ll see how they hold up.

[RobinScurr]

https://www.zhik.com/

The wife bought us both a pair of Zhik deck shoes. They are very comfortable, but be aware they don't have much (any) arch support. They are very flexible, so they do conform to the deck well and give good traction ... I wouldn't recommend walking a long way on-shore with them, however.

Robin

[Rpmsailor]

Good morning...

I purchased a pair of Soft Science deck shoes and they seem more substantial than Sperry. Had them about a month and like them.

[oleman]

How far can you swim in hiking boots????? How do you ditch them in an emergency??

Simple sneakers are great boat shoes.

[Calif.Ted]

Sperry Harbormasters, good support, Worstmarine puts them on sale for $59.95 every couple months. I just got 2 pair to last until the next time they are on sale.
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/sperr...EY&recordNum=1

[Training Wheels]

Crocs

[Yellowjacket]

Vivo Barefoot Ultra 3

[Favoured Tack]

Soft Science...the best I have found in 20 years. Not only do I wear them on board....I walked miles in Cambodia with them.

https://www.amazon.com/SoftScience-M...ustomerReviews

[roverhi]

Crocs suck big time. Get them wet and they'll squish and allow your feet to squirm around for hours after. The soles are also very dangerous like a pair of flip flops when worn a bit.

Unfortunately my feet don't fit the Sperry last as they do have the best non slip sole. Their soles also deteriorate, harden, and stop being non skid after a few years so need to be replaced often.

Presently using Keen sandles. Soles are reasonably non skid, the rubber toe box gives protection from accidentaly kicking obstructions and they are comfortable to wear when wet. They run small so order 1/2 size larger than normal. https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/5166...FU6AfgodqdoIgQ