Best Boat Shoes for Sailing

By Peter15 mins read

Sailing gear, shoes, and clothing are some of the most interesting parts when it comes to sailing. With limited space onboard, your clothes and shoes options need to be carefully chosen. In general, boat shoes have to be durable, water-resistant, and non-slippery. In order to find out which are the best shoes and clothing to wear during your sailing voyage, you should spend some time searching the Internet for the best possible options. This article is going to facilitate your purchasing process, so continue reading!

Sailing footwear has taken dramatic technological strides since leather boat shoes were first invented. A whole range of trainer-style shoes with sailing-specific characteristics has emerged. Initially aimed at sodden keelboat racers, technical shoes are finding a willing market in cruising sailors, especially those who sail in warmer waters or who want a shoe they can also use on ‘toys’ such as stand-up paddleboards or in the tender. A common feature in these types of shoes is some sort of drainage, to let water out through holes in the sole or sidewall. Most also use meshed fabric for the upper to make the shoe more breathable too.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a sports shoe these days that have marking soles, and all those we tested were non-marking soft rubber. However, manufacturers have made a great effort to develop unique and effective tread patterns.

Sailing Boat Shoes to Avoid

Canvas shoes tend to mold and eventually stink.
Shoes with metal on them are not corrosion-resistant and get damaged by saltwater.
Sneakers are not a good option if you wear them without socks. However, you can carry a pair with you in case you go for a hike.
Deck shoes are not suitable if you’re sailing to the tropics. This is because their metal fittings corrode and they tend to be slippery on wet docks.

What Sailing Boat Shoes Work Best

Water and Adventure Shoes: Lightweight and suitable water shoes, like the Aleader brand, specially designed to walk on slippery surfaces. They’re made of mesh and suit for all weather conditions.
Flip-flops and Sandals: Prefer rubber or plastic flips and sandals because they don’t corrode, are easy to wash, and don’t smell. However, these kinds of shoes are not suitable at all for the deck, for a hike, or for use on slippery surfaces.
Deck Shoes: If you’re not sailing to the tropicals then some specific brands of deck shoes are what you’ll need for the deck.
Specifically Designed sneakers and water shoes for sailboat use.

Now, let’s see the best boat shoes suitable for sailing that are preferred among many sailors, are water-resistant, and withstand to different weather conditions.

Here Are Some Of The Best Sailing Shoes

Helly-Hansen Mens Ahiga V4 Hydropower Sailing Shoe

Totally light-weight and breathable pair of sneakers that covers all shoe needs for sailing. Their stable and comfortable EVA midsole, quick-drying mesh upper, and siped HellyGrip rubber outsole can make the difference. You can wear them on the deck, on the beach, or even for a hike. We got in touch with Helly-Hansen head of marine footwear and told us that the shoe was tested on both fiberglass and teak moving deck surfaces, awash with water spray, in a constant striking motion which was positioned at different angles in order to find the optimum tread pattern; and it looks like they did. One thing to consider here is that this brand is the golden standard in Sailing clothes. Check them out on Amazon.

Chatham Sperrin Men’s Boat Shoes

Specifically designed for sailing during the winter and designed with the style of a classical sailboat shoe. It features contrast stitching details, three eyelet laces, side laces, and a rubber cleated sole for added traction on slippery surfaces. Furthermore, its rubber spring poron insole is particularly cushioning, breathable, and anti-bacterial. Check it on Amazon.

Aleader Men’s or Women’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes

This flexible shoe made out of mesh is one of the best options for sailors. It’s a breathable and durable shoe with good cushioning performance and is suitable for wet and slippery surfaces. It’s not pricey at all, comes out in a variety of colors, and is available for both men and women. Here is the link to these sailing boat shoes.

Sperry Top-Spider Men’s ASV Shock Light Bungee Sailing Boat Shoe

This boat is also considered a top choice for sailors. This is due to the fact that is highly grippy on wet decks, lightweight as well as comfy to wear. These shoes are only made for sailboat use, so it’s advisable not to wear them in other environments. Otherwise, if you do wear them then concrete would ruin the shoes and their grip would be lost. Check them out on Amazon here.

Columbia Powerdrain II Water Shoe

A shoe that covers the needs of all sports-lovers. It is suitable for hikers, bikers as well as sailors. As for us sailors, what makes the shoe one of the preferred ones, is that its traction performs extremely well under wet conditions. Moreover, it dries fast and provides good support. Keep in mind though that it can be smelly and stretchy after a long period of use but you can wash it every now and then. Link to Amazon.

Columbia Women’s Dorado PFG – Best Womens Sailing Shoe

Particularly designed for women, available in different colors, and highly recommended among women sailors. Also, they’re waterproof, have excellent grip, and are made with a combination of synthetic upper sole and mesh. Try them here.

Adidas Outdoor Climacool Boat Lace Water Shoe

Adidas sailing shoes are suitable for all ages, and come out in many colors. This pair of shoes has enhanced breathability, is stretchable and washable. Furthermore, you can remove its soles to wash it. They’re light and provide fair traction. Check this mixture of style and comfort on Amazon.

Crocs Classic Boat Shoe

This men’s classic boat shoe is highly waterproof and lightweight due to its Croslite foam construction. Some extra features include its faux lacing, ventilation ports, soft-fabric tongues, and excellent breathability. Also, its rubberized sole increases traction, flexibility, and offers 360-degree comfort. Link to Amazon.

Sebago Triton Three Eye Deck Shoe

Sebago is a well-known brand for its sailing shoes and this one is amongst their classics. Apart from that this shoe has a great grip, it’s durable and flexible. However, it’s not really lightweight as a shoe but it’s definitely a stylish one! Check them out on Amazon.

Hiitave Men’s and Women’s Aqua Beach Water Shoes

This comfortable and stylish pair of shoes is one of the best for water-sport activities as well as for sailing. They’re really flexible, provide a good grip, and are adjustable to the size of any foot. Try them on Amazon.

Sperry Men’s Sea Kite Sport Moc Boat Shoe

Another one of the Sperry brands is a sporty mocassin that’s available in different colors. This shoe is highly grippy, easy to wash and dry as well as excellently water-resistant. Furthermore, it provides great traction on decks and on slippery surfaces. Plus, you can wear them everywhere and not only in your sailboat! Check them on Amazon.

Adidas Women’s Terrex Climacool Boat Shoe

Just like the previously mentioned model of Adidas, this one also stands out for its excellent features. The shoe’s uppers are made from Climacool perforated neoprene mesh. Moreover, they’re breathable, easy to wash, and dry. Their heel features a stretchable insert to ensure a comfortable fit and they also provide excellent stability for all surfaces. They are ideal for sailing, kayaking, and for many more water-sport activities. View them on Amazon.