Sailing shoes that don't suck?
- Thread starter freewheelin
- Start date
clucas
Member
Somebody Else
a person of little consequence
Somebody Else
a person of little consequence
I used to wear those a lot. People could identify me from afar because I was the only one wearing the Keens aboard 20 years ago.
I've owned a few pairs of Stan Smiths, they're no worse or better than any other bog standard trainer onboard. Not as good grip as a dedicated boat shoe, but not bad.
And I don't care how old you are, wearing socks with sandals is a crime!
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@freewheelin I'm using a pair of Under Armour Tribase Reign 3s that I got at an outlet store. They're onto version 4 now but they look pretty similar:
https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/p/shoes/mens_ua_tribase_reign_4_training_shoes/3025052.html?dwvar_3025052_color=002&start=0&breadCrumbLast=Training
They're working pretty well - flat and not super thick sole so good traction and stability plus they have good flexibility at the toes so they shouldn't blow out at the forefoot like some shoes do. Also good level of reinforcing around the whole shoe to protect from non-skid abrasion. I've a done a season as mid-bow on a Club Swan 50 which is a mix of teak and non-skid and I'm keeping them on for another one. They don't have the drain holes of the Terrex but on the lus side it means you don't get waves blasting up through the sole when you're on the rail. Early season use a waterproof or neoprene sock and you're toasty all day.
There is a lace-up Croc that I've seen become pretty popular for boats with non-skid or foam decks but I can't actually find the version online that I've seen people wearing plus I still can't being myself to go down that path...
The bowman I sail with uses an indoor football shoe from Adidas - thin, flat and super sticky sole for max grip. Arguably he could have chosen a more subtle colour;
https://www.academy.com/p/adidas-mens-predator-freak-3-in-soccer-cleats-?sku=red-core-black-solar-red-m-10-w-11-d
Having spent just enough time working in the footwear industry to know a few things to look for, it does seem like a lot of sailing brand shoes are pretty poorly made and designed - or are aimed very squarely at 'low impact'' use and not crawling around on non-skid at the front of the boat (there's a lot of very unnecessary stitching and thin mesh which all chafes out very quickly) . Looking at the pros on the TPs and Maxis etc over here the Terrex are about the only sailing specific shoe you really see being used, the rest are all variations on what I posted above plus some basketball kicks for the more fashion conscious. The waffle soled Vans are pretty popular but that's only if you're willing to run through a few pairs a season (forefoot blow-outs are quite common).
https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/p/shoes/mens_ua_tribase_reign_4_training_shoes/3025052.html?dwvar_3025052_color=002&start=0&breadCrumbLast=Training
They're working pretty well - flat and not super thick sole so good traction and stability plus they have good flexibility at the toes so they shouldn't blow out at the forefoot like some shoes do. Also good level of reinforcing around the whole shoe to protect from non-skid abrasion. I've a done a season as mid-bow on a Club Swan 50 which is a mix of teak and non-skid and I'm keeping them on for another one. They don't have the drain holes of the Terrex but on the lus side it means you don't get waves blasting up through the sole when you're on the rail. Early season use a waterproof or neoprene sock and you're toasty all day.
There is a lace-up Croc that I've seen become pretty popular for boats with non-skid or foam decks but I can't actually find the version online that I've seen people wearing plus I still can't being myself to go down that path...
The bowman I sail with uses an indoor football shoe from Adidas - thin, flat and super sticky sole for max grip. Arguably he could have chosen a more subtle colour;
https://www.academy.com/p/adidas-mens-predator-freak-3-in-soccer-cleats-?sku=red-core-black-solar-red-m-10-w-11-d
Having spent just enough time working in the footwear industry to know a few things to look for, it does seem like a lot of sailing brand shoes are pretty poorly made and designed - or are aimed very squarely at 'low impact'' use and not crawling around on non-skid at the front of the boat (there's a lot of very unnecessary stitching and thin mesh which all chafes out very quickly) . Looking at the pros on the TPs and Maxis etc over here the Terrex are about the only sailing specific shoe you really see being used, the rest are all variations on what I posted above plus some basketball kicks for the more fashion conscious. The waffle soled Vans are pretty popular but that's only if you're willing to run through a few pairs a season (forefoot blow-outs are quite common).
bloodshot
Super Anarchist
take a look at the Nike Frees. using those now on the bow.
also good are volleyball shoes. great grip
also good are volleyball shoes. great grip
slug zitski
Super Anarchist
The classic leather moccasins are superior boat shoes
as soon as wind comes up , foul weather gear comes out… I remove the boat moccasins and put on a pair of sports shoes. Trainers or whatever you call then
I’ve used many brands , they all work
choose a pair with suitable boat treads
ROADKILL666
Super Anarchist
I have been using vans for years
Best shoes I ever had on a boat were Nike mid highs. Great traction, and when doing a lot of standing they had the ankle support a boat specific shoe just doesn’t have, really had a big difference on windy days when the boat is heeled a lot. Thinking about a pair of Lebrons for this year, bc GOAT and all that.
I like the Musto Dynamic Pro
https://www.watersportsoutlet.com/2021-musto-dynamic-pro-sailing-shoes-82026-platinum-p-32616.html?geo=en-us
https://www.watersportsoutlet.com/2021-musto-dynamic-pro-sailing-shoes-82026-platinum-p-32616.html?geo=en-us
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Sail4beer
Starboard!
Last summer I did foredeck on a narrow 5.5 Meter boat in Olukai leather flip flops. I also climbed rocky outcrops in Maine without any problem.
Maybe not what you want to wear falling asleep on the rail. But on a 5.5 m on a sunny day, why not. They are good for protecting your toes. In warm climates i like to wear sandals, but with ancle straps. I get nervous with crew sailing bare foot.
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A
Amati
Guest
Sperry doesn’t make the ones on the left anymore, they are perfect, and have lasted pretty well- the ones on the right are quirky,but kinda cool- I’ve some white recent ^_^ mesh Sperry’s that look too much the part, and have ok grip, etc, not leather, but I’m allergic to heavy metal tanning, so no more wearing leather Sperrys to destruction.
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Santanasailor
Charter Member. Scow Mafia
I have two pair, one for the boat and one for other times. Best boat shoes I have had.
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A
Amati
Guest
Like these? We were actually considering fake teak decks because no traction, and then I tried the embarrassingly white new ones- 
2savage
Member
I wear carpet slippers. They complement my bath robe as I lounge around in my pilothouse.
Sail4beer
Starboard!
There are only 3 onboard when I wear the flip flops, when 4 I wear topsiders. They’re leather for a reason. They take a ton of abuse that would tear a regular shoe material up and the sole is always good for deck work. Plus, I look like my grandfather when I wear them!
blurocketsmate
Anarchist
I've really liked Salomon Techamphibians, versions 1, 2, 3, and now 4. They seem to be getting rare. I don't know if they've been discontinued. If they have that's a bummer.
But I hate the newer color schemes. I like shoes that blend in and don't scream "outdoor sports geek." So I still wear regular Topsiders all the time.
Addidas Terrex were great, but now probably gone too.
Sperry's Billfish is a better actual boat shoe than the original. It still looks OK as a normal shoe, and you can still get them.
If you can't find it at zappos.com or ebay.com, it's probably discontinued.
But I hate the newer color schemes. I like shoes that blend in and don't scream "outdoor sports geek." So I still wear regular Topsiders all the time.
Addidas Terrex were great, but now probably gone too.
Sperry's Billfish is a better actual boat shoe than the original. It still looks OK as a normal shoe, and you can still get them.
If you can't find it at zappos.com or ebay.com, it's probably discontinued.
