boat shoes

[sun knee]

I'm getting my 16ft seanymph back into the water and was wondering what is a good boat shoe brand to wear for launching the boat? I want a shoe that will dry out quickly that won't shrink or stay wet for hours but a low cut that I can wear all day without getting uncomfortable in? What do you guys wear for daily boating activities when your in and out of the boat all day?I'd rather not wear a rubber boot if I could hep it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: boat shoes

i wear a swim shoes, then into flip flop, or loafers.

 

[thepotroast]

Re: boat shoes

Sperry's all the way...

I find good deals on them starting at $29 and up. They go well into the $150 price range. You can find them at retail stores (Penney's, Belks, etc) or at discount shoe stores (where I get mine) like Rack Room Shoes, etc.

They are marketed as boating shoes. Construction is typically canvas/cotton material with rubber soles. The more expensive you go, the better the materials and durability seem to be. I am wearing my Sperry's I bought for $30 from Belk's about a year ago, and they still have some life in them.

 

[smclear]

Re: boat shoes

Just avoid the concrete ones. On a serious note, I've always had good luck with Sperry's. They are the authentic 'boat shoe'. There are probably lots of others that would do well though. As for brands, maybe try looking at some of the "boating" stores for names.

Sperry
Sebago
Rockport

I am sure there are others - but make sure they're for water. I know for a fact that Rockport makes regular shoes as well.

 

[oops!]

Re: boat shoes

i use water socks.

 

[frankie g]

Re: boat shoes

Crocs http://shop.crocs.com/pc-929-4-yukon.aspx?navcategories=2,4&color=Charcoal/Med Gr

 

[RickV1955]

Re: boat shoes

Launching a boat in salt water......
doesn't raise hell with most shoes??

I have used an old pair of sneakers......lol.

 

[sun knee]

Re: boat shoes

Thanks guys I will check out the Sperry's and the crocs . I like the way the crocs have drain holes for the water to empty out of. The crocs cove style is what I'm looking for and the price isn't to bad either. Thanks again sun knee.

 

[ziggy]

Re: boat shoes

i wear Birkenstocks for launching. just kick them off when i walk in the water. put'em on when i get done.

if i don't like the ramp and really want something on my feet. i have some $10 chineeze sandels that are just plain hard rubber soles w/two straps (velcro) across the front and one over the heal. these sandles are kept onboard. i boat the missouri river and the sand/mud can suck the shoes or sandles right off your feet if you step in the wrong place. with the back strap, i've had as good a luck as to any shoe for keeping them on and getting them back out of the mud if i make a mistake and step in the wrong place..

 

[lowkee]

Re: boat shoes

I have a pair of ecco sandals. They cost a lot at first glace (~$80-140) but they last forever. I bought my first and only pair in 2000 and they still look identical to the new ones. They have a cork sole and are all leather. I wear them in and out of water, including ocean water. My wife just bought hers about 4-5 yrs ago and they also still look new.

I'll never buy $80 sneakers, but these sandals were well worth the price.

Here is a link to the sandals I have (slightly different from 9 yrs ago):
http://www.amazon.com/ECCO-Casual-Strap-Sandal-10-10-5/dp/B000Y4C1G8/

EDIT: After reading this thread, I went and ordered a new pair, as my old ones had a small run in with my lab last year. Man I love these things.

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: boat shoes

sandals at launch, they get stowed and I'm barefoot aboard.

 

[ziggy]

Re: boat shoes

they get stowed and I'm barefoot aboard.

i forgot to say that. me too...

 

[scoutabout]

Re: boat shoes

Another vote for crocs here. Not only for the durability and quick dry factor on the ramp but sheer spongy comfort aboard!

My cockpit is all nonskid and it gets hard on the tooties after awhile. Also, I like to stand at the helm and a day's worth of that is not comfortable for me in bare feet.

Last but not least...I've been thankful more than once that they float!

 

[zach103]

Re: boat shoes

i forgot to say that. me too...

i third that an old pair of normal no velcro slip on sandals.. than once in im barefoot.. but i do have a pair of sperry's and i love them. their nice at boat shows too. never have to take them off

 

[Expidia]

Re: boat shoes

I keep Sperry's on board for going out to restaurants, walking around the town etc. I only use Crocs for boating. They have been falling off from popularity and their sales have been dropping. But I still prefer them for boating and find Sperry's rot out from the water pretty quick and from using them barefoot.

So my vote goes for the Crocs hands down. They dry fast and the best part is you can walk right in the water, hot sand, asphalt etc stepping on rocks or algae on the launch ramp and not slip and ruin your day. Most of the time once in the boat I'm barefoot. Croc's won't streak up your deck either (neither will Sperrys).

Croc's last so long without breaking it's amazing. I have a pair in dark brown and dark blue. I'm hoping one pair breaks already so I can get a black pair.

Yes, they are fugly, but at least don't buy them in bright yellow, red or purple etc and then wear them with white socks yet, that stylish look is reserved only for sailors

You can find them for $20 on line . You can buy 3 pairs of Croc's for what 1 pair of Sperry's will set you back.

The worst design ever are those darn rawhide laces on the sperry's that I've been fighting with and constantly having to retie for the last 30 years. Those things never stay tied

 

[phwrd]

Re: boat shoes

I am on my 3rd pair of Speery Top-Sider's, SB870.

With my "wide" feet, (9 EE) these are the most comfortable shoes i have ever owned. 3 pair in 10 years is pretty good. They dry fast and hold up, wet or dry. I have even played golf in them and felt good.

Got a pair of Top-Siders Casuals for X-Mas, really like these. . .

 

[slasmith1]

Re: boat shoes

vans slip ons

 

[dave11]

Re: boat shoes

Launching a boat in salt water......
doesn't raise hell with most shoes??

I have used an old pair of sneakers......lol.

I thought that's what everyone did with old sneakers.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: boat shoes

Still trying to kill a pair of Woo Dave's boat shoes from Georgia Boot Company. Most comfortable shoes I've ever owned...so comfortable that they became daily work shoes, then daily around the place shoes, and now daily work on my stuff shoes...while doing double duty in the boat. Cost was reasonable too...soles are getting thin, but I'm going to check with every cobbler I can find for a re-sole price when the time comes. I'm too clumsy for sandals even though some really like them.

 

[golf101]

Re: boat shoes

They may be a little more expensive, but Salomon, North Face, Merrill, and others make water shoes that are perfect for this. They are made to both be in the water and to hike/walk. They dry out quickly and are great for slippery boat ramps because they have good traction.