Who doesn’t like to go barefoot on a boat? After all, it’s relaxing and comfortable. But the problem when going barefoot is that your feet are more exposed to injuries and burns, which you don’t want. So to keep your feet in good shape, it would be better to wear shoes but not just any. You need a good pair of boating footwear that is comfortable, stable, grippy, waterproof, and dries quickly.
I don’t know about you, but when it comes to choosing a pair of shoes, I always look for the best quality, even though I have to pay a higher price. At least, I am sure that I don’t just throw money out the window, and I get what I paid for.
However, there are several things to consider when choosing a good pair of boating footwear, and it’s not always easy to find the ones that correspond to your needs. Here is a list of the 12 best boat shoes for sailing in 2023 to help you make the best decision!
Post Updated: 15 January 2023
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission. Thanks.”
RATING
- TOP PICK: KEEN Men’s Newport H2
- BEST RATED: Sperry Mens Bahama Ii
- ALSO GREAT: Columbia Men’s Bahama Vent PFG Boat Shoe
TOP PICK
1. Keen Newport Boating Sandals
There is no doubt that you’ll feel great the moment you’ll put these sandals on your feet! They are so comfy that you could find yourself still wearing them in the winter.
Whether it is for sailing, hiking, biking, fishing, walking, or working, the Keen men’s H2 sandal will always make your feet happy!
These shoes provide comfort and are designed to protect feet against injuries. There are many sorts of boating sandals out there, but Keen did an excellent job by including all the characteristics sailors would have ever dreamed of.
Average Rank: 4.7 out of 5
Pros
- Excellent for sailing trips, water sports, and all kinds of outdoor activities
- The sole provides exceptional traction on wet surfaces.
- Easy to slip on and off
- Easy to go from land to water and vice-versa
- Durable
- The closed-toe design helps prevents feet injuries
Cons
- Pebble and sand can get in the sandals easily.
- They are more pricey than regular sandals, but they are worth every penny!
- The nylon dries quicker than the ladder version.
Final word!
The Newport H2 is so strong that you can look forward to wearing them many years from the moment you open the box!
BEST RATED
2. Sperry Men’s Bahama Ii Boat Shoe
The Sperry men’s Bahama II is a comfortable pair of boat shoes made of undyed canvas material, making them comfortable to wear all day.
These high-end boat shoes have a nice hand-sewn construction with Rawhide lace. It’s a strong leather made from dairy cows, making them very souple and durable.
The eyelets on these shoes are rustproof, so even if they get in contact with salt water, they won’t get any corrosion stains. They are also machine washable, which simplifies life—no need to clean them by hand, although they are very easy to clean and dry fast.
These have a non-marking rubber outsole with molded wave-sipping technology. So you can be sure these will keep your feet stable on the deck or other surfaces. Plus, they don’t leave any marks.
Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5
Pros
- Breathable
- Durable
- Stylish
- Grip exceptionally well
- Machine washable
Cons
- Some users said that they rubbed against the heel.
- Several reviewers reported that they fit a half size too big.
Final Words
The Sperry Bahama Ii fits great. It’s lightweight and breathable.
As you can see by the rating, people love these boat shoes. They felt like walking around on bare feet so much that they were comfortable.
On top of that, they are stylish and durable, and if you take care of them well, they will last for years.
3. Columbia Men’s Bahama Boat Shoe
If you often go fishing, kayaking, boating, or hiking, having a great pair of water shoes designed for both function and comfort is what you may be looking for.
The Columbia Bahamas shoes are waterproof, stain-resistant, and have a full-grain leather and canvas construction, making them breathable, lightweight, and comfortable to wear all day. The insole is mesh and cushiony, providing excellent support for walking around towns, islands, and on the beach.
Plus, the insole is removable, which is practical if you need to replace it with orthotics or wash it separately. Not to mention, the mesh has tiny ventilated holes that allow exceptional ventilation. No doubt that these shoes will keep your feet cool all day in the summer—the sole features holes on the sides to enable the water to escape. According to many reviewers, they drain water sand, and pebbles nicely.
The Columbia Bahama is a slip-on shoe; thanks to the strap at the back, you can put them on and off quickly without effort. Another great feature is the Omni-Grip outsole; it’s a multi-terrain traction system built into the rubber outsole to maximize grip on wet surfaces. These come in multiple colors and sizes, giving you lots of choices.
Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5
Pros
- Comfortable
- Drain water, sand, and pebbles nicely
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Stylish
Cons
- A few customers reported that they run a little large.
- Several buyers said the seams came apart after a few days of wearing them.
- Some users wished the shoes were more ventilated.
Final Words
The Columbia Bahamas is a stylish slip-on shoe that is comfortable and keeps feet aerated all day. Plus, they dry super fast and are very easy to wash. In short, the perfect pair of water shoes for boating or enjoying watersports in the summer.
4. Sperry Top-Sider Escape Bungee
There are so many good things to say about the Sperry Top-Sider Escape Bungee.
Light, airy, comfortable, and stylish are the primary qualities that this fantastic pair of boat shoes provide!
Not only you’ll be able to use them for boating but also for many other activities without feeling you have shoes on.
Average Rank: 3.9 out of 5
Pros
- The footbed is removable.
- They provide great traction on a wet fiberglass deck.
- These boat shoes absorb shock, preventing back and foot pain thanks to their anti-shock and vibration technology.
- Ultra quick drying
- Ultra Lightweight
- Ultra soft
Cons:
- The soles deteriorate quickly if wearing them often.
Final word!
They look good. They are comfortable and ultra-lightweight. In other words, these are perfect for boating and outdoor activities. What more can you ask for?
5. Sperry Sea Kite Sports Boat Shoe
Whether to spend time on the water, look great on any occasion, or practice any sports activities, the Sperry Sea Kite Sports Boat Shoe will always astonish you!
It is a mix of sailing and walking shoes that are extremely comfortable to wear with or without socks!
Average Rank: 4.5 out of 5
Pros
- Provide more support than any other regular Sperry shoes
- The extra support help maximize protection against irritations to the ankles
- Excellent traction
- Extremely durable
Cons
- The removable insole is made of synthetic fabric and not leather
- They are a bit narrow compared to other regular shoes, but after wearing them for a few days, they stretch out.
Final world!
The Sea Kite is an all-in-one and exceptional shoe at a great price!
6. Adidas Climacool Boat Lace
I am sure you’ve already heard of Adidas…who hasn’t:)
This Brand has never really disappointed anyone as far as I know, including me, and continues to surprise me with the new pair of sailing footwear, Adidas Climacool Boat Lace!
These shoes are mainly designed for boating as well as for all kinds of watersports, as they have all the features that sailors need. They drain and dry fast; they grip fantastically, and they are ultra-lightweight!
Average Rank: 4.5 out of 5
Pros
- They dry fast
- Nice looking shoes
- The mesh inner sole makes the shoes very comfortable
- The holes in the bottom of the shoes allow the water out easily
- Easy to slip them on and off
- Provide great traction
Cons
- Wearing them without socks may irritate the feet.
- Pebbles and sand can get under the insole, which may make them uncomfortable to wear.
- They are not designed to walk on land for extended periods
Final word!
Overall, it’s a good pair of shoes. These are designed for boating and all sorts of watersports, but I wouldn’t suggest using them for any outdoor activities!
7. Columbia Powerdrain
If you want to spoil your feet, then look no further than the Columbia Powerdrain. These shoes will exceed all your expectations regarding comfort, lightness, and traction! These are excellent for water sports use, but I’ve heard from various people that they use them as well for many onshore activities, and they are very happy with the product.
One of them even said that she wouldn’t have to pack different pairs of shoes as she finds all she needs in the Columbia Powerdrain. She must have saved lots of space in her baggage!
Average Rank: 4.5 out of 5
Pros
- The Omni-Freeze ZERO technology allows drains water
- Dry quickly, thanks to the external TPU frame support
- Provide excellent support
- Comfortable
- Ultra lightweight
- Easy to slip them on and off
Cons
- The insole may come out when wearing them for a while without socks.
- Pebbles and sand may get inside the shoes
- Not designed for walking long distances
Final word!
The Columbia Powerdrain is an excellent pair of shoes for water sports activities
8. Sperry Top-Sider Men’s ASV Shock Boat Shoe
This is Sperry’s first performance boat shoe with new innovations perfect for days in the water. Athletic-designed footwear with a super lightweight feature that will keep your feet comfortable all day. They have an Adaptive Wave-Siping™, providing awesome traction on wet surfaces. The ASV Technology reduces vibration and shock while walking. The Removable full-length Molded Footbed provides the ultimate comfort for the feet.
Average Rank: 4.2 out of 5
Pros
- Its ultra-lightweight design makes it easy to walk with.
- The mesh upper fits snuggly to the feet.
- Perfect for any surface because of the rubber sole
- Easy to wear for its adjustable bungee.
- The heel cushion gives the perfect arch support to your feet.
Cons
- Due to its nylon and mesh upper design, the frays go off easily.
- Not the type of shoes that last for years
Final Words
If you are looking for a boat shoe that is easy to wear, comfortable, and looks stylishly athletic at the same time, Sperry Top-Sider Men’s ASV Shock Light Bungee is for you. However, the nylon/mesh design does not last long as it wears and tears in a few months of continuous use. Thus, not a long-term investment.
9. Irish Setter Lakeside
These are rugged boat shoes that are meant to keep your feet dry and bring you comfort. They feature a Dynamic Spine System intended to reduce fatigue, absorbing the shock on the sole and non-marking rubber sole to keep your balance on any surface. These are rugged distressed shoes that do not only provide support but flexibility too.
Average Rank: 4.2 out of 5
Pros
- More than a boat shoe, it can be worn for business casual attire, with or without socks.
- It has a superior grip on most surfaces.
- Easy to wear as it is a slip-on.
- Durability. It can stand the test of time.
- Sturdy and well-constructed
Cons
- Not available in another color.
- Not suitable for long walking or running
Finale Words!
This is a versatile boat shoe that is not limited to fishing and sailing, a perfect investment for any man in their wardrobe. The design, although limited in color, gives off an overall rugged look without the discomfort as the shoe keeps you safe, dry, and comfortable at the same time.
10. Skechers Performance Women’s Go Step-Seashore Boating Shoe
Made of 100% Textile with Rubber Soles to keep your balance and grip on any surface. The Skechers GoImpulse Sensor Technology provides flexibility to the sole. It has Goga Max insole. A lightweight shoe with cushion memory for maximum comfort.
Average Rank: 4.7 out of 5
Pros
- The design is classically stylish and comfortable. You can wear them anywhere.
- The slip-on feature makes it easy to wear.
- Durable, as seen on the stitches on the shoes.
- Super lightweight
- You can choose from leather to canvas style.
Cons
- No built arch support
- Not advisable for people who use orthotics
Final Words!
The Skechers Performance Boat Shoes are perfect for the adventurous office worker who wants to use them in the office and the great outdoors. However, they might not suit people with foot problems who require the use of orthotics.
11. Skechers Performance Women’s On-The-Go Flagship Slip-On Boat Shoe
The On-The-Go Flagship Slip-On is made of perforated synthetic upper material with a slip-on lace-up design. Moc toe. The Goga Mat™ technology and Resalyte™ Midsole provide comfort on the sole due to its lightweight features. Flexible outsole. It has a soft fabric lining and lightweight and responsive cushioning.
Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5
Pros
- It has Arch support better than other shoes.
- Lightweight and feels like you are walking on clouds.
- Memory foam that gives ultimate comfort
- Perfect for outdoor adventures like mud fishing, trails, and pavement walking
- Cost cheaper than the regular Skechers
Cons
- Some shoes were reported to have odor problems
- Run a bit wide on the heel
Final Words!
Skechers Performance Women’s On-The-Go Flagship Slip-On Boat Shoe is perfect for stylish women who want to keep using the same shoe indoors and outdoors. Odor problems can be easily fixed with footpowder, so overall, this is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. Be classy and chic while sailing.
12. ALEADER Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
Aleader has drainage ports to drain water. These shoes are super light and dry in no time. They have rubber pods for additional traction offering foot performance for water sports or water aerobics activities. FluidFlow Technology. The upper mesh material provides excellent drainage through the small holes and insole, allowing quick drying. These boat shoes allow exceptional airflow, keeping your feet cool in the summer. Great rubber outsole and Solyte midsole, enhancing comfort and traction.
Average Rank: 4.4 out of 5
Pros
- The holes in the bottom drain out water thoroughly
- They dried out quickly.
- Comfortable due to the ComforDry sock liner and arch support.
- Provides excellent traction.
- Lightweight and easy to pack.
Cons
- The soles collect rocks and debris.
- Getting it wet and sandy provides a scratchy feeling on the feet
Final Words!
Acqua shoes are perfect for any water activities as they drain water and dry easily. However, it does not bring the same comfort as other boat shoes with a thick soles. Recommended for those quick trips at the beach and for water sports such as sailing, but not to be used in pebbly or sandy terrain.
Guide to Choosing the Right Pair of Boat Shoes
Size
Boat shoes or also known as deck shoes and topsiders, are usually made with canvas and leather. But, if you are getting leather boat shoes, get a half-size smaller than the average size. You want your shoes to be snug to your fit, especially if you choose to be sockless. Also, add some allowance for your toes to wiggle in.
Material
The boat shoes are a classic piece in any man’s wardrobe that can be worn day and night. It comes in canvas and leather. However, leather gives you the vintage preppy vibe that is a unique feature of boat shoes. Leathers are also known to be durable and dressier than canvas. As this is worn for sailing, waterproof materials are preferred.
The “classic pull-up leather” called Horween Chromexcel, or CXL, is the preferred leather type known for its elasticity and softness. Compared to other types of leather, Chromexcel breaks in faster, thus, more comfortable for the feet.
Non-slip sole
The sole non-slip feature of boat shoes is what led to its inception when Paul Sperry, a former Navy Sailor, tried to find a way to avoid skidding in his boat. He experimented with several materials, such as black rubber soles. It was until he noticed his dog Prince running over icy water without sliding that he had his a-ha moment. This led to the conception of the herringbone pattern of sipes (slits) in 1923. This siping pattern, initially created by cutting slits on the rubber sole, provides better traction on wet surfaces.
From the black rubber soles come the white sole with herringbone pattern and brown color that gave the classic boat shoe look.
Upper
Leather is treated with oil to become water-repellant and stainproof. The shoe is handsewn and has 360-degree lacing running through 2-3 eyelets to tighten the shoes. The 360-degree profile allows you to cinch the laces to tighten the shoe.
Comfort
Once broken in, boat shoes are very comfortable on the feet, which is why it is often worn sockless. To break in your boat shoe, allow a week to a month for the shoe to stretch out a bit to widen. The temporary discomfort will pay off with a shoe that will snuggle to your feet perfectly.
Tip: Do not use the shoe for long-distance travel during the 1st few days, as this will hurt your feet. Best to use it in the afternoon, walking around your house, or for short walks. Remember, it only loosens the width but not the length.
Non-marking sole
As for how it was invented initially, the white rubber sole does not leave any mark on boat decks. This feature is very important for sailors. After all, no one would want to leave marks on a beautiful teak deck or fiberglass boat.
From a white-colored sole, it has evolved into different colors, mostly representative of the summer colors. Despite the change of color, the non-marking feature is still kept for boat sailing purposes.
FAQs
Where to Buy Boat Shoes for Sailing?
The boat shoes being a staple in men’s and even women’s wardrobe has broken in the international fashion world. Here are some of the shops in America where you can buy boat shoes. Quoddy MTO, Stockists, Rancourt Shop, Russell Moccasin Co, Oak Street Shop, Sperry Made in Maine, Orvis, Redwing Germany, Skechers, and of course, Amazon.
With the increasing popularity of online shopping, boat shoes are available on different e-commerce sites. Be aware, though, of imitations that could leave a bad experience. Make sure to make use of the guides listed earlier for the authentic boat shoe purchase.
Can I Wear Socks With Boat Shoes?
Going sockless is how boat shoes are traditionally worn. Once originally for sailing, wearing socks with boat shoes paired with shorts and a polo shirt will give you a fashion run. For those people with sweaty feet, you can use cotton inserts for comfort.
There is no absolute rule in using socks. Just because it was a tradition, it doesn’t mean there is no way around it. For those who find discomfort in being sockless, there are what you call no-show or foot socks that can be worn with the shoes. A dark hose is ideal for such an occasion. But for the majority, going sockless is still the trend for that classic preppy look.
Who Are Boat Shoes for?
Originally, boat shoes are designed for the gentlemen sailors out there ready to conquer the wave on their yachts. Through the years, these slip-on had swept over the fashion world, taking over the coastal areas of the United Kingdom, Spain, Netherlands, Canada, United States, Australia, Argentina, China, Italy, France, and Portugal. From then, it became a fashion trend from outside the decks to the walking streets in everyday fashion ensembles.
Why Wear Boat Shoes?
Today, women and men of all ages are rocking the boat shoes both on and off the deck. It has a classic preppy look that you can wear from morning to night. For that 80s look, you can pair them French tolled jeans for men and a V-neck sweater for women.
For the modern preppy look, pair it up with shorter-length pants and a polo for the men. For the best pair, go for boat shoes and chinos. That is for the smart casual look. Looking for a challenge? Pair it with a semi-formal look by choosing a complementary shoe with your suit.
For that natural look, jeans and boat shoes are the perfect pairs as long as worn in a similar tone. For women, it is more versatile as you can pair them with your dress or trousers with a blouse. You can never go wrong with such an ensemble.
More than fashion, it is very functional and a must-have staple in your wardrobe.
Final Words
Boat shoes are still in trend these days as long as you stick to the classic look. Or, if you can pull it off with the pastel colors, then that’s great news! Wear it every day or even when traveling. Great for the summer days and even in the cooler weather. You can hop on and off the yacht and still look fantastic in this quintessential classic pair.
Other Product Reviews
- Boat shoes for sailing
- Boat shoes for women
- How to choose boat shoes for men
- Boat shoes for men
- What shoes to wear on a boat
- Shoes to wear on a sailboat
- Breathable water shoes for men
- How to choose water shoes
- Why wear water shoes
- Women water shoes
- Water shoes for hiking
- Women’s flip flops
- Supportive flip-flops for women
- How to choose flip flops
- Men’s flip flops
- How to buy deck boots
- Waterproof deck boots
What are your favorite boating shoes? Please, feel free to share your experience in the comment below.
Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
These are really nice options. I’m normally are barefooted kind of guy myself but I’m kind of leaning towards the Columbia Powerdrain. From the info, i get how strong the shoe material is but what about the shoe lace, do they become brittle or affected in anyway after coming into contact with water so frequently?
The Climacool are water shoes and were made especially for boating and water sport. These are extremely comfortable in the water, but not on land. Both Climacool and Columbia Powerdrain are suitable for watersports and last a long time. I am sure you will enjoy both of them. To answer your question, any shoes you’ll use frequently will deteriorate quicker. Also, it depends on what you’ll do with them, but overall, both are fabulous shoes.
I hope it helped and, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you wish to know more info:) I’ll be glad to help!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a great day!
This may be a really bad question but how do you feel Crocs stack up against these sailing shoes? I wore these extensively during a voyage to Antarctica and really enjoyed them. I can see that having more support would be handy sailing as Crocs can easily come off if the band comes lose behind the ankles. Personally I really like the look of the Adidas shoe here but it is unfortunate they do not offer as much as some of the other shoes here. Is the Keen Newport Boating Sandal comfortable on land?
Hi Francis,
I love Crocs, and I own a few pairs myself. I wouldn’t suggest wearing Crocs on any wet surfaces. These are slippy and can be extremely dangerous! I’ve slipped several times and I’ve almost killed myself. I am not the only one. It happened to all my friends as well as to my husband and my children. I still wear them but only on dry surfaces.
The Keen Sandals are absolutely fantastic and comfortable to wear all day and everywhere. These are non-slip shoes and are made of very strong material. I have a pair of Keen sandals since four years, and they are still comfortable and look awesome, and I have worn them on rough areas.
I hope it helped and if you need more info, don’t hesitate to leave a message in the comment below. I’ll be back to as soon as possible!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a lovely day!
Hey, Danielle,
I’m so happy I came across your site! I’m looking to go on a Sailing Journey around South East Asia and I’m looking for the best footwear for myself.
I actually need orthotics which require me to have a deep and wider shoe. Which of these shoes do you recommend that is deeper and wider fitting?
Thanks!
Hi Emrah,
How nice, I wish you a fantastic sailing trip!
If you need orthotic shoes, I would definitely suggest you check the Keen Sandals, most of them feature removable insoles, which is ideal for your feet.
I hope it helped and if you need more information, don’t hesitate to contact me, I’ll be glad to assist!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!
These shoes sound really useful. Sometimes I like to walk on the beach or go boating or other water-related activities that require shoes. Regular shoes aren’t obviously good enough. Crocs are good but they don’t have a good grip on your feet. These shoes seem like they have the best of both qualities – they are waterproof and they are durable in water areas. Great review!
Hi Ariel,
Crocs are great to wear in certain areas, but I wouldn’t suggest to wear them on wet surfaces especially after wearing them for a while as the outsole deteriorates with the time and they get really slippy. I never wear Crocs on any wet surface!
Yes, the shoes listed in the article have excellent support and hold well the feet.
Thank you for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!
The Sperry sea kite shoes look amazing! Great looks as well as what seems like great quality. Definitely my first choice! It’s good that they provide good arch support, because I have big arches.
Would this shoe also be good for everyday use? I tend to not have too many pairs of shoes, and use the same pair for many different things. Is this a good all around walking shoe as well? Would be good to use on rainy days.
Hi Yasaya,
Indeed, the Sperry Sea Kite are amazing shoes!
Since they provide excellent arch support, you can wear them for walking. Also, they are slip resistant, thus grip wet surfaces. These are water resistant. So yes, you can wear them in the rain, but I wouldn’t suggest using them for swimming or kayaking since they are not waterproof.
I hope it helped:) Let me know if you need more info. I am always happy to help!
Thank you for the comment and wish you all the best!
I had no idea that Adidas made boat shoes. I grew up wearing Sperry’s. They were great on the boat and just a good everyday shoe. As the years went by, I needed more arch support so I got away from Sperry. I’m definitely going to check out Sea Kite. Sperry has always made a quality shoe. It will be good to wear one with a bit of an arch. 🙂
Hi Marie,
Yes, Adidas make boat shoes too and great ones!
The Sea Kite offers excellent arch support, and they are cute! I am sure you will love them:)
Thank you for the comment and wish you a fantastic day!
Hi Daniella,
I’m wondering if these shoes are made for males or females, or are they unisex? I was also wondering if these shoes would be good on a cruise or would they not be the kind of shoes I need!?
Hi Diane,
Thank you for passing by:)
Most of the shoes that are listed in the article are designed for women except the Sperry Sea Kite Sports Boat Shoe and the Keen Newport Boating Sandals, which are available on Amazon in women version. These shoes feature non-marking soles and are slip resistant. Meaning they grip well on wet surfaces and they don’t leave any marks on boats.But that may not be a concern for you if the trip is on a cruise:). If you plan to do excursions on land, then you’ll need versatile shoes like the Keen sandals or the Sperry Top-Sider or Colombia Powerdrain. Here is another article about the best water shoes for women, you may take a look.
I hope it helped and, please, don’t hesitate to contact me with any question. I’ll be more than happy to assist!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a fantastic cruising experience:)
Hi Daniella.
This is really useful. I have been invited out sailing on a cabin cruiser and although I love the sea, I am a rank amateur .
I have high arches to my feet and usually use a bit of arch support. which would you recommend for that.
We are not planning to do much on dry land, just sailing and swimming. (Somewhere warm I understand.)
Thanks for the review.
Hi there,
I am glad you found this article useful!
All the shoes listed in the article are designed for sailing and water sports. If you plan on doing loads of water sports, I would suggest you the Columbia Powerdrain and they provide great support.
I hope it helped. Let me know if you need to know further info. I am always happy to help!
Thank you for the comment t and wish you all the best!
I found your article very informative. I have only been on a boat a couple of times in my life. Don’t remember what kind of shoes I was wearing. I do know that most people wear shoes about one-third of their life, and if they’re not comfortable or don’t fit right it can be a very miserable experience. You explained quite a variety of shoes, why they are the best and the good they do for your feet. I will have to check them out for the future and will direct others to your wonderful Website, thanks again for the info.
Hi Marie,
I am glad you found the article useful!
Indeed, if the shoes don’t fit the foot, it can be painful. That’s why it’s important to choose the right size:)
Thank you for sharing the site with others, and for the comment!
I wish you a fantastic day!
I really like the Sperry Top-Sider Escape Bungee. I was wondering why you only gave it a 3.5 out of 5 stars? That makes me question if I should pick a different one, LOL. Also do you know if this shoe comes in a wide fit? I have kind of a wide foot and too narrow of a shoe is just not comfortable to me. The price is not too bad though.
Hi Matt,
The Sperry Top-Sider Escape Bungee is a fantastic pair of shoes. You have an excellent taste:)
The rate is 3.9 out 5 which is great because only a dozen of reviewers has given their opinion on these shoes. The more the amount of reviewers arises, the higher the rate will be unless the product is not good at all. Then it would be the opposite. You can do a lot of things with the Bungee, these are incredibly comfortable, and they are true to size. If you have wide feet and not sure about the size, you should try them out in an offline store before you order them online. This way you’ll be reassured:) As for the price, they are well worth it!
I hope it helped. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any question. I’ll be more than happy to assist!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a lovely day!
Hi Daniella, Despite the fact that I have never actually been sailing, I do have to say that there were two pairs of shoes here that you have reviewed that I most certainly have no problem wearing them.
The shoes looked really good and if you didn’t know they were sailing shoes, I would say that you would never guess either.
Thanks for showing me these and I will keep this post in mind for future use. I know that you said that some of these shoes are more expensive, I always believe though that you only get what you pay for.
Hi Cheryl,
Indeed, some of the shoes that are listed in the article can be wear for everyday use. For example, the Sperry Sea Kite, the Keen and the Sperry Top-Sider are extremely comfortable to wear for walking. All of them have non-sliping and non-marking outsole which is extremely important when sailing as the deck’s boats are often wet and susceptible to scratch.
Indeed, prices vary depending on the shoes, and yes, you get what you pay for:).
Thank you for the comment and wish you a fantastic day!
Thanks Daniella, thank you for this article. I myself am a keen sailor however since breaking a toe I have been far more sensitive on boats as it just needs time to heal but I’m also not prepared to not sail for 8 or more weeks!
This article I found very helpful and am keen to try your recommendation of Adidas Climacool Boat Lace as although practical it was the most fun in terms of design, being a gal and all, aesthetics are also important.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Allen,
You are very welcome, there! Contrary to what many sailors think, feet injuries happen quite often on boats. Going barefoot is fun and agreeable, but not safe!
The Climacool Boat Lace is the perfect pair of shoes to go sailing. They grip incredibly well, they are lightweight and they drain water out very quickly.With these on your feet, you’ll feel like you are going barefoot! Great choice!
Thak you for the comment and wish you a quick recovery and wonderful sailing trip!
I’m planning on spending a lot of time in our small boat fishing and crabbing. Doing these activities you get wet…obviously. 🙂
I get tired of wearing my rubber boats all the time. Especially during the summer and fall when it can get hot. I want me feet to breath, so I started looking for alternatives and came across this post.
I really like the Keen. It’s the only one you reviewed that looks like it could handle a “working” boat. Any idea how these would do in salt water? Also, love that I can pop off the boat and walk a few miles on the beach in these!
Thanks for the review. Very helpful!!!
Hi there,
The Keen sandals are excellent to go boating. These are extremely versatile. You can use them for many purposes. To answer your question, salt is the number one enemy. It destroys many things. So don’t expect from even the best quality shoes to last for a long time after using them in salt water. If you want to keep the Keen sandals in good shape, you need to rinse them with clear water after having exposed them to seawater.
I hope it helps! Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any question, I’ll be more than happy to assist!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!
Great review! These shoes are really awesome though I like to walk about on the beach or boat in shoes ever since I kicked my barefoot on the the rock. You have listed great boots up here. Though Crocs are good too but I don’t like them because they lack grip on feet. I like the shoes up here for the qualities and especially because of their durability and most importantly, waterproof. Thanks
Hi there,
You are very welcome! Let me know if you need help. I’ll be more than happy to assist.
Thank you for the comment and wish a lovely day
Wow, this is a really good list of the best boat shoes. I had a hard time choosing which shoes I should pick out. Everything there is just awesome but I had to pick the Columbia Powerdrain because it looks like my favourite crocs home ware and seeing that it works well on the socks is good and it also has very good soles. I’ll be going yatching this weekend and I’m sure this shoes will be the best for my adventure. Thank you for the review.
Hi Henderson,
Great choice! The Columbia Powerdrain will meet your expectation!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a fantastic sailing trip!
Awesome article, I think I got my eyes on the Columbia Powerdrain. Already ordered it. Hopefully it doesn’t disappoint me. I will come back and tell you how it is in real life.
I really love the colour, the sea like colour just makes me feel like I should be wearing that whenever I go to the beach or sailing.
Hi Isaac,
Excellent, I am sure you’ll love the Columbia Powerdrain. They are comfortable and provide great support.
Thank you for passing by, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.
The Columbia Powerdrain definitely seems like the way to go, as there are many pros and all the cons can be easily adjusted. I’m one of those people that likes to simply have one overall pair of shoes for the day, so would the Columbia brand be good for other activities as well, so long as there’s not too much distance involved?
Hi Todd,
Definitely, the Columbia Powerdrain can suit for water sports as well as for light hiking and boating. They are incredibly comfortable and lighweight too.
I hope it helped!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a fantastic day!
Thanks for this article. My two brother-in-laws live in Florida and both of them recently purchased boats. I was thinking of a good gift idea for them because I am sure they will need all the boating essentials. I figured the right boat shoes would be something they would want and need, without even realizing it. Based on these reviews, I now have a good idea as to which kind would suit them best (Sperry Sea Kite). Really glad I came across your post, saved me a lot of time!! Thanks again!
Hi Chris,
The Sperry Sea Kite is a versatile shoe; you can wear them for various outdoor activities apart from sailing. I am sure your brother-in-law will love this gift!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a great day!
Hello Daniella, this post comes as a savior to me. I love sailing alot and I’ve also been wounded alot by different stuffs in the boat. Why? I love when my feet’s are free during sailing. As much as I like these legs to be free I don’t like being in pain from wounds. Seeing these cool suggestions makes me really happy and a big thanks to you for that. I’ve however decided to go for the Keen H2 sandal because I can still have that freedom in my feet while sailing. Thanks for this beautiful suggestions.
Hi Dane,
You are very welcome!
Great choice, the Keen sandals are fantastic for sailing as well as for outdoor trip!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a lovely day!
I used to do a lot of boating mostly on lakes ( waterskiing and fishing ) I was always one to wear something in the way of a running shoe rather than going barefoot. You show an amazing selection of boat shoes on your site. I recently have been asked to go sailing with a friend I met recently at a 55+ apartment building and wonder if you could recommend something for a beginner sailor. I am diabetic and realize the importance of looking after my feet
Hi Murray,
All of the shoes listed in the article are great for beginners. You can choose whatever you like. If you have diabetes, I would recommend a shoe that is breathable with excellent support.
The Sperry Top-Sider ASV Shock, Columbia Powerdrain and the Sperry Top-Sider Escape will be perfect for you.
I hope it helped.
Let me know if you need help. I’ll be more than happy to assist.
Thank you for the comment and wish you all the best!
Best Boat Shoes for Sailing-The perfect blend of it is a piece of good educational information on which one to use in the boat. Primarily, I do not believe in wearing anything as it would have more steadiness ain engaging my movement in this kind of dumpy, wet and slippery condition. Among the shoes mentioned from big companies like Sketcher, Columbia even Adidas, I would choose Keen Newport Boating Sandals. The first thing is the general safety and protection of using shoes or sandals and though pricey it makes the wetness easily go dry, and easy to slip in and slip on and the design is good to my taste. Way to go. Something to think about when I go sailing.
Hi there,
Keen Newport is one of the most popular sandals used for sailing as they provide excellent features. Sailors love Keen sandals!
I am sure you will too:)
Let me know if you need help. I’ll be more than happy to assist.
Thank you for the comment and wish you a nice day.
Great post you have here, and I really find it difficult to make a selection here from this list you have shared here. Thank you so much for sharing this excellent review. Well! I think the next possible thing that is judicious to do is to choose a pair of boating shoes for my sailing trips. I would love to buy Keen Newport Boating Sandals. Do they leave marks on the deck?
It looks rather awesome. Thank you
Hi Rodarrick,
Thank you for stopping by!
Keen Newport features nonmarking soles, mines doesn’t leave any marks on the deck. I am very happy with them!
Thank you for the comment and I wish you a lovely day!
So many shoes and I love shoes but even better, sailing shoes, as I’m on boats all the time. You are so correct in that you really need something that is lightweight, drys quickly, and looks great. Girls especially like to look cool onboard and you offer great advice on some really lovely water shoes. My pick is a pair of Skechers as they are really classy.
I enjoyed reviewing all the shoes and would buy them when mine wear out. I even liked some of the men’s shoes too.
Hi Lily,
As a matter of fact, I do sometimes wear men’s shoes when I don’t find the model I want for women:) But who cares as long as we are comfortable wearing them.
Skechers provide excellent support and comfort to the feet. So I highly recommend them.
Thanks for the comment, and I wish you a lovely day!
Hey Daniella. Very interesting article. To be fair I’m just starting ma adventure with sailing and posts like this are extremely useful. Proper clothes and shoes not only provided comfort on boat but first of all guarantee safety of everyone. Thank you for you detailed review, looking forward to test some of your recommendations in practice.
Hi Cogito,
That’s great; I am sure you’ll enjoy your adventure very much!
Yes, it’s important to wear good shoes when sailing if you want to protect your feet and be comfortable – although many sailors sail barefoot:). So it really depends on your preferences. Thank you for the comment and wish you a great day!
Hi, thank you for sharing this article. Looking and reading through your post I find a pair of mine the Skechers which I am in love with them, wow, so super. But my partner has the Keen sandals. Although we are not sailing he just loves these sandals and just can wait for the summer to come to wear them. Love this topic. Just one question: do you think that Keen has also sandals for women or should I buy my size from men as I really like them?
Hi Angel,
I am glad you enjoyed the reading:)
Sure, you can find the same model for women as well. And yes, you’ll have to choose your size from women.
Great choice. Keen is the most popular one on the list.
Let me know if you have questions; I’ll be more than happy to assist.
Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a lovely day.
Very informative article on boat shoes, I’d be certainly checking it out later, as I’m about to get a speed boat license soon.
Are these shoes all have protection against slippery floors? I’ve seen a few of them have this as a pro, but not all of them and the ones I kinda liked and like to wear didn’t have that highlighted.
I would just assume they all have that feature.
Thanks for the detailed information,
All the best,
j.
Hi Reka,
That’s awesome! I’m sure you’ll have lots of fun on the water!
All of these shoes listed have an excellent grip, but not all have non-marking soles. So when choosing a pair, make sure it suits your needs:)
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I am always happy to assist.
Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a lovely day.
I used to rock the Columbia powerdrains but I got sick of them for pretty much the same reasons you mention in the cons list, they are terrible for long-distance traveling and one of my favorite things to do on the beach is take nature walks.
I might take a closer look at those Sperry Sea Kite Sports Boat Shoe, they might serve my exploration needs. If they don’t, do you have any recommendations on boat shoes that are good for land/sand prevention?
Hi David
The Keen sandals are absolutely fantastic for walking long distances. You can wear them from water to land and vice versa. It is highly recommended.
If you need more help, please let me know. I’ll be more than happy to assist.
Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a great day.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when we think of boat shoes? For many of us, it’s the idea of summer, relaxing on a lazy afternoon with friends, or the freedom of not having to wear our ordinary shoes or boots. However, that is a mistake. And I have learned it in a funny and a bit unpleasant way. After making up my mind I need boat shoes I landed on your post. I think I will choose the Columbia Men’s Bahama boat shoe. I love their design. And being comfortable is all-important.
I may need to buy another pair for more work-driven activities in the sea. Which of these would be the best pair for work (safety reasons)?
Hi Paolo,
Thank you for passing by and the comment. I would definitely choose the Keen or Irish Setter or Sperry Sea Kite; these shoes are very sturdy and will hold hard use at sea.
I hope it helped and if you have more questions, I’ll be happy to assist.
I wish you a lovely day.