The Best Shoes for Sailing: Everything You Need To Know
Knowing the right time to wear shoes, and the best footwear to be safe and comfy is part of a great sailing experience
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Updated 3 February 2024
It only takes one stubbed toe on deck to make you wish you’d worn shoes. Or worse, a near-miss slip overboard that scares the daylights out of you. But even if you’re just heading out on a gentle summer's day sail, or for a cruisey harbour trip on a friend’s launch — you’ll likely ask yourself, what are the best shoes to wear sailing? And what shouldn’t I wear on a boat?
Keeping yourself safe from injury, protected from the elements and comfortable at sea is key to your enjoyment while on the water – and wearing the right shoes is just as important as choosing the best sailing jacket. Ultimately, when it comes to sailing, you want to do everything possible to stay onboard, and having the right footwear will help you do that.
We’ll look at the best types of sailing shoes, and some casual streetwear shoes that you can wear sailing for a variety of occasions.
As with all my clothing recommendations for sailing — purpose, fit and comfort are more important than style (put yourself out in the ocean and tell me how much you think about looking good rather than focussing on survival!). Having said that these days there’s some great looking shoes that fit all your needs — so you can actually have it all.
Good boating shoes are a worthwhile investment and there’s a wide range on the market. So how do you choose the right ones? To help you make that decision and spend your money wisely, I’ll answer all the common questions about sailing shoes and the key factors to look for when buying a pair. We’ll also take a look at some of the best footwear available on the market and the features that make them so popular.
Here’s what not to wear onboard
On most boats, there are some definite shoe styles that you should avoid wearing sailing. If you’ve seen the series Below Decks, you’ll notice the crew typically wear bare feet, and guests are asked to remove their shoes before coming onboard. This is because high heels, heeled wedges, platforms, and boots can mark and damage decks and floors and carpets. Also, on a large charter boat or superyacht, guests typically aren’t required to do any active sailing or spend long-periods out in the elements so barefoot is safe.
On a sailing yacht, these styles of shoe don’t offer good stability or grip moving around while the yacht’s heeled over — so they’re just not practical footwear. You might also like to read what clothing I’ll never wear sailing again (and what you should wear).
What features should I look for in a boat shoe?
The 6 key features of a great boat shoe are:
Traction: Choose a non-slip sole that gives you great traction on a wet deck. When the boat’s heeled over and waves are washing on deck, you’ll want the best grip possible. Shoes with rubber soles (or similar) with a good tread pattern, are ideal.
Water-resistance: It’s not very fun sailing with cold wet feet! Pick a boat shoe designed with water-resistant material so your feet will be kept as dry and warm as possible.
Quick drying: Look for shoes made from materials that dry quickly. You’ll want to avoid soggy, cold feet.
Durability: No matter how careful you are, your feet will take bumps and knocks while sailing onboard – especially if conditions are a little rougher. Invest in shoes made from high-quality materials that are durable and will last you a long time.
Full protection: A great boat shoe should provide protection from water, but also the wind and sun. Sunburnt feet aren’t fun.
Fit and Comfort: It’s essential for safety and performance while sailing that your shoe has a secure fit, with easy movement and is comfortable to wear. Lace-up designs are a great option for adjusting the size depending on the season – as thicker socks (or two pairs) are often required in winter. Many sailing shoes are so comfy you can wear them onshore too.
Non-marking: You want shoe soles that don’t leave marks on the deck as you move about. Typically rubber soles are a safe choice, and light-coloured soles are preferred by most boaties.
What’s the difference between boat shoes and deck shoes?
Deck shoes
Sailing shoes and deck shoes are general terms for footwear worn while sailing. Boat shoes are used as an overall term too – but there’s a style of these which have a lot more history to them.
Boat shoes
Back in 1935, Paul Sperry was sailing on the Long Island Sound when he almost lost his life to a slippery deck during rough seas. Later, when he noticed his cocker spaniel run down icy hills without slipping, he set about inventing a non-slip shoe, using his dog's paw grooves as inspiration. He spent years developing and perfecting a new type of deck shoe sole – with a pattern cut into the natural rubber. These became the foundation of the Sperry company — the world’s first and most trusted producers of boat shoes. Keep your eye out for the Sperrys in my pick of the best sailing shoes.
Can’t I just wear non-sailing shoes?
The short answer is yes technically you can. Some tennis shoes, sneakers and moccasins are great for fine weather sailing, where there’s little chance of your feet getting wet. The longer answer is that whether it’s the best and safest option, depends on the season, weather conditions and the type of sailing you’ll be doing.
Review — Best streetwear shoes for sailing
These are two of my favourite sport and streetwear shoes that also do well for casual, fine weather cruising too. If you’ve got something similar to these in your wardrobe already, pull ‘em out and get out on the water with those.
Adidas Cloudfoam running shoes
Adidas Cloud foam running shoes — lightweight and comfy, with great grip
Lightweight running shoes with good grip can be good onboard for non-serious sailing. If you’re on a sailing adventure, you may just find the need to stretch your legs for a good run too. So if you’re after a running shoe that you can wear onboard too, then this Adidas Cloud foam shoe is my top pick.
FEATURES
Lightweight
Stretchable mesh up for breathability
Memory sockliner that molds to your foot, with extra cushioning
Good grip with a rubber sole and won’t mark the deck
Clean profile without laces — no snagging as you shift around onboard
Quick-dry and easy to wash to keep fresh from saltwater
Converse unisex Chuck Taylor All Star Low Tops
Converse All Star Low Tops
Are you stoked that Chucks made the cut?! Believe it or not, Converse are a favourite among sailboat racers and cruisers. That’s because they’re budget friendly with non-marking soles and great traction. If you get them wet though just be aware that the canvas will take a while to dry compared to other shoes, so they’re best worn for shorter periods or when the weather’s fine.
FEATURES
Comfy, supportive and durable
You can thrash these on the deck, in the dinghy and onshore and they’ll go the distance
High or low-top and plenty of colour options
Best open deck sailing shoe
KEEN women’s SOLR Sandal
KEEN Women’s SOLR Sandal is the best open deck shoe on the market
KEEN men’s SOLR Sandal
KEEN sandals are rated world-wide — the SOLR is excellent in water
People who buy KEENs tend to buy them for life — there’s good reasons they’re one of the most popular outdoor shoes on the market! They’re equally good exploring new streets or hiking a few trails as they are mucking around in the dinghy or onboard around the deck. This high performance closed toe water sandal is great for hot climates and suitable for wider feet. SOLR = Sea, Ocean, Lake, River so if you’re after an open sandal for sailing, SUPing and all things water sports, these are worth your time and money with great reviews.
FEATURES
Recycled plastic bottle webbing that’s abrasion-resistant
Water-resistant upper
Quick-dry lining for in and out of the water
Highly durable
Seriously good grip (aquagrip), non-marking rubber
Machine washable
Best traditional boat shoe
Sperry women’s Authentic Original 2-Eye boat shoe
Sperry boat shoes are loved world-wide
Sperry men’s A/O 2-Eye boat shoe
These classic Sperry boat shoes are a world-wide favourite of many who live by or spends time on the water. Ultimate in comfort and iconic in style, these are equally at home in casual clothes on shore, or sailing the coastline onboard. These offer terrific traction in the wet or dry.
FEATURES
Full-grain 100% leather upper
Rawhide laces with our 360° Lacing System™ technology for a customized fit
Handsewn moccasin construction
Ortholite® insole for greater comfort
Non-marking rubber outsole with Signature Sperry razor-cut Wave-Siping™ technology for ultimate wet/dry traction
Rustproof eyelets
Sperry original pride shoe
If you’re looking for more Sperrys, here’s the 7 Best Sperry Women’s Shoes For Everyday Wear
Best casual, but tough sailing shoe
Astral Loyak women’s water shoes
Engineered for vigorous water activities, you can’t beat the Astral Loyak for grip
Astral Loyak men’s water shoes
Men’s Loyak in basalt black — high performance, super grip
The Loyak is a minimalist, low-cut, top-rated water shoe, with hands down one of the grippiest soles on the market. With a water-resistant canvas outer and removable insoles they do take a while to dry but they’re engineered for heavy water use, so they are super durable. Check out the features — what more could you want?!
FEATURES
Vegan friendly — made from recycled polyester with materials sourced as sustainably as possible
Super-grip — high performance G.15 rubber outsole is extra grippy and sticky like tar; Low durometer construction conforms to the ground and provides excellent abrasion resistance
Water resistant — polygiene treated liner to eliminate odor, holes in the front and back to drain water, and mesh to vent hot air; Hydrophobic, quick-dry canvas and two sets of water resistant laces
Balances feel with a level footbed and wider toe box lets your feet and toes spread out for stability
Lightweight enough to believe you're actually barefoot (162g/shoe)
Awesome range of colours
Life-time warranty
Best offshore sailing shoe
Helly Hansen Skagen F-1
Helly Hansen Skagen F-1 is a high performance shoe designed for serious adventuring
The Skagen F-1 Offshore is a high-performance sneaker hybrid — engineered for excellent stability on deck with a streamlined design. If you’re an avid sailor, this is the ultimate deck shoe to invest in. Read my review on why this shoe’s so popular.
FEATURES
Built for speed, comfort and protection
Multi-zone traction grip for decks, with non-marking rubber compound sole
Seamless, breathable design
Quick-dry EVA insole
Best deck ankle boots for sailing
Grundèns women’s Deck Boss Ankle Boot
Grundèns deck-boots standout in colour and performance
Grundèns men’s Deck Boss Ankle Boot
Grundèns deck-boots are incredibly popular
Grundéns boots have a world-wide reputation for being durable, waterproof and very comfy. These high-performance deck boots were originally designed for people fishing, spending long days on their feet. They’ve prioritized a thicker insole to promote noticeable shock resistance and added a comfortable cooling liner. If you’re in a colder climate, or spending a long time at sea in wet conditions (hello foul weather gear), then these are the boots for you. And I think you’ll love their colour range too!
FEATURES
Razor siped, gum rubber outsole
All day comfort foot bed
Asymmetrical top line
100% Waterproof
Anti-microbial, temperature regulating liner
Xtratuf women’s Leather Ankle Deck Boot Lace
Xtratuf boots are truly tough and highly waterproof
XTRATUFs are a favourite with sailors — and the leather lace ankle boot is crafted for adventures both on and off the boat. This company designs boots for commercial fishermen in Alaska — so they know about designing products for long cold, wet days. The laceup ankle boot gives you customised fit and all day comfort with an EVA insole (that’s a foam material which is super supportive and absorbs a lot of ground shock). This version of the beloved Ankle Deck Boot is crafted of saltwater resistant leather that will wear to a fine patina over time.
FEATURES
100% waterproof protection
Durable rubber shell and full grain leather upper, treated with a saline solution making the material easy to clean
Non marking, slip resistant outsole — providing excellent traction, comfort and protection in extreme conditions
Durability for coastal adventures
Best budget conscious sailing boot
Xtratuf men’s 15inch Legacy boots
Keep your socks dry with XTRATUFs comfy, fully waterproof boot
XTRATUFs full 15inch boot is perfect for sailing and all things water related — especially if you’re trying to keep your socks dry getting in and out of the dinghy onshore! Much like the leather lace ankle boot above, this is built with the same care for foot comfort, and protection from the wet and cold. This boot converts from full length to wader style with the boot top folded down.
FEATURES
100% waterproof construction for comfort and performance
Triple dipped neoprene shells provide extra tough watertight protection Provide Extra Tough Watertight Protection
Good flexibility and strength at critical stress points
Open cell foam footbed insoles reduce moisture and add comfort
Slip resistant non marking chevron outsole
Best premium sailing boot
Dubarry Ultimata ExtraFit sailing boot
Dubarry sailing boots are absolute quality
Dubarry of Ireland began exporting into the UK and European marine trade in the 1970s, quickly acquiring international status of a brand leader in performance sailing footwear. These boots are an investment — but the kind that will last you years, serving you well in the coldest and wettest of conditions, and you’ll never regret buying them. Made from the highest quality leather, Dubarrys have designed these to feel like a second skin, and they only get better with age. They have an excellent range of classic and hi-tech sailing boots — which offer ultimate grip, comfort and support
FEATURES
Award-winning NonSlip-NonMarking™ outsole,
Expandable Lycra for a snug fit and Gore-Tex insulation, they’ll keep your feet dry, cozy and agile in any weather
The ExtraFit™ option is engineered to accommodate muscular calves and higher insteps as well as wider feet.
Best in-water shoes
WateLves Barefoot Quick-Dry Aqua Socks
Best barefoot style shoe for sailing, water sports and coastline exploring
These amphibian shoes from WateLves are perfect for the times when you want to keep your feet protected in water, or on deck without feeling like you’re wearing shoes. Think paddling, exploring rock-pools and waterfall hike adventures. These are ergonomically molded with a performance cushioning separated protective toe.
FEATURES
Durable and unique sole — anti-slip rubber, and seven holes on each bottom for water flow and quick-dry
Ultra thin, flexible and comfy with smooth fabrics and fine stretch on uppers
Non-mesh — do you don’t get sand in your toes
Easily pack into a dry bag at the end of the day
Amphibious shoes which can make sure you can enjoy your life on land or in water
WateLves Barefoot Quick-Dry Aqua Socks
Pick a fav colour and get adventuring with these light in-water shoes
No need for socks with these in-water shoes from WateLves. They’re light weight and perfect for summer sailing and water activities — keeping your feet protected without feeling like you’re wearing shoes. These are ergonomically molded with a performance cushioning separated protective toe.
FEATURES
Durable and unique anti-slip rubber sole
Thick but flexible foam arch-support insert inside to protect your feet from stepping on rock and stone
Non-mesh — so you don’t get sand in your toes
Quick dry with drainage holes for water flow
Easy adjustment with elastic laces
Easily pack into a dry bag at the end of the day
Is it ever ok to ditch the shoes onboard?
What about bare feet?
As I mentioned earlier, wearing bare feet greatly increases your chances of stubbing your toe on a cleat on deck, or scraping an ankle on gear as you’re sailing. Both of which will a) really hurt and, b) if you injure yourself badly, or fall overboard — you’ll really question whether being footloose was worth it.
BUT honestly there’s still something wonderful about sailing barefoot. Feeling the boat shift underneath — the warmth of the deck, the connection between sailor and vessel. And I’ll confess, if it’s not raining and cold then my preference is letting my feet grip the deck in their own monkey toe way. I feel most balanced onboard without shoes.
I’ve learned though, through knocks, bruises and sunburn that my feet are best protected when I wear my shoes. And there’s no way I’d go up on deck on some of our rougher, winter trips without my sailing boots for grip. I certainly wouldn’t wear socks up on top underway, even though I’ve been known to relax off-watch in the cockpit wearing those. I value sticking to the deck and will take all the help I can get from proper footwear.
So by all means enjoy time with no shoes onboard — you’ll know when its safe and practical. And when it’s needed, make sure to throw your shoes on.
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