Shoe recommendation?

[Curwen]

Hello all,

Took my girl out on Saturday and had a wonderful time.

But as I was crawling over her, I slipped a couple of times as I was romping around on top of the cabin. Fortunately, this was smooth water so I didn't go for a swim.

Any recommendations on what you wear for shoes. I was wearing a pair of shoes with siping and i thought they would have been a good choice.

Thanks,

Curwen

[yukonbob]

Ive got a pair of classic Sperry's that are awesome. They slip on and off and grip the deck when wet , even with a bit of soap in the mix when washing.

[kmclemore]

Ive got a pair of classic Sperry's that are awesome. They slip on and off and grip the deck when wet , even with a bit of soap in the mix when washing.

Ditto. I have worn Sperry's since high school for boats, and, indeed, for everyday wear. They work well on the boat and look good in the office, too. Best way to make them fit is to get them wet and then wear them until they're reasonably dry... you'll have soggy, stained feet for that first time, but the shoe will mold to your foot in that process and it will feel like a slipper henceforth. They grip well on the boat and are very comfortable.

[Baha]

I use Sperry shoes as well, but find that the Timberland Earthsaver boat shoes last longs and are just as grippy. I wear boat shoes pretty much all the time..

[grady]

No shoes is the only way to go on a boat! You can feel what is going on.

[yukonbob]

Ive got a pair of classic Sperry's that are awesome. They slip on and off and grip the deck when wet , even with a bit of soap in the mix when washing.

Ditto. I have worn Sperry's since high school for boats, and, indeed, for everyday wear. They work well on the boat and look good in the office, too. Best way to make them fit is to get them wet and then wear them until they're reasonably dry... you'll have soggy, stained feet for that first time, but the shoe will mold to your foot in that process and it will feel like a slipper henceforth. They grip well on the boat and are very comfortable.

Mine are shearling lined for the shoulder seasons and like Grady says no shoes when its warm is no comparison. To mold and soften I use mink oil and a little heat (hair dryer) it softens the leather and makes them more resistant to mould, water and reduces wear at stress points by softening and conditioning the leather. I had a pair of the Sperry world cup (synthetic with mesh and stuff) and they literally fell apart after a few years. IMO the classic leather are the only way to go, and look and feel like they'll last a long time.

[RGF]

Vibram "five fingers" down here where it's warmer most of the year. Never slipped,ever. Super comfy on shore trips too.

[bobflshmn]

Sperry mesh lace-ups for us. Dry quick, comfortable, and for the most part have the same tread pattern as the original Sperrys.

[npsrangerchuck]

Love the Sperry Topsiders- I even have a pair of Sperry Flip-flops with the same no-slip, razor cut outsoles!

[C Buchs]

I have Sperry Topsiders that I like. I also have Keen sandals (like these http://www.keenfootwear.com/newport) that I wear everywhere, but to work, in the summer.

Jeff

[Ixneigh]

I don't wear shoes on the boat at all but I live where it's warm nearly all year. I haven't tried those foot glove things. Didn't those turn out to be a big scam?
Ix

[Cougar]

I don't wear shoes on the boat at all but I live where it's warm nearly all year. I haven't tried those foot glove things. Didn't those turn out to be a big scam?
Ix

That sounds quite attractive, but when we were young and unexperienced the admiral broke a toe in our very first sailing week on a Mac. Some sort of foot protection may be recommendable on any sailboat. But there's always the point that it's simply too hot to wear anything.

[Baha]

Being in the UK, what is this "too hot" you speak of? Is it above 68 degrees? Madness!!!!

I am a pretty clumsy person, so would always wear my sloppiest pair of boat shoes onboard. It's that first step back into the cockpit moving aft that gets me sometimes....

[RGF]

I don't wear shoes on the boat at all but I live where it's warm nearly all year. I haven't tried those foot glove things. Didn't those turn out to be a big scam?
Ix

I'm not sure what you mean, Ix. I've got two pair that I wear so "scam" - ???

I used to not wear shoes either, but it seems the older I get, the clumsier I get, and the more easily my lil pinkies break!

[kmclemore]

Some sort of foot protection may be recommendable on any sailboat.

Yeah, I'm in agreement... banged my toes too many times on stanchions, cleats and deck hardware to not wear something. A foot injury on a sailing trip is no fun whatsoever.