Best flip flop?

[topcat0399]

I have discovered the hard way that flip flops and/or open toe type sandals catch lines and other things between the toes and the footwear sole.

When moving with alacrity that can cause significant complications....

 

[justsomeguy]

alacrity

 

[Will Gilmore]

The newer model of topsider (similar to the top picture) that Sperry produces looks good, but actually has stitching that keeps the sole of the shoe attached

The newer model you are referring to is actually based on Sperry's original Topsider. Every charter boat captain and deckhand wore them, when I was a kid. Just look at Gilligan's shoes.

Oh wait. Not that picture. Here's a better picture, of his shoes.

When I saw the first pair of leather Topsiders, I thought they were ugly. I still prefer the canvas look but I appreciate the slip-on feature of the leather style.

-Will (Dragonfly)

 

[Will Gilmore]

You must wear the training wheels in the forward position

You can do that? I have always had mine on in the back.

-Will (Dragonfly)

 

[rgranger]

We've owned our boat for 20 years. I never go out into the cockpit with shoes on. Benny's right. Ain't worth the potential damage. I can drop my anchor and raise it with my eyes closed, but I wouldn't go close to thinking about doing anything on our boat with those toe-stomper things on. Simply too dangerous.

Reminds me of a decade ago: I broke my leg skiing. 84.6% of the folks I met who "used to ski" told me that they stopped because they broke a bone. On their "last run," whether that was at 4:00 pm or the r=first run of the day, it was their very LAST run.

Same thing with flip - flops. Why bother? Don't say you haven't been warned.

Be "foot safe."

You’d have to be a tough SOB to take one more run with a broken leg

 

[Jackdaw]

If you sail enough you'll soon develop your own sense of what to wear on you feet and when. Boots to shoes to sandals. I would not wear them when racing or crewing, but I'll wear flips when chilling when someone else is doing the sailing, or at dock or at anchor. I have a very comfortable pair of Sperrys that are usually in my bag. Probably 4 years old. I've been waiting for the soles to go hard and get slippery on deck, but so far so good.

 

[victorhoisington]

Crocs are not allowed on my boat. Since we're not a fast racing boat we have to look good and they are the ugliest shoes ever made (IMHO) so just can't stand the thought of them on the boat.

Teva's as referenced earlier or similar are my favorite since I don't like my feet to be hot. Here in SF bay, where it is mostly cold water, I tend towards the canvas deck shoes or a pair of leather Sperry knock-offs without laces (I have a pair of Margaritaville boat shoes I love), so I can slip in or out as needed.

 

[Allan12210]

OMG!
I think Crocs are the most dangerous shoes in the world. Everyone seems to like them. For me, they are super slippery when wet. I would never have them on a boat. Their bottoms may do OK, but when wet, I can't stay in the darn things. I get foot cramps from trying to grip them with my toes constantly. They are worse than flip flops.

-Will (Dragonfly)

Problem solved.

 

[victorhoisington]

Sorry, there is this word on the side which makes it guilty by association.

There are better deck shoes than this!!

 

[JimInPB]

Wow, lots of people are afraid of boat flops. I didn't expect that. Here in South Florida, boat bottomed flip flops are probably the single most popular form of boating footwear. Then again, flip flops are probably the most popular form of shore side footwear here, so that kind of goes hand in hand. I guess that after you have logged enough hours in flip flops, you kind of just get used to them & after that, they are not so much of a problem on a boat.

Yes, other types of boat shoes can make you more sure footed, but I do just fine in boat flops most days out on the water, down here in the tropics. Up north, I usually wear something warmer.

 

[Will Gilmore]

James, I appreciate your point and you are right about the popularity of flip flops. I grew up in the cheapo 1960s variety. At the beach, they are quick, easy and cheap, but I lost something as an adult and just can't make the darn things work for me any more.

-Will (Dragonfly)

 

[Sailgunner]

Crocs make a flip flop but also a boat type shoe. Much lighter than my other boat shoes. Men's Swiftwater™ Mesh Deck Sandal. Check them out.

 

[Rick Webb]

I spent my formative years either barefoot or in "flip flops" we called them zoris, slaps or sandals I was in high school before I had to where anything on my feet to school. I can show you the scars and misshapen toes from childhood incidents. So am a little more careful now and still where them when I can.

 

[JRT]

I'm kind of lost on the flip flop and barefoot hate. For summer I'm barefoot and have flip flops when the deck grys hot. Winter I'm in canves shoes that seem to work well and are comfortable.

 

[kloudie1]

Crocks here.. I started wearing them a few years ago after a bout of plantar fasciitis.. They are not too great looking, but really make my feet smile.. I find them pretty good on a wet deck.

 

[Sailbaum]

I usually go barefoot, unless racing, but the best slipper (flip flop) for traction I have seen is the Reef slammed rover (they call it "swellular" technology - dumb name but it works). They stick better than any slipper or shoe I have worn. If you want the open feel with a more secure fit, try the Shamma sandals. Almost (but not quite) as good as the reef slammed rover, but less chance of your feet slipping out.