Does anyone have experience with "hands-free" shoes like Skechers on their boat? It's time to replace my old topsiders and I'd like to avoid the break-in process to get new ones to the same level of versatility. I'm just wondering if the soles on the Skechers (or Kiziks) are any good on a wet, pitching deck. Any advice would be appreciated!
Step-in (hands-free) boat shoes?
- Thread starter WarrenWolf
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Have been sailing with Sketchers for the past three years. Comfortable, good traction. No marks on decks. Did have a jib sheet snag the heel last week and flip one off my foot while changing sides in a tack last, but it was blowing 20 knots and the boat was heeled 'way over - not normal. The shoe was heavy enough and with enough traction to stay put on deck long enough for me to grab it before it got washed overboard. The leather stands up to the salt reasonably well. Applications of shoe polish help too.
That is, of course and obviously, a complete, not-suitable-for-purpose, failure for a shoe. The first thing it needs to do is stay on my foot.
Funny.
I (personally) am not a fan of slip-on shoes, on the boat. To me, they are just a step up from flip-flops, which I actually just forbid on the boat. I once had one blow out, I stepped on a pop top, cut my heel and had to cruise on back home.
Slip-on also means slip-off and, although some of the newer "hands-free" shoes are a bit better about this, they still have the fundamental problem that, if you are squatting/kneeling on the balls of your feet, the heel really wants to pop out. That is a deal breaker for me, on the boat.
I used to have a pair of boat shoes I loved, but I can't find them, don't know what they were called, can't find anything really similar, and cannot for the life of me figure out how they disappeared in the first place. They were something similar to these: Amazon.com ... but just built a bit better and looked good enough to not be too casual at a decent restaurant. The key feature was that they drained and dried really quickly. Like, they HATED water.
While I continue my quest for the perfect shoe, I have a pair of Sperry canvas deck shoes that are my default. I wear them when I don't know what we are going to be doing, but I don't expect heavy rain, broaching, big waves, or whales breaching. Comfortable, versatile, but not especially durable. They meet my threshold of "good enough", across the board.
If it's going to be too wet for those, I'll just put on my foulies, which includes boots.
But, I've never understood shoes that were made for sailing, but which did not have some way for the sole to drain. Seems very optimistic. Worse yet, some create a little "tub" for your foot with the insole. Virtually ensures that, once your feet get splashed, the only way to have dry feet is to change your shoes.
But, honestly, probably the best shoes I have on the boat are my Sorel wool slippers. They are what I put on at the end of the day and first thing in the morning. I always have dry, toasty slippers, and that makes me happy.
Slip-on also means slip-off and, although some of the newer "hands-free" shoes are a bit better about this, they still have the fundamental problem that, if you are squatting/kneeling on the balls of your feet, the heel really wants to pop out. That is a deal breaker for me, on the boat.
I used to have a pair of boat shoes I loved, but I can't find them, don't know what they were called, can't find anything really similar, and cannot for the life of me figure out how they disappeared in the first place. They were something similar to these: Amazon.com ... but just built a bit better and looked good enough to not be too casual at a decent restaurant. The key feature was that they drained and dried really quickly. Like, they HATED water.
While I continue my quest for the perfect shoe, I have a pair of Sperry canvas deck shoes that are my default. I wear them when I don't know what we are going to be doing, but I don't expect heavy rain, broaching, big waves, or whales breaching. Comfortable, versatile, but not especially durable. They meet my threshold of "good enough", across the board.
If it's going to be too wet for those, I'll just put on my foulies, which includes boots.
But, I've never understood shoes that were made for sailing, but which did not have some way for the sole to drain. Seems very optimistic. Worse yet, some create a little "tub" for your foot with the insole. Virtually ensures that, once your feet get splashed, the only way to have dry feet is to change your shoes.
But, honestly, probably the best shoes I have on the boat are my Sorel wool slippers. They are what I put on at the end of the day and first thing in the morning. I always have dry, toasty slippers, and that makes me happy.
Merrell sandals for me. Self draining, stay on your foot. Make sure they have a toe cap.
Cheers
Cheers
I just go barefoot. If it's too cold for that, it's probably too cold for sailing. If I'm doing a lot boat work sometimes I'll wear a regular pair of sneakers. Just to keep from stubbing my toes or stepping on the jib track, etc.
I usually go with my Keen H2's rather than closed boat shoes, but I still prefer barefoot (I know, it's dangerous).
I'd be afraid of them coming off at the wrong time then causing you to slip and fall. I've had it happen with laced shoes
I almost bought a pair of Clark’s sailview slip-ons. The traction looks incredible but not a fan. I purchased Keen H2’s. Too cold up here to try them still.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,923
I have used Sperry Billfish 3 Eye Boat Shoe. I like the sole, very grippy.
I am now using the Keen shoes. They have more room in the toe and better arch support. On cold days, they are great with a pair of merino wool socks from Darn Tough Sock Company.
I am now using the Keen shoes. They have more room in the toe and better arch support. On cold days, they are great with a pair of merino wool socks from Darn Tough Sock Company.
I just bought 3 pairs go Sketchers Slip On shoes. They had a buy 2 get 1 sale last week, It may still be going. I like all three pairs very much. They slip on easily and my foot seems well anchored while in the shoes. And I bought a little larger than usual because I need a larger toe box than normal.
I haven't worn them aboard yet but I would be comfortable doing so. I feel they would have as good or better grip than Top Siders do and there are no laces to trip over. I think I'll be buying more Slip Ons.
I haven't worn them aboard yet but I would be comfortable doing so. I feel they would have as good or better grip than Top Siders do and there are no laces to trip over. I think I'll be buying more Slip Ons.
The problem with Sperrys is that the sole goes slippery in 2-3 years. I have some old pairs that are slipperier than bowling shoes.
I've been wearing Gill Race Trainers, and they're still grippy as new after 3 seasons. They're not walking shoes (not very sportive) but I have no criticism on-deck. In the off-season I add waterproof socks, which keep them warm and dry. It's all about the grip IMO.
I've been wearing Gill Race Trainers, and they're still grippy as new after 3 seasons. They're not walking shoes (not very sportive) but I have no criticism on-deck. In the off-season I add waterproof socks, which keep them warm and dry. It's all about the grip IMO.
You're right about Sperrys going smooth over time. Are the Gill Race Trainers easy-on/easy-off? Can you just step into them if you're barefoot?
Thanks for the input. Do you happen to know the model of Skechers? I'm going to head to a couple stores tomorrow to try a few.
The Clarks do look like they'd be great traction-wise. I just don't think they fit my "hands-free" spec.
I like my Skechers slip-ons for non-marine activities but they're getting worn and I haven't really tested them out on a heeling boat yet. I'm curious how you'd rate them once you try them out on the boat.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I realize I shoud have emphasized that the key thing I'm looking for is the ability to just step into the shoes instead of having to use my hands to pull them on. When sailing in normal conditions, I usually wind up kicking off my shoes and going barefoot. But I want to be able to jump back into them quickly if things get hairy or when I need to run up on the foredeck. So far, Skechers Hands-Free Slip-Ins seem to be the best option. The ones I have for just kicking around (not on the boat) are relatively snug so I wouldn't be too worried about slipping out of them. I'm a little surprized that the usual makers of boat shoes like Sperry and Sebago haven't jumped on the hands-free wagon yet.