Sailing barefoot is always pleasant, but without protection, you can quickly hurt yourself when you move. Toe traps are numerous on a boat. It is therefore advisable to opt for shoes that protect the foot with non-slip soles to be able to move on the wet and slippery deck.
In the 1970s, Sebago created the famous deck shoe - Dockside - which was a pleasure to wear for several years, thanks to its sea-treated leather and non-slip sole. But the sailors realized that the foot is not very well held. If the Dockside is ideal for the aperitif at the yacht club, it less well come to move to the lodge.
Today, we sail with shoes that look like sports shoes (heel support). Some even have pierced soles that drain water. We no longer sail with our feet dry, but with our feet wet! One can find models of this kind at Tribord (Decathlon), Musto, Henri Lloyd or Helly Hansen.
For an occasional practice, if you do not wish to invest in specialized shoes, you can also wear a pair of sneakers with soft and grooved soles, which allow the slippery deck of the boat to hang well. But be careful that the sole is not cut (as it is the case to walk on soft surfaces, ground for example). Black soles that leave marks on the white gel coat should also be avoided.
In case of bad weather, you can switch to boots. Not the boots to go to the fields! The one with the same soles as the sailing shoes. The rubber models are perfectly waterproof. Too tight! The problem with these boots is that if they keep our feet dry, they won't let them breathe - so we sweat and get wet feet!
Brands now make breathable boots. Models that are really much more expensive and age faster than rubber boots.
Finally, a little nod to Crocs, which we saw at the feet of the sailors of the Vendée Globe this winter ! Practicality and comfort are the most important things here!
And you, which shoes do you choose to sail?
