Buying Guide: Boat Shoes
Boat shoes are perfect for both looking good and also functional – when you want to go into the water as they provide traction on any slippery surface.
Boat shoes are mostly made of leather or canvas which are known to repel water and are great for a day out on the sea.
Earlier on, we gave an outline of the best boat shoes that stand out from the bunch, but you may still be in a fix as to which to choose. But we’re still here to help. In the rest of this buying guide, we take a look at some of the important factors we considered, and you should too so that you can zero in on the perfect boat shoes to take along on your next water adventure.
What Should I Look Out for When Choosing a Good Boat Shoe?
Choosing a good boat shoe should not be a difficult task if you know what to look out for.
With a lot of options at your disposal, the buying guide would help you navigate through the factors you need to consider when picking out the best boat shoe for you.
What Are the Factors to Consider When Picking Out the Best Boat Shoe?
Fit
It takes a while to break into boat shoes.
Fitting into a boat shoe is very important since you would likely be wearing them without socks and a great fit is essential for traction and grip. You should go for a snugger fit because the longer you wear them; the more they stretch and get loose.
Go for a half size down from your normal size and if you are in-between sizes, go with the smaller of the two. The heel should not move around too much to prevent boat shoe-induced blisters. If your feet get sore quickly, look out for additional features such as padding underfoot and a shoe collar.
Make sure to walk around in the shoes while trying them on so there aren’t any spots that would gap open or chafe your feet. To let your boat shoes break in, try wearing them for shorter periods before wearing them for a full day.
Having a shoe that does not fit is bound to ruin your day and that is one thing you would want to avoid when you are out there on a boat.
Durability
Boat shoes need to be well made because of the conditions they are subjected to. When you are on a boat, your shoes are always exposed to the harsh conditions of the water.
The best boat shoes should be durable enough for walking and everyday use.
Boat shoes are mostly made of leather which is a super-strong material. If you take good care of your shoes, it’s bound to last you a very long time.
An important aspect to look for is water and stain-proof boat shoes.
Also, look out for eyelets, make sure they are rust-proof because of the saltwater if not you will end up with a good boat shoe but with rusting eyelets. The durability of a good boat shoe is in the stitching. Ensure that the stitching is excellent to prevent it from falling apart.
Water resistance
Out on a boat with a shoe that absorbs water and does not dry quickly? Very bad idea. This is why you need to look out for a shoe that is waterproof.
The best boat shoes are meant to have uppers that resist moisture from seeping in or allow water but also dry quickly.
This can be achieved with boat shoes that have water-resistant leather and mesh sides. Leather resists water and it’s hard for any moisture to come through it. Good boat shoes have leather that is specially treated with an oil coating to enhance its water resistance. For mesh uppers, water comes in easily but dries quickly.
Grip and traction
Boat shoes should offer enough traction and grip so you won’t slip on wet surfaces. To get the best boat shoes with good traction, go for the ones that do not come off. Make sure the heels of your shoes are tight to your ankle and it does not slip off. Ideally, boat shoes should have rubber soles so you can have a better grip on wet surfaces.
For the outsole, softer rubber is recommended so they can give the sides of your feet an additional grip. Go for soles that do not leave marks on your boat.
Yes, style is important when getting the best boat shoes but traction and grip should always come first because no one wants to get caught slipping right?
