Wearing proper footwear is important! There are many hazards onboard all boats. Cleats, steps, railing posts, hawse pipes, windlass, ropes, etc. Then there’s the sun heating up the deck itself, OUCH! Even a white colored deck gets hot enough to cause blisters. Wearing a pair of boating deck shoes is your best protection from all of these hazards, and also help to prevent you slipping, falling or falling overboard. Deck shoes have "Sipes" which open and close as you walk, this squeezes out water and grips the deck better than any pair of tennis shoes. Deck shoes have a non-marking sole, so they leave no marks to clean up afterwards.
Should you fall overboard, the shoes act like a flipper to assist in swimming. If you need to remove, they can be easily kicked off too. Deck shoes tend to be warmer and drier than a pair of athletic shoes by dry faster, and not being as absorbent due to no foam padding sewn into everything like regular shoes. A good pair of deck shoes or boots are best for sailing.
Leaving a boat onto a dock can be a "HOT" topic along with wood splinters. That’s why I always insist on everybody wearing some shoes when coming to the dock and boarding any of my boats. No Exceptions to the rule (well the dogs get a pass).
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
if you can swim better in shoes, ok o’wise they’re for looks or protection
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Good Deck shoes are a requirement on all my vessels. At least Sneakers. Water shoes are acceptable, Flip Flops are NOT.
This of course all depends on the size of the vessel and deck space, but shoes are required , on any vessel I sail or am skipper of.
Think of this scenario, the dory,skiff or daysailor capsizes, as they often do, I hope that one has feet protection and a good gripping sole so that the vessel can be righted and sailed on.
If it is a larger vessel, 6m or more, good deck shoes are a must especially when changing tack or coming about, I want to be able to move quickly and be as surefooted as is possible for everyone concerned.
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30 years sailing
Wearing proper footwear is important! There are many hazards onboard all boats. Cleats, steps, railing posts, hawse pipes, windlass, ropes, etc. Then there’s the sun heating up the deck itself, OUCH! Even a white colored deck gets hot enough to cause blisters. Wearing a pair of boating deck shoes is your best protection from all of these hazards, and also help to prevent you slipping, falling or falling overboard. Deck shoes have "Sipes" which open and close as you walk, this squeezes out water and grips the deck better than any pair of tennis shoes. Deck shoes have a non-marking sole, so they leave no marks to clean up afterwards.
Should you fall overboard, the shoes act like a flipper to assist in swimming. If you need to remove, they can be easily kicked off too. Deck shoes tend to be warmer and drier than a pair of athletic shoes by dry faster, and not being as absorbent due to no foam padding sewn into everything like regular shoes. A good pair of deck shoes or boots are best for sailing.
Leaving a boat onto a dock can be a "HOT" topic along with wood splinters. That’s why I always insist on everybody wearing some shoes when coming to the dock and boarding any of my boats. No Exceptions to the rule (well the dogs get a pass).
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40+ yrs boating experience, Boating Safety Instructor, member of United States Power Squadron, owner of 60′ motor yacht and 26′ Express Cruiser
Derrick S has the right answer for all the right reasons… So take heed to his answer and give him the 10 pts.
Now, I don’t know about you… but the sole reason for my boat is to keep me from having to go in the water… But it is obvious that neither Lawn Gnome or friedach have sailed enough to set a bare foot on a scalding hot deck plate, or stump a toe on a boat cleat…
You will want your boat shoes. I don’t wear mine all the time, but I seldom go on deck without ‘em.
Have a good day boating!
John
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