What shoes work for a wet ride in a dinghy

[sonomablue]

All,

I am wondering if any of you could recommend the best shoes for wet sailing (dinghy)?

I am new to a saling club in the SF Bay. Most of my time has been, and will be spent in Lido-14s. We get pretty wet each time. Have not capsized yet, but for certain skipper ratings, it will be a must to learn, and demonstrate how to upright the Lido.

I want to purchase some decent shoes. I have done 'some' limited resarch. I have seen such brands:

Keen Newport H2 Sandals
Helly Hansen Hydro Power, and Water Moc
Sperry Top-Sider Nautical
Gill Dinghy boots
Sperry Deck Shoe
Men’s Fathom Fisherman Lace Ups

I am looking (ideally) for something that dries reasonably quickly, that is fairly light (so it's not an anchor when i'm in the water), good traction on the deck, non-scuff (won't cause marks on nice while hull), etc.

I am confident that those of you who have, and continue to sail, know what works, and what doesn't.

Can you share what works for you?

Thanks

[Chrsgo]

3MM Neoprene scuba boots. Good ones, not the cheap ones. They make them with tennis shoe style bottoms that are white and non-marring.

They don't dry very quickly as they are designed to trap water (that is what keeps you warm in cold water), but since they keep you warm it doesn't bother you.

I have several pairs of deck shoes and none of them are as good for dinghy or catamaran sailing as my old scuba boots. I use my good old Sperry Top-Siders for any big-boat sailing because there is little chance of getting your feet really wet.

[sonomablue]

Thanks. Great info. I will check them out. Is 3MM the brand if i do a google on them.?

I did a quick search, that is obviously the diameter. (duh).

is there a good brand that you recommend?

I especially like your signature, or saluation, whatever it is called.
"of course saling is hard. If it were easy powerboaters would do it."

that just cracked me up. thanks.

[sonomablue]

Are these close to what you like?

http://www.joediveramerica.com/Merch...t_code=AKBT334

[sonomablue]

I lilke these even better...

http://www.navyseals.com/store/detai...ve-Boots---3mm

[sailingdog]

I'd go with the dinghy boots, most are made of neoprene, if you're sailing in colder weather or colder water. If sailing in warm weather and warmer waters, go with the Keens.

[Chuteman]

SB:
I'm on my 2nd pair of Gill's short boots................wore out my first pair
I also have a pair of their tall boots for Ocean work. Well made & very good grip w/o any marks.

Here's a link for their Dinghy/Trapeze boots........
http://www.gillna.com/footwear/905.php

Also check out their web specials (bottom tab on right side) for dinghy wear on sale

[sonomablue]

Thanks for the info.

both the 3mm boots, and the Gill 905's look worthy of a further look.

thanks

[Chrsgo]

Any of those would work. I suggest that if you have a scuba supply shop near you, just go and look at some and see what you like.

Make sure they have a good sole. The kind with just a rubber pad on them are not as good as the ones that look like a tennis shoe sole.

[sailandoar]

Put a grating inthe bottom of the dink so you are above the slosh. You have to rig a pump as it is then hard to scoop the water up. This is the old fashioned way to stay dry. Other wise BOOTS.