Need New Boat Shoes

[FrankLanger]

I hope so too, but I have seen many sailors with bare feet, and have been barefoot myself on certain occasions--so especially for inexperienced readers of this website, I think it's important to draw attention to the potential risks of sailing barefoot--it's so tempting when it's hot out, wind is blowing, to wear only swim suit and t-shirt....and some don't even wear that much!!
Frank.

[maestro]

Merrill makes excellant water shoes. They were originally made for white water kayaking and hiking in watery areas. I've got 2 pairs. I too wanted some arch and ankle support and found that these shoes (which are non marking soles and have great traction ) do the job

http://www.merrellboot.com/Shop/Deta...O-AQS&PID=9748

[CaptKermie]

For arch support one could just remove the insole from their favourite brand (sperry) and replace it with an aftermarket specialized arch support insole. I have been in stores that have an extensive variety of insoles for special needs.

[jones2r]

Hey Kermie

What's green, smells like pork, and has flat feet?

[sanctuarysam]

figured out, despite the comfortable fit of my rockports, and their previous gripping capabilities, the soles are the culprit. just got some new sperry deck shoes and they have great arch support, and actually do what deck shoes are supposed to do. granted it was a thrill to slide across the deck and check out the lifelines and stanchions for integrity, i now know they are in working order.
maybe i can use the rockports for, i dunno,..ice skating...
thanks all for the advice...

[ianhlnd]

Yeah Frank, that is a joke, it goes along with Guiliettas powdered electricity etc.

I like barefoot sailing, but after a couple broken toes (I learn slow), I purchased a couple pair of performance sandals. The only thing good about broken toes is that they're easy to set, pop that pinky straight and tape it and you're ready to go, but it does get tiresome. What I don't like about sandals is that it leaves a white "X" on my tanned foot.

[Giulietta]

Originally Posted by sanctuarysam

figured out, despite the comfortable fit of my rockports, and their previous gripping capabilities, the soles are the culprit. just got some new sperry deck shoes and they have great arch support, and actually do what deck shoes are supposed to do. granted it was a thrill to slide across the deck and check out the lifelines and stanchions for integrity, i now know they are in working order.
maybe i can use the rockports for, i dunno,..ice skating...
thanks all for the advice...

OK I was the one recommending you the Sperrys.

Why don't I ever get credit??? Because I am forignOr???

[sailingdog]

I would highly recommend against going barefoot. Too many serious injuries I've seen have been to toes/feet that weren't protected by shoes. There's a lot of stuff on the deck of a sailboat to stub/break your toes on... and a winch handled dropped on a barefoot really hurts.

I have a pair of columbia boat sneaks that is great....I also have a set of Keen sandals that I use in the summer and a pair of Harkens for colder weather.

[sanctuarysam]

Originally Posted by Giulietta

OK I was the one recommending you the Sperrys.

Why don't I ever get credit??? Because I am forignOr???

ok..ok..
you ARE a fur-a-nur....
and i'll give ya credit after i get over custom boat envy....
but, ya still drink your red wine too warm