The 10 best boat shoes for sailors

As a sailor, it’s important to have a great pair of boat shoes for grip, comfort and stability while out on the water. Whether you’re trimming sails on a race boat, walking around a wet deck or spending a long day cruising along the coast, the right pair of boat shoes makes a huge difference. A good deck shoe needs to provide reliable grip on slippery surfaces, resist saltwater and spray, and remain comfortable after hours on your feet.

With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which pair is best for you. In this guide, we share 10 of the best boat shoes available in the UK, from timeless classics to modern sailing trainers.

What makes a good boat shoe for sailing?

When shopping for a good boat shoe, there are certain features you should look for. These include:

1. Non-marking rubber soles, which provide excellent grip and prevent scuffing the boat deck
2. A siped tread pattern which has thin cuts in the rubber to improve traction on wet surfaces
3. Water-resistant or quick-drying materials, such as leather and mesh
4. Secure fit with laces or snug uppers to stop shoes slipping off when moving quickly
5. Drainage and breathability, which are important considerations when the deck is constantly wet

The 10 best sailing shoes for boaters 

Here are 10 of our favourites. Take your pick to wear next time you’re out on the water.

1. Sperry Authentic Original 2‑Eye Boat Shoe

Paul Sperry invented his first boat shoe in 1935 after falling overboard. He also took inspiration from his dog’s footpads to create a non-slip boat shoe. Today, Sperry prides itself on making shoes that are safe and comfortable.

The Sperry Authentic Original 2‑Eye Boat Shoe is a classic, proven sailing shoe with a Wave-Siping™ rubber sole that provides excellent grip on wet decks. It has a 360° lacing system to keep the shoe secure when moving quickly around the boat and a durable leather upper that is efficient at handling saltwater.

Buy the Sperry Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe

2. Helly Hansen Skagen F‑1 Offshore Shoes

Built specifically for offshore sailing, the Helly Hansen Skagen F‑1 Offshore boat shoe features a HellyGrip rubber outsole to maximise grip on wet surfaces, quick-drying materials, and drainage channels. With a flexible, breathable feel and an overlay that protects the feet, this shoe is streamlined, comfortable, and available in a variety of colours – from eye-catching orange to sleek navy.

It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a lightweight option, and it is ideal for racing crews and high-performance sailing.

Buy Helly Hansen Skagen F‑1 Offshore Shoes

3. Dubarry Admirals Deck Shoes

Crafted from high-quality marine leather with excellent water resistance, Dubarry Admirals Deck Shoes feature a NonSlip-NonMarking™ outsole designed for wet decks. They offer excellent water resistance and boast unrivalled durability and comfort, making them perfect for long days out on the water.

These premium boat shoes for men feature a soft Dubarry blue sock pad for added comfort, adjustable leather laces for a secure fit, and rust-resistant construction for longevity. They’re available in eight classic colours too.

Buy Dubarry Admirals Deck Shoes

4. Sebago Dockside Portland Leather Boat Shoe

Featuring hand-stitched leather construction that has been oil-treated to resist water and wear, the Sebago Dockside Portland Leather Boat Shoe is an attractive, traditional option that delivers classic style and excellent durability.

These boat shoes feature non-marking, anti-slip soles for stability on board, non-corrosive eyelets, strong hand-sewn seams, an OrthoLite® cushioned sock lining for ultimate comfort, and a 360° lace system for a secure fit.

Buy the Sebago Dockside Portland Leather Boat Shoe

5. Helly Hansen Ahiga V4 HP Shoes

Another great Helly Hansen boat shoe for men, the Ahiga V4 HP is extremely lightweight and breathable. These high-quality boat shoes have a quick-drying mesh upper ideal for warmer climates and boast a high-grip rubber outsole to keep you safe while moving around the deck. They’re made to be both flexible and hardwearing, and are available in a range of stylish colours.

We think this is a fantastic choice for sailing and water sports, specifically coastal and inshore sailing.  

Buy Helly Hansen Ahiga V4 HP Shoes

6. Zhik Fuze Deck Shoes

Designed by a specialist sailing brand, Zhik Fuze Deck Shoes feature a one-way drainage system to remove water from inside the shoe and are a lightweight, flexible option.

This boat shoe is a great choice for performance sailors looking for comfort on long days on the boat. It offers stability on board and is ideal for making quick turns while out on the water.

Buy Zhik Fuze Deck Shoes

7. Musto Dynamic Pro II Shoes

Musto Dynamic Pro II Shoes have a sticky rubber GripDeck sole for exceptional traction and a mesh upper for excellent ventilation and water drainage. Plus, shock-absorbing heel protection to ensure a secure, comfortable fit.

This boat shoe is a wonderful pick for offshore racing and technical sailing.

Buy Musto Dynamic Pro II Shoes

8. Decathlon Men’s Sailing Boat Shoes 100

The Decathlon Men’s Sailing Boat Shoes 100 are a very affordable option, boasting a moccasin shape made from split leather and mesh, and a non-marking rubber sole which provides excellent grip on board. They’re lightweight and offer excellent foot support, too.

Consider these boat shoes if you’re shopping on a budget or after your first pair as a beginner sailor.

Buy Decathlon Men’s Sailing Boat Shoes 100

9. Helly Hansen HP Foil V2 Shoes

Yet another excellent Helly Hansen boat shoe worth considering, the HP Foil V2 features an ultra-light racing design, breathable mesh, quick-drying materials, and a non-marking rubber outsole for deck grip.

This boat shoe is a fantastic option for competitive sailing but also suitable for a range of water sports. It’s one of the brand’s most versatile shoes.

Buy Helly Hansen HP Foil V2 Shoes

10. Chatham Sperrin Deck Shoes

With their robust, premium leather construction built for marine conditions and a non-slip sole with comfortable cushioning, Chatham Sperrin Deck Shoes boast classic styling that works both on and off the boat.

These boat shoes promise traditional and classic style, ideal for sailing and marina wear.

Buy Chatham Sperrin Deck Shoes

Specialist boat insurance through GJW Direct

Once you’re all set with your brand-new boat shoes, you may want to consider getting specialist boat insurance through GJW Direct to help financially protect you and your boat.

Get a quick online quote today.