Time for New Sailing Shoes : )

OK, I can’t deny it any longer.  It’s time for new sailing shoes.  About four years ago, I had a pair of sailing shoes that I loved.  They were comfortable, gripped the deck well, didn’t make your feet too hot in the summer, and they looked good to.   The only problem is that Sebago stopped making them : (  Ever since then, it’s been a tough job to buy new boat shoes.  I keep hoping I’ll find a pair that I like as much as the old ones.

Here are my criteria for buying racing shoes:

• Soles that grip the deck REALLY well.  I don’t have a lot of balance. So, I need all the help that I can get.  If the soles get too thick, I don’t feel like I can feel the deck under my feet.
• Laces with a spring clip.  I prefer the elastic bungee cord type laces with the clip holding them tight.  That way, I don’t have to worry about my shoes coming untied during the race.
• Good comfort and arch support.  After all, racing shoes are worn for really long periods of time during a given race day.
• Fit that can cinch tight to my foot in the summer, but accomodate my neoprene socks in the colder weather.

My method for finding new boat shoes begins with an extensive internet search.  Once I find shoes that I like, I will go to a local store and try them on, or order them in so that I can try them in person.    Lots of web sites will give you free shipping if you spend a minimum amount.  I have ended up ordering in a couple of sizes just to try them; and then returning the ones that didn’t fit.  It’s easier to do that if you only have to pay shipping one way (or not at all).

Trying on the shoes is usually an entertaining experience for folks who work at the store; or are around when I’m testing them out.  I usually end up jumping around a lot to test how grippy the soles are.  It looks silly in the store, but makes me much happier over the course of the racing season.

This time, I decided to go with the Harken Hydroflux — again.  That’s the same shoe I decided on the last time I needed new racing shoes.  They are light weight, drain water easily, have a lot of support and arch support, and grip the deck better than any shoes I’ve been able to compare them to.  The sole is a bit thicker than I’d like; but for me, this shoe is the best combination of all properties I’m looking for.

A lot of people sail in Keen shoes like this.  I have a pair of Keens, and I love them.  However, the sole is thicker than I want on the boat.  The toe protection & support is great; but they’ve become my preferred kayaking shoes.  I don’t wear them to race.

I know some people who LOVE Teva shoes for racing.  For me, I’ve tried them on a few times, but they’ve never given me the perfect combination of factors.  Here’s a Teva sample.  However, watch out — I’ve heard that they stretch a lot when they get wet.  So, buy them on the small side when you’re at the store in a dry environment.

I’m also a big fan of Olukai.  I choose to buy their flip flops, and I’m sad that they don’t make racing shoes.  Here’s a pair of trainers that I fell in love with.  Hopefully, they’ll be on my feet soon when I’m off the race course.  I’ll keep you updated.

Additionally, here’s the Sebago Triton.  It’s a men’s shoe, but I really like the look of it.  It’s not for racing, buy I had to put it in here.  Did I mention how much I loved my old Sebago shoes?