Why You Need Them

You don't wear rubber boots to a tennis match, so why are you going to bring fancy dress shoes or pricey kicks on board for a day on the water? Boating is like any recreational activity: If you bring the wrong gear and apparel, chances are you won't have as much fun. Fashion can also come into play. There's such a thing as overdressing or underdressing with boating footwear. If you're going fishing, you won't need thick, workmen's style boots with snow cuffs and an extra wool layer inside - unless it's in the frigid Artic waters or winter conditions off New England. However, wearing cheap flip-flops on a runabout, PWC or pontoon boat is a recipe for a sprained ankle or banged-up knee. Fortunately, boat shoes are a happy medium. You'll get the firmness and walking stability you need for slippery situations, and the comfort and style you expect for any other kind of outing.


What You Need To Know

Remember these key phrases when browsing for a selection of boat shoes: water absorption and rubber outsole for traction. A quality pair of boating shoes won't absorb water like a sponge. Instead, boat shoes will keep water from sloshing around inside, unless you take a direct hit from a wave or decide to do a cannonball from the swim platform. The rubber outsole is important, even when you're walking on a non-skid deck, for an extra degree of firmness and traction. Think of it as an added safety investment. You'll want to look for a pair of shoes with outsoles that won't leave marks either. There's enough cleanup involved after a day on the water, and shoe skids shouldn't be a part of it.


The Final World

The choice of boat shoe comes down to what kind of boating you plan on doing. Moccasins, slip-ons and regular leather boat shoes are excellent choices for cuddies, cruisers and offshore fishing rigs. If there's a chance you'll be in the water, with say a runabout or watersports boat, you might want to invest in a pair of Croc-style footwear.

If you still want the open-toe feel of flip-flops, it's better to go high-end and with a manufacturer that produces boat-friendly, non-slip flip-flops. The dress code is for your protection. You get what you pay for, and skimping will lead to slipping.