Are Boat Shoes Waterproof?

Boat and ferry rides are leisurely pursuits, and the only thing that can ruin a perfect ride is wet footwear. When you’re in the water, getting your feet wet shouldn’t mean having to deal with dripping footwear. Here, boat shoes come into play. This type of footwear is designed to be worn on boats and is typically made from water-resistant materials, like leather. These shoes also have a non-slip sole to prevent tripping and slipping accidents on the deck. Most shoes for boats are advertised as waterproof, but we’ll find out whether this claim is true or false in this guide.

Does a Boat Shoe Have Waterproofing Features?

Technically, these shoes are not entirely waterproof. They may have a certain degree of waterproofing, but they’re not meant to be worn during deep water diving. Their primary purpose is to cover your feet while on the boat and near the water instead of when you’re actually underwater. 

Another reason why deck shoes aren’t completely waterproof is because of sweat-wicking. If these shoes are made with a waterproof material, they won’t absorb the sweat and then evaporate it. That would result in some stinky and uncomfortable footwear.

Can You Wear Boat Shoes in Water?

Although boat shoes are not technically waterproof, they’re certainly designed to get wet. They’re made with a water-friendly material that doesn’t let the water get inside unless you soak them completely. The material of these shoes is also quick-drying, making them ideal for casual wearing on slippery decks.

In simple words, you can wear these shoes around water but not inside it. Although they’ll dry eventually, their pattern and material will get affected due to excessive soaking, reducing their life span.

Are Waterproof and Water Friendly Shoes Different?

Waterproof shoes are made with a material that doesn’t allow any water to pass through. This means your feet will stay completely dry, even if you walk through puddles or standing water. Most boat shoes, however, don’t use such materials to promote breathability.

On the flip side, water-friendly shoes are made with water-resistant material. This means your feet may get wet if you walk through puddles or standing water, but they will not absorb water like a sponge. Typically, deck shoes are made from such materials to provide a certain level of dryness to your feet.

Conclusion

Deck shoes are an essential piece of footwear for anyone who spends time on boats or in similar wet conditions. Having a non-slip sole, these shoes prevent you from slipping on the deck of the boat and maintaining balance. They also look nice and complete your look for a leisurely ferry ride.

As far as waterproofing is concerned, however, boat shoes don’t offer this feature. The maximum you can get with these shoes is water-friendliness. This means they’ll resist water to a great extent but won’t completely block it. Although your feet will remain dry as long as you don’t wear them while swimming, there is a significant chance of feet dampening due to water absorption. So, make sure you know these things before getting a pair to avoid any inconvenience later.