Take to the Sea With the Best Sailing Boots
Imagine going sailing when the sea is calm and the sun is shining brightly. It’s simple, you don’t require any special boots, and normal sneakers can get you through the day. But when the weather is rough and the sea starts to change color, you can’t survive without a pair of the finest sailing boots. They will give you a sturdy grip on the deck, even if the surface is wet, and keep your feet dry and warm. Plus, investing in a good pair of sailing boots ensures five to 10 years of use, which is great if you are a sailing enthusiast.
However, getting the right sailing boots requires considerable research and consideration — thankfully, this buying guide provides all of that! What should you look for when purchasing sailing boots? Is it just the price, or are there other factors to consider? We’ll cover everything you need to know in this article so you can end up with a pair that keeps you comfy and stable on the ship! Here are our favorite sailing boots of 2024!
Our Top Picks
Here Is the Premium Sailing Boots of 2024
Best Overall
With a comfortable, sturdy heel and sole, the Xuker booties protect your feet from water, grit, and sand. The soles of these shoes have been reinforced to offer maximum durability and comfort, and also have glued blind stitching that prevents water from coming in. In addition to sailing, you can use these boots for water sports, such as triathlons and diving.
The openings of these socks are designed with neoprene, a soft, high-quality, and anti-slip material that will keep you going in rough weather, while the bottoms have a coating that makes them resistant to abrasion. This makes it possible for you to walk on the beach stress-free. With their durable build and protective design, these water booties are the perfect way to experience comfortable sailing, which is why they’re the best on our list.
Pros
- Easily fits like socks
- Durable neoprene build
- Can be used for various water sports
- Features low cut and high cut options
Cons
- A little slippery on rocks
High Performer
These are yet another pair of neoprene shoes built with rubber soles, which are meant to last for a longer time and keep you warm during your boating trip. They have a toe cap and rubber heels that provide added durability and give the user added support on high-wear areas. The boots are further strengthened by nylon II, a three-millimeter neoprene material that is glued and sewn to the seams, ensuring extended comfort while in the water.
You should select the thickness according to the weather conditions. For example, if you are going to wear them in water temperatures between 60.8 to 75.2 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s best to go with one-millimeter to three-millimeter thickness. For water with a temperature lower than 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit, a thickness of five millimeters to seven millimeters is preferred.
Pros
- Available in men’s and women’s sizes
- A durable rubber sole prevents slipping
- The top is smooth and comfortable
- Convenient lightweight construction
Cons
- They are a bit expensive
Most Versatile
Neo-Sport’s premium wetsuit boots are available in three different thickness options and can last year-round for all your water sporting activities. They are ideal for people who often go from warm to cold water temperatures.
These multi-purpose boots have a puncture-resistant sole that offers thermal comfort. Plus, they are designed with zippers and a high-traction sole, making them suitable for muddy or wet surfaces and sandy beaches. With this pair of boots, you can go anywhere without a second thought. They are available in three thicknesses, three millimeters, five millimeters, and seven millimeters, so choose based on your needs.
Pros
- Offers protection against blisters
- Available in men’s and women’s sizes
- Protects against slipping
- Can be worn with socks
Cons
- Finding the right size is challenging
Most Highly Rated
These sailing boots from HUK are mainly used for fishing and provide instant traction on slippery and wet surfaces because they’re engineered to keep you going in all types of nasty weather conditions. However, they can be used for other outdoor activities as well, like camping and hiking. They are made up of polyester, neoprene, and rubber, which guarantees comfort and durability.
One of the exceptional features of these shoes is that they are lightweight, so you won’t feel like you’re wearing something bulky on your feet. The shoes have an eight-millimeter thick footbed, making them waterproof and capable of keeping your feet dry, even if it’s raining heavily. Moreover, it has commercial-grade webbing pull-straps, which you can use to put on boots in wet and dry weather.
Pros
- Available in five different colors
- High-quality and lightweight
- The rubber sole is textured for better grip
- Very comfortable design
Cons
- Cushioning causes size to run small
Best Value
A rubber body and slip-resistant design make these boots a favorite among those fond of water activities. The outer sole of the boots protects your feet from the water and they have a slip-on design with two straps that help you put them on without any hassle. This pair of boots is six inches in height but has a loose top, so you won’t have any trouble walking while wearing them.
The boots are ideal for fishing because the non-marking Chevron outsole offers excellent traction in extreme weather conditions and prevents you from slipping on wet surfaces. Best of all, the inside of these boots has plush cushioning that keeps your feet comfortable and offers good support.
Pros
- 100% waterproof construction
- Durable rubber body
- Has a breathable mesh liner
Cons
- Not suitable for deep waters
Sailing Boots Buying Guide
To find the best sailing boots for your needs, you have to consider a few things. This buying guide will help you select the right pair by explaining everything you need to look for, so you can have a great sailing adventure every time you get on the water!
Choose the Right Size
Having the right size will ensure your boots feel comfortable on your feet. Imagine running around in shoes that are too tight — it would be bound to ruin your whole trip! During or after your purchase, try on the shoes before going on a real expedition.
Do your toes cramp? Is there enough room left to wiggle them around? Do you feel pressure from the front or side? Check for these things to see if the boots fit or not. Make sure they aren’t so tight that you don’t feel comfortable wearing them. Give them a trial run and walk in them for a while to make sure the size is right.
Which Material Should I Go For?
Sailing boots are available in a variety of materials that can make a huge difference in your sailing experience. Here are two materials that are commonly used in sailing boots:
Leather
Leather is one of the most widely used materials in sailing boots because it is treated to resist saltwater, which reduces water absorption and speeds up the drying process. The type of leather can be further divided into two types: nubuck and full-grain leather. The difference between the two is that the former has been buffed to give a suede-like look, whereas the latter has a smoother look. However, both types of leather are durable, sturdy, and resistant to wear and tear.
Neoprene
Waterproof neoprene is also a commonly used material in sailing boots and is considered ideal for cold weather. A lot of adventure sailors prefer it over rubber as it is resistant to damage from aging and the sun. Plus, these boots have a non-slip rubber sole, making it easier for you to walk on wet and slippery surfaces without falling. Best of all, neoprene boots are more comfortable and budget-friendly than traditional boots.
Durability
Your boots (and, of course, you) will be exposed to a lot of degrading elements on the boat, such as intense sunlight, saltwater, and more. To survive exposure to these elements, you need durable boots that can take you through these conditions and successfully back to the shore. Therefore, the durability factor is one of the main things to consider when buying sailing boots. The best way to check for durability is through online reviews and brand recognition. Reviews will tell you if you should trust a brand in terms of durability, which will help you come to a decision.
Flexibility
When you’re on the boat or engaging in other water-related activities, your feet are constantly moving. You may have to jump, climb, or glide through the water in your boots. Therefore, to ensure that your feet can engage in a wide range of motion, you need to make sure that your sailing boots are flexible enough to allow you that kind of movement. Usually, rubber or neoprene boots offer excellent flexibility. Still, it’s always best to try on the shoes before actually going into the water to make sure they are up to the mark.
Height
The ideal boot height is determined by your personal preferences. Some people prefer shorter boots whereas others like to go for tall ones, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both options. For example, shorter boots feel less bulky, but they offer limited protection as compared to tall boots. In this situation, taller boots are better; they cover the length between pants and boots, preventing water from entering via the top and saving your legs from sunburn. For casual use, people usually prefer short boots, but if you plan to go in deep waters then we recommend you go for tall boots.
Proper Maintenance
How long your boots last depends on how well you take care of them. The easiest way to take care of them is to rinse the shoes with fresh, clean water, and condition them. Before you put them away, make sure that they are completely dried out so the residual water doesn’t cause any damage.
Rubber shoes are simple to clean. They just require rinsing with water and you are good to go. However, it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding cleaning and maintaining sailing boots to ensure that you’re doing it right.
People Also Asked
What’s the ideal way to clean sailing boots?
Sailing boots are easy to clean and maintain. You just have to rinse them with fresh water, which should remove the grit and salt. After that, they should be ready for use again. If you’re not satisfied with cleaning with just water, use a mild non-detergent soap and rinse with warm water. However, make sure to check if the manufacturer’s care instructions allow cleaning with soap.
Are sailing boots breathable?
Yes, they are. However, you should go for micro-porous materials as they have better breathability. They enable sweat to escape the shoes, and as a result, your feet stay dry and clean. Moreover, the shoes don’t smell bad once you take them off because the airflow allows the smell to fade away.
Should I wear socks with sailing boots?
Usually, sailing boots work without socks, but there are no restrictions against them. Some people wear them with socks and pair them with a polo shirt and shorts to make a fashion statement. However, people with sweaty feet are recommended to wear cotton inserts to avoid any smell from being trapped inside. If you’re someone who can’t wear shoes without socks, you can try low-cut or no-show socks as they don’t show.