Nautical fashion is one of the most interesting parts when it comes to sailing. Figuring out what to wear during your sailing vacation isn’t always the easiest decision in the world, so you have to be prepared with your sailing clothes and sailing shoes for all weather conditions.
What Sailing Clothes to Wear While Sailing?
Your trip planning activities will largely depend on your sailing location and the time of year. Our suggestions we’ll be practical. First of all, when packing, try to select items that are versatile and light. We highly recommend you bring the sailing clothes and items that can be used multiple times on different occasions. During summer, you’ll spend most of your sailing time in your swimsuit, so you don’t have to change multiple times a day.
It is very important not to forget to bring a hat with you. Sailing is a specific type of vacation, the sun is high and the rays can be very harmful. Most people sail during summer, so they often forget to bring warm clothes. However, we all easily forget that the humidity level in the open sea gets very high and, during summer nights, temperatures are lower than on land. So, bring the light sweater with you – you’ll stay warm and it looks pretty „sailish“.
The Importance of Good Clothing
If temperatures are high, use sun protective shirts to keep you cool so the sun doesn’t heat up your skin. Getting tanned during a one or two-week period is normal, but if you want to get a tan in just a few days by exposing yourself too much to the sun, your skin will get burnt which is why it is crucial you avoid it at all costs.
Although sailing clothing is very important, sailing shoes may perhaps take the first place of importance. Street shoes and high heels are forbidden on sailboats and yachts. Most people prefer to stay barefoot on boats, but if you prefer to keep your shoes on during the day, then buy a pair of new white-soled shoes that you will put on only on the boat.
Sailing Gear, Shoes and Equipment
There are a lot of companies that specialize in sailing gear and equipment. There are clothes, watches, glasses and, of course, specialized shoes for sailing. When looking for the best sailing shoes there are a few key points you need to look out for. The sailing shoes must be durable so they would stand all that moving while on board. Needless to say that the sailing shoes must be water-resistant because of, well, obvious reasons.
Another important factor is that the sailing shoes don’t slip. It is because a sailor needs a lot of traction while onboard. Also, this helps to prevent a lot of injuries. A lot of water gets in the boat while sailing and a lot of surfaces get wet really quickly. For that reason, good sailing shoes are a must while sailing!
What are the Best Sailing Shoes?
Sperry Top-Spider Men’s ASV Shock Light Bungee Boat Shoe
This boat shoe has one of the highest reviews of all sailing shoes. Moreover, active sailors can really confirm it’s one of the best out there. Mainly because it is extremely grippy on wet decks and is super light. They also provide good comfort and support. However, you cannot use these shoes anywhere else but on the boat. It is because the concrete would ruin the shoes and the grip would be lost.
Sperry Sea Kite Sport Boat Shoe
This boating shoe, at first glance, looks very traditional, but it comes with a twist. It is a super grippy shoe which dries fast when wet. It’s also good to know that it provides a lot of traction on fibreglass decks. The bonus is you can wear these shoes not just on the boat. A lot of sailors promote its quick-drying linings and can only find reasons to purchase it. Sailing shoes Sperry Sea Kite Sport for men are an excellent choice in our opinion.
Columbia Powerdrain II Water Shoe
Not only do sailors love these shoes, but hikers and bikers love and wear them too. Traction under wet conditions is excellent. It provides good support, dries fast and it’s light. However, it stretches a bit over time and can get quite smelly after a good day’s wear. But it is easily washable, available in more colours, and suitable for men and women.
Source: Columbia
Irish Setter Lakeside
This men’s shoe doesn’t look like a typical boating shoe. And it is because it is both, for sailing and for the streets. Even though it looks kinda clumpy, it is extremely comfortable and it dries really fast. The traction is also incredible. But, in the end, it misses that kind of comfort, stretchiness, and lightness the other sailing shoes have. A probable reason might be that it is because it was made for boating and every day.
Rugged Shark Bill Dance
The design of these boat shoes is definitely a plus. It looks modern and different. Walking in these shoes is very comfortable. However, regardless of its plus sides, this shoe just isn’t made for boating. It holds in a lot of water and because of that, it dries really slowly. On the other hand, it provides good traction which is often the reason why some men decide to buy it.
Source: Rugged Shark
Adidas Outdoor Climacool Boat Lace Water Shoe
Younger sailors will definitely love this shoe. Sailing shoes Adidas has made are modern, not typical-looking and they come in different colours. Moreover, another plus for Adidas Outdoor Climacool sailing shoes is that they keep your foot cool even in a hot and humid environment. The soles of this sailing shoe are removable and washable. The shoes are light, dry really quickly, and provide fair traction. Sailing shoes Adidas Outdoor Climacool are a great choice and are suitable for both, men and women.
Musto GP Classic Deck Shoe
This men’s shoe is, as its very name suggests, a classic sailing shoe. It is made with premium salt, stain and water-resistant leather. Furthermore, it has a great grip and provides good comfort. It might be a bit pricy, but for the cost of it. you get the ultimate sailing shoe.
Sebago Triton Three Eye Deck Shoe
Sebago is known for its sailing shoes and this shoe is one of their men’s classics. It is a beautiful shoe that is durable and looks nice at the same time. Sebago is not a preferred boating shoe but rather a shoe that is worn on the streets. It has a great grip but if you’re going sailing for a long time, we would recommend different lighter shoes.
Dubarry Regatta Extra Fit
The perfect offshore and onshore sailing shoe. It is made with Dryfast – Drysoft technology that provides great leather and fabric. This boat shoe provides great traction and is a guaranteed showstopper. Very often selected by men of different clothing styles and for diverse occasions, wet or dry.
Helly Hansen Ahiga V3 Hydropower Sailing Sneaker
These breathable and lightweight men’s trainers will provide you with all the key sailing features; comfortable and stable EVA midsole, siped HellyGrip rubber outsole, and quick-drying mesh upper. These good looking sailing shoes are your ultimate partner during long sessions on deck, or for a weekend on the coast.
To conclude, we want you to relax with two songs that are perfectly suitable for this topic. Sailing Shoes by Robert Palmer and Little Feat Sailin Shoes. Little Feat Sailin Shoes and Sailing Shoes by Robert Palmer are classics among sailing songs. This song will hopefully make your decision easier. So, what are you waiting for? Put on your new sailing shoes and enjoy Sailing Shoes and Robert Palmer to Little Feat Sailin Shoes. Preferably both. See you at the sea!
Hi, thanks for the review. Are these all unisex shoes? A price guide would have been useful. CL