The Best Boat Shoes: 5 Top Choices

See if you can relate to this.  I’m a life-long boater and have been on just about any type of vessel out there.  I grew up on a fiberglass v hull with an I/O and a pontoon boat.  I’ve sailed an E scow and cruised around on a daysailer.

The list goes on as I have been lucky enough to live on the water since I was born.  That said, as I got older I realized just how important boating accessories can be.  First and foremost, safety equipment should be at the top of your list. 

Next, you’ve got to figure out what items will make your day on the water most enjoyable.  For some, it’s a cooler that stays cold for hours.  Others may need a waterproof boat bag that will hold towels for a family of six.

Whatever your go-to boat gear is, there’s one item that I recommend investing a decent amount of money in.  That is a good pair of boat shoes.  I realized this as I got older and slipping and falling became a lot more hazardous. 

Jumping on and off boats can become dangerous if the surface of the boat and/or pier is slippery.  Because of that, I quickly realized that I needed a solid pair of shoes, especially when walking around the edge of a fiberglass bow or pacing up and down a sailboat.

As years have passed, I have burned through my fair share of different types of boat shoes and have circulated through many different brands.  After taking a pole here at Barletta, I’ve got a solid list of the most-loved boat shoes from our experienced boat staff.  

The Best Boat Shoes

There are a few key qualities you should be looking for in a pair of boat shoes, the first being grip.  The best boat shoes have an outsole that is made to grip fiberglass, wet piers, and any other slippery surface you might encounter.

Look for shoes that have rubber soles and/or soles that have a rigid pattern to them.  You will find that any good boat shoe on the market has these characteristics.  Another thing to look for is how well the shoe slides on and off.

Most of the time, you’ll be barefoot on the water.  For quick access, you want a shoe that is easy to take off and put on when you’re boarding or un-boarding.  You should also be prepared for those moments when coming in contact with the water is unavoidable.

Look for a shoe that is water-resistant or waterproof.  Any shoe that’s made for boating should be able to stand up to the elements.  This entire list of boat shoes has all of these qualities so let’s see what makes each one unique.

Hey Dude

When I went around the office here at Barletta and asked what everyone is wearing on the water these days, Hey Dude shoes kept coming up.  This brand has a plethora of different shoes that are all built for comfort and they specifically make a boat shoe that meets the criteria I mentioned above.

This company is intentional about creating sustainable products even down to the packaging that they put the shoes in.  They use materials like cork, recycled plastic, recycled leather, and organic cotton.

The shoes have a laid-back style, memory-foam insoles, and the outsoles are made to grip whatever surface it comes in contact with.  My team members swear by their comfort and recommend these for any boater. 

Olukai

Olukai is a shoe company that celebrates the spirit of Hawaii and the connection between land and ocean.  The company takes pride in its Hawaiian tradition and each pair that’s purchased gives back to the Ama OluKai Foundation.

All of the shoes they offer are boater-friendly in that every type of shoe they make is designed with the water in mind.  The outsoles are patterned for the ultimate grip and even the sneaker-type styles are easy to slip on and off.

What’s unique about these shoes is that nearly every pair is designed so that the back of the shoe can fold down making the shoe a true slip-on.  This is huge for those who are constantly jumping on and off the boat and need easily removable shoes.  

There’s a style for everyone whether it’s a sneaker, flip flop, or loafer you like best.  We’ve got a couple of pairs at home and they are versatile shoes that hold up to the elements, I can attest to this first-hand. 

Sperry  

You can’t talk about boat shoes without mentioning the Sperry brand.  Sperry is one of the most popular boat shoes on the market and for good reason.  When you think of boat shoes, their iconic top-sider style is what typically comes to mind.  

This is their staple and for good reason.  These shoes have an elevated look and are great for those who like to boat to dinner or find themselves yachting around the intercoastal.  The outsoles are built for a solid grip and the leather shoe stands up to water well.

A new addition to the Sperry lineup is their sport-style shoes.  These are lightweight and breathable which makes them great for all water activities.  The material is quick-drying and they’re easy to slip on and off, just like the rest of their boat shoes are.  

I have gone through countless pairs of Sperrys over the years and they are a top boat shoe choice for good reason.  I also have a pair of their Duck Boots for the sloshy wintery mix we get here in Indiana, they’re great shoes that stand up to all of the elements.  

REEF

REEF was born from a love of the ocean and a need for comfortable shoes in a beach environment.  They started out producing sandals and have evolved to offer a wide variety of water-friendly shoes.

The outsoles are made for no-slip traction and you’ll find many of the flip flops have extra-wide top straps that make the sandal extra-secure while walking.  One of their more popular types of flip flops has a bottle opener secured on the bottom of the outsole.

As a life-long boater, I can appreciate how innovative this company is and also what they stand for.  They are dedicated to beach cleanups as well as an organization that dedicates its efforts to introducing underprivileged kids to the beach and ocean.  

[Learn more about REEF’s pledge to better our beaches and help kids learn more about the ocean here: REEF’s Pledge]

Zhik 

Zhik was created out of a need for something new in the sailing market after the 2004 Olympics in Athens.  What started as a brand geared towards sailors of all types has evolved into an all-encompassing nautical brand.

This company not only offers a wide variety of boat shoes they also make apparel for any type of boater.  From sailing to windsurfing, to recreational boating and more, there’s no on-water activity that’s too rugged for Zhik gear.

Zhik crafts all of its products to be functional and stylish.  I recommend considering this brand if you’re planning on spending any amount of time on the water. 

Which Pair Will You Buy?

As I mentioned, I’ve had most of these brands make their way through my own personal shoe collection.  If you’re getting into the boating lifestyle, a good pair of boat shoes should be top of your list.

No matter what type of boat you own or have on order, owning a pair of shoes with a strong grip outsole and a water-resistant exterior is a must.  Pro tip, I keep a couple of pairs of cheap flip flops in my boat at all times.

These come in handy if we stop at a restaurant or a marina that requires shoes for entry.  This way we’ve always got shoes handy even if we left our boat shoes on the dock.