Whether you captain a sailing vessel, sport fisher, or family runabout, it most likely has a neutral-colored deck. That makes it prone to picking up scuffs and marks from shoes that aren’t designed with boating in mind. If you are looking for proper footwear to protect the surface your boat, or simply need an appropriate shoe for climbing aboard someone else’s vessel, look for these traits in a comfortable and functional boat shoe.
Shoes intended specifically for recreational boating will usually say “non-marking.” However, many everyday sneakers and loafers are also safe to wear on deck. If you are uncertain, test the sole by first scuffing it against a white plastic or fiberglass surface to determine whether it will leave a mark.
Boat decks get wet, making for slippery and even potentially deadly footing. A genuine boat shoe will have tread material that is grippy by nature and is also siped (cut with small slits) to increase traction.
If you are only an occasional boater or a guest on someone else’s vessel, a standard loafer with a rubber sole may suffice. Just make sure it is non-marking, and keep in mind that even on the largest sport vessel there is a good chance it will get wet. The uppers and footbed should be able to handle a thorough dunking and still dry out quickly.
