The 5 Best Shoes for Dinghy Sailing – Expert’s Guide

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Answering the call of adventure by dinghy sailing requires you have all the right equipment at hand. You cannot go dinghy sailing with a pair of office shoes; you need proper water shoes that work well with the environment.

 

Our Top Picks

 

 

In this post, you will find some of the best dinghy sailing shoes, and a guide on what to look for while shopping for them. When you are done, I am sure you will be able to pick suitable sailing shoes for anyone. Let us dive in:

 

Best Shoes for Dinghy Sailing

 

Cressi Tall Neoprene Boots for Dinghy Sailing and More – Best Overall

 

While sailing, you may want to snorkel or swim and the Cressi Tall Neoprene Boots are what you need. These boots are not only comfortable but they have excellent grip thanks to the built-in sole. The neoprene material used is elastic and provides insulation from the surrounding water temperature.

 

 

While sailing, you may want to snorkel or swim and the Cressi Tall Neoprene Boots are what you need. These boots are not only comfortable but they have excellent grip thanks to the built-in sole. The neoprene material used is elastic and provides insulation from the surrounding water temperature.

Additionally, the toes and the heels of the shoes feature durable rubber to act as proper reinforcement from wear and tear. In case you go snorkeling, you won’t have to worry about where you will fit the fins because the shoes have built-in straps. Furthermore, these shoes come in three color variations for you to choose from according to preference.

 

Pros

• Comes with a built-in sole for good traction and comfort.
• Features– a strap for fins.
• Made of durable and elastic neoprene material.
• Offers reinforced heels and toes.
• Budget friendly.
• Easy to wear.

Cons

• Not comfortable for people with wide ankles or calves.

 

 

Neo Sport Premium Neoprene Men & Women’s Wetsuit Boots – Best Value

 

Now we have the Neo Sport Premium Wetsuit Boots that are ideal for engaging in any watersports. These unisex shoes created from synthetic neoprene come in black and offer different material thicknesses. You can choose the 7mm boots if you want more heat retention or 3mm if you want little heat retention.

 

 

These boots also have reinforced heels and toes for protection as well as a rubber sole for proper traction. You don’t have to deal with wet feet because the zipper area has a water entry barrier located at the right place. The boots are comfortable and offer good value for money because they are durable and stylish.

 

Pros

• Made of quality neoprene.
• Available in different sizes and thicknesses.
• Features reinforced toe and heel sections.
• Comes with a water barrier around the zipper area.
• Gives good value for money.

Cons

• Soles could be thicker.
• Challenging size chart.

 

 

Aleader Men & Women’s Quick Drying Water Shoes – Best Grip

 

Starting us off is the Aleader Quick Drying Water Shoes that feature breathable material to keep your feet always ventilated. Additionally, the shoes possess solyte midsoles that are light but still provide enough bounce to keep the feet well-cushioned. You can maneuver the boat and you won’t accidentally slip because of the water grain outsoles that offer great traction.

 

The women’s shoes also come with ComforDry sockliners for maximum cushioning while keeping your feet dry. These shoes are not waterproof, but the meshed upper section and holes in the soles allow them to dry faster. You are not limited choice-wise because this design is available in different colors and sizes for your selection.

 

Pros

• Feature upper mesh and drainage holes for quick drying.
• Breathable, lightweight, and comfortable.
• Available in different colors.
• Possesses a water grain outsole for good traction.
• Provide good value for money.

Cons

• Lacks functional laces.

 

 

GILL Aquatech Shoes

 

Looking stylish and comfortable are the GILL Aquatech shoes featuring durable rubber soles. The rubber soles on these shoes have good traction regardless of whether you are stepping on a slippery surface. Another great thing about these dinghy boots is that they are made from flexible, comfortable, and durable neoprene. They even come with reinforced rubber sections to prevent your toes or heels from getting hurt as you sail or hike.

 

The shoes also possess non-ferrous zips to secure the boots, and they are smooth enough not to scratch your skin. Use the adjustable Velcro strap to find the perfect fit depending on the size of your ankles. If you step in some water the shoes will remain dry because have blind stitch seams to create a waterproof seal.

 

Pros

• Comfortable with a great fit.
• Features neoprene and nylon material for durability.
• Comes with reinforced toes and heels.
• Has strong non-ferrous zips.
• Provides an ankle strap for a better fit.
• Features a rubber sole with good grip.

Cons

• Boots are rather stiff at first.

 

 

What Things to Consider When Buying Dinghy Sailing Shoes

 

What do you look for while purchasing the best shoes for dinghy sailing? If this is your first time, worry not, the guide below will help you pick the right ones.

 

Types of dinghy boots

 

Before you purchase shoes for dinghy sailing, you have to consider the activities involved. If hiking is involved, it is better to work with hiking-style shoes that have stronger soles and reinforced toes. This allows you to walk on rough beaches without a problem.

If skiff sailing is involved, your shoes will be lighter than hiking boots are and possess a reinforced upper area. You can also get surf shoes or all-round dinghy shoes, it just depends on the activities you want to carry out; hence, take your time to make these considerations.

 

Size

 

You know your feet better than anyone else in terms of what feels comfortable. Regardless of whether you have wide or narrow feet, pick shoes that fit. Always check the sizing chart together with recommendations from the manufacturer to select the right shoes. If the sizing chart is confusing, ask the manufacturer for suggestions or go to the customer reviews to check for sizing complaints or compliments.

 

Durable and breathable materials

 

Because the shoes will be in contact with water, it is good if they are of a durable quality to last long. In most cases, dinghy sailing shoes are made from neoprene mixed in with other fabrics like nylon. Neoprene is an elastic material that is strong and depending on the thickness of the material can provide proper insulation in cold water.

If you don’t need the shoes to be warm, they should at least be breathable to allow your feet to breathe on hot days. Shoes like the Aleader Women Quick Drying Water Shoes have great breathability thanks to the mesh material used. If you don’t want stinky feet, get shoes with a drainage feature or with great breathability.

 

Safety features

 

Having reinforced toes and heels is a plus especially if you have to walk on rough surfaces. The reinforced areas prevent you from hurting your feet while stepping on stones or bumping into other objects. Always check to see if reinforced areas are available before purchasing shoes.

Also, consider dinghy sailing shoes with proper rubber soles for great traction. With good traction, you can walk on different surfaces without slipping or being stuck.

 

Ease of wear

 

Are the shoes easy to wear? Do you have to wiggle in your foot or it is easy to slide in? Select shoes that have loops, zips, or Velcro straps that make them easy to put on. On a busy day, it can get very frustrating struggling to put on shoes so save yourself the stress and get boots that are easy to wear.

 

Waterproof abilities

 

Some dinghy sailing shoes have waterproof features that will help keep your feet dry, but, if you engage in predominantly water-related activities, pick shoes that have holes in the sole to drain the water. This allows the shoes to remain light and dry out quickly.

 

FAQs

 

Some of the questions that arise from consumers about dinghy sailing shoes include:

Q: Do you wear socks with dinghy boots?

A: Traditionally, people did not include socks while wearing dinghy sailing shoes but nowadays people do wear socks. It just boils down to personal preference. The socks provide an extra layer of warmth and cushion the skin from rubbing against the shoes.

 

Q: Are dinghy boots waterproof?

A: In most cases, they are; however, not all of them are waterproof. Water will seep into the shoes but if the shoes have a drainage feature, it will be easier for them to dry and keep your feet comfortable.

 

Q: What do you wear in dinghy sailing?

A: On average, you will need wet and dry suits, some gloves, dinghy sailing shoes and buoyancy aid.

 

Q: What shoes do professional dinghy sailors wear?

A: They wear durable dinghy sailing shoes with proper rubber soles for good traction. They have to be no mark soles to maintain the boat’s appearance.

 

 

Concluding Remark

 

You are not limited in terms of options; many shoe brands make the best shoes for dinghy sailing. You can pick any design or color you want and have fun with it. That said, I will leave you to shop in peace and please feel free to leave comments or ask questions below.