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Many yacht owners can be picky about what shoes can be worn or not worn on their yacht.
The main reason is that shoes can damage the boat’s finish. Shoes can also track in dirt and other debris that can scratch paintwork and create a mess. So it’s primarily the cleanliness of their yacht that they want to protect.
You should also wear comfortable shoes that give you the ability to walk on slick deck surfaces without slipping.
What shoes should you wear on a yacht?
It is important that you bring the right shoes on a yacht. The proper shoes will ensure that you are safe and comfortable throughout your time on the boat. If you decide to wear sneakers, boots, or flip-flops make sure they are closed-toe with treads for safety.
There are a variety of shoes that are safe and pleasant to wear on a yacht, such as:
Closed-toe boat shoes with rubber soles
These have rubber soles and are a sensible option to have when going on a sailing trip. They will look dressy enough to wear with your casual outfits, but they are also sturdy enough to protect your feet from rocks and other terrains you may walk over.
These shoes are breathable so that the cloth doesn’t trap too much heat. They come in designs that resemble boat shoes or regular tennis shoes. If you want to buy them new, expect to pay between $50 – $120.
Popular closed-toe boat shoes include:
Sebago ‘Docksides’
Sperry Top-Sider Billfish Boat Shoes
Here’s a comparison between Sebago and Sperry.
A pair of flat-bottomed boat shoes
Flat-bottomed boat shoes also work well for sailing. They look like moccasins, but they feature rubber soles and a thin, flexible body. These are perfect for walking around on uneven surfaces because their thin bottoms make them more flexible than regular boat shoes. They are lightweight and compact to easily fit into a bag. If you want a pair, expect to pay about $35 for them.
Slip-on shoes that lace-up
Slip-on shoes usually have elastic bands instead of laces. The laces allow you to adjust the tightness of the shoe as desired, while the elastic bands provide a secure fit. The slip-on shoes you bring with you on a boat should lace up halfway to ensure that they stay on your feet when walking over rough surfaces. If you want a pair, expect to pay around $50 for them.
Sneakers
Wearing sneakers on a yacht is perfectly acceptable as long as they have rubber soles and closed toes. Make sure they’re clean and have non-marking soles to avoid any arguments.
Full Sailing Boots
If you’re going on a serious sailing journey rather than just relaxing on/visiting the yacht, then consider wearing a proper pair of waterproof sailing boots.
We have a full article on sailing boots here.
What shoes not to wear on a yacht?
The wrong shoes may be dangerous or uncomfortable when walking on a boat.
You should never wear open-toed shoes on a boat. This is because they can slip off your feet, allowing you to injure yourself from falling onto the deck without protection. They could also expose your skin to any chemicals or oils that may be present on the deck of the yacht.
Sandals and flip-flops should not be worn either because they may fall off your feet and risk hurting you if they hit the deck. Also, they can be slippery on wet surfaces.
Sneakers without rubber soles do not provide good stability. They cannot handle the conditions of a boat so if you wear them you will be at risk of injuring yourself from slipping.
When choosing the right shoes to wear on a yacht, it is important to consider both safety and comfort. In general, closed-toe shoes with rubber soles are best for enjoying a day out on the water. Sneakers are acceptable as long as they have rubber soles and closed toes. Boat shoes or moccasins are also sensible options that will keep you safe and comfortable while walking around on the boat. Avoid wearing open-toed shoes, sandals, or flip-flops because they can be dangerous or uncomfortable.
Enjoy your yachting!
