8 Best Boat Shoes For Women Reviewed

You’ve heard the term ‘boat shoe’ or ‘deck shoe’ but do you really know what they are? In general terms, the best boat shoes for women are made from canvas or leather with a non-marking sole and are designed specifically for use onboard a sailing vessel. However, ladies’ sailing shoes are also regarded as fashion accessories and can be worn just about anywhere because they are comfortable and practical.

In this article, we will look at these types of ladies’ deck shoes as well as a few that are not made with traditional deck shoe materials.

What To Look For In Boat Shoes

There are a number of different styles of the best women’s sailing shoes available in the marketplace. Although they are called boat shoes, not all of them are as effective as you may desire if you are a serious sailor. While the name implies that they are primarily to be worn when boating, some styles have a more casual flavor to them. As such, they are more suited to wearing onshore.

Most women’s boat shoes, particularly when worn with socks, can easily substitute sneakers or loafers, depending on the function. It is because of the design and construction material that they are so versatile. However, with this in mind, here is a list of things to look for and what you will typically find when shopping for the best boat shoes for women:

• Uppers are traditionally found in mid to dark-brown leathers. More contemporary styles feature canvas and leather uppers in different color choices as well as in numerous patterns.
• Uppers should be water and stain-resistant.
• Construction is often hand-sewn and top-stitched.
• The overall design would be identified as ‘moc-toe’ in construction.
• Lacing systems vary but commonly include a 360-degree design.
• Boat shoes typically have two or three sets of eyelets.
• Laces come in different materials but usually match the uppers.
• Rubber soles are usually white and are always non-marking.
• Soles have patterns carved into them to provide grip and to flush away water.
• Shock absorption features appear in many styles.
• Comfort in design and padding (often with removable liners) are typical.
• Breathability comes from mesh panels and lightweight construction.
• Many styles offer quick-dry materials in the uppers.

As you can tell, the details listed above can easily describe more than just women’s deck shoes. For serious sailors, not all of these factors make for good sailing shoes. As mentioned, some boat shoes are a good choice onboard boats and yachts, while other shoes in this category are best worn on dry land and not used for any kind of sailing activity.

Regardless, for a serious sailor, boat shoes serve a very different purpose than many of the shoe styles that fall under the actual name of ‘boat shoes.’ To find out more about the best sailing shoes for men and women that are specifically designed for sailing yachts, dinghies, and sailboards, click here.

How To Properly Care For Boat Shoes

Because boat shoes are exposed to elements that regular shoes are not typically (sun and saltwater) they require special care. By taking these precautions, your boat shoes will last longer and perform at their best at those times you need them most:

• Clean the leather frequently with water-based cream shoe polish. Apply a leather conditioner to maintain the flexibility and water resistance of the leather.
• Do not use alcohol-based or silicone polish.
• Brush frequently to remove dirt, dust, and salt deposits.
• Clean suede boat shoes with cornmeal massages. Let sit overnight then brush clean.
• You should hand wash canvas boat shoes unless otherwise noted.
• Dry at room temperature. Do not dry in the sun.
• Store with shoe trees to keep their shape intact. Store shoes in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew.
• Put on with a shoehorn to keep the back of the shoes in proper form.
• Monitor sole condition and seek repairs when needed. Replace shoes when the soles show signs of wear to maintain traction and stability on the deck.

Our Picks Of The Best Women’s Boat Shoes

Many of us have been there… After a day of sailing or just a few hours on a boat, our feet ache and the soles of our feet and toes are sore from kicking blocks and treading on ropes and jib sheet tracks.

There are a lot of different brands out there making women’s sailing shoes nowadays. This can make finding the best women’s sailing shoes a little overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve decided to take a look at what we think are the best women’s sailing shoes available today. This will give you an idea of what is on the market to help you navigate through the different options available.

We’ll check out the various features you’ll want to look for and show you that women’s sailing shoes can be functional and stylish, so you are sure to find something you like.

Image	Title	Rating	More Info
	Helly-Hansen Women's Ahiga Hydropower Boating Shoes	5.0 out of 5 stars
	Helly Hansen Women’s Watermoc Sailing Shoe	3.5 out of 5 stars
	Skechers Women's Go Walk Lite Boat Shoe	4.7 out of 5 stars
	Sperry Top-Sider Women's Bluefish Boat Shoe	4.3 out of 5 stars
	Sperry Womens Songfish Boat Shoe	4.4 out of 5 stars
	Xtratuf Finatic Ii Women’s Deck Shoes	5.0 out of 5 stars
	Vibram Women's V-Aqua Black Water Shoe	4.5 out of 5 stars
	Sperry Women's Koifish Boat Shoe	4.5 out of 5 stars

Helly-Hansen Women’s Ahiga Hydropower Boating Shoes

Key Specs

Featuring HellyGrip rubber in the soles with siping for traction, these synthetic shoes also contain cushioning for comfort and a flexible outsole. The design includes a quick-dry mesh which makes these shoes breathable. They come with the popular HellyWear rubber construction.

This provides durability and users online rave about how much support these shoes provide. The white sole and dark shoe combination means you can wear these shoes casually if you like.

Helly Hansen Women’s Watermoc Sailing Shoe

Key Specs

Our list would be incomplete without mentioning another product from the same company. We are also fond of the look of the Helly Hansen Women’s Watermoc Water Shoe.

Equipped with a rubber sole that contains a multi-directional grip system and quick-dry mesh, this shoe is another great choice to have onboard when sailing. With a flexible and comfortable grip, you can’t go wrong with this particular brand.

Skechers Women’s Go Walk Lite Boat Shoe

Key Specs

Constructed with a soft canvas fabric & a smooth ‘Leather-Tex’ overlay, these shoes are stylish and functional. The synthetic sole has superior grip, stability, and shock absorption. The insole is made from a high-rebound material for maximum comfort.

The attractive appearance makes these a popular choice. Anyone who has owned a pair of Skechers will attest to how comfortable they are.

While these boat shoes may not be as good in wet conditions on the boat as others that are specifically designed for boating, they are great-looking boat shoes that you can walk in and be comfortable wearing all day.

Be sure to check them out as these boat shoes are well worth a look.

Sperry Top Sider Women’s Bluefish Boat Shoe

Key Specs

Sperry is a leader in the boat shoe industry. These particular ones are made of leather and have a rubber sole. The design is a bit more on the casual side with a padded tongue for added comfort and a slotted collar. The moc-toe styling includes an upper with two eyelet lacing. These women’s leather boat shoes are also stain and water-resistant.

The casual look of these shoes as allowing them to be worn for more than just sailing as they complement many different wardrobe combinations. These shoes are also constructed in such a manner that they do not lose their shape or level of comfort regardless of how or where you choose to wear them.

Sperry Womens Songfish Boat Shoe

Key Specs

Our list of the best women’s boat shoes would look a bit lopsided if we did not include another quality product made by Sperry. Another of our favorites happens to be the Sperry Women’s Songfish Boat Shoe.

Made from a combination of leather and textile construction, these shoes have a synthetic sole that is non-marking and provides excellent grip. An EVA foam midsole adds comfort and a breathable, moisture-wicking Dri-Lex lining keeps feet cool and dry. Add a 360-degree lacing system with rawhide laces and rust-proof eyelets and these are dependable shoes for boating.

Xtratuf Finatic II Women’s Deck Shoes

Key Specs

Here is a very special boat shoe. It features a full-grain leather upper and slip-resistant outsole that is non-marking for grip and stability. The inner pigskin lining of the removable and washable liners contains antimicrobial Ortholite which provides cushioning comfort.

The shoe design includes Airmesh lining plus Airmesh windows at strategic locations (heel, tongue, sides) for additional cooling and offers quick-drying solutions. These are probably some of the best women’s sailing shoes and are described by users as light and sporty.

That pretty much makes them suitable for more than just boating. If you are seeking a flexible shoe that is not only comfortable and stylish but does what it is designed for when on the water or off, then these are certainly a good selection to make.

Vibram Women’s V-Aqua Black Water Shoe

Key Specs

Featuring a black and yellow color combination, these ladies’ sailing shoes really stand out. They have a stretch polyester mesh construction, which is tear-resistant, with a rubber wave grip sole.

If you do wash them, remember to use the cold water setting. Also, do not dry them in direct sunlight or in a dryer. Your best bet is to air dry at room temperature. Users generally like these shoes but some find the sole to be ineffective in the comfort department.

Sperry Women’s Koifish Boat Shoe

Key Specs

With an EVA foam midsole, these leather boat shoes are comfortable. The comfort comes in part from the shock-absorbing cushioned EVA footbed. These may be the best leather deck shoes for women as they are breathable, comfortable, practical, attractive, and non-marking.

These deck shoes include leather lace-up features. Sizing is good according to users. They also rave about the comfort of these shoes. There are raves related to the visual appearance that make these shoes a good choice for more than just boating. This is casual footwear that will likely have your friends commenting on how cute they look – as has been reported in online reviews.

Important Features To Look For

There are specific features to consider when choosing the perfect boat shoes for women. It is vital to find the right combination of comfort and functionality to ensure that you will be happy with them. The following is a list of the main considerations to factor into your selection process:

• Comfort: Comfort should be at the top of your list when choosing new boat shoes. If you anticipate wearing them for long hours, then you will want to ensure that a well-cushioned insole is part of the shoe construction. This, combined with arch support will reduce the development of pain and fatigue when worn for extended activities. Also, the fit of the show on your foot is crucial. Boat shoes that fit poorly can cause blisters and other forms of foot pain.
• Durability: Boat shoes made from high-quality materials will generally last longer. The better choices are those made from either durable synthetic materials or genuine leather. Look closely at the shoe construction making note of the stitching and other details. A well-built shoe will give you countless hours of service. Plus, there are two benefits to factoring durability into your boat shoe search: you will contribute to sustainable fashion practices and receive a good return on your investment.
• Traction: Boat shoes typically stand out from other types of sports shoes simply because of the type of traction they provide. A good pair of boat shoes will keep your feet where you plant them or help you move around without slipping or falling, even on wet surfaces. The soles of boat shoes are specially designed and contain patterns that grip well on wet decks and slippery surfaces. The superior traction found on boat shoes makes them a good choice for not just boating. Walking on docks, taking strolls on the waterfront, or enjoying activity on a rainy day are all possible with the safety that boat shoe traction offers.
• Breathability: Look for boat shoes that contain either mesh panels or perforated leather as part of the design. These features provide breathability which keeps your feet cool and dry. Also, these features add ventilation to the shoes. This is important as ventilation keeps feet from experiencing discomfort and contributes to foot hygiene by reducing odor and eliminating the conditions that may otherwise lead to the development of bacterial growth.

Versatility and Beyond Boating

Although they are called boat shoes, they are for boating and so much more. Known as a staple in women’s fashion, boat shoes have become versatile over the years which has allowed them to fit into so many different settings. This is why adding boat shoes to your wardrobe is a wise decision. The style, comfort, and functionality of boat shoes make them perfect footwear for many different occasions. Here is a look at some of the most common uses:

• Outdoor Gatherings: The blend of casual comfort and subtle sophistication that come from boat shoes make them a perfect addition to your wardrobe when attending one of many different types of outdoor gatherings. They fit well at garden parties, picnics, or barbecues.
• Vacations: Traveling across the country or to exotic overseas locations, boat shoes are a great companion due to their versatility. Because they are easy to wear and lightweight, they can easily be packed into luggage. They also look great worn with shorts, skirts, or sundresses.
• Everyday Wear: Because of their timeless style, boat shoes have become part of everyday fashion. They are comfortable and functional when worn to run errands around town or when spending time with friends. Plus, they can be easily paired with any outfit thanks to their classic designs and neutral colors.
• Casual Work Attire: If you work at a place where the dress code is business casual, boat shoes can easily become your go-to choice for work footwear. They pair well with blazers, blouses, and tailored trousers. Boat shoes will also tone down the look of your outfit by bringing a laid-back elegance to your ensemble.
• Weekend Escapes: From exploring the mountains to walking the streets of the city, boat shoes are a welcome part of any weekend adventure. They work so well because of how they are built. The sturdy soles and durable construction of boat shoes will keep your feet comfortable and provide the traction you need to cover any type of ground cover wherever you find yourself on the weekend.

Boat Shoes For Women FAQs

Conclusion

There are several different options available in ladies’ deck shoes, even if not all of them are made just for sailing. However, if you are looking specifically for the best boat shoes for women, you are in luck. Manufacturers that are known for their sportswear, and men’s boat shoes in particular, also happen to have ladies’ styles available in their product line.

You really have to be clear on what you intend to use the shoes for as not all boat shoes are suitable for serious sailing. Some of the deck shoes on the market are intended to be used in and best suited for a more casual setting. Although that adds to their versatility, it reduces their value for boating.

Regardless, shoe manufacturers will continue to produce what they call deck shoes. Serious sailors know a good boat shoe when they see one. Even if you don’t own a boat nor do you intend to, you will surely find some boat shoe styles to be comfortable enough to wear casually.

Hopefully, this list of some of the best women’s sailing shoes has helped you decide which pair is right for you.

If you have a favorite pair of sailing shoes, let us know. What is your pick for the best boat shoes for women?