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jenSails · 20-05-2017, 08:03

I'm not sure this is classified correctly but my new job requires me to wear close toed shoes. Are Sperry's actual quality boat shoes or are there other better boat shoes? I obviously need shoes that can withstand salt water, climbing, deck work, land and other environmental factors. Do any of you experienced seamen and women have suggestions? I'd rather not do crocs or other cheap shoes. I'm willing to spend bucks if the product is worth it but unfortunately/fortunately I've been able to get by on barefoot work except flippys on land. Please and thank you in advance!

Jen

**skipmac** · 20-05-2017, 08:08

I've worn nothing but the classic, white sole, Sperry for years but not necessarily because it is good/best/?? boat shoe. To me they're very comfortable, look good enough for business and they are good enough nonskid on boats. One warning, when they get older and sole starts getting hard they can be very slick.

jenSails · 20-05-2017, 08:13

Do you know if they have a warranty? Some of my other gear have great warranties where they'll replace broken or falling apart products. It'd be incredibly awesome if a shoe company does the same?

**skipmac** · 20-05-2017, 08:26

Warranty? Sure, if the soles fall off the first week or month or something. Warranty against defects in manufacturing but I've never had a problem in 35 years.

Long term warranty? Doubtful. Shoes are a high wear item.

Diesel Bill · 23-05-2017, 19:39

I picked up a pair of Sperry Gold Cup boat shoes a few years ago. They are more high end than regular Sperry boat shoes. Look great when wife drags me out to places where I can't wear flip flops. Iv'e worn out at least a dozen pairs of Sperry's over the years and these gold cups wear like they'll last forever. Very comfortable too.

jackdale · 23-05-2017, 19:59

My favorite closed-toe sailing sandals were made by Columbia. Keens are also a good option.

jenSails · 24-05-2017, 05:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel Bill

I picked up a pair of Sperry Gold Cup boat shoes a few years ago. They are more high end than regular Sperry boat shoes. Look great when wife drags me out to places where I can't wear flip flops. Iv'e worn out at least a dozen pairs of Sperry's over the years and these gold cups wear like they'll last forever. Very comfortable too.

I've been looking at Sperry's heavily. I'm probably going to go with them BECAUSE they look great and are seemingly decent quality boat shoes.

jenSails · 24-05-2017, 05:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackdale

My favorite closed-toe sailing sandals were made by Columbia. Keens are also a good option.

Are keens similar to Helly Hansen shoes?

denverd0n · 24-05-2017, 05:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipmac

One warning, when they get older and sole starts getting hard they can be very slick.

And when they do, you can get them re-soled. I have an old pair of Sperry's that are on their third set of soles now.

jenSails · 24-05-2017, 05:32

That is SO excellent to know!! Can Sperry do them or do I need to go to a specialty store?

**a64pilot** · 24-05-2017, 06:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenSails

I've been looking at Sperry's heavily. I'm probably going to go with them BECAUSE they look great and are seemingly decent quality boat shoes.

They are dress shoes for the Yacht club, not really good boat shoes, but it sounds like you need dress shoes for the job so they would be good.
Re soleing is based on finding someone to do it, only guy in my town of over 100,000 that did shoe repair, Retired. It is a dieing skill, like TV repair

**skipmac** · 24-05-2017, 06:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by denverd0n

And when they do, you can get them re-soled. I have an old pair of Sperry's that are on their third set of soles now.

The problem I've had with Sperrys, by the time the sole is going the tops are looking pretty beat up. Maybe I'm just tough on shoes.

Diesel Bill · 24-05-2017, 16:04

All my Sperry's get a rating classification. New pairs get used for dressing up to go out.
Next older pair is used on deck for working. Lowest on the list are the most comfortable and are used for lounging like an old pair of slippers. When they get to be so tattered as to be an embarrassment (a source of nautical pride) I use them in the bilges for really dirty work and take them off when I climb up out of the E/R.