Sailing Boots

PeteSmith · 14 September 2007, 17:09

Hi Guys

Im after a good pair of sailing boots that are breathable and part leather, there are a few make that do them ie Musto's Ocean Boot, Henri Lloyd - Inshore racer boot etc. but as its for RIB use the sole needs to offer really good cushioning from all the G-shock, as all these boots are over £100 I need to make the right choice

Any recommendations?

Pete
><(((º>

codprawn · 14 September 2007, 17:42

I have always wonder WHY they use leather on boots or shoes that go near salt water. I wrecked a good pair of mountain boots that way. Leather and salt water don't mix. Besides which leather stays wet for a very long time.

Andy Moore · 14 September 2007, 17:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

I have always wonder WHY they use leather on boots or shoes that go near salt water. I wrecked a good pair of mountain boots that way. Leather and salt water don't mix. Besides which leather stays wet for a very long time.

If that were the case, leather deck shoes would also be a waste of time. But they are not.

codprawn · 14 September 2007, 17:59

Leather deck shoes I have tried stay wet - they seem more about fashion than anything else. The best shoes I have for use on a RIB are trainers with open mesh on the tops - water comes straight in but goes straight out again. No use for winter unless you wear a wetsuit boot or sealskinz socks inside.

Andy Moore · 14 September 2007, 18:10

I find that leather dries out on its own after getting wet with salt water. It does not require rinsing in fresh water.

codprawn · 14 September 2007, 18:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

I find that leather dries out on its own after getting wet with salt water. It does not require rinsing in fresh water.

Yes it does dry out - eventually!!!

BigFella · 14 September 2007, 19:26

For what it's worth, I have been using Dubarry leather sailing boots for years... and I swear by them.

But then that's only IMHO

I know other people that hate them........

codprawn · 15 September 2007, 04:02

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/c...1&bbwm=1&asb=1

Maybe this could be the next material for sailing boots - yes I was thinking of boots honestly!!!

Tony · 15 September 2007, 05:43

I use Sebago boots if its really cold. Very comfy. Most of the time though I wear Sebago Plunge shoes or Gill tall boots.

Tony

qcamel · 15 September 2007, 06:45

I have a pair of the Musto leather boot and they are warm, breathable with a good sole, would buy again if I needed to.

alystra · 15 September 2007, 12:09

Well, my next door neighbour has had two pairs of Dubarry leather boots. She thinks they're cr*p. Both pairs leaked after less than a season - and they stay wet for a long time. She does/did wear them a lot though.

Best deck boots by far in my experience (15 yrs full time professional sailing and a lot more besides) are Gill tall boots. Good non slip, excellent support. However, they are not as good now as they used to be - less support. Only problem is the rubber degrades after a year of two and they then leak. Still, you can buy three pairs at least before you spend more than one pair of Dubarry's cost. Of course the Gill's aren't as flash.

Deck shoes? Top of the range Dubarry, best I've ever had. And you can (or could) get them resoled.

Lest there are those here who know me, I have no connection at all with Gill clothing - sod it!

walruz · 15 September 2007, 18:08

Guys:

For winter wear I use Muck Boots http://www.muckbootco.co.uk/
these are a neoprene sock with a good sole vulcanised on. Keep your feet toastie and provide cushioning - the only snag is they are obviously not breathable so get sweaty in the summer (I roll them down if this starts to happen).

In the summer I just use crocs. I was dubious at first but am completely sold now.

Ian

Lostboy · 17 September 2007, 08:53

No brainer - Dubarry. There is a large element of truth to the fact that depending on your luck then you may get a pair that leak but Dubarry customer service is second to none and they'll sort you out.

Lots of good deals on them at the moment as well!!!!

AndrewH · 17 September 2007, 09:37

Have you also considered a pair of Gill Long Sailing Wellies. I've used them a lot on board both yachts and ribs and they are pretty good. Tie that in with the fact that you can normally pick them up for under 40 quid and you can afford to try them out. If you don't find them comfortable (and I'd be surprised if that were the case) then you've not lost a small forturne

Just my 0.02p

PeteSmith · 17 September 2007, 11:01

Thanks for the advice so far,

Ive already got a pair of sailing wellies, they are comfortable but they dont offer much support,

Please keep the advice coming...

Pete

Jelly · 17 September 2007, 11:48

Best boots I had were the Musto M2's but they don't make them any more.

Just returning my Dubarry is to then after some stitching has come undone.
I've found they do stay wet if you don't keep up on the proofing / maintainence spray (nb not the best words but I can't quite think of the correct ones).
Apart from that I think they are great but I should have purchased them a size larger.

I wonder if the Dunlop work wellies the RNLI uses are any good and do the have steel too caps - I'm fed up of dropping anchors on my toes when doing mark laying duties with the sailing club!
Rgds
James

prairie tuber · 17 September 2007, 14:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

Leather deck shoes I have tried stay wet - they seem more about fashion than anything else. The best shoes I have for use on a RIB are trainers with open mesh on the tops - water comes straight in but goes straight out again. No use for winter unless you wear a wetsuit boot or sealskinz socks inside.

That is also what I use in warmer weather. I have a pair made by salomon (tecamphibians) which are great. They are extremely well made and very sturdy even when carrying heavy items. Merrell (waterpro) and The North Face (philter) also make versions of these shoes. In colder weather I simply wear insulated rubber pac boots with wool felt liners.

prairie tuber · 17 September 2007, 14:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jelly

I wonder if the Dunlop work wellies the RNLI uses are any good and do the have steel too caps - I'm fed up of dropping anchors on my toes when doing mark laying duties with the sailing club!
Rgds
James

Ouch!

Lostboy · 17 September 2007, 15:22

Dubarry for boots, Slam for shoes (mesh trainers).

PeteSmith · 17 September 2007, 15:56

Sorry Im not sold on the idea on the Dubarry Boots
1) Ive looked at the Dubarry website and all the boots are over the £200 mark - this makes the Musto, Gill etc look like cheap relations!!!

2) The comments about Dubarry are not all positive about these very expensive boots. For that price Id want them to last forever!

3) I find on the (Dubarry) website very little mention of "Marine" use, they may work well in a muddy field shooting wildlife etc but theres no pictures of boots in use at sea.....
Maybe the salt destroys the stitching?