With thanks to Sea Design
In the world of yachting, the role of crew members is demanding, and their dedication is unwavering. They are the backbone of seamless operations onboard luxury vessels. However, this dedication often translates to long hours spent on their feet, making footwear a crucial decision.
In this comprehensive review, we, at Yachting Pages, have taken the initiative to thoroughly examine a variety of deck shoe options. Our goal is to identify and recommend the finest footwear that not only ensures the comfort and well-being of crew members but also enhances their performance on deck. After all, content and comfortable crew members are the bedrock of satisfied clients, ensuring a successful and enjoyable yachting experience.
Key considerations for choosing deck shoes
- Gender-inclusive sizing
- Availability of sizes 48+
- Consideration for crew with wide feet
- Odour-resistance in synthetic fabrics
- Long-term availability
Delving into these enquiries and beyond, Sea Design, an expert in superyacht crew uniforms, meticulously assesses a range of top-tier deck shoes currently available on the market. Throughout this process, its team meticulously outlines each shoe's advantages and drawbacks, before declaring a standout Tried & Tested: Best Yacht Deck Shoes champion.
Experience superior comfort and support with the Tropicfeel Canyon. Crafted from water-resistant DryFast-DrySoftTM nubuck leather and fabric, these shoes offer durability and style. The bi-colour cup sole provides excellent traction and stability. Featuring a removable full-length leather footbed, they ensure underfoot comfort and stability.
Pros
- Comfortable - suitable for extended wear
- Versatile - perfect for any occasion, whether on deck or ashore
- Breathable - designed with breathable materials ensuring your feet stay cool in warm weather
- Water-resistant - keeping your feet dry even in damp conditions
- Multiple sizes - Available in a range of sizes (EU 37-47) making it easy to find the perfect fit
Cons
- Rigid laces - can occasionally be uncomfortable
Final verdict
The Tropicfeel Canyon shoes stand out for their exceptional comfort, versatility, and breathability, making them a top choice for various occasions on board. Their water-resistant design ensures durability, and the availability of multiple sizes, including EXTRAFIT options, caters to a wide range of preferences. However, it's worth noting that some users have found the laces to be slightly uncomfortable. Despite this minor drawback, the Tropicfeel Canyon remains a reliable and stylish footwear option for yacht crew members looking for all-around quality.
Find on Sea Design.
The Tropicfeel Sunset shoes are designed for versatility and comfort, making them an excellent choice for yacht crew members.
Pros
- Versatile - suitable for any on-board activity
- Comfortable - suitable for hours of wear
- Lightweight - extremely light and easy to wear
- Modern - stylish design
Cons
- Durability - not as durable as other trainers
Final verdict
The Tropicfeel Sunset shoes offer impressive versatility, comfort, and a lightweight design, making them suitable for various activities on board and ashore. However, crew members should consider their durability when planning for extended use. Overall, these shoes provide a practical and comfortable option for yacht crew members seeking versatile footwear.
Find on Sea Design.
Crafted from sustainable materials, the AllBirds Tree Runner offers a blend of style and support. With a design that keeps your feet cool in warm weather and dry in wet weather, these shoes are both eco-friendly and versatile.
Pros
- Eco-friendly choice - made from sustainable materials, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility
- Lightweight comfort - offer a lightweight and cushioned feel for extended wear
- Temperature regulation - designed to maintain an optimal foot climate ensuring comfort in various weather conditions
- Casual versatility - ideal for casual settings, they easily transition from deck duties to leisure activities
- Odour-resistant- natural odour-resistant properties to keep feet fresh even after long hours
Cons
- Limited formality - the casual style may not be suitable for formal yacht crew uniforms limiting their versatility
- Price - while eco-friendly, they may have a relatively higher price compared to other casual footwear
Final verdict
The AllBirds Tree Runner impresses with its commitment to sustainability and exceptional comfort, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious yacht crew members. These shoes prioritise eco-friendly materials without compromising on support, ensuring a comfortable experience during extended wear. While they may not be the most formal option, their versatility and eco-friendly approach make them a solid addition to any yacht crew member's footwear collection, aligning with a commitment to both comfort and environmental responsibility.
Find on Sea Design.
Built for athletic performance, the Craft V150 shoes are designed to provide the agility and support that crew members need during physically demanding tasks. Crafted with a focus on functionality, they offer a blend of style and durability, making them ideal for those who require top-tier performance.
Pros
- Athletic performance - engineered for high-performance tasks ensuring agility and support
- Functional - prioritise functionality, providing essential features for crew members in active roles
- Versatile - excel in various situations, from deck work to other on-board activities
- Durability - crafted with robust materials, built to withstand rigorous use
- Secure - secure and comfortable fit enhancing stability during fast-paced tasks
Cons
- Style - while functional, these shoes may not align with a crew's style preferences
Final verdict
The Craft V150 excels as a high-performance option, catering to crew members who require agility and support for physically demanding tasks. Their functional design, durability, and secure fit make them a reliable choice for various on-board activities. However, they may not be the best choice for formal.
Find on Sea Design.
Designed to be lightweight and functional, the Helly Hansen Supalight Medley shoes are crafted to make every step effortless. These shoes seamlessly blend style with practicality, ensuring you're ready for any adventure.
Pros
- Lightweight - offers agility and ease of movement during various tasks
- Versatile - excel in various situations, from deck work to other on-board activities
- Water-resistant - provide durability and ensure your feet stay dry in wet conditions
- Modern - a contemporary design combining functionality with a stylish appearance
- Comfortable - suitable for extended wear
Cons
- Maintenance - stylish mesh-like fabric upper may require more care to keep clean and free from dirt and stains
Final verdict
The Helly Hansen Supalight Medley stands out as a modern and stylish choice that combines comfort and functionality. While it may have limited color options, its lightweight design and overall performance make it a worthy addition to any yacht crew's footwear collection.
Find on Sea Design.
Discover the Helly Hansen Feathering shoes, designed to conquer wet conditions while maintaining a sleek and stylish appearance. These shoes feature advanced waterproof technology, ensuring your feet stay dry and comfortable even in challenging maritime environments. Crafted from high-quality materials, the Feathering shoes are built to withstand the rigours of life at sea, offering long-lasting performance. With a non-slip outsole, they provide exceptional traction on wet surfaces, enhancing safety and stability on deck. Their modern and streamlined design seamlessly blend functionality with a stylish appearance. Prioritising comfort, the Helly Hansen Feathering shoes ensure you can wear them for extended periods without discomfort.
Pros
- Waterproof - advanced technology ensures your feet stay dry
- Durable - built to withstand the demands of life at sea offering long-term value
- Enhanced safety - non-slip outsole provides superior traction on wet surfaces enhancing stability
- Modern - a contemporary design combining functionality with a stylish appearance
- Comfortable - suitable for extended wear
Cons
- Style - some crew may find them too utilitarian in style
Final verdict
The Helly Hansen Feathering shoes excel as reliable wet-weather footwear for yacht crew members, offering both functionality and style. Their advanced waterproof technology, durable construction, and superior traction make them ideal for maritime environments. While not the most formal option, their comfort-focused design and modern styling ensure they meet the needs of crew members looking for both functionality and a contemporary appearance.
Find on Sea Design.
The Geox Spherica sneakers combine contemporary style with practicality, offering crew members a versatile and comfortable footwear choice.
Pros
- Fashionable - feature a modern design with a unique mesh-like effect
- Shock absorption - absorb shocks and impact from various surfaces to ensure comfort during physically demanding tasks
- Multi-colour choices - available in different colours to cater to style preferences and on-board uniform coordination
- Durable - constructed to withstand daily wear and tear providing long-lasting performance
- Comfortable - offer a comfortable experience throughout the day
Cons
- Price - fall into a mid-to-high price range, which could be a consideration for crew members with budget constraints
Final verdict
The Geox Spherica shoes stand out as a blend of modern aesthetics and functionality for yacht crew members. Their fashionable design, shock absorption, and cushioning make them suitable for physically demanding tasks. While their style and comfort are appealing, crew members should be aware of their price range, which may be a factor for those with budget considerations. In summary, the Geox Spherica trainers offer a contemporary and comfortable choice for crew members seeking both style and performance in their footwear.
Find on Sea Design.
The Gill Savona shoe is engineered with a strong emphasis on performance, ensuring that yacht crew members have a dependable and comfortable footwear option that can withstand the demands of maritime activities.
Pros
- Performance - reliable and easy to wear even during rigorous activity
- Comfortable - offer a comfortable experience throughout the day
- Grip - grip on all surface types making it ideal for the superyacht environment
Cons
- Longevity - will not age well
Final verdict
The Gill Savona shoe excels in performance, comfort, and grip, making it a solid choice for yacht crew members who prioritise functionality. However, those with strong style preferences should consider their aesthetic appeal. Overall, the Gill Savona shoe offers a dependable option for crew members seeking comfort and performance in their footwear.
Find on Sea Design.
A super lightweight laced trainer with underfoot comfort and shock absorbency. The rubber sole is non-slip and non-marking with a unique water dispersion channel system that prevents aquaplaning. The upper is quick-drying, anti-bacterial, and anti-odour, and the model is available in sizes 35-49, making it an ideal shoe for all crew members.
Pros
- Lightweight - extremely light and easy to wear
- Advanced technology - made with a system to evacuate water
- Comfortable - offer a comfortable experience throughout the day
- Sizing - available in ladies' and men's sizing
Cons
- Limited stock - not always easy to purchase
- Laces - some crew prefer an elasticated system
Final verdict
The Dubarry Palma is the ideal comfortable, lightweight trainer style from one of the original deck shoe manufacturers.
Find on Sea Design.
Which crew deck shoe came out on top?
Overall winner:
Tropicfeel Canyon
When it comes to marine environments, the Tropicfeel Canyon shines with its exceptional water-resistance features, making it the perfect choice for yacht crew members. These shoes are designed to keep water out, ensuring your feet stay dry during your maritime duties. Alongside impressive water resistance, they offer excellent support and comfort for yachties, allowing you to focus on your tasks without the worry of discomfort or blisters. With both female and male sizing available, outfitting your entire crew with the Tropicfeel Canyon is a seamless process. For those seeking water-resistant footwear that combines performance, comfort, and style, look no further than the Tropicfeel Canyon—it's the ultimate companion for staying dry and comfortable in challenging maritime conditions.
Read more Tried & Tested reviews in our ever-growing library, which includes tests of the best yacht bedding and crew t-shirts currently available on the market.