Question

Name: Skip
Email Address: skip@verizon.net
Subject: Fishing Footwear
Message: Gentlemen, I've worn many different types of boat shoes and sneakers for the time spent fishing - many hours a day. I'm wondering what brand and type of shoes you wear when on your boats. Any suggestions or recommendations? Thanks, Skip
(Sent via Saltwater Experience Fishing Blog)

Answer

Hey Skip,

Thanks so much for the email this morning. 

Shoes are very important and I have tried many different types of shoes.  I could probably get by in quite a few different pairs, but there are a couple of things that I look for in a shoe that I am going to wear on the boat. 

1. A wide heel.  Shoes with a wide heel will help you maintain your balance far more than a narrow heel.  We sometimes fish on days that are slick calm, but more often than not, the boat is rocking and rolling and balance is at a premium. 

2. Cushion.  I want a shoe that is going to absorb the shock of long runs and hitting waves.  Good cushion and good arch support is also helpful for being on your feet all day.

3. Mesh.  On a boat your feet are more than likely to get wet.  Shoes that will allow the water to go straight through will remain lightweight and will also dry faster. New boat shoes go a step further than just mesh and also incorporate drain holes to get the water out fast and allow for air to circulate. Another option is a totally waterproof low boot. I wear both in different circumstances.

4. Good traction on the sole.  Most athletic shoes made today will have good traction. Specialized shoes with boat soles are really nice if you are getting in and out of the boat and trying not to track a ton of sand into the boat, but for the most part, any athletic shoe is going to prevent slippage. A Non- Marking sole is a must and today’s technology allows for soles of any color to be Non-Marking. You DO NOT want a shoe that makes marks in a Captains boat. Make sure your boat shoe or fishing shoe has a non marking sole.

I have found all of these things in a new shoe from HUK. The HUK Attack shoe is the best fishing shoe I have found. They have everything that I am looking for and are comfortable for standing all day. I have never made a mark on any boat with these shoes.

These guys thought of everything. Here is a video explaining all the performance better than I can:

If you are looking for the best boat shoe or fishing shoes, it is my opinion that these are the ones. If you prefer a more casual option they also make another style that I also like a lot called the Brewster.

I also wear a waterproof boot designed for fishing. This is a great choice when fishing offshore or on days or on boats that there may be water in the cockpit. Many Captains insist on wearing a low waterproof boot year round. Huk makes a great pair called the Rogue.

This boot is not hot in the Florida Keys sun like I expected it to be. It has cushion in it and is as comfortable as wearing a pair of boat shoes. It has a non marking sole that has great traction for both wet and dry surfaces. If you are tired of the live well spilling over into the cockpit and soaking your shoes, give these a try. Highly recommended.

You can find them here

Let me know if you have any other questions,

Tom Rowland

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