Welcome to the latest in what will very likely be many kit reviews as I stumble my way through the maze that is finding the right kit for me in my journey from landlubber to an ocean racing sailor who has crossed the Atlantic Ocean.
Tall Yachting Boots
Official Spec
- 100% natural rubber compound.
- Non-slip razor cut soles for grip.
- Quick drying polyester lining.
- Removable ultra light cushioned inner soles with exceptional arch support.
- Reinforced heel, instep and toe.
- Padded tie top
- £45 from Pirates Chandlery
My review
Comfy with no need to wear them in and roomy enough for nice thick socks, these boots were perfect for Level 1 training in the UK in March. Plus, at only £45, these were the perfect combination of quality and a bargain.
They were a little snug on my calves when I had my thermal leggings on, but I do have 'shapely' calves and this does actually mean that there's even less chance of water getting in and down to my feet - which is definitely a good thing! While I didn't have much chance to test out their grip in very wet conditions due to the remarkably fair weather we had, when they did get wet they held up well and I felt that I had pretty secure footing. They weren't good on an icy deck in the morning, but then I don't think any sailing boots would be as they're all designed for liquid water and not solid!
Although not the most fashionable item, they are nonetheless perfectly suitable footwear for any and all marina pubs and bars - I can attest this as I wore them into the Anchor in Cowes and they didn't get a second look from anyone. I did get a few odd looks on the train home after training though, so if you're particularly image-conscious maybe think about wearing deck shoes to get home!
I expect these will be perfectly fine for Leg 1 and any of the hotter legs, although I think if I do manage to go RTW I'll need boots with a warmer lining as although my feet were warm enough with thick socks, I was only in the Solent during a particularly warm spring week - the Southern Ocean and Pacific will be another story.
My verdict? A respectable 4 out of 5 stars
Welcome to the first in what will very likely be many kit reviews as I stumble my way through the maze that is finding the right kit for me in my journey from landlubber to an ocean racing sailor who has crossed the Atlantic Ocean.
MUSTO's Dynamic Deck Shoes
Official Spec
- UPPER: Premium Suede, OUTSOLE: ROCK Rubber
- Premium suede trainer
- ROCK aquaDX Technology for water drainage
- Water draining, anti-odour treated mesh to keep shoes fresh
- No footbed or midsole in order to maximise feel of the deck
- EVA strobel insole for comfort
- ROCK Rubber with a siped and microsiped tread pattern for maximum wet surface grip
- Clarks and MUSTO, world leaders in high performance sailing wear, have teamed up to deliver the ultimate suede sailing shoe. Dynamic Deck has been designed and engineered to result in underfoot comfort and stability, while a siped ROCK rubber sole gives unrivalled grip and durability in wet conditions. Water quickly drains from the shoes with the aquaDX water drainage system and the anti-odour treatment keeps the shoes fresh. Water resistant eyelets and a superb fit make these premium suede deck shoes a style essential for the yacht and marina
My review
I love these shoes! These are SUPER comfy on deck and have also fast become my go-to shoe for wearing with jeans when I'm stuck on dry(ish) land.
While they may be incredibly comfortable, they do need wearing in to get to that point. This only takes a couple of wears though, and once they have been worn in, they are the perfect deck shoe - lightweight, flexible, breathable, gives you plenty of arch support while letting you feel the deck properly, and all with a great grip.
They're not a pair you can slip on with the laces pre-tied though - you need to tie them every time to make sure they're perfectly fitted so that you avoid rubbing on your heel. It might be just me who is that lazy when it comes to footwear, but this is slightly irritating as I can see myself rushing to get up on deck and not being able to pull my shoes on quickly. However, the laces are easy to quickly adjust to your foot unlike some shoes, and there's a handy loop at the heel to help pull them on, which was very useful when leaning over at an angle, stumbling over a sail bag and trying to pull them on.
For the fashionistas out there, I think that they are really stylish and modern. I'm not a fan of 'traditional' deck shoe styles so just love this smart trainer look in a lovely linen coloured suede. They go with all of my sailing kit and look fab with my jeans too so they're the perfect crossover shoe for after you've nipped to the pub and need to stumble back onboard without fear of sliding along the deck.
I bought my pair for £36 in the MUSTO sale, and think they were an absolute steal compared to the £90 RRP - worth waiting for their next sale and stocking up!
My verdict? An impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars
