Leather sailing boots

The one bit of sailing kit that Bill Tilman really, really wanted - and this was a man who despised modern climbing "ironmongery" - was a pair of leather seaboots. None existed in his day, but when Dubarrys came out I thought of him and bought a pair. I've still got them. Wonderful.
 
When you are on your fly-drive or ferry-drive holiday in Ireland, to see the much-vaunted Wild Atlantic Way, make sure to plan your trip to pass through Ballinasloe, where you will find Dubarry's factory shop. This is where they used to manufacture, before that was outsourced to Portugal. Nowadays it's where they sell off 'seconds', ends-of-lines and trial-run items.
My wife, who could not previously find a pair of boots to suit the width of her feet and the height of her arches found a suitable pair. Although they are in an unorthodox blue and red colour scheme, they have provided faultless service for more than ten years.
 
Mataji said:
I never wear them ashore, except for short trips around the marina. I was in Dartmouth last December and was amazed by the number of people walking round town in Dubs. Far more money than sense. If you can afford to buy a new pair every 2 or 3 years then walk round town with them, but you can get excellent shore going boots/shoes a lot cheaper than sailing boots.
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completely agree with that.

I don't wear my Dubarry boots ( or deck shoes for that matter) if we're not actually moving, preferring instead to wear a VERY old pair of cheap deckshoes that must be nearly 20 years old. They leak through the soles, have no grip whatsoever and couldn't get more battered but they are comfortable and save my proper footwear from getting worn out
 
One unmentioned point so far. Do you want them to helm in, or as crew?
As crew, ensure that they are high enough for your sallopettes to stay over them when sitting with legs over the side. You'll get a whole lot of water in them if not.
 
I tried many at the boat show and pleased I bought Dubarrys but they do a wide fitting which not everyone has stock but they were much more comfortable for me then the standard size.
 
I love my Dubarrys but won't be buying again. Mine were one of the last that were made to be repaired and I had mine re soled, not cheap but they are good for a long while yet.
You can't do this anymore since they sold off their employees jobs to a cheap foreign sweat shop and cheapened the build quality into the bargain.

I noticed they didn't drop their prices..
 
wully1 said:
I love my Dubarrys but won't be buying again. Mine were one of the last that were made to be repaired and I had mine re soled, not cheap but they are good for a long while yet.
You can't do this anymore since they sold off their employees jobs to a cheap foreign sweat shop and cheapened the build quality into the bargain.

I noticed they didn't drop their prices..
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"Expletive deleted!" I didn't know that.
 
jac said:
One point is that you shouldn't assume all styles made by a brand are the same. I tried on a pair of dubarrys that were too narrow for me. The salesman suggested 2 other pairs of dubarry. One was a little too wide, the other I bought.

SO try on multiple different styles as well as brands
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Yes - I did try a few including those branded as "Wide" fitting. It was a while ago but I seem to remember they were far too tight on the top of the instep and I didn't think there was much chance of that easing enough over time
 
My Dubarrys which are a few years old have excellent uppers and soles. The bit in between is fubar ed :( With no repair possible and the only compensation a somewhat stingy £50 voucher. I hunted for new boots.

I bought a pair of Zihks instead, comfy for my flat size 12 feet, warm as toast, brilliant non slip, gaiters and easy to pull on when the boat is trying to stand on her head.
 
michael_w said:
My Dubarrys which are a few years old have excellent uppers and soles. The bit in between is fubar ed :( With no repair possible and the only compensation a somewhat stingy £50 voucher. I hunted for new boots.

I bought a pair of Zihks instead, comfy for my flat size 12 feet, warm as toast, brilliant non slip, gaiters and easy to pull on when the boat is trying to stand on her head.
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+1. Never noticed they were going until I used them coxing a gig. They leaked. Looked at them and the bit of the sole between the upper and sole had disintegrated. Dead. Dumped them.
 
I have a pair of Quayside Biscay. Very warm, very dry. good grip so far. they are about 4 years old. half the price of Dubarry they fit me better and I would say for me more comfortable. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another pair.
 
x25dave said:
One unmentioned point so far. Do you want them to helm in, or as crew?
As crew, ensure that they are high enough for your sallopettes to stay over them when sitting with legs over the side. You'll get a whole lot of water in them if not.
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The days of me on the rail have gone I'm afraid. Securely at the helm for me. I was thinking of short boots for getting around the boat but still not convinced.
 
freespiritdavid said:
Its nearly Panto season so if I want to wear boots ............. Oh yes I can !!!!!!
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I wear crocs David as I launch a dinghy and they are very practical for that which boots would not be tall enough. So in that instance I'm a tweetie pie lol.
I can see your point though as they are not that fashion orientated but are practical. You need to try them David you never know it might compliment an acuba jacket?
 
MoodySabre said:
Fit has to be the decider for me. Musto footwear is not wide enough. I have Quayside boots bought about seven years ago. Very comfortable for me. Looking a bit tatty but so am I
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Never Dubarry again. The soles go hard, you send them back, they sand them, they go hard again. You slip overboard.
 
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robertj said:
I wear crocs David as I launch a dinghy and they are very practical for that which boots would not be tall enough. So in that instance I'm a tweetie pie lol.
I can see your point though as they are not that fashion orientated but are practical. You need to try them David you never know it might compliment an acuba jacket?
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Dig out your Ross Poldark high top boots then your sorted............ no need to be putting your feet into those silly crocs. You could top it all off with your Bernard .............. I mean Breton cap !!!!!!

I will stay with the Quayside thanks.
 
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