ean_p
Well-known member
With a budget of 150 -200 which are the best boots to buy having regard to comfort, grip, dryness and of course longevity?
Sailing Deck Boots....which?
- Thread starter ean_p
- Start date
MoodySabre
Well-known member
The ones that are the most comfortable. All other considerations irrelevant unless you can where them for long hours or days. Try them all on (if you can find somewhere with a good range) and make you choice.
Spyro
Well-known member
I bought a pair of Quayside Biscay about 7 years ago for just over £100, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another pair but not sure if they are still available. Every bit as good as Dubarry at twice the price.
ean_p
Well-known member
I would but sadly they are not for me ! They are to be a gift bought by a third party for another! But thanks for your response!
glynd
Active member
Depends so the sailing you’ll be doing
Fit is primary importance, then waterproofing and breathe-ability
Gaiters are handy if you are likely to-be sat on a fore-deck with crashing waves heading towards your feet
Gortex & Leather is comfy, nice and breathable - until they leak and you are doing watches on cold nights with wet feet
Rubber is waterproof, but not breathable - so you’ll stew a bit
Sealskin socks as backup are highly recommended
Fit is primary importance, then waterproofing and breathe-ability
Gaiters are handy if you are likely to-be sat on a fore-deck with crashing waves heading towards your feet
Gortex & Leather is comfy, nice and breathable - until they leak and you are doing watches on cold nights with wet feet
Rubber is waterproof, but not breathable - so you’ll stew a bit
Sealskin socks as backup are highly recommended
ashtead
Well-known member
One issue is size of calf of intended recipient ,if you don't know calf size some makes might not be very comfortable .
capnsensible
Well-known member
Pick the ones that are easiest to slide on in a f7 when its ten to three in the morning and you are trying to get dressed to go on watch. If they slide up inside your waterproof trousers then they will probably be Musto M1 and you can spend the rest of your budget in the pub.
Praxinoscope
Well-known member
A tale of three boots.
1. pair of Dubbary bought back in 1997, wore well, were comfortable and remained water tight until 2009 when on a long trip one started to leak.
2. 2009 pair of Henri Lloyd, bought to replace the Dubarry’s for rest of the trip, very comfortable and water tight and really warm feet, , bought them because couldn’t find a pair of Dubarry in time to continue the voyage.
3. 2017 pair of new Dubarry to replace the Henri Lloyds, SWMBO volunteered to buy pair for my 70th, so we tried to get a replacement pair of HL’s but the construction of the ‘shaft’ has been changed and I couldn’t get my foot into them despite being the same size as the old ones, so bit the bullet and she ordered a pair of Dubarry, as they were a present from SWMBO I can’t tell her that they aren’t anywhere near as good as the ones I had 20 years ago, not as comfortable and I don’t think as well made, (welded soles in place of stitched) so I’ll put up with them, but if I have to replace these I will have a look at the Quayside boots that Spyro suggests.
1. pair of Dubbary bought back in 1997, wore well, were comfortable and remained water tight until 2009 when on a long trip one started to leak.
2. 2009 pair of Henri Lloyd, bought to replace the Dubarry’s for rest of the trip, very comfortable and water tight and really warm feet, , bought them because couldn’t find a pair of Dubarry in time to continue the voyage.
3. 2017 pair of new Dubarry to replace the Henri Lloyds, SWMBO volunteered to buy pair for my 70th, so we tried to get a replacement pair of HL’s but the construction of the ‘shaft’ has been changed and I couldn’t get my foot into them despite being the same size as the old ones, so bit the bullet and she ordered a pair of Dubarry, as they were a present from SWMBO I can’t tell her that they aren’t anywhere near as good as the ones I had 20 years ago, not as comfortable and I don’t think as well made, (welded soles in place of stitched) so I’ll put up with them, but if I have to replace these I will have a look at the Quayside boots that Spyro suggests.
xyachtdave
Well-known member
Get yourself down to the for sale forum if you require size 8.5 and half price....!
Praxinoscope
Well-known member
Unfortunately far too small, besides not impressed with the latest Dubarry’s
Topcat47
Well-known member
I'm off Dubarry. The current soles wear well but aren't "sticky" enough for me on a wet deck. The price hurts, too.
Leather doesn't like Salt water. Unlined boots are cold. Rubber boots make your feet sweat and they become cold and wet on night crossings.
My curent boots have Nuagahyde (fake leather) feet with canvas legs and are lined with Goretex. Chosen to fit over sea boot socks I have warm and toasty feet under most conditions.
Leather doesn't like Salt water. Unlined boots are cold. Rubber boots make your feet sweat and they become cold and wet on night crossings.
My curent boots have Nuagahyde (fake leather) feet with canvas legs and are lined with Goretex. Chosen to fit over sea boot socks I have warm and toasty feet under most conditions.
johnalison
Well-known member
All foot wear seems to lose its grip in a few years so I regard them as disposable items to be regularly replaced, always rubber. At least I feel secure wearing newish boots, but I have the advantage of non-sweaty feet.
Quandary
Well-known member
Sailing boots are much too expensive to take any risks with fit or comfort, I would suggest they should only be purchased in person, they vary in width, in ankle grip and calf space and a size X that fits one person can be uncomfortable on another. I still wear size 9 in sailing shoes and hiking boots but my old Dubs are now too tight to get on and off without a prolonged struggle so are only used when it is really really wet.
chewi
Active member
suggest the op buys a voucher from a biggish chandlery and present it to the intended in a handmade card showing a picture of boots. That conveys the intent and allows the recipient to choose his own.
ashtead
Well-known member
Or the op measures the calf size of the lucky recipient . dubaary seem quite snug or tight if you prefer which also seems to be quandary,s view above.
grumpy_o_g
Well-known member
I like to be able to kick the boots off with my feet in case I go overboard. I would strongly recommend letting the recipient choose the boots - maybe a voucher or something?
Praxinoscope
Well-known member
+1 My current boots are one size bigger than I normally wear for much the same reason, it doesn’t affect their comfort, but at least I can get them on and off easily.
Spyro
Well-known member
For the price of a pair of Dubs I'd be hoping they stayed on
Despite popular belief water in your boots doesn't drag you down.
sarabande
Well-known member
For the price of a pair of Dubs I'd be hoping they stayed on
Despite popular belief water in your boots doesn't drag you down.
I think that is only true if the boots, when dropped in the water, float of their own accord..
What may be a disadvantage being unable to remove one's boots in the water is the increased clumsiness and compromised ability to make swimming movements. Against which, boots will provide a modicum of thermal insulation.
Quandary
Well-known member
Did you not notice his location, no way a thrifty Scot is going to pay that much for footwear and not go down with it.
