TROUSERS 22 deck shoes -...
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92 Practical Boat Owner 587 June 2015 • www.pbo.co.uk Practical Boat Owner 587 June 2015 • www.pbo.co.uk 93 Deck shoes on test ➜ Crocs Women’s Beach Line Boat Shoe Contact: www.crocs.co.uk These rubber boat shoes are so light, they float! The buoyant Crocs Women’s Beach Line Boat Shoes have strategically- placed siped (thinly sliced) rubber pods on the outsole for improved grip, fully moulded Croslite material for lightweight cushioning and decorative laces. They’re available in three colours; we opted for melon/white size 7. TEST FINDINGS: A fun look that divided opinion in the PBO office, with some people loving the summery styling and others disliking the ‘Minnie Mouse’ look. Roz found that these shoes provided a better grip on the wet forehatch and shiny edging of the foredeck than the more expensive Dubarry Capri Moccasins, because the Crocs’ soft soles folded around the decking. VERDICT: Definitely a summer shoe. Roz said: ‘They’re comfy, grip well and are easy to dry once wet. They would wipe clean easily: there are lots of advantages to these shoes, even if they’re a bit “Marmite”. I think they would look lovely with shorts in the summer.’ A PBO test team put their best feet forward to test both traditional and trainer-styled deck shoes to see how they performed on a wet deck. Laura Hodgetts reports 22 pairs of deck shoes T he variety of deck shoe styles has increased dramatically in recent years, with choice now ranging from traditional leather moccasins to sporty trainer styles, canvas loafers and rubber air-vented shoes. Shoes that promise to mimic the barefoot feel are on the rise. Technological advances have enabled shoe manufacturers to claim greater breathability, grip, water drainage, comfort and lightness than ever before. While the traditional deck shoes During our one-day test, we assessed initial comfort and performance to see which shoes we might invest in for the forthcoming sailing season. While we tried to make this test as comparative as possible, individual testers had different shoe preferences and fit. According to some shoe manufacturers, softer soles make for an initially better grip but wear out more quickly: time will tell. How we tested them We began by attempting a fairly hazardous shoreside test using the historic ‘slippery slope’ made by PBO’s Dick Everitt. Our testers took turns trying to stand and walk about on the jacked-up slope, using a graded scale protractor to measure the angle before the shoes/testers’ grip began to let go. Water from a running hose added to the slipperiness. We tested four pairs in this way and they all performed well, but the method was too risky unless testers held on to colleagues – which negated the challenge for the shoes. In the interest of avoiding injury and to trial the shoes further, we decided to go sailing. Out on the water Sailing a 9m (30ft) yacht from Portland Marina, kindly provided by Quality Time Training and Weymouth Charters, we tested the shoes on various surfaces while sailing on a close reach with the boat heeling. Using a bucket on a line for easy refill, we wet the forehatch, non-slip decking and shiny edges of the foredeck to see how the shoes gripped when walking forwards, backwards and side to side. Our testers then stood on top of a deck eye and kicked a cleat to assess how the shoes protected the testers’ feet. THE PBO TEST TEAM News editor Laura Hodgetts enjoys crewing and has RYA qualifications in dinghy sailing, powerboating and windsurfing. Liked best: Zhik ZKGs Deputy editor Ben Meakins co-owns Polly, an Impala 28, moored on the River Hamble. Liked best: Musto Dynamic Pro Editor David Pugh and his two siblings jointly own Red Dragon,a Contessa 26 that they keep moored in Poole Harbour. Liked best: Musto-Clark Orson Drift Shoes Production editor Marco Rossi is also an ardent beachcomber. Liked best: Crocs Men’s Beach Line Boat Chukka Art editor Kevin Slater is an outdoors enthusiast and loves rambling. Liked best: Gill Auckland 3 Eye Deck Boot Editor’s PA Roz Jones owns a small motorboat with her partner David, kept at Poole’s North Haven Yacht Club. Liked best: Chathams Breaker Aqua Tech G2 (Velcro) Skipper Carl Bryan-Brown is a professional sailor who works for Quality Time Training, based at Portland Marina. Liked best: Dubarry Lahinch sports shoe for men PBO boat tester David Harding is a keen sailor who races regularly with Parkstone Yacht Club. Liked best: Dubarry Lahinch sports shoe for men Crocs Men’s Beach Line Boat Chukka Contact: www.crocs.co.uk These chukkas have nylon and synthetic leather uppers with a soft microfibre collar and mesh liner, an EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate cushioning material) and Croslite (foam resin) footbed, plus siped rubber outsole areas. TEST FINDINGS: David Harding tested these in a navy size 9 and was impressed by the boots’ lightness: They showed good grip on the non-slip decking and ‘great’ grip on the wet acrylic forehatch. However, they slipped on the shiny foredeck edges owing to the soles being harder than the trainer styles, which mould around the surface. David said: ‘The more pressure you put on them, the better they grip.’ These chukkas proved to be ‘very protective’ in the sole and stub tests. VERDICT: Comfortable and multifunctional. Quite small sizing. David liked the supportive boot style, but felt they were outperformed by the Henri Lloyd and Helly Hansen shoes tested. Sharx regatta shoes Contact: www.yachtboot.com Designed to be extra-light and strong, these Sharx regatta shoes have an adjustable Velcro strap, non-slip and non-marking soles with arch support for comfort. There is a removable, washable anti-microbacterial insole to eliminate foot odour. TEST FINDINGS: Roz tested these in a size 7 and found them to be lightweight and comfortable. The Sharx regatta shoes performed well on the forehatch grip test, prompting Roz to say: ‘They’re much better than I thought they’d be.’ The Sharx ‘slipped on the shiny side bits’ of the foredeck but were quite impressive on the non-slip decking. Roz found that standing on the deck eye and the stub test was ‘quite painful’ owing to the soft rubber. VERDICT: Useful watersports shoes, which gripped most surfaces well. Not as protective as some of the other shoes on test, but these Sharx regatta shoes are quick-drying, light and comfortable. tend to favour a razor-cut (siped) sole to prevent aquaplaning, many of the new trainer styles encompass this plus water- dispersing channels to free water trapped underneath. Breathable mesh is becoming a common feature as it both airs the shoe and provides water drainage. PBO group test We took to the waters of Weymouth Bay to test 22 pairs of deck shoes from a dozen brands to see how they performed on a slippery, wet foredeck while sailing. Prices ranged from just under £50 to £150. LEFT The ‘slippery slope’ test living up to its name Gear test BELOW The board was jacked up with water added Quayside Men’s Sydney Contact: www.quayside-uk.com Quayside’s most popular men’s deck shoe, with Nubuck oil- finished leather uppers. The sole unit is designed for ‘excellent grip’ and guaranteed not to mark your deck. The laces go right around the foot for a better fit. TEST FINDINGS: We tested these in ‘walnut’, in ‘snug’ size 8. Skipper Carl found these shoes to have ‘a pretty good grip on the forehatch.’ The pliable sole moulded around the deck eye and was ‘not uncomfortable’. The toe protection was also good due to the lip of the sole. The arch of the sole was handy for gripping to the shiny deck edge, but Carl said: ‘They’re slightly more slippery than the Dubarry Lahinch sports shoes on the shiny bits. The Lahinch felt more supportive, with a sense of rolling and cushioning the ankle.’ David Harding liked the soft soles and comfortable style: ‘A good all rounder’. VERDICT: A ‘good hybrid’ between traditional deck shoe and sporty trainer styles. David H said: ‘They’re not as suited to getting wet as some of the trainer styles. I prefer these to the Dubarry Regattas.’ Carl says: ‘I’d buy them.’ Quayside Women’s Clipper Contact: www.quayside-uk.com These shoes utilise a classic moccasin construction of breathable leather with a padded tongue for extra comfort. They also have a leather lace with a breaking strain of 30kg, a non- marking, slip-resistant sole, and a fully- cushioned footbed. TEST FINDINGS: I tested these in a size 5 in navy/chestnut and found the soft leather to be immediately comfortable. The grip was fine in all directions on the wet forehatch but slipped on the wet non-slip decking. Going sideways was ok. They were outperformed by the Zhiks, but the Quayside Clippers’ grip felt more secure than the Gill Baltimores. The soles demonstrated reasonable protection from the deck eye, although the stub test was painful due to the soft leather. VERDICT: Very comfortable, smart shoes, although not as protective as the Zhik ZKGs. The shoelaces unravel unless they are double-knotted. These were among the cheapest deck shoes tested, yet they looked great and felt like a quality shoe. True to size. £45 £60 £45 £60 £60 Henri Lloyd Deck Grip Profile II Contact: www.henrilloyd.com Lightweight, non- absorbing, quick drying and breathable, these deck trainers feature a lightweight and cushioned midsole. The ghillie speed- lacing system and water- dispersing outsole are designed to grip well in the most demanding of conditions. TEST FINDINGS: Kevin and Ben both tested a size 11 pair. Kevin found that they were ‘Pretty grippy if you have weight on, otherwise you slip off. Amazingly sticky on the acrylic hatch fore and aft. Really, really good on the shiny side bits.’ Ben was impressed during the stub test and said: ‘They feel like steel toe caps. The grip is awesome. They’re a bit small for me, but offer good support around the ankles.’ VERDICT: Lightweight trainer-style shoes with good grip and foot support. Quite snug sizing. Impressive performance, but the look of the shoe was not to everyone’s taste. £75
Transcript of TROUSERS 22 deck shoes -...
92 Practical Boat Owner587June2015•www.pbo.co.uk Practical Boat Owner587June2015•www.pbo.co.uk 93
Deck shoes on test
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Crocs Women’s Beach Line Boat Shoe Contact: www.crocs.co.uk
Theserubberboatshoesaresolight,theyfloat!ThebuoyantCrocsWomen’sBeachLineBoatShoeshavestrategically-placedsiped(thinlysliced)rubberpodsontheoutsoleforimprovedgrip,fullymouldedCroslitematerialforlightweightcushioninganddecorativelaces.They’reavailableinthreecolours;weoptedformelon/whitesize7.TEST FINDINGS:AfunlookthatdividedopinioninthePBOoffice,withsomepeoplelovingthesummerystylingandothersdislikingthe‘MinnieMouse’look.RozfoundthattheseshoesprovidedabettergriponthewetforehatchandshinyedgingoftheforedeckthanthemoreexpensiveDubarryCapriMoccasins,becausetheCrocs’softsolesfoldedaroundthedecking.VERDICT:Definitelyasummershoe.Rozsaid:‘They’recomfy,gripwellandareeasytodryoncewet.Theywouldwipecleaneasily:therearelotsofadvantagestotheseshoes,evenifthey’reabit“Marmite”.Ithinktheywouldlooklovelywithshortsinthesummer.’A PBO test team put their best feet forward to test both
traditional and trainer-styled deck shoes to see how they performed on a wet deck. Laura Hodgetts reports
22 pairs of deck shoes
The variety of deck shoe styles has increased dramatically in recent years, with choice
now ranging from traditional leather moccasins to sporty trainer styles, canvas loafers and rubber air-vented shoes.
Shoesthatpromisetomimicthebarefootfeelareontherise.Technologicaladvanceshaveenabledshoemanufacturerstoclaimgreaterbreathability,grip,waterdrainage,comfortandlightnessthaneverbefore.
Whilethetraditionaldeckshoes
Duringourone-daytest,weassessedinitialcomfortandperformancetoseewhichshoeswemightinvestinfortheforthcomingsailingseason.Whilewetriedtomakethistestascomparativeaspossible,individualtestershaddifferentshoepreferencesandfit.
Accordingtosomeshoemanufacturers,softersolesmakeforaninitiallybettergripbutwearoutmorequickly:timewilltell.
How we tested themWebeganbyattemptingafairlyhazardousshoresidetestusingthehistoric‘slipperyslope’madebyPBO’sDickEveritt.Ourtesterstookturnstryingtostandandwalkaboutonthejacked-upslope,usingagradedscaleprotractortomeasuretheanglebeforetheshoes/testers’gripbegantoletgo.Waterfromarunninghoseaddedtotheslipperiness.
Wetestedfourpairsinthiswayandtheyallperformedwell,butthemethodwastooriskyunlesstestersheldontocolleagues–whichnegatedthechallengefor
theshoes.Intheinterestofavoidinginjuryandtotrialtheshoesfurther,wedecidedtogosailing.
Out on the waterSailinga9m(30ft)yachtfromPortlandMarina,kindlyprovidedbyQualityTimeTrainingandWeymouthCharters,wetestedtheshoesonvarioussurfaceswhilesailingonaclosereachwiththeboatheeling.Usingabucketonalineforeasyrefill,wewettheforehatch,non-slipdeckingandshinyedgesoftheforedecktoseehowtheshoesgrippedwhenwalkingforwards,backwardsandsidetoside.Ourtestersthenstoodontopofadeckeyeandkickedacleattoassesshowtheshoesprotectedthetesters’feet.
tHe pbO test team
NewseditorLauraHodgettsenjoyscrewingandhasRYAqualificationsin
dinghysailing,powerboatingandwindsurfing.Liked best:ZhikZKGs
DeputyeditorBenMeakinsco-ownsPolly,anImpala28,mooredontheRiver
Hamble.Liked best:MustoDynamicPro
EditorDavidPughandhistwosiblingsjointlyownRed Dragon,aContessa26thatthey
keepmooredinPooleHarbour.Liked best:Musto-ClarkOrsonDriftShoes
ProductioneditorMarcoRossiisalsoanardentbeachcomber.Liked best:Crocs
Men’sBeachLineBoatChukka
ArteditorKevinSlaterisanoutdoorsenthusiastandlovesrambling.Liked best:
GillAuckland3EyeDeckBoot
Editor’sPARozJonesownsasmallmotorboatwithherpartnerDavid,keptat
Poole’sNorthHavenYachtClub.Liked best:ChathamsBreakerAquaTechG2(Velcro)
SkipperCarlBryan-BrownisaprofessionalsailorwhoworksforQuality
TimeTraining,basedatPortlandMarina.Liked best:DubarryLahinchsportsshoeformen
PBOboattesterDavidHardingisakeensailorwhoracesregularlywithParkstoneYacht
Club.Liked best:DubarryLahinchsportsshoeformen
Crocs Men’s Beach Line Boat Chukka Contact: www.crocs.co.uk
Thesechukkashavenylonandsyntheticleatherupperswithasoftmicrofibrecollarandmeshliner,anEVA(ethylvinylacetatecushioningmaterial)andCroslite(foamresin)footbed,plussipedrubberoutsoleareas.TEST FINDINGS:DavidHardingtestedtheseinanavysize9andwasimpressedbytheboots’lightness:Theyshowedgoodgriponthenon-slipdeckingand‘great’griponthewetacrylicforehatch.However,theyslippedontheshinyforedeckedgesowingtothesolesbeingharderthanthetrainerstyles,whichmouldaroundthesurface.Davidsaid:‘Themorepressureyouputonthem,thebettertheygrip.’Thesechukkasprovedtobe‘veryprotective’inthesoleandstubtests.VERDICT:Comfortableandmultifunctional.Quitesmallsizing.Davidlikedthesupportivebootstyle,butfelttheywereoutperformedbytheHenriLloydandHellyHansenshoestested.
Sharx regatta shoesContact: www.yachtboot.com
Designedtobeextra-lightandstrong,theseSharxregattashoeshaveanadjustableVelcrostrap,non-slipandnon-markingsoleswitharchsupportforcomfort.Thereisaremovable,washableanti-microbacterialinsoletoeliminatefootodour.TEST FINDINGS:Roztestedtheseinasize7andfoundthemtobelightweightandcomfortable.TheSharxregattashoesperformedwellontheforehatchgriptest,promptingRoztosay:‘They’remuchbetterthanIthoughtthey’dbe.’TheSharx‘slippedontheshinysidebits’oftheforedeckbutwerequiteimpressiveonthenon-slipdecking.Rozfoundthatstandingonthedeckeyeandthestubtestwas‘quitepainful’owingtothesoftrubber.VERDICT:Usefulwatersportsshoes,whichgrippedmostsurfaceswell.Notasprotectiveassomeoftheothershoesontest,buttheseSharxregattashoesarequick-drying,lightandcomfortable.
tendtofavourarazor-cut(siped)soletopreventaquaplaning,manyofthenewtrainerstylesencompassthispluswater-dispersingchannelstofreewatertrappedunderneath.Breathablemeshisbecomingacommonfeatureasitbothairstheshoeandprovideswaterdrainage.
pbO group testWetooktothewatersofWeymouthBaytotest22pairsofdeckshoesfromadozenbrandstoseehowtheyperformedonaslippery,wetforedeckwhilesailing.Pricesrangedfromjustunder£50to£150.
LEFT The ‘slippery slope’ test living up to its name
Gear test
BELOW The board was jacked up with water added
Quayside Men’s SydneyContact: www.quayside-uk.com
Quayside’smostpopularmen’sdeckshoe,withNubuckoil-finishedleatheruppers.Thesoleunitisdesignedfor‘excellentgrip’andguaranteednottomarkyourdeck.Thelacesgorightaroundthefootforabetterfit.TEST FINDINGS:Wetestedthesein‘walnut’,in‘snug’size8.SkipperCarlfoundtheseshoestohave‘aprettygoodgripontheforehatch.’
Thepliablesolemouldedaroundthedeckeyeandwas‘notuncomfortable’.Thetoeprotectionwasalsogoodduetothelipofthesole.Thearchofthesolewashandyforgrippingtotheshinydeckedge,butCarlsaid:‘They’reslightlymoreslipperythantheDubarryLahinchsportsshoesontheshinybits.TheLahinchfeltmoresupportive,withasenseofrollingandcushioningtheankle.’
DavidHardinglikedthesoftsolesandcomfortablestyle:‘Agoodallrounder’.VERDICT:A‘goodhybrid’betweentraditionaldeckshoeandsportytrainerstyles.DavidHsaid:‘They’renotassuitedtogettingwetassomeofthetrainerstyles.IpreferthesetotheDubarryRegattas.’Carlsays:‘I’dbuythem.’Quayside
Women’s Clipper Contact: www.quayside-uk.com
Theseshoesutiliseaclassicmoccasinconstructionofbreathableleatherwithapaddedtongueforextracomfort.Theyalsohavealeatherlacewithabreakingstrainof30kg,anon-marking,slip-resistantsole,andafully-cushionedfootbed.TEST FINDINGS:Itestedtheseinasize5innavy/chestnutandfoundthesoftleathertobeimmediatelycomfortable.Thegripwasfineinalldirectionsonthewetforehatchbutslippedonthewetnon-slipdecking.Goingsidewayswasok.TheywereoutperformedbytheZhiks,buttheQuaysideClippers’gripfeltmoresecurethantheGillBaltimores.Thesolesdemonstratedreasonableprotectionfromthedeckeye,althoughthestubtestwaspainfulduetothesoftleather.VERDICT:Verycomfortable,smartshoes,althoughnotasprotectiveastheZhikZKGs.Theshoelacesunravelunlesstheyaredouble-knotted.Thesewereamongthecheapestdeckshoestested,yettheylookedgreatandfeltlikeaqualityshoe.Truetosize.
£45 £60
£45
£60
£60
TROUSERS
Henri Lloyd Deck Grip Profile IIContact: www.henrilloyd.com
Lightweight,non-absorbing,quickdryingandbreathable,thesedecktrainersfeaturealightweightandcushionedmidsole.Theghilliespeed-lacingsystemandwater-dispersingoutsolearedesignedtogripwellinthemostdemandingofconditions.TEST FINDINGS:KevinandBenbothtestedasize11pair.Kevinfoundthattheywere‘Prettygrippyifyouhaveweighton,otherwiseyouslipoff.Amazinglystickyontheacrylichatchforeandaft.Really,reallygoodontheshinysidebits.’
Benwasimpressedduringthestubtestandsaid:‘Theyfeellikesteeltoecaps.Thegripisawesome.They’reabitsmallforme,butoffergoodsupportaroundtheankles.’VERDICT:Lightweighttrainer-styleshoeswithgoodgripandfootsupport.Quitesnugsizing.Impressiveperformance,butthelookoftheshoewasnottoeveryone’staste.
£75
94 Practical Boat Owner587June2015•www.pbo.co.uk
Gear test
Practical Boat Owner587June2015•www.pbo.co.uk 95
Deck shoes on test
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Dubarry Lahinch sports shoe for men Contact: www.dubarry.ie
Alow-profile,lightweightperformancesailingshoe,withbreathablemeshforwaterdrainageandatexturedPUoverlay.ThetoeandheelpartsuseaD-Chassissystem:amouldedrubberframeminimisesheelpronation(thefootrollinginwards).There’salsobungeelacing;atonguepouch;non-slip,non-markingdurablerubberoutsoleandaremovableEVAfootbed.TEST FINDINGS:TestersCarlandDavidHlikedtheD-Chassissystem.Carlsaid:‘Itfeelsweirdatfirstbutgivesyouconfidenceaboutstandingatangles.’Davidsaidthe‘foothug’addeda‘senseofsecurity.’Carladded:‘Iwouldn’tnormallygoforatrainerstyle.Theyfeelgood,verycomfy.’Thebreathablemeshwas‘quitechilly’onacoldday.Goodgriponallsurfaces.‘Great’soleandtoeprotection.VERDICT:TheD-Chassiswasimpressive:DavidHsaid:‘Youfeelwellsupported.TheyfeelevennicerthantheHellyHansens.’
Musto Dynamic Pro Contact: www.musto.com
TheDynamicProfeaturearubbersolewithasipedandmicrosipedtreadpatternformaximumgripandtraction,aquaDXwaterdrainingsystemandanti-odour-treatedmesh.Designedforinshoreracing,hereisnofootbedormidsole,inordertomaximisethefeelofthedeck,whileanEVAstrobelinsoleaddscomfort.TEST FINDINGS:Bentestedtheseinbrightyellow,size11.Affectionatelydubbedthe‘Beeshoes’,thesegrippedsuperblyinalldirectionsoneverysurfacetested.Thesoftsolesmouldaroundthedeckshape.Evenonthewetshinyedges,Bensaid:‘They’relikelimpets,notbudging.’Theanti-odour,quick-dryingmeshworkswell,butthewindwhistledthroughthem.Thestubtoetest‘hurt’,asdidthedeckeyetest,duetothesoftsoles.VERDICT:Thebestgripontest:superbfeelofthedeck,comfortandanti-odourcapabilities.Betterforwarmerweather;thesoftmaterialisnotsoprotectiveagainstdeckhardware.
Chathams Breaker Aqua Tech G2 (Velcro)Contact: www.chatham.co.uk
Thesearedesignedfora‘barefoot’feel:lightweightandflexible,with‘ultra-grip’,athree-layermeshfor‘super-fastdrying’andairflow;anEVAcompoundinthemidsoleand‘undulatingdesigncups’forsupport.TheMistAquaGoG2versionhaslaces.TEST FINDINGS:Thesemen’sshoeslookedgreatonRozinsize6butwerenotsoattractiveinsize12onKevin,withexcessivelylongVelcrotabs.Rozfoundthem‘lightweightandairybutnotcold’,with‘great’griponthewetforehatch–theymadeagoodsqueak!Toeprotectionwasfoundtobe‘excellent’,buttheyweredeemed‘uncomfortable’inthesoletest.KevinthoughttheZhikZK’soutperformedthemonwetdecking.Hesaid:‘They’rebetterontheforehatchthanonthenon-slipdecking.’VERDICT: Rozwasahugefan,saying‘I’mreallyimpressedwiththese,they’resocomfy.’However,KevinfelttheZhikZKsgenerallyperformedbetter.
Henri Lloyd Octogrip Mono Contact: www.henrilloyd.com
Lightweight‘high-performancedecksandals’,designedtomaximisethegripandsensationofthedeck.Featuresincludeafast-dryingopenmeshupper,aTPU‘Exo’skeletonandtoeguard,andaslip-resistant,water-dispersingoutsole.TEST FINDINGS:DavidHardingtestedthe‘large-sized8’andsaid:‘TheyfeelevenlighterthantheCrocChukka.Itwouldbeveryeasytogetusedtothese,they’reverycomfortable.’TheOctogripswere‘easiertogeton’thantheHellyHansenHydropower4buthad‘extraordinarilylonglaces.’TheOctogripsperformed‘superbly’onthewetforehatchglassandshinydeckedging:‘Theysticklikelimpets,evenbetterthantheHellyHansens,whichweregood.’Thesoftsolesmouldedaroundthedeck.There’satoeguardforstubprotectionandanextendedgriparea.VERDICT: ‘Extremelylight,supportivefootwearwithgreatgrip’.DavidHthoughttheDubarryLahinchhadtheedge,though.
Gill Women’s Baltimore two-eye deck shoe Contact: www.gillmarine.com/gb
Ahand-sewntruemoccasinconstructionusingpremiumNubuckandwater-resistantleather.Theshoeshavea360°rawhideleatherlace,non-corrosiveeyelets,anEVAheelinsertforcushionedimpactprotectionandarazor-cutsoletopreventaquaplaning.TEST FINDINGS:Itestedtheseinnavy,size5.Theleatherisincrediblysoft.ThefitisnarrowerandlongerthantheClipper.Thelacesunravelunlessdouble-knotted.Theshoesperformedokforeandaftonthewetforehatch,butfeltveryskiddysideways.Theyperformedbetteronthenon-slipdecking.Thepliablesolegrippedwellontheshinydeckedgesandbentaroundthedeckeye,whichwasn’ttoouncomfortable.Thestubtestwasfineduetothelongerlength.VERDICT:Comfortable,classyshoes.ThegripfeltlesssecurethantheirQuaysidecounterpartsandtheZhikZKGs.
Musto Ladies Dynamic Lite shoesContact: www.musto.com
Clarks’andMusto’sinshoreracingtrainerisdesignedforalightweightfeelandincreasedforefootflexibility.TheshoeshaveEVAstrobelinsoles,anti-odourtreatedairmeshandaquaDXdrainagesystemforbreathabilityandquick-drying,plusasipedandmicrosipedtreadpatternonthenon-markingrubberoutsolefortraction.Tomaximisedeckfeel,there’snofootbedormidsole.TEST FINDINGS:Largesizing.Rozlovedtheshoes’lookbutfoundthehighanklearea‘rigidandunforgiving.It’sashame,therestoftheshoeisreallycomfortable.’However,backintheoffice,ourcolleagueJaneSmithfoundthem‘reallycomfortable’.Ontheyacht,theygrippedwellinalldirectionsonallthesurfacestested.Soleandtoetestswere‘fine’.VERDICT:Atop-performingdecktrainerwithgreatgripandanattractive,lightweightdesign,butRozfoundtheankleareauncomfortable.
Zhik ZK boatshoes Contact: www.zhik.com
Anamphibiousshoewithahigh-griprubberZKsole,madefrombreathableperforatedneopreneforgreatdrainage,airflowandflexibility,plusanantibacterialinner.ZKsareavailableinarangeofcolours.TEST FINDINGS:KevinandBentestedtheseinblack,size11withbrightredsoles.Theshoesgrippedwellonthewetforehatchinalldirections.Theywerealso‘verygood’onthenon-slipdecking,withtheneoprenesolesqueaking.Thetestersfoundtheirfeetmovedaroundwithintheshoebecauseofthesoftupper.TheZKsprovided‘greatprotection’duringthestubtest.Thesoft,cushionedsolewas‘painful’onthedeckeye.VERDICT:The‘verycomfortable’ZhikZKsexcelledinthegriptestsonavarietyofwetsurfaces.Therubberrimprovidedgreattoeprotection,butourtestersfelttheirfeethadabittoomuchfreemovementinsidethesuper-softshoes.Thelookdividedopinion.
GRIP
SUPPORT
Sperry Top-Sider Women’s Authentic Original 2-Eye shoesContact: www.sperrytopsider.co.uk
TheAuthenticOriginalboatshoeaddsmoderncomforttoaclassicstyle.Featuresincludeagenuinehand-sewnTru-Mocconstruction;stain-andwater-resistantleather;a360°lacingsystemwithrustproofeyelets;ashock-absorbingEVAheelcupforaddedcomfort,andanon-marking,rubberoutsolewithrazor-cutwave-sipingforwetanddrytraction.TEST FINDINGS:Roztestedtheseinnavy,size7andfoundtheygrippedwellonthenon-slipdecking,shinyforedeckedgesandwetforehatch,inalldirections.Shesaid:‘Thesolesareveryflexible,Ifeelquitesecure.’Thesoleswere‘fine’forstandingonthedeckeye,butthesoftleatherdidnotprovidemuchtoeprotectionfromkickingthecleat!VERDICT:Goodgripandacomfortablefeel.Notassecureasthetrainerstylestested.
Helly Hansen Hydropower 4Contact: www.hellyhansen.com
Thenew,improvedHydropower4deckshoesfeatureanopen-meshconstructionforairflowandflexibility,while‘engineeredstructuraloverlays’aredesignedtoprotectthefeetfromdeckhardwareandrocks.Theshoeshaveaninternal,mouldedEVAremovablemidsolewithaquick-dryantibacterialsurface.Theoutsolehasa‘multi-directionalgripsystem’withasipingtractionpatterntodisperseanywatertrappedunderneath.OtherfeaturesincludeaTPU(thermoplasticurethane)frameforstability.
TEST FINDINGS:Boththemen’ssize9andwomen’ssize5wetestedwereverysmallsizing,makingtheshoeshardtogetonandoff,particularlywithwet,coldfeet.Wehadtoremovethelacetoggleontheveryshortlacesinordertoopentheshoeupwideenoughtoremove.TheHydropower4shaveasmart,sportystyle.Ifoundthattheshoe’sgripontheforehatchwasverygoodinalldirections,apartfromonesuddenskid.
Theshoesperformedbetterontheforehatchthanonthenon-slipdecksurface.Theywereabitslipperyontheshinydeckedges.Thedeckeyesoletestwasbearable,whilethestubtestreallyhurt–duetothesmallsizing.Theshoesfeltverybreathableanddriedquickly.
Marcoalsofoundtheshoestobe‘verygood’atgrippingtothewetforehatchacrylic,slightlylesssoonthenon-slipdeckingandshinyedges.Marcolikedthemeshdesignandsaid:They’reexcellent,breathableinaniceway.’Hethoughttherewas‘goodtoeandsoleprotection.’DavidHardingalsotestedoutthemen’sversionandfoundtheshoesverycomfortable:‘Verylight,veryflexible,withacushionedsole.’VERDICT:Notablygoodgriponthewetacrylicforehatch.DavidHfelttheseshoesoutperformedtheCrocchukkabutdidnotquitematchthegripoftheOctogripMonoonthenon-slipdeckingandshinydeckedges.Theyareaslightstruggletogeton,butonceonthey’recomfortableshoesthatdryquicklyandhaveanicelightdesign.
Gill Auckland 3 Eye Deck Boot Contact: www.gillmarine.com/gb
Agreat-lookingdeckboot,withwater-resistantleather,a360°fullleatherlaceandcorrosion-resistanteyelets;non-markingandnon-slipoutsolewithdeepmulti-directionalwaterdispersalchannelstocombataquaplaning;an80%contactsurfaceforgrip;andinternalEVAheelinsertsforimpactprotection.Fulltubular,truemoccasinconstructionwithhand-sewnfinishing.TEST FINDINGS:Kevintestedtheseinsize11.Theygrippedwellinalldirectionsontheslipperyslopeat45°dry,35°wet.Kevinsaid:‘They’recomfortable.Theboot’suptotheankle,butstillhasflexibility.’Ontheyachtforehatch,therewas‘goodgripforeandaft’butslippagesideways.Theyslippedonthenon-slipdeckingandshinydeckedgesandtherewas‘abitofanklechafing’.Thetreadprovidedgoodstubtestprotection.‘Thinbuttoughsoles’were‘fine’onthedeckeye.VERDICT:Mixedresultsinthegriptest,butthetesterslikedthestylishdesign.
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Zhik ZKGs Contact: www.zhik.com
Sneaker-styled,amphibiousshoes,madeforwatersports,withahigh-griprubbersole,quick-drying,breathable,perforatedneoprenefordrainageandflexibility,antibacterialfeaturesandaNubuckupper.TEST FINDINGS:Itestedtheseinagrey,women’ssize5andlovedthefun,stylishlook.Thelacesarejustforshow:theshoespullonandofflikewetsuitbootsandfeelrubberyandelasticated.TheyprovidedgoodcomfortandgripinalldirectionsonthePBOslipperyslopeat45°dry,40°wet.Theykeptmyfeetwarmonachillyday.Ontheyacht,theyfeltsecureandcomfortableonthewetforehatch.Theirthick,pliablesolesbentaroundthedeckeye,andthestubtestwasalsofine.Theshoe’sperforatedneopreneallowsthewaterstraightthroughbutdriedquickly.TheZKGsslippedslightlyontheforedeck’swetshinyedgesbutgrippedwellonthenon-slipdecking.VERDICT: Confidence-inspiringshoesforwetsituations.Snugsizing.Theyfeelabitrestrictiveforeverydayuse,whichisashame,buttheylooksogoodyoumightwearthemashoreanyway.Myfavouriteshoestested.
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96 Practical Boat Owner587June2015•www.pbo.co.uk
Deck shoes on test
PBO verdict
Sailing shoe selection will no doubt reflect your activity levels and
whether you intend to invest in several pairs or just one that needs to be multi-purpose. The most expensive shoes on test – the Sperry ‘Gold Cups’ - were no doubt extremely comfortable, but could not match the active foot support of the sporty trainer styles.
Traditionalleathermoccasinsofferbetterprotectionfromsplashesbutthebreathablemeshdesignsletthewaterinbeforedryingmorequickly.
Alltheshoesgrippedbetterwhenthetestercommittedtothesteponwetsurfaceswiththeirfullweight.Anothercommonfindingwasthatoncetheshoesslipped,therewasnoreturnforthatfoot.
Historically,trainerstylessoonstarttosmellifworninwetsituationswithoutsocks:however,Ben’sbeenwearingtheMustoDynamicProonalong-termtestforseveralmonths,andtheanti-odourtreatedmeshisstillgoingstrong!Theseshoeswereawarded‘PBO’sgrip’asthey‘stucklikelimpets’toallthesurfacestested.Timewilltellifthesoft,pliablesoleswearoutquickly–purchasersmightdowelltokeeptheseshoesonboardandsacrificeothercheaperfootweartowearashore.
OurBestBuyawardwenttotheMusto/ClarkOrsonDrift,whichcombinedcomfortandasmartstylewithatopperformance.Our‘BestBudgetBuy’wenttotheQuaysideMen’sSydneyforbeingagoodallrounderatafractionoftheprice.TheZhikZKGsshowedthebestgripoutofthewomen’scontenders,buttheleathermoccasinsfeltnicerashore.
Overall,wewereimpressedwiththetrainerstylesforsupportingthefeetofactivesailorsandforexceptionalgrip.Whiletheclassicmoccasinisstillgoingstrong,ithascompetitionfromhybridstyles,whichmayoffergreatersupportandgripandthentransportthewearerfashionablyashore.
Dubarry Regatta men’s shoeContact: www.dubarry.ie
Thesearemadefromawater-resistantDryFast-DrySoftNubuckleatherandfabric.Thebi-colourcupsoleprovidestraction,lateralstabilityanddurability,whileamodernconstructionisclaimedtoimproveflexibilityandreduceoverallweightby15%.Thefull-lengthleatherfootbedisremovable.Sevencoloursareavailable.TEST FINDINGS: Davidtestedthesein‘oldrum’,size9andlikedthe‘comfortable’softleather.Thegripwas‘prettygood’inalldirectionsonthewetforehatch.Thethicksolesgripped‘moderatelywell’onthemouldednon-slipbutgaveuponthewetglassfibre.Thestubtestwasgood.Onthedeckeye,David‘couldstandononeleg,ifIcouldbalance.’VERDICT:Solidlycapable,performedwellonmostwetsurfaces.Theydidn’tmatchthedecktrainers’performancebutlooksmarter.
Musto-Clark Orson Drift shoesContact: www.musto.com
Thesesmartbutsportydeckshoesfeaturepremium,saltwater-resistantleather;rust-resistanteyelets;ROCKrubbersoleswithasipedandmicrosipedtreadpatternfortractionandaquaDXTechnologyforwaterdrainage.TheEVAinsolehasasheepskinliningandthere’sanEVA/ROCKmidsole.TEST FINDINGS:DavidPandDavidHtestedthesize9indarkgreyandlovedthecomfysheepskinliningandClarksAtsumassagefootbed.DavidPfelttheirgripoutperformedtheDubarryRegattasonthewetforehatch,inalldirections:‘They’renotdriftingatall.’Thegripwasn’tsogoodonthenon-slipdecking,butfeltsecureontheshinyforedeckedges;the‘quiteflexible’solesbentaroundthesurface.Thesoletestwas‘uncomfortable’,andthestubtest‘painless’.DavidHfoundtheseshoeseasytoputon,supportiveandcomfortable.VERDICT:Agoodhybridbetweensmartdeckshoesandthetrainerstyles.DavidHsaid:‘Thesefeelmuchmoresecurethannormaldeckshoes.Ilikethetexturedinsole.’
Dubarry Capri Women’s MoccasinsContact: www.dubarry.ie
Madefrom‘thehighestqualitywater-resistantNubuckandleathers’,theseclassicslip-ondeckshoesfeatureasoftsockpad;aconcealedEVAheelpieceforshockabsorbency;newheritageDubarrytrim;purpose-designedcupsolesfortractionandlateralstability;anon-slip,non-markingoutsole;andsupplesoftleatherupperswithbuttedseamhand-stitchingsealedforwaterresistance.TEST FINDINGS:Roztestedtheseinnavy,size7.5andfoundthegrip‘prettygood’onthewetforehatchandnon-slipdecking,butslipperyontheshinydeckedgesduetotherigidsole.Theshoesofferedgoodsoleandstubtestprotection.Rozsaid:‘They’recomfortableshoes,youcanfeelthequality.’VERDICT:Theslip-onstylecannotrivalthetrainermodelsforfootsupport,buttheCaprioffersqualitycomfortandareasonablegrip.
Sperry Top-Sider Men’s Gold Cup Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat ShoeContact: www.sperrytopsider.co.uk
Thesearemadewithahand-sewn‘Tru-Mocconstruction’(madefromasinglepieceofleather)instain-andwater-resistantleather.There’sa360°lacingsystemwithrustproofeyelets;ashock-absorbingEVAheelcup;andanon-markingrubberoutsolewithrazor-cutwave-sipingfortraction.TEST FINDINGS:Thesamplepaircameindarktan,UKsize12.Benfoundthegriptobe‘reallygood.Lockedon’duringthehatchtest.However,theywere‘slippyonthenon-slipdecking’.Bensaid:‘They’renottoobad,buttheysuddenlygo.’Whenwalkingsidewaysonthewetdecking,theSperryswere‘asgoodastheMustoDynamicPro.’However,possiblyduetothelargesizing,‘youcanturnyourfootoverquiteeasily.’Thesoftleathermadefora‘quitepainful’toestubtest.VERDICT:Verycomfortableshoes,butnotassupportiveassomeoftheotherstylesontest.
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We’verankedtheshoesbyrecommendedretailprice,butmanyareavailablecheaperonline–atthetimeofgoingtopresssome
wereonsaleontheirownwebsites.
