5 Tips for Choosing the Best Boat Sandals

If you are boating, you need proper footwear, but how can you choose? This guide lists 5 tips for choosing the best boat sandals.

According to a 2016 report, an estimated 142 American men, women, and children went boating for leisure. 17 million of them were first-time boaters!

Whether you're a new or seasoned boater, you probably know that your footwear can make or break your experience. Most boaters find that they have the best luck with boat sandals rather than closed-toe shoes.

However, just because the toe is open doesn't mean it's right for boating. You don't want to hit the water in a heeled sandal, do you? Probably not!

If you're feeling left out at sea, don't worry. We've got a great guide to finding the perfect boat sandals for you. Read on for our five best tips for finding the shoes to accompany your sea legs!

1. Look for the Right Price

The truth is that finding the right boat sandal means looking for the perfect pricing sweet spot. In other words, you don't want to sacrifice quality for a low cost or you may only get one wear out of your boat sandals. At the same time, you don't want to spend an arm and a leg on a shoe that's going to be in and out of lake or seawater.

Flojos offers great deals on great designs. We don't ask you to give up style, comfort, or design for our reasonable prices. Take a look at our selection of sandals to find out just how good our everyday deals are!

2. Go Waterproof or Water Resistant

Even if you don't plan on taking a dive, you're going to want boat sandals made from materials that are waterproof or water resistant. You can never guarantee a 100% dry trip when you're boating, even when the water is flat and calm.

If you're having trouble finding sandals that are made with waterproof or water resistant materials, don't sweat it. There are methods and products that you can use to help your sandals survive the damp. Remember, you will want to reapply these methods and products every once in a while so they don't wear off.

Playful kids, the catch of the day, or a sudden change in weather can all surprise you--and get your feet wet! Plus, it's better to know that if you need to get in the water for whatever reason, your shoes will stand up to the test. 

3. Resist the Slip with a Good Sole

Remember what we said about surprise splashes? Between the bottom of the boat and the dock, your odds are good that you're going to walk around on some wet surfaces. Make sure that the soles of your sandals have a good grip so that you don't slip and fall.

Rubber-soled shoes tend to be the most slip-resistant. Five dollar flip-flops with minimal support and a flimsy sole are not your best bet. In fact, there are a few reasons that a flimsy sole doesn't make for good boat sandals.

Whether you're making an excursion into the water or walking around on the deck, protection is important. Remember that you're in the territory of fishermen, which means that stray hooks may be lying around unnoticed. You need a shoe that's going to absorb the impact of any unpleasant, underfoot objects so that your feet don't pay the price.

4. Remember Comfort

If you're heading out on open water, there's a good chance that you're going to be there for a few hours! Comfort is key when you're committing to the same pair of shoes for a prolonged period of time. 

What does comfort mean when it comes to boat sandals?

For starters, you want to make sure that your shoe fits well and feels secure. You don't want a boat sandal that's going to squeeze your feet or that's going to fall into the water the minute you step from the dock to the boat. 

In addition, you want something that isn't going to rub, especially when wet. Some shoes feel fine when they're dry but cause callouses and other discomforts when they're water-soaked. If you're getting sandals with a backstrap or a thong, make sure that the material is soft or spongy rather than rubbery or scratchy. 

Finally, make sure that you can kick them off at a moment's notice! Boating is all about relaxation under the sun. Sometimes, you just want to take off your shoes and feel that cool water and warm sunshine.

5. Think About Purpose

Not all boat sandals serve the same purpose because not every boater has the same intentions! 

What is your overall destination when you head out on the boat? Are you floating around before returning to the dock and heading home? Is there somewhere you intend to anchor and hike?

Make sure that your boat sandals are appropriate for every step of your boating trip. For example, a solid pair of flip-flops are great for an afternoon on the yacht. However, they may not be so hot if your plan is to take a four-mile hike around the lake!

Some boaters find that they like to bring two pairs of shoes: one for the water and one for land. If you'd rather wear your fishing flip-flops in the boat and a pair of hiking boats on land, that's always an option! 

Shop Flojos for Your Boat Sandals

Are you a lifelong boater or one of the millions heading out for that first voyage? Either way, you're going to need a fantastic pair of boat sandals! With these five tips, you'll be sure to find a pair that is perfect for you and for the open water.

Have you fallen in love with your Flojos boat sandals and want to find out what else we offer? Take a look at our full inventory for a great array of wedges, sneakers, slippers, and more. We've got shoes for the whole family!