Archive for category Deck Shoes

Deck Shoes – A Comprehensive Guide

Deck shoes have been around for quite some time now, since 1935 in fact. They also go by another common name these days, boat shoes. The one that is credited with the invention of boat shoes is Paul Sperry. He gained inspiration from his pet Terrier after witnessing his dog running on ice. Marveling that the Terrier still retained a reasonable amount of grip, he set about creating a shoe that would do the same on slippery surfaces. The result, is the world’s first deck shoe.

Grip levels are increased by a special pattern on the sole. This pattern is known as “sipping”. It is essentially a myriad of thin cuts on the sole that gives it its great gripping ability. Since its inception, these shoes went on to become the most widely used footwear on boats particularly in the West. The soles also have the strange ability to leave no marks on the surface. Materials used for deck shoes almost always revolve around leather of some sort as they provide the best resistance against moisture. Additionally, they are treated to further increase this resistance.

There are other options available on the market. These include shoes made from canvas and cloth. They may not be as water resistant as leather is but they tend to dry out very quickly. These materials are also breathable which makes them ideal for warmer weather.

Functionality

The inherent functionality that comes with these shoes means that they are the perfect solution for sailing enthusiasts and deck hand the world over. Just about any activity that takes place over water is Read the rest of this entry »

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