The rubberised sole is promised to provide increased traction, flexibility and ‘360-degree comfort’. The Women’s Sailing Boat Trainer Race 500 is a fine example of the company’s low-cost version of a lightweight, technical shoe. Other than its good looks and light weight, this shoe offers good grip thanks to Decathlon’s specially developed, diamond patterned, non-marking sole. Theo says: ‘Their key selling point is that they are, as the name suggests, extra light. In fact, they are roughly half the weight of my previous boat shoes. This classic-style boat shoe from US shoe brand Sebago is probably of greatest interest to the active sailor. Gill is a name that’s synonymous with quality when it comes to sailing kit, and its new Pursuit Trainer is a fine example. This shoe has been created not only for active use in, on or around water but also to offer exceptional comfort and good grip.

He believes they represent a happy medium between traditional moccasins and their sporty competitors. Helly Hansen is a giant in the outdoor clothing world and has heaps of experience producing marine gear. Specifications: Sizes: 5.5 up | Colors: Dark Petrol Blue, Lunar Grey | Material: Synthetic Leather / Mesh It’s constructed to be long-lasting and made from unique hot-stuff buffed leather conditioned with oils and waxes. The sole is made of non-marking rubber, with deep drainage channels and an effective non-slip pattern.They argue that, if your time off work and on the water is limited, a little extra investment to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible, even when the weather turns nasty, is easily justified. To achieve this, the interior has been constructed to ensure barefoot comfort by way of low-profile seams and a non-absorbent EVA foam footbed which offers added support without absorbing water. Specifications: Sizes: 6 up | Colors: Chestnut, Navy, Navy / Brown, Old Rum, Mahogany | Material: Leather Reasons to avoid: Expensive | The insole only covers 2/3rds of the foot (leaving toes and ball of foot on leather)

There’s also a removable anatomical footbed for extra comfort. The lacing system is designed for secure fastening. The Tribord range at Decathlon has impressed the Yachting Monthly team in other tests – notably their coastal waterproofs. These leather boat shoes are developed for inshore sailing in dry weather conditions. Reasons to buy: Wide range of colours and sizes | Premium washable leather | Antibacterial sole cushioning Although it is understandable to believe that Decathlon’s value for money Tribord sailing kit is ‘too good to be true’, it’s worth knowing that this company prides itself on its thorough testing regime with sailing professionals. This means that the products you buy have been approved and are fit for purpose.Decathlon’s technical shoes are lightweight, with a mesh upper that benefits from a plasma coating that reduces water absorption by 40 per cent. The Sperrin Winter Boat Shoe is Chatham’s twist on its classic boat shoe, featuring three eyelet laces, contrast stitching detail, side laces and a heavy cleated sole for additional traction on slippery pontoons.

With more and more specialist sailing clothing companies not only understanding the needs of those involved in high octane sailing, but also investing in huge amounts of research and development, these super-light sailing trainers are becoming more and more popular. Our reviewer praised their versatility, reporting that they are just as suitable for paddleboarding as sailing onboard a foiling yacht. In fact, Sperry Authentics have been designed to be water-ready and all about protecting you and your feet whenever you get wet.The Regatta Shoe has a non-slip rubber outsole that provides excellent grip and is shaped to improve side protection. Other features include a soft fabric tongue, faux lacing, ventilation ports in the heel and forefoot to add breathability and help shed moisture. Our tester wore them over several months and can vouch that they give their feet good all-round support, and the leather lacing kept them securely in place.

Offered in half sizes from 3 to 7, with sizes 8 and 9 also available, the shoe comes in a choice of three distinctive upper/sole colourways to match your sails and your mood! Reasons to buy: Good all-round support | Sole spring poron insole – offers cushion | Breathability and anti-bacterial | Robust eyelets | Available in UK sizes 6-15 The oiled treatment means even after wearing them in the rain, and while sailing, where they got regularly drenched in spray, the leather cleaned up really well, with no marks or stains and was still soft. Reasons to buy: Non-marking with a non-slip micro-grooved natural rubber outsole | Coated with a water-repellent treatment to resist saltwater | Great price Crocs men’s Classic Boat Shoe is designed to be waterproof and lightweight thanks to the Croslite foam construction.Each pair is hand-stitched and features non-marking anti-slip soles, designed to offer stable grip in all conditions. Specifications: UK sizes: 6.5-12.5 | Colors: Choice of four | Material: Synthetic textile and mesh upper / EVA midsole / HellyGrip rubber outsole Reasons to buy: Long-lasting | Variety of colour and material options | Hand-stitched | Non-marking anti-slip soles