SCFD rtrd. Posted July 29, 2023 Report Share Posted July 29, 2023 A couple years ago, I bought a "boat shoe" made by Crocs and they were great. I liked them so much, I bought a second pair and stored them away. Well, after about a year the soles of the shoes became very slick. They still had plenty of tread because I only wore them in the boat. But they were dangerously slippery. I started wearing the back-up pair and tried everything to remove the slipperiness from the original shoe soles. I tried mineral sprits, Acetone, Dawn dishwashing detergent. But nothing worked. I finally ground some of the rubber off with a grinding wheel and a wire brush and that helped, but still not suitable for wearing in the boat. I use Starbright deck cleaner about every other fishing trip and Woody's Wax about every three months. My only conclusion is maybe the soles absorbed some wax or chemical from using these products. Can anyone recommend a good boat shoe and have you worn them long enough to recommend them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whichwaysup Posted July 29, 2023 Report Share Posted July 29, 2023 Funny to read this. I also think Crocs should make great boat shoes, and havent had the problem you describe, but mine have become dirt sponges absorbing mud and then squeeging it all over my deck. Very curious what people suggest, i use olakai flip flops but wouldnt mind something better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Seither Posted July 29, 2023 Report Share Posted July 29, 2023 Tried under-armor, didn't last long now junked! Trying Academy brand now, so far so good, I’ve tried Croc’s as well and they get super slick as they age! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted July 29, 2023 Report Share Posted July 29, 2023 Same with my crocs. Not good on boat anymore. I wear sketchers for the most part. Rugged Sharks are very good if still made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redzone1 Posted July 29, 2023 Report Share Posted July 29, 2023 Crocs can be deadly when the tread becomes bald……I nearly blew my knee out once wearing them. It was raining and ran in from the driveway into my garage……slip- I was like in a cartoon stepping on a banana peel. I’m currently wearing Columbia Tamiami boat shoes. I like them so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bamaskeet Posted July 30, 2023 Report Share Posted July 30, 2023 Croc did make a boating shoe with a harder sole that worked pretty well. I think it was called Ace Boater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craSSh Posted July 30, 2023 Report Share Posted July 30, 2023 I have several pairs of Soft Science shoes. They are very comfortable and “cushiony”… very similar to Crocs. They have been holding up great over the years. I just recently bought a pair of Olukai shoes… not as “cushiony” as the Soft Science but they are still pretty comfortable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HenrysCreek Posted July 30, 2023 Report Share Posted July 30, 2023 I have some friends that have the Soft Science Fin shoes and love them. Unfortunately the only ones the have available in my size (10) are in black. I’ll keep checking back to see if they’ll restock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted July 30, 2023 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2023 Thanks for the responses. I'm a live bait guy, so I do lots of cast netting and I use the wash-down pump to clean my boat several times a day. My feet and shoes are constantly getting wet, so I need a shoe that is mostly rubber with holes to drain water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted July 30, 2023 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2023 Well, I researched all suggestions. Some aren't available anymore. The one's I liked and in my size (Soft Science) are only available in black/white. Still looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wthree3 Posted July 31, 2023 Report Share Posted July 31, 2023 Keen Newport H2 are the most comfortable shoe out there and they last forever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rckeat Posted July 31, 2023 Report Share Posted July 31, 2023 11 hours ago, wthree3 said: Keen Newport H2 are the most comfortable shoe out there and they last forever. I'm a big fan of the Keen's as well. There has to be at least 3" of snow on the ground for me to wear something else to walk the dog. The CNXs are awesome but I do not recommend the CNX IIs. Great shoes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seacraft06 Posted July 31, 2023 Report Share Posted July 31, 2023 I love my Olukais. They are not cheap but are saving my back. https://olukai.com/products/moku-pae-mens-shoes-trench-blue-off-white?variant=33289514811491 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
searing Posted July 31, 2023 Report Share Posted July 31, 2023 1 hour ago, Seacraft06 said: I love my Olukais. They are not cheap but are saving my back. https://olukai.com/products/moku-pae-mens-shoes-trench-blue-off-white?variant=33289514811491 I've been wearing this exact shoe for a year now and they're awesome with no sign of failing in anyway. I wear them all day including when I hop out of the boat in shallow water. My only complaint is they get pretty rank. I wash them with warm soap and water and use baking soda when needed. I'm wondering if there is something better or even a preventative option? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HenrysCreek Posted July 31, 2023 Report Share Posted July 31, 2023 😂 Funny you say that (or not)! I just purchased my third pair of these. I have to rotate through them because they eventually smell so bad. I’ve spent more time trying to keep the smell at bay on these shoes than all others I’ve owed in my lifetime. The only reason I keep going back is because they’re so comfortable and a great boat shoe. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
searing Posted July 31, 2023 Report Share Posted July 31, 2023 1 hour ago, HenrysCreek said: 😂 Funny you say that (or not)! I just purchased my third pair of these. I have to rotate through them because they eventually smell so bad. I’ve spent more time trying to keep the smell at bay on these shoes than all others I’ve owed in my lifetime. The only reason I keep going back is because they’re so comfortable and a great boat shoe. Tell me about it!! It's the main reason I'm following this thread.:( Literally the only negative I have with the Olukai and why I'm afraid to recommend their shoe. I prefer a low enclosed sneaker or deck type shoe for sun protection and it being cooler than a boot style shoe. I'm thinking of trying the Simms Air vent shoe, unless I learn of other options. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim33042 Posted August 1, 2023 Report Share Posted August 1, 2023 Simms air vent... Try ebay. Found my size on close out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted August 1, 2023 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2023 On 7/31/2023 at 8:50 AM, rckeat said: I'm a big fan of the Keen's as well. There has to be at least 3" of snow on the ground for me to wear something else to walk the dog. The CNXs are awesome but I do not recommend the CNX IIs. Great shoes I sure like the closed toe and lots of ventilation. Is there any "STANK" associated with Keen's like the Olukai brand???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuddyBottomBluz Posted August 1, 2023 Report Share Posted August 1, 2023 Barefoot! No shoes, no shirt, no problem! 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wthree3 Posted August 2, 2023 Report Share Posted August 2, 2023 3 hours ago, SCFD rtrd. said: I sure like the closed toe and lots of ventilation. Is there any "STANK" associated with Keen's like the Olukai brand???? Yes, unfortunately no shortage of stank with the Keen's. Not sure it's unique to certain brand, maybe more of a saltwater / barefoot /sweat thing. Regular wash in the utility sink keeps it under control. The closed toe is nice. Love them for camping.also....great protection when trudging through streams, rafting, kayaking, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Seither Posted August 2, 2023 Report Share Posted August 2, 2023 I believe its that mix cause all of them get stanky and need washing haven’t found one yet that doesn’t Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim33042 Posted August 2, 2023 Report Share Posted August 2, 2023 I'm 99% barefoot, but thought I would try the Simms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geeviam Posted August 2, 2023 Report Share Posted August 2, 2023 On 7/31/2023 at 12:45 PM, searing said: I've been wearing this exact shoe for a year now and they're awesome with no sign of failing in anyway. I wear them all day including when I hop out of the boat in shallow water. My only complaint is they get pretty rank. I wash them with warm soap and water and use baking soda when needed. I'm wondering if there is something better or even a preventative option? The guys on a spearfishing show I've watched on The Outdoor Channel promote a product called "Odoban Dive". They dip all their gear (wetsuits) in this solution after every dive trip and don't rinse afterward. It might be worth a try... https://odobandive.com/ ...or maybe one of these other products: https://odoban.com/ Note: I personally have not used these products Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mxf255 Posted August 2, 2023 Report Share Posted August 2, 2023 I’m normally a Olu Kai flip flop on the boat guy. If I’m not in flip flops, I wear xtratuf boots. I’ve gone through several pairs and I’m currently wearing the Wheelhouse version (which are a little heavier). I’ve been happy with them, but I also realize that they aren’t for everybody. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ofdphildo Posted August 2, 2023 Report Share Posted August 2, 2023 Colombia makes a couple water shoes called the Drainmaker and Summertide, I have no direct experience. Reviews for both seem good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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