Boating season is here, and with it comes the opportunity to find the best boat shoes for women. Check out our top picks on the market!
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a beginner, finding the right boat shoe for your needs can make all the difference in your experience out on the water. These shoes are designed to provide maximum comfort and support while also giving you the added traction and protection you need for a safe boating experience.


Boating can be a fun and enjoyable experience, but it’s also important to make sure that you are comfortable and safe while on the water.
Wearing the right shoes is essential to ensure that your feet stay protected from the elements while boating. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best boat shoes for women!
What Are Boat Shoes?
Boat Shoes are also known as “deck shoes”. These classic boat shoes are made of either canvas or leather and are designed to be worn on boats hence the name.
There are special patterns on the soles that provide a better grip on wet decks. Some leather boat shoes also incorporated a type of oil that helps make them water repellent. Boat shoes are typically worn without socks.
Factors To Consider When Buying Boat Shoes
- Materials– Always go for shoes that are built using durable materials like leather. Leather will last much longer and be worth the extra investment.
- Comfort– Comfort is everything when you are wearing your shoes all day long. Also, look for moisture prevention features because wet feet are definitely uncomfortable.
- Grip & Traction– Outsole grip is extra important especially for shoes that you’ll be wearing on boats. Great traction can help prevent slipping when the boat starts getting wet.
- Waterproof- You should pick waterproof shoes especially when you expect to spend a lot of time on a boat.
- Personal preference- And of course, always consider what you like. Pick a style and design that you love!

Boat shoes are an essential piece of boating attire to keep your feet protected and maintain your balance as you sail through the water. Here are the best boat shoes for women that include classic pairs and modern styles perfect for any boating adventure you enjoy.
Best Boat Shoes For Women
The Sperry Women's Angelfish Varsity Boat Shoe is a new take on Sperry’s classic boat shoe. With a lighter, sleeker, and refined silhouette it is perfect for every woman who simply wants to stay comfortable and stylish on a boat ride. The Angelfish features the same gripping outsole as the classic Sperry boat shoe which ensures that you stay sure-footed as you sail through the water. Made of genuine leather upper and handsewn construction, this preppy kick provides durability and long-lasting comfort.
It features an EVA molded midsole which you can rely on to provide support and an adjustable 360° lacing system that ensures a secure fit. From sea to shore this pair of shoes can be worn just about anywhere.
Features
- Premium suede, nubuck, and tumbled leather upper
- EVA molded midsole
- Razor-cut Wave-Siping™
- Non-marking rubber outsoles
- Hand-sewn construction
- Adjustable 360° lacing system
The Ahiga synonymous with versatility, these breathable and light-weight sneakers offer multiple features that make it an ideal pair for any marine lifestyle, from coastal sailing to city life you can count on the Helly-Hansen Women's W Ahiga V4 Hydropower Sneaker to keep you feeling comfortable throughout the day.
Its quick-drying uppers are ideal to keep the feet dry when water starts splashing on the deck while the EVA midsole offers support and stability that is very important for any boating shoes. You can also count on its siped HellyGrip rubber outsole to provide excellent traction on both dry and wet surfaces.
Features
- Hydrophobic Synthetic uppers
- Breathable & quick-drying textile
- HellyWear overlay
- Premium EVA midsole
- Moulded EVA sockliner
- Decoupled flexible outsole, HellyWear rubber, HellyGrip rubber
The classic leather style of The Sperry Women's A/O 2 Eye Shoe makes it a perfect shoe for any occasion, this iconic shoe never fails whether you're on the boat, at the docks, or in town gathering provisions. The stain and water-resistant leather with hand-sewn, Tru-Moc construction hold up for several years of fun boating experiences with family and friends.
You’ll also be glad that it comes with a non-marking rubber outsole so there is no need to clean up every time you step inside your boat.
This timeless pair features a Razor-Cut Wave-Siping™ outsole that provides outstanding traction on wet and dry surfaces.
Features
- Offered in Premium Leather and Novelty Materials on Upper
- 360° Lacing System with Rust Proof Eyelets
- Shock Absorbing EVA Heel Cup
- Non-Marking Rubber Outsole with Razor Cut Wave-Siping
The Vibram Five Fingers Women's KSO Shoe proves to be the most popular women's FiveFingers shoe due to its amazing versatility and very efficient features. It offers a thin and abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide construction that comfortably wraps the entire forefoot and keeps dirt out while you're boating, running, or hiking.
You’ll notice a single hook-and-loop closure strap that adds extra comfort and allows for a custom fit. Plus, the non-marking 3.5mm Vibram TC1 performance rubber sole offers enhanced flexibility and stellar grip on both wet and dry surfaces.
Features
- Thin, abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide and breathable mesh upper
- Single hook-and-loop closure strap
- Non-marking 3.5mm Vibram TC1 performance rubber outsole
- Razor siped outsole
For heading out to the marina or a casual day with friends, the Skechers Women's Go, Walk Lite will provide you with the maximum comfort you need all day. Its truly Iconic design and premium materials fuse with innovative SKECHERS GOwalk Lite™ technology allow for better comfort, style, and support.
- Featuring Skechers Goga Max® insole high-rebound cushioning with responsive feedback allows for lighter and comfortable city walks or when you’re on one of your boating escapades.
This pair of shoes is definitely perfect for a more relaxed and chilled day on the water.
Features
- Canvas & crochet upper
- Lace-up
- Round moc toe
- Fabric & mesh lining
- Goga Max cushioned footbed
- 5Gen midsole
- Synthetic sole
Looking for the perfect shoe to fit your active lifestyle on the water? Look no further because the Columbia Women's Drainmaker IV Shoe is a classic hybrid shoe built for different waterside adventures. Its open mesh uppers provide quick-drying breathability and the midsole ports promote better airflow and excellent drainage so your feet stay dry and feeling cool at the end of the day.
Techlite™ midsole offers a superior cushion for impact absorption and high energy suited for any watersports and activities. And its Omni-Grip™ non-marking wet grip outsole with razor siping provides ultimate traction on wet and dry surfaces.
Features
- Combination open mesh and synthetic upper
- Air-flow and water drainable midsole ports
- Techlite™ midsole
- Omni-Grip™ non-marking wet grip outsole with razor siping
The Women's Sperry Bluefish boat shoes are a style icon offering a sporty-chic, modern take on the classic original ocean-inspired boat shoes. Made from premium materials and hand-sewn to perfection, this iconic pair of boat shoes features the stellar seafaring quality and comfort that each Sperry boat shoe is known for.
The Sperry Bluefish Boat Shoe is available in a variety of trendy and chic prints and colors so you can blend effortlessly with the season.
Features
- 100% Leather
- breathable mesh panels
- Padded tongue
- Moulded EVA Cushion Midsole
- Non-marking rubber outsoles, and dock-ready wet/dry traction
How Do You Wear Boat Shoes?
Boat shoes are extremely versatile and are ideal for casual occasions. The classic silhouette of these shoes makes them perfect to pair with different clothing like jeans, shorts, skirts, casual dresses, and khakis.
Are boat shoes meant to be worn with socks?
Boat shoes are designed to be worn without socks. But if you absolutely need to wear one they should be no-show socks.
Since these shoes are originally made to be used on boats, wearing socks is not necessary because there are high chances that they can get wet while on board, and a wet sock is no fun.
Pontoon Boat Accessories
Pontoon boats are a great way to have some outdoor family fun on the lake or a party with friends out on the open sea. Check out these practical must-have pontoon boat accessories to add to your boat for smooth sailing.
Download Your FREE Boating Pre-Departure Checklist

Recommended Boating Resources
- Recommended Pontoon Boat Accessories
- Best Boat Snacks– These are easy to make and yummy, too
- Pontoon Boating Safety Guide & Checklist
- DIY Pontoon Boat Storage Ideas
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Planning to go on a pontoon boat trip? Before you leave make sure you have with you these 18 Things To Bring On A Pontoon Boat.
Boating parties are s much fun, but first read this boating guide for guests for some tips!