I couldn't find my water shoes today, so I put on a pair of old running shoes that are way past using for anything else...

And they were terrific for the short period I used them today. Of course, they won't dry out as fast as water shoes, but as I recall, my water shoes generally don't dry out on the boat anyway.

Does anyone else use old running shoes instead of water shoes? Is there a down side that I will experience when I'm out on the water for longer? Like many runners, I always have the pair of running shoes that I can still use for running, another pair of running shoes that I use for walking around, a pair I use when I'm doing something like mowing the lawn that will get them disgustingly dirty ... and several more that are no good for running anymore but don't seem quite like I should throw them out ;->

Jonathan

I wear Sperry Figawis while sailing - I used to wear neoprene boots or the water shoes too but I really like wearing a tennis type shoe - they grip very well on the hull and trampoline. I've also found that wearing a performance sock (that are very common in bicycle shops) are very comfortable and make it more bearable should you get sand in your shoe. Harken also makes a great water 'tennis' shoes.

THE BEST water shoe out there right now.

Its so good, that I shove my sized 16 foot into a size 13 just to get the benefits.

Ouch! Maugan that's 3 sizes too small! But on the upside I guess you never have to spend a dime on skis!

I have always worn, old running shoes, both on bare feet and over my dry suit socks, they usually last a couple of seasons. They give good shock asborbing when trapesing.

The only down side is that some modern shoes often have plastic inserts in the heel support. When the material wears away the plastic can dig into you foot or worse tear at your dry suit. Just throw them away when this starts.

SOMA:

Feet are sized 16 in Nike, 15 in Adidas and others, and then 14.5 in some others so it may not be as bad as it sounds

Jake -

I wear the womens' version of those that zipper up. Love 'em. They dry quick and don't come un-tied while racing.

Tracie

Mine do keep coming untied unless I tie several square knots in them...I saw the zippered ones the other day and they're already on my birthday list!

My favorites are the inexpensive Converse high tops. The high top gives you a little ankle support, and it keeps your shoes on if you happen to step off into muck. Being canvas they dry quickly and don't scar your tramp like my old Teva's did. The Converse sole doesn't hold alot of mud and sand to track all over your tramp...

3 out of 10 sailors in the OBX500 were wearing 'Chucks' during the race this year. Both Nate and I on Accelerated Chaos and the crew for Team Ches. had them on. I absolutely swear by them and they have the 'retro' feel to them. Quick dry, and comfortable. Only thing is the laces get beat up pretty quick in the foot straps so we replaced ours with 3mm marlow line...
Chris
Team Accelerated Chaos
www.acceleratedchaos.com

Chuck Taylors are the best and can be had for a bargain. As for fashion, as someone pointed out last week right after I hit the beach, my red ones match my dry suit perfectly. Also, they remind me not to take myself too seriously.

Chris,
I hear the "Chucks" are THE fastest shoes ever made, brings a whole new perspective to them. Our ground crew swore by them also. Are you listening Converse?

Dave Mosley
www.teamseacats.com

Where can they be had for a bargain? What kind of prices are you talking?

Jonathan

I think mine were $30 and I got them at Famous Footwear.

Jake. The last time I checked the zipper ones only came in women's. You can them in light blue and orange too. I really wanted the light blue ones but wound up with the Oyster colored ones.

Tracie

I have to buy kids shoes. Upside is that I get great deals... downside is that it's hard to find good quality that doesn't have little dinosaurs on it. Agree with you on the Rodiums - got 'em at Campmor.com for $29 - a little different than the adult style, but great for kids, women and me.

I got my Chuck Taylors at City Sports in Boston... Think I paid 19.99 or there abouts. Nate got his at the Army Navy Store in Newport, RI. Definately a good deal. For sailing off the beach, I would just recomend wearing some sort of socks with them as Sand + canvas + skin + time = pain
Chris
www.acceleratedchaos.com

In '95 I had just started Cat sailing. One Saturday I was sailing with "surf socks". I left them unrinsed in the car overnight, and all the next day while I was at work. It was a hot sunny day...I was supposed to give a really pretty woman a ride. When I opened the door for her, the stench nearly knocked us to the ground! I couldn't believe it! Had to bag the offending socks, and open all the windows for awhile before we could get in. I don't think she ever got in that car again. Moral of the story: RINSE YOUR GEAR!

Yeah I've done the same. Smells like a mix of wet dog and nasty shoes put through one of those quizno's toaster (to get the flavor yaknow)

YUM

Just got back from the Pamlico Sound. The running shoes worked GREAT, and wearing socks along with them made a HUGE difference in my comfort. I was amazed when I took of my shoes afterward and saw how much sand I had in my shoes - the socks had protected me very effectively.

Jonathan