Boating boots : Choose your boating boots at Nautisports
WELL CHOOSED: which navigation boots?
Rubber boots or technical boots?
The choice of your pair of boots will depend on the season and the sailing program, just like the choice of most clothes, wetsuits or marine accessories.
When it comes to boat boots and }, it is quite easy to find your way around and quickly make the right choice! Indeed, only two main families of exist for sailing and boating in general. The most common boots for sailing are rubber boots, well known to sailors and fishermen, and the second type of boot is the technical boot, favored by racers or for offshore racing on sailing boats. The rubber boots as well as the technical boots will fully adapt to your activity in boat or sail, it remains for you to choose the pair of the most adapted to your practice. The reference brands in terms of sailing boots for men or women are Le Chameau, Dubarry, Rouchette, Aigle and Gill. Le Chameau, Rouchette and Gill have their own performance-oriented rubber boot models. The Dubarry brand has a slightly more functional positioning, and Aigle offers very versatile models for men and women.
- Rubber boots have a timeless style, and remain a mythical pair of shoes for sailboat enthusiasts. With colors ranging from classic navy blue to candy pink for children's models, rubber boots are still a safe bet for footwear used in the sailing world. On land or on sea, rubber boots have always accompanied generations of boat enthusiasts. Rubber boots can be found on the deck of a sailing boat as well as in a garden shed. Sturdy, inexpensive and with an almost unlimited lifespan, rubber boots are 100% waterproof sailing shoes. No water can get in except through the top of the rubber boot itself. However, we recommend that you wear waterproof socks. Waterproof socks are a sailor's best friend on deck in wet weather. Waterproof socks give you double the protection when worn with waterproof footwear like rubber boots. So you can use these boat shoes on every sailing trip. The only complaints about rubber boots are their weight and low thermal capacity. Please note that rubber boots are not breathable because of their composition. Rubber boots are therefore preferable for day trips, family outings, warm or even temperate climates, sailing trips or coastal cruises.
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- More known by the sailors and experienced sailors, the technical waterproof and breathable boot is more efficient than a classic rubber boot. It is recommended for winter sailing, cruising or regattas. Generally composed of a 3-layer waterproof membrane or leather, the technical boot allows, like GORE-TEX®, the evacuation of water vapor to the outside while keeping your feet warm and dry. The emphasis is on comfort, for a boot that will delight sailors eager for performance on the water. For the construction, Kevlar, which guarantees high resistance to abrasion, leather, GORE-TEX®, and even neoprene are recommended. The use of technical materials makes this type of boat boot more expensive and difficult to maintain than a rubber boot.
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What size should I choose for my boots?
The choice of the right size remains one of the first questions for our customers. Depending on the type of boot, the footwear differs. However, the following tips should help you make sense of it.
- We often tend to think that rubber boat boots fit larger than a pair of classic shoes. In fact, because of their construction and the material used, rubber boots offer an enlarged fit to facilitate entry and removal of the boot. Therefore, it sometimes happens that some customers take a size below their usual size on their usual city shoes. However, always remember to keep a slight gap between your toes and the bottom of your boot. This will make walking in these shoes more comfortable and will act as insulation in colder conditions. It is normal for the heel to lift slightly when walking on the deck of your sailboat. However, it should not make you feel like you are losing your boots with every step you take. If this is the case, your shoe size is too big.
- On the Shamrock and Ultima models, Dubarry offers an ExtraFit ™ version of its famous leather sailing boots that allows for easier entry and removal for those with a stronger kick. This proprietary process from the Irish brand can really make a difference when getting in or out of the boot feels more difficult on a traditional boot.
How to maintain your sailing boots?
How to care for your sailing boots?
Leather, textile or rubber, don't neglect your sailing boots! For textile materials, remember to maintain them regularly with a waterproofing and nourishing spray to ensure the best possible life span. Regardless of the material, a fresh water rinse after each sea trip is recommended. Then let your boots air dry and avoid exposing them to sunlight. Don't forget to remove your soles if they are equipped with them. For leather boots, you should know that sea water is very corrosive. To preserve the material as much as possible, brush them with a soft bristle brush and then rinse them with fresh water. Always store them in a cool, dry place at a constant temperature. Finally, if your boots are going to be stored for an extended period of time, use a shoe tree and clean them well beforehand. This way, you will enjoy their flexibility and performance for longer.
Have a good navigation !
For any question or additional information, we are at your disposal at 04.78.41.79.31. Note that the delivery is free on Nautisports from 150 eur of purchase. The delivery is fast, according to the extent of the available stock. See the details of the delivery on the product sheet of the model of your choice.
The Nautisports. com team
