Comfortable and supportive footwear is essential when spending extended periods on the water, especially for those who suffer from foot pain.
The best boat shoes are designed to offer traction on wet surfaces and protect feet from the elements, but what if you also require additional arch support?
As anyone who suffers from plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or flat feet knows, arch support is crucial in their footwear. Proper support distributes body weight evenly and reduces pressure on your feet, which in turn can alleviate pain and discomfort.
Unfortunately, the most traditional style of deck shoes—topsiders—often have the arch support of a flapjack. Their loafer profile and thin sole just don’t allow for a lot of extra padding or support. But as a given shoe design bulks up, better arch support usually follows.
We have selected these six shoes based on unique features that provide maximum arch support and comfort to sailors and boaters. Our list includes both men’s and women’s shoes, with various styles and designs to suit any preference.
Whether you’re out on the water for long periods or just strolling along the dock, these shoes will keep your feet well-supported so you can focus on enjoying your time on the water without worrying about foot pain or discomfort.
6 of the best arch support boat shoes
Musto Dynamic Pro ll boat shoes
Specifications: Sizes: 7 through 13 | Colors: Vallarta Blue, True Navy | Construction: Mesh with TPU overlay
Reasons to Buy: Durable and comfortable | Waterproof upper with a padded insole | Elasticated ghillie lacing for a perfect fit
Reasons to Avoid: More suitable for racers than day sailors | Moderately expensive
The Musto Dynamic Pro II Adapt is a great choice for serious sailors who need comfortable and durable boat shoes with solid arch support.
A TPU welded overlay in the upper provides lateral reinforcement, and a shock-absorbing heel cage reduces foot fatigue.
The ghillie lacing system utilizes elasticated loops to ensure a perfect fit. Waterproof uppers and a padded insole make them perfect for use in the wet conditions racers often encounter.
Musto’s proprietary GripDeck rubber increases traction on wet surfaces, and an EVA foam midsole offers good rebound and cushioning. The footbed is also ported for fast drainage.
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Skechers Women’s Arch Fit Uplift Shoreline
Specifications: Sizes: 5 through 11 | Colors: Black, Natural, Navy | Construction: Canvas with synthetic leather trim
Reasons to Buy: Removable Arch Fit insole | Podiatrist-certified arch support
Reasons to Avoid: Not a boating-first brand.
The Skechers Uplift Shoreline is a comfortable and supportive pair of women’s boat shoes. A removable Arch Fit insole provides podiatrist-certified arch support, and a lightweight Ultra Go cushioned midsole absorbs shock.
It’s a canvas shoe, which means it is light and breathable. The dual-density outsole features greater support where you need it most.
These shoes are also slip-on, making them easy to put on and take off, and they are available in a variety of colors to suit your style.
The Skechers Arch Fit Uplift Shoreline is a great choice for women seeking a supportive pair of boat shoes from a brand known for walking comfort.
Sperry Gold Cup Billfish Plushwave
Specifications: Sizes: 7 through 13 | Colors: Amaretto, Grey, Tan | Construction: Leather upper with lambskin lining
Reasons to Buy: Premium leather upper with laser-perforated side panels | Sperry Plushwave technology for cushioning and support | Grippy wave-siped tread.
Reasons to Avoid: Expensive | They are a bit chunky
The Sperry Gold Cup Billfish Plushwave boat shoe is the big brother of Sperry’s popular 3-Eyelet Billfish. It features this well-known boating brand’s highest-quality materials and construction standards (with a price to match).
The Gold Cup Billfish Plushwave is made with premium leather uppers and laser-perforated side panels for breathability. Luxurious lambskin lining provides comfort and warmth, while the dual-density Plushwave technology footbed ensures all-day cushioning and support.
This shoe has a durable non-slip outsole with Sperry’s distinct wave-siped tread for on-deck traction. They are also water-resistant.
The Sperry Gold Cup Billfish Plushwave is available in a variety of colors, sizes, and widths to find the perfect fit.
If you are looking for a comfortable boat shoe with the support of a sneaker, the Sperry Men’s Gold Cup Billfish Plushwave Boat Shoe is a great option.
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Chatham Buton G2 Deck Shoe
Specifications: Sizes: 6 through 12 | Colors: Navy, Red Brown, Walnut | Construction: Premium leather
Reasons to Buy: Excellent craftsmanship | Good arch support and cushioning | Top-of-the-line deck shoe
Reasons to Avoid: High price point | Leather is slower to dry than mesh
The Chatham Buton G2 Deck Shoe is a great option for boaters and water sports enthusiasts looking for a stylish and comfortable shoe.
As a premium shoe from Chatham’s top-shelf G2 line, it offers firm arch support, making it a solid choice for those with flat feet or high arches.
The upper is high-quality and water-resistant nubuck leather with mesh panels that reduce weight and promote drying. With its stitched moccasin toe and three-eyelet leather lacing, this is a traditional deck shoe that has the support of a sneaker.
Other features include Chatham’s sole spring poron performance cushioning and anti-bacterial lining to keep your feet well-cushioned and clean. The shoe is available in three yachty colors.
Cole Haan 4.ZeroGrand Regatta Boat Shoe
Specifications: Sizes: 7 through 13 | Colors: Navy Blazer, Stormcloud, Dark Chocolate | Construction: Mesh with reinforcing trim
Reasons to Buy: Shock-absorbing foam midsole | Breathable mesh made from recycled ocean plastics | Integral water drainage
Reasons to Avoid: Expensive shoe for a non-boating brand
The Cole Haan 4.ZeroGrand Regatta Boat Shoe is a stylish and modern take on the classic boat shoe.
This shoe features Cole Haan’s excellent arch support and cushioning, making it a great choice for boaters who need to be on their feet for long periods.
The Regatta upper is constructed with durable mesh fabricated from recycled ocean plastics. Reinforcing at the heel cage and collar provides extra support.
A heavily textured and proprietary Anchortrac Outsole ensures traction on wet and slippery surfaces.
Though Cole Haan is better known for comfortable dress shoes, the 4.Zerogrand Regatta’s sleek design and attention to detail make it a great choice for boaters who want a shoe that feels as good as it looks.
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Helly Hansen Skagen F-1 Offshore
Specifications: Sizes: 7 through 13 | Colors: Phantom EBO, Racer Blue, Navy | Construction: Mesh with a structural overlay
Reasons to Buy: Comfortable performance shoe | Lightweight and rugged | Excellent traction
Reasons to Avoid: Quite expensive
The Helly Hansen Skagen F-1 Offshore should be in any discussion of the best boat shoes for overall arch support.
A sneaker profile signals this shoe’s focus on comfort and performance. Mesh construction allows the shoe to breathe and stay flexible, while a seamless synthetic overlay reinforces the upper for a firm fit.
The dual-density foam midsole provides extra support in the form of a medial posting, which helps prevent excessive pronation that can lead to rolled ankles.
A removable microfiber insole is treated with antibacterial technology to reduce foot odor and fungi, keeping you comfortable on long passages.
If you took a premium running shoe and crossed it with a super grippy deck shoe, the Skagen F-1 Offshore is what you would get.
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