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A good pair of boat shoes may not make you a better boater, but they can sure make you more comfortable. If you are just interested in buying a pair of boat shoes for their look (as a fashion item), you should know that a well made pair will cost you significantly more than regular shoes. In that case, you might be better off with a good pair of loafers. Expect to pay close to or more than $100 for a decent pair. Anything less than that and you should worry about the quality of the shoes.
Real boat shoes are made of a tougher and more durable materials so that they don’t fall apart under the harsher conditions a boater has to face than your average landlubber. One of the primary requirements for good boat shoes is that sole is made of a tough non-slip surface, so you don’t slip and fall on the deck of the boat. Another difference is that boat shoes need to be maintained differently than regular shoes. For example, you need to oil them periodically with a good oil made especially for leather, so that their ability to protect your feet against moisture is kept intact. You should also replace the insoles often to prevent fungus from growing in the shoes; a more likely occurrence than with regular shoes because of their continued exposure to water. Naturally, the usual rules of buying a good shoe when it comes to comfort apply to boat shoes too.
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