Other features include a soft fabric tongue, faux lacing, ventilation ports in the heel and forefoot to add breathability and help shed moisture. Chatham has more than 30 years of shoemaking under its belt and so confident is the company of its Pippa II G2 women’s leather boat shoes that each pair comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. The Women’s Sailing Boat Trainer Race 500 is a fine example of the company’s low-cost version of a lightweight, technical shoe. Other than its good looks and light weight, this shoe offers good grip thanks to Decathlon’s specially developed, diamond patterned, non-marking sole.

The 2020 Race Trainer is designed for a secure fit and is made of breathable materials, including a mesh lining with minimal water absorbency. This classic-style boat shoe from US shoe brand Sebago is probably of greatest interest to the active sailor. The nautical look never fails to triumph on the fashion circuit, which is why the best boat shoes – or deck shoes, as they are more commonly known in the boating world – are now as popular on the high street as they are on the water.There are a variety of colour and material options too, making it easier to pick the best boat shoe for your needs.

They argue that, if your time off work and on the water is limited, a little extra investment to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible, even when the weather turns nasty, is easily justified.Offered in half sizes from 3 to 7, with sizes 8 and 9 also available, the shoe comes in a choice of three distinctive upper/sole colourways to match your sails and your mood!

Although it is understandable to believe that Decathlon’s value for money Tribord sailing kit is ‘too good to be true’, it’s worth knowing that this company prides itself on its thorough testing regime with sailing professionals. The Tribord range at Decathlon has impressed the Yachting Monthly team in other tests – notably their coastal waterproofs. One of the key selling features is the sole spring poron insole, which promises to be cushioning, supportive, breathable and anti-bacterial. It has a water-resistant upper with recycled plastic used for the webbing, plus a comfortable quick-drying lining. The non-marking rubber outsole offers good grip for sailing, and the fully-adjustable, shock cord lace system, and decent-sized loop tab at the heel, makes them easy to get in and out of.Like most technical sailing trainer-style shoes on the market, the Pursuit Trainer is lightweight and has a quick-lace adjustment for a secure fit. While billed as leather boat shoes, the uppers of Decathlon’s moccasin-style Tribord Cruise 100s also incorporate a thin lightweight mesh for increased breathability. And even if the water does manage to get in, these shoes are more than up to the job as they are made from super-lightweight injected EVA, which floats.