Specifications: Sizes: 5.5 up | Colors: Donkey Brown, Navy, Chestnut, Extra Fit Donkey Brown, Midnight | Material: Leather / Fabric The boat shoes themselves have razor-cut soles so should provide a good level of grip. The leather is fantastically soft and the soles offer a great level of padding. All in all, they are initially impressive and they should work well on the water. This, combined with the made-in-Europe build, hand stitching and sewing, and good quality leather mean they are clearly aiming at the higher end of the boat shoe market, with a luxury brand feel.

The 2020 Race Trainer is designed for a secure fit and is made of breathable materials, including a mesh lining with minimal water absorbency. Decathlon’s technical shoes are lightweight, with a mesh upper that benefits from a plasma coating that reduces water absorption by 40 per cent. The eyelets are robust, which I have been impressed with as often this has been the first thing to go on previous pairs of boat shoes,’ they add. But what you do get in return for your investment are a high quality pair of shoes built for purpose and built to last.The Sperry Authentic Original Float Boat shoe is guaranteed to *ahem* float your boat. 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.

The Dubarry name is synonymous with sailing footwear and has an outstanding reputation for durability. 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. Helly Hansen is always at the top of the game when it comes to innovation, which is why it’s not surprising that the company’s latest sailing shoe – the Women’s version of the HP Foil V2 – hits the mark in many ways. Reasons to buy: Waterproof and lightweight | Good breathability sheds moisture | Rubberised sole provides increased traction | flexibility and comfort

This classic-style boat shoe from US shoe brand Sebago is probably of greatest interest to the active sailor.

Reasons to buy: Good all-round support | Sole spring poron insole – offers cushion | Breathability and anti-bacterial | Robust eyelets | Available in UK sizes 6-15 The moulded insole and outsole both have fast drainage and there’s extra toe protection to reduce risk of injury. Our tester wore them over several months and can vouch that they give their feet good all-round support, and the leather lacing kept them securely in place. Specifications: UK sizes: 6.5-12.5 | Colors: Choice of four | Material: Synthetic textile and mesh upper / EVA midsole / HellyGrip rubber outsole The Sperrin Winter Boat Shoe is Chatham’s twist on its classic boat shoe, featuring three eyelet laces, contrast stitching detail, side laces and a heavy cleated sole for additional traction on slippery pontoons.The rubberised sole is promised to provide increased traction, flexibility and ‘360-degree comfort’. Non-marking with a non-slip micro-grooved natural rubber outsole, these boat shoes are made in Portugal. The leather and accessories have been coated with a water-repellent treatment to resist saltwater. 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. This means that the products you buy have been approved and are fit for purpose. Specifications: Sizes: 6 up | Colors: Burgundy, Dark Tan, Navy, Navy / Tan, Tan | Material: Leather The Fowey, which is handmade in premium Saddle-coloured leather, retains all the fine qualities expected from this high-end brand including two-eyelet, leather rawhide continuous lacing system, full leather cushioned insole, and non-slip, non-marking rubber sole.

Our reviewer praised their versatility, reporting that they are just as suitable for paddleboarding as sailing onboard a foiling yacht. Reasons to avoid: Developed for dry weather conditions, may not be suitable for more intense conditions Specifications: Sizes: 5.5 up | Colors: Dark Petrol Blue, Lunar Grey | Material: Synthetic Leather / MeshThe Tribord range at Decathlon has impressed the Yachting Monthly team in other tests – notably their coastal waterproofs. These leather boat shoes are developed for inshore sailing in dry weather conditions.