Zero Drop Running Shoes

Here are our top recommendations for zero drop boat shoes that are both stylish and functional.

The best zero drop boat shoes are the Astral Loyak. Not only are they 100% zero drop, these boat shoes can be soaked in salt water with no deterioration. They also possess solid grip that is needed on boats. Finally, they are stink resistant and will smell fine after a clean wash.

Astral Loyak Zero Drop Boat Shoe (for men)

Astral’s Loyak is the perfect zero drop boat shoe that is lightweight, comfortable and stylish. I gave it my highest recommendation if you are looking for a minimalist boat shoe. 

What I like

• Water ready: These shoes can take any water related punishment you can think. Soak them in salt water, walk them through muddy sands, climb them on limestone rocks. They still works. These shoes also dry quick.
  

• Super grip: The Loyak has the toughest grip among all the shoes review today. You feel safe in these when walking on any water related slippery surfaces. If used for hiking, they provide amazing stability when walking on slippery rocks.

• Stink resistant: Most shoes will stink if they are soak in water but not these. Just clean after your day out on the boat and they will smell ok.

• Stylish: Prepared to receive a lot of compliments when wearing these. They are just gorgeous.

• Durable: These shoes can last pretty long even after being used in tough outdoor environment

What can be improved

• No lace: This is a personal preference but it will be great if there is no lace as I hate tying them. 

Sizing runs slightly small so do order 1/2 a size up.

Xero Shoes Boaty (for men and women)

The Xero boat shoes (called boaty, which is kinda of cute) is shoe that you can wear not only on boats as you you can wear this for outside casual walking.

Women version can be found here at Amazon

This shoe can be considered to be a vegan shoe as it is made of vegan friendly materials.

What I like

• Comfort: Shoes have good lining that are comfortable to wear. They are also very light on the feet, esp when compared to traditional boot shoes
  

• Drys quick:  The material is pretty breathable and makes the boat drys quickly
  

• Easy to wear: These can be slip on and off easily.

• Durable: I have had these for 6 months now and it is still holding up well. In addition, Xero is offering a 5000 miles gurantee so you can always ask for a change if your did not hold up like mine.

What can be improved

• Hard soles: The soles are harder than what I expect for a boat shoe. Prefer a softer one especially when this shoe is not meant for tracking or hiking.

For sizing, you will need to order one size up from youCr usual sizing.

Crocs Men’s Santa Cruz Playa Boat Shoe (for men)

This Crocs boat shoe is another stylish boat shoe as they have wonderful color combinations and clean lines. Below are some other positive traits.

What I liked

• Colors: I simply love the color combinations offered by Crocs. This naval and brown combination is my fav. There are 3 other color combinations: black, dark and light grey, and beige.

• Comfort: Very lightweight and very well cushioned inside. However it is still zero drop so the heel cushioning is not as heavy padded as others.

• Easy to wear: Slip on and off

• Value for money: Compared to the likes of Xero, Crocs is much cheaper. Usually, you can buy them at 30% off what you pay for other brands.

• Drys quick: Like all good boat shoes, this one drys quick as well.

What can be improved

• Tougher seams: There are some cases where there are tears along the lines between the top and bottom skin after 6 months. In the pic above, it will be the lines where the blue and brown meet. I suspect that might be due to insufficient stitches. Alternatively, they can used one complete piece of material, rather than a two piece design. 

Sizing wise, you need to order 1/2 size bigger as these run small than usual. In addition, they are regular designed and do not cater to those with wide feet.

Vivobarefoot Rif Boat Shoe (for women)

There are not many zero drop boat shoes for women but this Vivobarefoot Rif is a good one to consider.

What I liked

• Comfortable: Like all Vivobarefoot shoes, this one is comfortable and lightweight.

• Easy to match: The design is pretty straight forward and can match different styles. The shoe also comes in 3 different color combinations. If you don’t like bright colors, the other 2 color options are black and brown.

• Wide design: For ladies who need wider shoes, these will fit your need perfectly. The toe box is also pretty roomy without the shoe looking like a clown shoe.

What can be improved

• Prices: I find them to be a bit on the high side.

Buying guide for  zero drop for boat shoes

• Good grip on slippery surface: Boat surfaces can be slippery especially wet so a good grip provides more stability. Among the models, the Astal Loyak has the most solid grip.

• Drys quickly: Since your shoes are likely to get wet, you will want them to dry quickly. All 3 models dry pretty quick but Astral and Crocs dried more quickly than Xero.
  

• Stink proof or resistant: Preferably, there should also be breathable mesh so that your feet will not stink after they got wet.
  

Conclusion

One advantage of zero drop shoes is to allow your feet to feel the surface that you are walking on. When used on boat, it is even more important as the boat might be rocky and you need a firmer grip when walling to avoid any accidents.

All the shoe models recommended here are not only zero drop, but they contain important characteristic that makes good boat shoes, such as having breathable material and good sole grip. Some of them are even vegan friendly if you are looking for those.