I’ve had the chance to race in my Sperry SeaRacer sailing shoes. I opted for the black/blue color, which is currently selling for just under $100 at West Marine. I find them more aesthetically appealing than most of Sperry’s technical sneakers. The fit is true to size, and free of Sperry’s habit of making their toe box a bit narrow for my feet. The upper is mostly a lightweight mesh, and the shoe uses regular laces. The insole is a textured rubber which is comfortable and grippy wet or dry.
Likes
The GripX3 sole is what really sets this shoe apart. It’s remarkably sticky, making you want to scamper around on the foredeck. I wish Sperry would make all of their soles out of this stuff, it is great. I am religious about only wearing my sailing shoes on a boat, so I anticipate the grip to last me at least until I wear out the uppers. The mesh of the upper allows it to drain out and dry quickly. I had both feet submerged while riding the leeward rail, and they dried out and stayed comfortable for the rest of the race. I have been wearing them without socks, but a pair of synthetic or wool socks would be a great complement if the weather is wet or cold. Or just get the SeaRacer boots.
Dislikes
I’m wearing out the uppers! I race on a boat with aggressive non-skid paint, and it has started chafing through the thin mesh of the upper. It’s disappointing, the toe cap stops right in front of that wear point. That is really the only blemish on the shoe, and I’m not sure how much I can blame Sperry. If your boat has the regular non-skid, you have nothing to worry about. If your boat has gnarly 40-grit non-skid, take care not to drag the sides of these things on the deck. Or check out the SeaRacer +, which has a rubber lattice over the mesh to help prevent chafe.