Shoes are a very important item aboard a boat as the provide traction on slick wet surfaces and they protect feet from impact with deck hardware. Shoes must have a soft non-marking sole and should be fast drying. Open toe shoes are not allowed. We highly recommend these brands of sailing specific shoes - Sperry, Sebago, Docksiders, Harken, and Keen. They can be found online and in local stores (West Marine - 37th b/w 5th and 6th).