Footwear Ick or Tick?

Is your footwear an ick or a tick?

Things You Didn't Realise You Needed to Know About Your Footwear

Footwear like the rest of your outfit needs to satisfy a certain aesthetic. Think bleached eyebrows, horrendous tan lines, and aggressively faded snapback caps. Anything that doesn’t match, and you are in trouble of being dubbed Seafaris biggest ick. A title no one wants. Finding the balance between practicality and style can be challenging, but with the collective help of the Seafaris team, we have put together a useful guide to ensure you have the best shoes on the trip. 

Ensuring your shoes withstand nautical conditions is a great start. Whether it be the Ecrehous, the Minquiers or even dinner at Portelet – you always run the risk of getting slightly wet feet. One seasoned skipper (Tom Norman) made the unfortunate mistake of wearing his brand-new red gazelles onboard. Before he knew it, his red gazelles had run, and his white socks turned into an icky salmon colour. Suffice it to say, he learnt his lesson. 

For something stylish whilst being water resistant, Birkenstocks, Crocs, and flip-flops are a firm favourite amongst crew and skippers. Whilst Birkenstocks, flip flops and Josh Dearing’s rogue Croc sliders do not have the ‘mandatory’ closed toe, they are practical, comfy and grippy – perfect for long days out on the water.  

Our verdict for Birkenstocks: 7/10. Stylish, grippy & practical. Plus, you have the bonus of some gnarly tan lines (not as gnarly as skipper Will Queree flipflop tan lines though)

Our verdict for Crocs: 10/10. Provide a closed toe, are grippy and can be styled exceptionally well (check out Dan Luce’s Croc accessories below). 

Our verdict for Flip Flops: 4/10. Whilst providing insane tan lines they are an incident report waiting to happen.

JIBBITZ ARE A MUST

Another definite favourite amongst the team are wellies. Whilst they give off a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ and falls heavily into the French fishermen aesthetic, the look quickly declines when paired with shorts especially on a hot summer’s day (which are currently non-existent). 

Our verdict: 5/10. Good for standing in water and keeping feet dry and warm. Bad for attracting girls and naturally reduces one’s rizz. 

Shoes like jellies or wetsuit boots seem like the obvious choice. They provide basic functionality and the all-important ‘mandatory’ closed toe. However, jellies are renowned for not being comfortable or supportive when it comes to clambering over stones (especially the shingle bank at the Ecrehous – which is a killer). When dry, wetsuit boots are ghastly – it’s like being in a dry wetsuit: hot, sticky, and all round miserable. 

Our verdict for both: 2/10. Good for grip. Bad for style (especially when paired with an office suit).

We’ve seen everything when it comes to footwear (Gucci sandals, furry UGG slippers and even the occasional high heel are amongst the few) and whilst it appears that we low-key judge you, if your shoes provide grip and comfort that’s all we care about. However, it is always a bonus if styled well. 

Forget onlyfans, send us your best feet pictures at @jerseyseafaris