These are definitely not your grandfather’s boat shoes. With a proprietary “water evacuation channeling” in the midsole, a hydrophobic textile lining and a “lace garage” to keep laces from catching cleats, the SPS Force 8 shoe includes the kind of technology previously found only aboard an America’s Cup boat. The result is a pair of incredibly comfortable shoes with traction on steeply canted decks that has to be experienced to be believed. Switching over from a pair of older shoes, I found I had to adjust so that I didn’t get tripped up shuffling over the nonskid on my regular ride’s foredeck. They’re that good. Available in either red, white and blue, or Quantum Racing’s team colors, they are also very cool to look at.
$165. Sebago, sebago.com
