Why Is the Skagen F-1 Offshore Sailing Shoe So Popular?
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There’s more than one reason Helly Hansen’s Skagen F-1 Offshore sailing shoe is so popular worldwide, and a best seller from The Best Sailing Shoes: Everything You Need To Know.
Today, we’ll delve into what those reasons are to help you find the exact kind of deck shoes you’re looking for.
Sailing shoes are an important piece of kit that you need to trust will do the job — you don’t want to waste money on gear that doesn’t work, or be disappointed because they’re not as good as you thought they would be.
I’ve been putting the Skagen F-1 Offshore shoe through its paces out on the water to answer the question “Are they really that good?”.
We’ll look at who Helly Hansen designed them for, 5 reasons they’re so popular, and I’ll share my experience wearing them with their performance on deck, along with some burning FAQs.
By the end of this article — you’ll know exactly what makes Helly Hansen’s Skagen F-1 Offshore shoe one of the top performing sailing sneaker hybrids on the market, and if they’re right for you too.
Who were they designed for?
The clue’s in the name! Helly Hansen designed the Skagen F-1 Offshore shoe specifically for offshore sailors in offshore conditions combining comfort, durability, and performance in a sleek package that meets the demands of serious sailors. BUT here’s the twist — this attractive performance element isn’t just for offshore — and that brings us to Reason No.1 of WHY they’re so popular!
5 Reasons the Skagen F-1 Offshore Sailing Shoe is so popular:
1. Versatility
Anywhere, Anytime
While they’re a high-spec design for offshore sailing, they’re actually perfect for everyday sailors too — whether it’s for club racing, out boating on fresh white decked launches or cruising around the coast, these are comfortable and easy to wear. The versatility of being able to wear this high-performance sneaker hybrid anywhere, anytime makes it a great option for new sailors and experienced alike.
Comfy feet on helm duties
2. Comfort and Fit
“And I’m Feeeeling Good”*
* If you didn’t just read that in Nina Simone’s Feeling Good song voice please re-read
Many of us wear shoes onboard out of necessity to avoid cold feet, broken toes, or worse — a slip overboard. None of those feel good. Fortunately, one of the reasons many sailors happily enclose their toes in the Skagen F-1s is because they’re exceptionally comfy.
I can verify there are four parts to this “And I’m feeeeling good” comfiness:
The cushioned insole actually stays cushy after long sails and months of use
They’re lightweight and flexible on your feet (while being durable)
They have a snug fit* so even when in rough seas your feet feel stable
The upper mesh is breathable so they can dry quickly, and stay warm with less moisture build up to create blisters
*My feet are quite wide across the middle and the fit is pretty snug but they have flexed with my feet. If you had super wide feet these shoes may be a little too snug for you. See other sailing footwear options here.
Comfy rubber sole, siping pattern for grip, and note the central flex groove
Non-marking flexi sole with multi-zone grips — it's good!
3. Grip and Traction
Hold Me Tight
What truly sets Helly Hansen’s Skagen F-1 Offshore shoes apart — and one of the most commented on features that impressed me too — is its outstanding multi-zone grip. The non-marking, razor-siped sole (tread pattern cut into the rubber) gives outstanding traction on wet surfaces holding your feet tight on deck. So whether you’re wrestling sails on bow, heeled at 20° while being pummelled by salty waves; or cruising and anchoring in cold wet squalls — you’ll have the confidence to move quickly and safely around the boat. They won’t fix your balance when it’s rough but your feet won’t slide while you’re moving from thing to hang onto, to other thing to hang onto.
Comfy without socks and flexible to wear
4. Durability and Water Resistance
Built to Last
Engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of offshore sailing, the Skagen F-1 is made with durable materials that resist wear and tear. Despite their robust construction, these don’t feel heavy or stiff on my feet. I can sit cross legged on deck, lounge in the cockpit, or jump up and down to change sails and get up on deck quickly and they feel really comfy.
WATER RESISTANT
The upper layer is hydrophobic which means it’s water-resistant but not waterproof — so if you’re in any heavy weather or wet sailing conditions, you will get soaked shoes. But, they are breathable and do dry quickly (see FAQs below for more on dry times).
RECYCLED MATERIALS
Helly Hansen have used a lot of recycled materials in this durable shoe — which is great for the planet and a big tick in my book!
More than 70% of the upper is made of recycled materials, with100% recycled lace and 100% recycled polyester webbing. Importantly in a boat shoe, it has a non-marking rubber sole.
I'll go! Happy to head up on deck
5. Style and Design
Looking Fine
Safety and practicality in sailing gear is the number one priority out on the water but we all like our gear to look good too right?. So in true Helly Hansen fashion, Skagen F-1 doesn’t compromise on style. This deck shoe is cool — and you’ll find the under 20’s sporting these as often as the ‘anyone not 20 anymore’ crowd. That’s because these kicks look just as good off the boat as they do on deck. With a sleek profile and subtle branding it’s the nod to sailors in the know — without screaming ‘I want to be on a boat’ in a way that Sperrys do (god bless them).
Although these only come in in two colours.
In Summary
There’s everything to love about the sporty looking Skagen F-1 Offshore sneaker hybrid. And now you know why it’s such a popular choice for sailors looking for a reliable, comfortable, and stylish option. The super grip, durability, and comfort make it well worth the investment, whether you’re competing in regattas or enjoying a leisurely cruise. My only suggestions for future improvements to the Skagen F-1 OffShore is slightly longer laces and a larger size range for women.
In my experience, not worrying about the deck being slippery and being able to just focus on the job at hand — makes being out on the water much more enjoyable.
Where can I get a pair?
Women’s Skagen F-1 Offshore
Women's Skagen F-1 Offshore shoes come in Navy (like mine pictured throughout), and also an off white.
Men’s Skagen F-1 Offshore
FAQs
How’s the sizing?
Sizing runs true to size.
I’m a US Women’s 10 and these fit well (as noted earlier I have wider feet so they were snug across the widest part of my foot, but my toes had good room). 10 is the largest in women’s so you could go up to the mens shoes — which look very similar.
Should I wear socks with them?
Wearing socks with your sailing shoes is a personal preference. I don’t in summer, but I do wear merino wool socks with them in winter as extra warmth. You could actually wear wool socks in summer too since they’re breathable, and even when wet, still insulates you against the cold (it works well for sheep!).
Merino wool blend keeps feet cosy — even when wet!
How long do they take to dry?
Overall, it will depend on weather and sailing conditions – in summer the shoes dry really quickly — in as little as 15 minutes! But in winter it’ll take longer. The outer shoe will dry much quicker than the inner sole too. If you’re drying the shoes out after wearing them, the moulded high-grade EVA innersol can be removed.
How do you clean them?
They’re super low fuss to clean — throw them in the washing machine, or give them a hand rinse in fresh water. Dry them well before storing to prevent mould and keep them fresh.
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