By Kelsey Mitchell, Swimming World College Intern.
When people think of the supplies and rituals essential to a successful swim meet, very few take footwear into consideration. Despite this lack of recognition, shoes play a very important part in getting a swimmer through a meet, whether it be protecting feet from the burning ground or freezing air. Alongside protecting vulnerable feet from the elements, shoes provide much needed support to tired legs.
Here are five of the most common types of shoes you’ll find on the pool deck. Which one is your go-to deck shoe?
1. Flip Flops
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A pool deck classic, flip flops offer breathe-ability like no other, allowing all of that chlorinated water to evaporate within minutes. With the exposed convenience of flip flops, you can walk through huge puddles and brave flip-turning freestylers without the worry of squishy socks. With an endless array of colors, patterns, accessorized straps, durabilities and prices, there’s a perfect pair for everyone. Just remember to be careful of blisters.
2. Slides
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The trendy and fashionable cousin of the flip flop, slides have a thicker strap and go over the top of the foot instead of between the toe. Slides come in a variety of styles and designs made for both pool and everyday use. Many slides offer stylish features such as multiple straps, patterns, buckles and faux fur. Depending on the type of material the slide is made of, the shoe can be very water resistant and supportive. Arch support and traction are usually better in slides than flip flops. However, as with flip flops, be careful to avoid blisters.
3. Sneakers
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Very popular at collegiate meets, sneakers and tennis shoes offer the necessary support and comfort to get you through a long meet. As most swimmers already own a pair for dry land training, moving them onto the pool deck takes little effort. Quick and easy to slide on, sneakers are a great way to keep your body warm between races.
The one major downside of wearing sneakers on deck is soggy socks and shoes. Spending hours in squishy socks and sopping shoes may not be everyone’s ideal, but there’s no denying they keep your legs and feet supported and ready to race.
4. Boots
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Popular in colder climates and the winter months, it’s much easier to slide on a pair of warm, comfy boots before those ice cold winter morning practices. Your toes stay warm and snug all the way from your bedroom until you dive into the frigid water. Many come in multiple colors and are adorned with buttons, clasps and bows. Available in both tall and short varieties, faux and sheepskin material, boots and slippers are a cold morning practice staple. Be careful to keep your boots from getting wet, and remember to coat them with a waterproofing spray to give them the longest lifespan possible.
5. Crocs
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Crocs tend to be everyone’s favorite rubber clog. Offering more support than flip flops, many swimmers opt for the comfy rubber shoe. With their closed toe design, Crocs keep wet feet warm while also allowing water to escape from the vents on the fronts and tops of the shoes. Another feature Crocs offer is an adjustable strap on the back, which can be moved from the top of the shoe to the heel based on the wearer’s preference. For the colder months, warmly lined clogs are available.
Besides the variety of available colors, Jibbitz Shoe Charms make Crocs highly personalized and cute. Jibbitz come in a variety of styles, including characters, letters and food items. It is important to remember to clean the inside of the shoe to prevent fungi and bacteria from growing.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.