The Chatham Finn waterproof sailing boot was launched last year to compliment the already popular Cruz II sailing boot.
It’s a fine looking boot with soft tan coloured leather overlaid with darker tan leather panels. It has a genuine rubber sole with a razor cut tread and an interesting sounding breathable bamboo lining. It is also lightly padded and has cushioning underfoot for comfort.
In use, it’s a very comfortable boot with a slightly looser fit than some, but room for a thicker pair of socks (although best to check your sizes first).
Depending on what they’re used for, you can slide a pair of oilskins over the top of them, or can feel equally at home with a pair of trousers tucked in for shore use.
I have narrow feet but the boot didn’t feel too wide and I didn’t find my socks riding down at any point.
In place of bootstraps or loops, the Finn has a stretchy panel at the back of the boot that is easy to grip with gloved hands and aids pulling the boots on.
The bamboo liner doesn’t look like I imagined it would (i.e. bamboo….probably a good thing) but seems to do it’s job well as a breathable liner, and my feet never felt too hot.
The boots were a good height and didn’t leak whilst wading out, launching our kayaks.
The soles are designed for use on wet decks, but cope just as well with polished saloon floors, pavements and footpaths.