Harken Vortex Shoes, holes in the soles for water drainage

Harken's Vortex Deck Shoes, have holes in their soles already, even from new. This feature is to help water drain out from your feet, yes, feet only and not from your gardens and kitchens, sorry!

The shoes are light and have an extra slightly wider that normal fitting for more comfort and for £59.95 represent good value for keeping your feet dry and not too shrivelled. We all know Neil from the Young Ones complained about a hole in his shoe, but he was obviously no sailor. All too often when in and around boats, your feet are going get a little wet. When this happens, there is nothing worse then squelching around all day to end up with toes looking like shrivelled prunes. Harken's Vortex Shoes have been built to let the water flood out with it's holes in it's soles, where 9 drainage holes, designed allow any unwanted water in the shoe to be drained away quickly.

Ample ventilation and our exclusive One Way Drainage System channels water away from the foot for traction and to speed drying
Ryan Gallagher, Designer

Harken says "The sole has been completely redesigned to provide maximum traction, and water shedding capabilities." However, this is not for letting out perspiration like Geox casual shoes. This rather to allow any water entering into the sole an easy and quick way to drain to help leave your feet dryer and not squelching all day long because of one small mishap earlier in the day.

Water flows out of 9 sole holes, but not back in

Yes, but do they actually work? Well, I have to say they do. First I ensured my feet got wet. Then the water starts to escape. Not that you feel the water swooshing out in torrents, but what is noticeable is that your feet seem to dry a lot quicker and feel more comfortable than if the shoe had no holes. Of course, the summer helps and in this case a hot dray deck soon helps to dry out your feet inside, plus moving around helps to push the water out as well.

Like all Harken deck shoes, the Vortex feature quick-dry mesh uppers, provide superior lateral stability, and have full-length moulded EVA mid soles for toe-to-heel comfort and support. The silver-woven footbed kills odour-causing bacteria. The shoes are available on Harkens website http://www.harkenuk.co.uk