Wetsuit shoes and boots are made from neoprene and rubber, and provide you with some insulation and grip. For sailing, boots can be more robust than general wetsuit shoes.
Personal safety gear is essential. A buoyancy aid is designed to help you stay afloat should you capsize. It is usually the most appropriate choice for dinghy or multihull sailing. An inflatable life jacket may be an alternative for keelboat sailors only.