Unlike many sneakers, sandals and other types of everyday footwear, kayak water shoes can give the feet adequate protection without getting ruined. Shoes that are made specifically for kayaking and other boating activities are designed to be highly adaptable to fresh and salt water and can help keep the feet safe while in the water or trekking across land. These shoes can be especially helpful when walking across sharp or rocky surfaces. Along with being worn in moist settings, kayak shoes are great for sports and other recreational activities as well as for performing chores and additional daily tasks.
Popular Selections
NRS Men’s Paddle Wetshoes – Made with a neoprene and titanium laminate, this kayak footwear option includes a 3-millimeter high-traction rubber sole on each shoe. The gusseted ankle zipper enclosure system helps keep out water so that feet stay dry. The shoe is also made with a toe box in a natural shape to keep the feet comfortable and prevent certain foot problems. Stabilizing bands with padded ankle arches provide extra support. VaporLoft lining is also included to help keep the shoes intact. Color choices include black and grey.
NeoSport Wetsuits Explorer 5mm Explorer Boots – Made with 5 millimeters of neoprene, these black boots are built to withstand moisture. The seams of the boots have been glued, bind-stitched and taped to ensure a watertight seal. Each boot provides a snug fit that offers additional support without being too tight on the feet. Zippers and warm titanium terry lining are included to lock in warmth and keep out water. The soles can withstand abrasions while providing adequate traction to walk across rugged surfaces.
Aleader Women’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes – Designed for the active woman, these shoes are also among the best shoes for beach walking. Black, blue, purple and fuchsia are just a few of the color choices that are available. The durable mesh that has been added to the top of each shoe allows the feet to breathe better. A lightweight Solyte midsole enables the bottom of the shoe to bounce back and provide ample support while walking. Better cushioning and a healthier environment for the feet are made possible by the ComforDry sock-liner.
NRS Boundary Dry Boots – With a 6-millimeter rubber outsole and a 7-millimeter neoprene insole, this footwear option features an adjustable buckle and instep strap to create the perfect enclosure system. The shim is made of 2 millimeters of plastic to give the boots extra durability. These boots have been waterproof tested to ensure that they are capable of trekking through mud and water while keeping the feet dry.
Speedo Men’s Seaside 3.0 Amphibious Pull-On Shoe – Made from a textile and synthetic blend, these pull-on shoes also feature synthetic soles so that they give better traction. The bungee vamp and upper portion made of breathable mesh provide better aeration for the feet. An ultralight design enables the shoes to be efficient in water. To give the feet even more comfort, a seaweed massage footbed has been added to the inside of each shoe.
Women’s Wave Water Shoes – Along with being great shoes for kayaking, these rubber aqua footwear additions can be worn while partaking in yoga and other fitness activities. Black, pink, turquoise and neon green are just a few of the color options that are available. A draw string at the back of each shoe can be pulled to ensure a snug and comfortable fit instead of having to tie laces.
Northside Unisex Brille II Athletic Water Shoe – Entirely made by humans for humans, these shoes are among the best water shoes for rocky beaches thanks to their high-quality traction. A rugged neon upper portion is lined with breathable mesh. The toe and arch overlays are resistant to abrasions and include lightweight webbing. Feet are kept dryer and healthier thanks to the quick-drying construction. Extra cushioning is provided by the EVA insoles. The toe bumpers help protect the toes from injury.
Promate Beach Dog Water Shoes – Suitable for boating, swimming and diving, the Promate Beach Dog Water Shoes come in sizes for women and men. The excellent traction makes it easier to walk over rocky, rugged surfaces as well as sandy and other loose surfaces where extra traction is needed. Inspired by the classic low-cut boot, these shoes are both stylish and ideal for different aquatic and athletic activities. The slip-on design of this footwear option makes it possible to take the shoe on and off without having to fuss with laces.
ALeader Men’s Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes – ALeader has designed a pair of premium kayak shoes mens feet can handle. Solyte midsoles are light enough to keep the feet comfortable while still be tough enough for maximum support. Traction is improved on slick surfaces with the Water Drain outsoles. Cushioning is further enhanced by the ComforDry sock-liners. Shoes dry quicker thanks to the open mesh on the upper portion of each shoe. Color options include navy, gray and white.
Merrell Men’s All-Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoe – Leather and fabric have been intertwined to create this cutting-edge piece of footwear. The sturdy synthetic soles let men tackle the toughest terrain. Walking through creeks and other sources of water is made easier with the shoe’s waxy leather upper portion that is also designed to be waterproof and can help shed water off the shoe. The 3-millimeter lug depth enhances the shoe’s functionality. Light brown and olive night are among the most popular color choices.
Mares Equator 2mm Dive Boots – Ideal for diving, these are also considered to be one of the best shoes for kayaking. Nylon and neoprene have been used to create the 2-millimeter foot pocket. Vulcanized ribbed rubber soles help keep the bottoms of feet protected. Further protection is given by the tall heel. All shoes are carefully glued and stitched so that they remain intact in the toughest environments. The low-cut design of each shoe allows the feet to move with greater freedom.
Cudas Women’s Shasta Water Shoe – These slip-on shoes for women are made of 100-percent fabric and come in silver or pink. They also include traction outsoles that do not leave any marks on floors. The protective toe and heel bumpers help keep the feet safe from rough contact with surfaces or other objects. A rear pull tab allows each shoe to be pulled on or off with ease. Mesh panels include crisscross elastic bands that help shoes stay on the feet without sliding. In addition to being highly durable for boating and other fitness activities, these shoes are stylish enough to go well with an assortment of outfits.
Adidas Outdoor Men’s Climacool Boat Lace Hiking Shoe – With a shaft measuring approximately 2 inches from the arch, this premier footwear option epitomizes a high-quality boating shoe. Climacool open mesh provides better air circulation and allows for quicker drying. A better fit is made possible with the stretchable heel inserts. The EVA tongue helps provide an even securer fit. The patented Traxion grip on the rubber outsoles prevent slipping while walking without leaving marks on floors.
Buyer’s Guide
Shopping for the best water shoes for kayaking can be easier when keeping the following considerations in mind:
Material – Leather, fabric and neoprene are some of the best materials for kayak shoes, but there are other natural and synthetic materials that also work well. Shoes often include breathable mesh material on their top portions to allow the feet to breathe while still filtering out moisture.
Season and Water Temperature – The time of year and expected water temperature should also be taken into consideration so that the right types of shoes can be purchased. Boot-style footwear that provides enough warmth and protection for the feet and lower legs is usually ideal for colder conditions. If boating is going to be done in the summer when the water temperature is warmer, shoes that have a lower cut will usually be sufficient.
Sole Thickness – A shoe with a thicker sole is advisable for walking over rugged surfaces where rocks and other sharp objects may be present. A thinner sole and tread may be more ideal for smoother land and water conditions so that the feet can move and breathe easier.
Fit – It is important to purchase kayaking water shoes that are snug enough on the feet without being too constrictive. Even though it might seem better to get footwear that fits as tight as possible to keep water from getting inside, too much tightness could result in discomfort and other foot problems.
Slip-On vs Laces – Some shoes can be slipped on without having to tie laces to secure them to the feet. However, laced shoes can sometimes be easier to adjust for a more customized fit. There are also kayak shoes that have pull strings at the backs that can be adjusted to fit tighter or looser.
Additional Feet Protection – There are shoes that feature add-ons that help keep the feet better protected. Some kayak footwear selections feature toe and heel bumpers in their designs that buffer much of the force that could injure feet.
The best kayaking shoes on the market can make boating and trekking across rugged and unstable land less of a hassle. Having the right shoes can help ensure a more enjoyable experience while spending a day on the water.