10 Best Shoes For Kayaking (2023 Reviews and Guide)

Kayaking shoes are essential for those who love spending time on the water. Not only do they protect your feet from getting bruised and scratched, but they also keep you from slipping, which can be very dangerous.

If you’re looking for the best shoes for kayaking, make sure to choose a durable and comfortable pair.

Some good features to look for in a kayaking shoe include:

• A padded heel and ankle
• A tough, durable sole that won’t slip
• Extra insulation to keep your feet warm
• Quick-drying materials

If you are in a hurry, here’s a shortcut for the top picks!

What Are the Best Shoes To Wear Kayaking?

Not only do kayaking shoes keep you from slipping and sliding, but they also cushion your feet against the hard surface of the kayak. As a result, it is important to choose a good pair of kayaking shoes that are both durable and comfortable.

#1 Mishansha Water Shoes Quick-Dry

Material:	Lightweight lycra with rubber sole
For Men or Women:	Both Men and Women
Cut:	Low

This ultra-lightweight Lycra kayak shoe provides excellent flexibility and comfort. The elastic straps give you a snug, glove-like fit.

The rubber soles are flexible to move with you but provide excellent protection from rocks, branches, and other obstacles.

The Mishansha water shoe is quick-drying and includes seven drainage holes in the bottom of the shoe. This ensures water flows out of the shoe properly and helps keep your feet cool and dry.

This kayaking shoe comes in various colors, styles, and sizes for both men and women. With a reasonable price point, this is an excellent shoe for kayaking or other water sports like paddleboarding.

If you are in the market for a lightweight shoe that drains well, take a look at this shoe. Some reviewers have said the grip is not great on wet rocks, which is a bummer. But this shoe will give you proper protection on the bottom of your feet and a comfortable tight feel.

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#2 SIMARI Water Shoes

Material:	Elastic Lycra, rubber sole
For Men or Women:	Both Men and Women
Cut:	Low

Here is a kayaking shoe with a sock-like upper that fits snugly to your foot. The Lycra material is lightweight, breathable, and dries quickly.

The rubber sole is flexible, grips wet surfaces, and has eight drain holes to ensure water flows out. This unique drain system helps the shoe dry quickly and makes your feet feel cool. The bottom of the shoe is durable and is designed to protect your feet from sharp rocks and other obstacles.

Elastic shoelaces let you adjust the fit and help you quickly get these kayak shoes on and off. There are a lot of color choices and sizes to choose from for both men and women.

This highly-rated shoe will protect your feet with a rugged rubber sole. The shoe grips well to prevent slips. The drainage and breathability of the kayak shoe are excellent. This is a great option if you want comfortable and durable footwear for your next kayak adventure.

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#3 KEEN Men’s Newport H2

Material:	Polyester webbing, rubber sole
For Men or Women:	Men
Cut:	Low

KEEN is a popular brand of outdoor footwear, and for good reason. I have owned several pairs of KEEN sandals over the years. These shoes are durable, rugged, and very comfortable.

The H2’s have a waterproof upper, which sounds crazy for a sandal. Obviously, the shoe is not waterproof, but this means that the materials can handle the water.

The footbed on the H2’s is very comfortable to wear for long periods. The hard rubber soles are durable and take a beating. Your toes are well protected by the rubber covering.

The bungee lacing system is excellent and offers you just the right fit. The shoes stay secure on your feet. The only negative about these shoes and sandals, in general, is that sand and gravel can get stuck under your foot, which is kind of annoying. This is not a deal-breaker, given all the other positives.

The KEEN H2’s are one of the best shoes for kayaking. They are designed to drain well and are extremely well-ventilated. H2’s are available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. This particular model is for men. KEEN’s are available for women also.

KEEN H2’s are one of the best kayaking shoes because they dry pretty quickly and are very comfortable. One thing I love about these shoes is even when wet. They are comfortable to walk around in.

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#4 KEEN Women’s Whisper Sandal

Material:	100% polyester webbing upper
For Men or Women:	Women
Cut:	Low

KEEN water sandals are excellent kayak shoes. I own a pair, and so does my wife. This particular model is specially designed for women. The rubber sole is rugged, durable, and stands up to a lot of use.

The shoe is ventilated and extremely comfortable to wear. Water drains very well from these shoes. One of the best aspects of these KEENs is that they are comfortable to wear even when wet. They also dry pretty quickly.

Your toes will be nicely protected, and the bungee laces are a perfect fit. The Whisper sandal is machine washable too. The only negative I can think of, with sandals in general, small rocks and sand can get stuck in the footbed.

I love KEEN sandals. These make excellent shoes for kayaking. KEENs are more expensive than other shoes on the list, but it’s worth it. These shoes are durable and comfortable and protect your feet while kayaking.

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#5 Aleader Women’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes

Material:	Hydrophobic mesh upper, rubber sole
For Men or Women:	Women
Cut:	Low

Aleader makes lightweight and comfortable shoes for water sports. A breathable and durable mesh upper helps make this one of the best shoes for kayaking.

The shoe is easy to put on and take off with the help of a rear loop. The soft, breathable mesh material is comfortable and airy. The sock liner gives you some cushion and helps to make the shoe cooler and drier.

The shoe’s sole has rubber pods in the high-water areas, which helps with how the shoe grips. This shoe offers excellent grip in wet conditions.

The design also helps drain water, allowing the shoe to dry quickly. This is an excellent shoe for kayaking and is available in various sizes and colors.

Aleader makes an excellent kayaking shoe for women. The mesh upper is comfortable, durable, and dries quickly. The reinforced rubber sole puts more grip on the areas where the shoe drains.

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#6 NRS Women’s Paddle Wetshoe

Material:	Neoprene upper, rubber sole
For Men or Women:	Women
Cut:	High
Height:	6 inches
Thickness:	3mm

The NRS paddle shoe is a perfect kayaking shoe for women. This shoe gives you a great fit and all-day comfort. The high-top design keeps you warm but is not bulky.

The zipper makes it easy to put on and take off with 3mm Terraprene neoprene, and an added titanium layer helps keep you warm.

The wraparound sole provides extra protection for your heels and toes. The sole is 3mm thick and protects your feet from rocks and tree roots.

If you are looking for a flexible kayak shoe that will keep you warm in chilly conditions, this wet shoe is worth a shot. The shoe is flexible, protects your feet, and keeps you warm. This is an excellent option for all types of paddlers.

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#7 Mares Neoprene 2mm Water Sports Booties

Material:	Neoprene
For Men or Women:	Men or Women
Cut:	Low
Thickness:	2mm

These shoes from Mares are very lightweight and have excellent grip. The neoprene upper is 2mm thick, ideal for a thin kayaking shoe. These shoes are thin and flexible and keep your feet dry.

The rubber soles provide a solid grip for different surfaces you will come across. They will keep mud off your feet when you get in and out of your kayak. The soles are thin and flexible, which is a great feature for kayaking.

The only issue with the thin sole is these shoes may not be as protective as a shoe with a thicker sole. For many obstacles you will encounter while kayaking, these will be great.

These booties are easy to put on and take off, making them excellent for outdoor watersports like kayaking. The shoes dry quickly and provide a snug fit.

These shoes are sized for men, but women can wear them also. For women, you would need to adjust the size accordingly.

The Mares water booties are a perfect shoe for kayaking. These will help keep your feet warm and dry. The soles are a little thin compared to other shoes on the list. Pay attention to what terrain you will encounter when you are on the water. Overall, this is a highly-rated kayak shoe.

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#8 CAPAS 2mm Neoprene Socks

Material:	Neoprene
For Men or Women:	Men or Women
Cut:	Just above the ankle
Thickness:	2mm

This 2mm neoprene sock will keep your feet warm even in wet and cool conditions. A couple of features make this sock unique and set it apart from other kayaking shoes.

First, the sock is seamless, so it will not rub against your toes or feet, causing blisters. The neoprene material is soft, stretchy, and breathable, which is great for kayaking.

Another feature is the silicone traction on the bottom of the sock. This helps you grip different surfaces you come across when you are kayaking. These socks keep your feet out of the mud when you get in and out of your kayak.

These will also help protect your feet from hot sand while walking across the shore. You can even use them with sandals.

One downside is that the sole is not rugged like some other shoes on this list. These are not the best option for sharp rocks and rough terrain. But they will keep your feet comfy and cozy while you are on the water.

This neoprene sock will keep your feet warm and dry while kayaking. You can wear them with sandals or standalone. They are sized for men, but women can wear them too. The soles are not as rugged as other options, but these will keep your feet out of the mud.

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#9 DOUSSPRT Men’s Water Shoes

Material:	Polyester mesh upper, rubber sole
For Men or Women:	Men
Cut:	Low

A breathable upper mesh and a rubber sole make this one of the best shoes for kayaking. The open mesh helps to ventilate the shoe for excellent breathability and quick drying.

The sole of the shoe is designed to improve drainage and resist slipping. These shoes are great for walking in mud and on rocks. The slip-resistant bottom helps keep you upright.

These water shoes are easy to slip on and off, and the soles are flexible and comfortable. The bungee lacing helps you with a nice, snug fit.

This lightweight, durable shoe is excellent for kayaking and other water sports. The comfortable mesh upper and slip-resistant sole drain well and dry fast. This highly-rated shoe comes at a reasonable price.

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#10 ALEADER Men’s Outventure

Material:	Mesh upper, rubber sole
For Men or Women:	Men
Cut:	Low

The Outventure is one of the best shoes for kayaking for a couple of reasons. The mesh upper is ventilated, drains well, and dries quickly. The shoe is designed to keep your feet cool and dry.

The shoes are easy to put on and take off, which is very convenient for kayaking. There is an easy pull loop on the back of the shoe, and the bungee lacing helps you get a comfortable, snug fit.

The sole is durable, rugged, and flexible, and will protect your feet from rocks and other objects. These shoes are slip-resistant, which is great for kayaking. The shoe’s sole has extra rubber pods placed where you need them most to help with slipping.

Overall, this is a great value for a kayaking shoe. The shoe is flexible, durable, and drains well.

Best Shoes for Kayaking – What to Look For

There are many things to consider when you think about footwear for kayaking. Let’s look at what to look for before spending your hard-earned money.

Size

This is pretty obvious, right? You need to have a pair of kayak shoes in the right size. You don’t want your foot jammed into a pair of too-small shoes, making for a miserable day on the water. This can lead to blisters or cramps in your feet.

Shoes that are too big are no good, either. Remember the scenarios I touched on earlier? Imagine walking on a slipper creek or river bottom in shoes that are too big. You will be sliding around in the shoes and on the ground. Again, you might look at blisters, with shoes that are too big.

Wet conditions add an unpleasant element to wearing shoes, so it’s vital to have the right size. Mind you. Shoes will feel different when they are wet. If possible, you will want to try them on before buying them.

Make sure the fit feels right, snug, but not too snug. Different brands run big or small compared to others, so you must find the right size.

What’s It Made Of?

A shoe made from the right materials is very important when you are constantly in and out of the water. For many reasons, neoprene is one of the most commonly used materials in the best shoes for kayaking. One benefit of neoprene is that it maintains flexibility in a wide range of temperatures.

Neoprene is also used for kayak shoes because it is a lightweight material; it is pliable, has insulating properties, and certain forms are waterproof. Neoprene can be produced in open-cell or closed-cell forms.

Closed-cell is waterproof, and open-cell is breathable. Many of the properties necessary for a good kayaking shoe are covered by neoprene.

Many people wear sandals, but these are not as protective as water shoes explicitly made for kayaking. Sandals can get rocks, mud, and other debris stuck in them, which is extremely uncomfortable.

Water sandals usually have a strap around the back, which is a double edge sword. Although the strap can help keep sandals on your feet, it can get caught on a rock or tree branch. If this happens, you can end up falling or tripping.

I recommend avoiding shoes like flip-flops or slides that will easily slip off your feet. These are not made with materials specifically for kayaking or water. Your feet will also be exposed since these are open-toed shoes.

Pay attention to the materials used in kayak shoes. Look for pliable materials that offer protection and will not include a tripping hazard. It’s hard enough to walk in a creek or a lake with the right shoes.

Season and Temperature

Temperatures in and out of the water play a significant role in which kayak shoes you should buy. I always forget how cold water is, even when it’s warm outside. If you use your kayak in winter or cold weather, the best kayaking shoes will be made from thicker neoprene. You want to keep your feet warm!

Additionally, if it’s cold, you might want to invest in socks (like wool socks) that you can wear under your kayaking shoes. You may want a higher shoe, like a boot. This will help keep your feet warm.

In warm weather, not only will the air be warmer, but so is the water. You want a kayaking shoe that will allow your feet to breathe. This will be a lightweight shoe made of thin neoprene, mesh, or maybe even sandals. Yes, I know I didn’t speak highly of sandals earlier, but there might be a time and place for them.

You don’t need bulky kayak shoes when trying to stay cool. A thin, lightweight shoe with a flexible sole will be comfortable for warm weather applications.

The Best Fit

The best shoes for kayaking should fit snugly, like a glove. Since kayaking shoes are lightweight, sometimes you may not even realize you are wearing shoes.

As we discussed earlier, you don’t want them too tight or loose. Having shoes that are either too loose or too tight is no good, especially when wet. You don’t want blisters.

A secure fit is essential. If you plan to go swimming or have to drag your kayak through the water, you don’t want your shoes slipping off. You want to have confidence in your footing.

Terrain

You may not give much thought to terrain when you go kayaking, but there are some things to keep in mind. For instance, you might haul your kayak along a rocky shore to launch your boat.

If you fall overboard or decide to go swimming, you might be dealing with muddy conditions. Walking along a creek or river bottom is challenging enough without maneuvering a kayak.

In conditions like these, having the right footwear is important. Walking across rocks in flip-flops while carrying a kayak is not a great idea. Been there, done that. Wearing a kayaking shoe with a flexible yet rugged sole will help balance, grip, and protect your feet.

When you are out for a day on the water, you will find all sorts of conditions, moss-covered rocky areas, tree branches, sharp rocks, etc.

A breathable, durable shoe is essential to ensure you are prepared for whatever you encounter.

Here is a real-life example. My wife and I go kayaking at a lake in our area. We park close to the lake but still have to walk from the parking lot.

There are tree branches, rough rocks, slippery rocks, and sand in that short walk, and it’s downhill. I quickly learned that flip-flops are not a great option.

Comfort

Choosing a comfortable kayaking shoe is essential. We have touched on this before. The shoe needs to fit correctly to do its job. If the shoe is uncomfortable, you will have blisters or other injuries to put a damper on your trip.

With all the different terrain you might face, weather, and water conditions, you want a comfortable shoe. The shoe should fit like a glove, and you shouldn’t have to think about your footwear.

Make sure you try on a few different kayaking shoes to find one that is comfortable.

Quick-drying

The best shoes for kayaking dry quickly. When your feet are wet all day, it’s no fun. Fortunately, most kayaking shoes are made of lightweight materials and will dry pretty quickly. This is something to keep in mind when you are shopping around.

Some shoes will dry fast by the nature of how they are made. Other kayaking shoes have drain holes in them to help them dry faster. A quick-drying kayak shoe is preferable to other shoes, like boots or athletic shoes.

The weather will affect how quickly your kayak shoes dry, so keep that in mind. Colder days will take longer to dry than warm days.

Breathable

The best kayak shoe will breathe. This is important to help the shoe dry out if it gets wet and let your feet breathe. Fortunately, many of the top kayaking shoes are made from breathable materials.

A kayak shoe should be lightweight and breathable for the best experience. We have talked about how uncomfortable wet feet are. You can get blisters from your foot slopping around inside a wet shoe.

At the end of the day, you want your shoe to breathe so your feet can dry off quickly.

A Breathable shoe is excellent for warm weather, so you don’t get too hot, but it can still protect your feet.

Durability

A key ingredient to any shoe is durability. You want a kayaking shoe to hold up to jagged rocks, tree branches, and other obstacles you might encounter, and you also want the shoe to last for a long time. If you spend your hard-earned money on a shoe, let’s ensure it’s durable.

A durable rubber sole can take a beating and give you an excellent grip on various terrain. If you step on jagged rocks, you don’t want your kayaking shoe to rip. Or if you happen to catch your foot on a tree branch, a durable shoe is essential.

Kayaking shoes must hold up in the elements, including hot or cold weather. That goes for water conditions too.

Just keep these things in mind. You might encounter rocks, branches, mud, etc., so a durable kayak shoe will serve you well.

Grip

The best kayak shoe will grip different surfaces well. Think about all the different elements your feet will contact when you are out for a kayak trip. My wife and I walk downhill with loose gravel and dirt to get to some of our launch points. Having the right shoes sure helps.

Wet, slippery rocks near the shore, moss-covered rocks, and slippery tree branches are all conditions you may encounter while kayaking. When you get out of your kayak, you look at muddy lake bottoms or slippery creek bottoms, so having a solid grip is important.

Also, you can slip by getting in and out of your kayak. If your kayak is hardshell, it will be slippery when the inside gets wet. Having a kayaking shoe with a good grip is important so you can confidently walk with your kayak over various surfaces.

Waterproof

Kayak shoes won’t be waterproof because your feet will not get wet. Although some of the materials will be waterproof. Certain parts of the shoe can be protected from water.

For instance, leather can have a waterproof coating, which protects the material from water damage. You are looking for materials that will stand up to water.

Price

Think about how much you want to spend on your kayak shoes. There is a wide range of price points to consider. Figure out what you need from your shoe and go from there. If you need a shoe to get you from the parking lot to a dock and there are no obstacles in between, you can probably get away with an entry-level shoe.

If you walk over rough terrain to get to the water, you might want to spend more money on durable shoes. The terrain and conditions you encounter will determine how much you pay.

If you plan on camping or hiking in addition to your kayak trip, you might need to spend more money on a shoe that will accommodate your activities. Keep in mind the materials used will impact the price of the shoe. The right shoe is priceless, in my opinion.

FAQs

Do You Really Need Shoes for Kayaking?

Think about this. Sometimes when you are kayaking, you may have to carry your boat over rough terrain. You want to make sure your feet are protected in these situations. You may also have to get out of your kayak for many reasons.

Maybe you tipped over and find yourself trying to get your footing on a rocky creek bottom. Or perhaps you are kayak camping and need to walk through a wooded area. When you break it down like this, you want to make sure you have the best shoes for kayaking before you embark on your adventure.

Can I Wear Regular Shoes for Kayaking?

Yes, you can wear “regular” shoes when you go kayaking, but the problem is they retain a lot of water. The extra water can cause you to lose footing, slip, and fall. You don’t need to walk around with sloshy bricks on your feet. Modern water shoes drain well and incorporate water-resistant, breathable materials.

Can You Wear Sneakers Kayaking?

Sneakers are okay, but you still have the issue of carrying extra water in your shoes. It’s best to wear a pair of water shoes designed for kayaking.

Are Crocs Good to wear kayaking?

Crocs are great for kayaking. They provide drainage and are comfy; you can easily slip them on and off.

Conclusion

There are a lot of options when it comes to the best shoes for kayaking. Keep a few things in mind when you are looking at different shoes.

Look for breathable, fast-drying materials, a comfortable and durable footbed, and a slip-resistant sole.

The shoe should be easy to get on and off when it’s wet.

While there is no perfect shoe for everyone, keep these features in mind when you are looking for a kayaking shoe.

Let me know if you have any questions.