9+ Best Shoes For Kayaking | Unrivaled Guide 2022

Imagine exploring places inaccessible by land. Imagine enjoying the sights and sounds of the quiet surface of a secluded lake or stream. Imagine the quiet companionship of paddling with family, friends, and new acquaintances. Kayaking makes that possible. Let’s just say that if you’re not in it, you’re missing out on an exciting adventure.

Attention water sports enthusiasts! Here is a list of the best shoes for kayaking for a safer and more comfortable experience. Kayaking is a water sport that many people enjoy because it does not require the use of tools. However, while nature is beautiful, it can sometimes surprise you in a good way. So while enjoying its beauty, it is always wise to stay alert. Good shoes will protect your feet during kayaking sessions and allow you to enjoy this exciting activity without any worries.

These shoes are specially designed for kayaking that offers excellent resistance during water sports. Not only are they practical and functional, but they are also fashionable, allowing you to enjoy your adventure in style. So, if you are planning a trip to the sea and are about to enter thrill-seeking mode, we recommend adding kayak shoes to your collection. You’ll be ready for any activity, whether you’re swimming, portaging, or even carrying. Scroll up to see the list.

One of the most important things to keep in mind before hitting the water is to have the right shoes for the sport. Not only will they keep your feet warm on the water, but they will also provide grip on wet surfaces. They are durable, long-lasting, and excellent for protecting you from rocks in mountain streams and other rough terrains.

We’ve put together a guide that covers all the information you need, including how to choose the best shoes for kayaking.

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Best Shoes For Kayaking

Best Shoes For Kayaking | Comparison Table 2022

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Best Shoes For Kayaking | Reviews 2022

How To Choose The Best Shoes For Kayaking | Unrivaled Guide 2022

Before you set out to buy your next pair of kayak shoes, there are several factors you need to consider when evaluating your options. Here are some things to consider.

Fit

There is nothing more uncomfortable in this world than shoes that don’t fit. The kayaking shoes you choose should fit well. They should be comfortable.

The shoes should fit like a glove, not too tight, and not too constricting. There should be no gaps at the top or sides to keep your feet dry when water enters the boat. Nothing ruins a kayaking trip more than having your feet wet all day.

Materials

Next, you should have shoes designed for water sports. They should be flexible, lightweight, and slip-resistant. These three qualities are essential for kayaking shoes. The most common material is neoprene. However, many manufacturers often combine it with other materials to improve durability and performance on the water.

Shoes with laces allow the wearer to adjust the fit so that they are comfortable even if they are tight. This prevents water from entering the shoes. On the other hand, these straps can get caught on rocks and cause falls and serious injuries. Therefore, care should be taken when wearing shoes with shoelaces.

It is also advisable to choose shoes with soles made of solid material. This will prevent your feet from getting hurt on rough roads on the way to and from kayaking.

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Weight And Size

Again, the best shoes for kayaking should be like a second skin. In other words, they should be so light that you forget you are wearing them. This is especially important when wearing them for long periods of time.

As far as height is concerned, there are several options available, namely ankle height, and low and knee height kayak shoes. Each of these options offers something different.

• Ankle Height Shoes

These are the most popular version among kayaking enthusiasts. They offer a moderate amount of sole protection, warmth, and breathability. Usually, the soles are thick.

• Low Shoes

Usually quite thin, breathable, and very lightweight. Best suited for warmer weather.

• Knee-High Shoes

These shoes are suitable for use in cold weather because they offer a higher level of protection from the effects of immersion in cold, rough water than ankle-high or low shoes.
The main thing to consider when purchasing knee-high shoes is that they should fit snugly and have no gaps that allow water to seep in. They can be very uncomfortable when wet with water.

Weather And Temperature

Weather conditions and the temperature of the place where you are going to kayak play a big role in what kayaking shoes you should choose. For example, if you are kayaking in a cold region, you need kayaking shoes that offer good thermal protection. Conversely, if you are kayaking in a warmer area, you need kayaking shoes that offer a good level of breathability.

Size

Stating the obvious, you need to choose shoes that fit. Even everyday shoes can be uncomfortable if they are not the right size. Furthermore, in wet weather, you will experience unimaginable discomfort.

The best shoes for kayaking should be natural. They should fit snugly like a glove and not feel constricting. They should not feel like they are cutting off the blood flow to your feet.

To see if the shoes fit well, try walking in them. They should adhere to your feet well, with no gaps. They should also allow you to move your toes without restriction. This will show that the size is correct.

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Comfort

Choosing comfortable kayaking shoes is essential. As we have already discussed, shoes must fit properly to do their job. If the shoes are not comfortable, blisters and other injuries can occur and ruin the trip.

Given the variety of terrain, weather, and water conditions you will encounter, you need shoes that are comfortable. Shoes should fit like a glove and you should not have to think about shoes. Be sure to try on several different types of kayak shoes to find the right fit.

Quick-Drying

The best shoes for kayaking dry quickly. Having wet feet all day long is no fun. Fortunately, most kayak shoes are made of lightweight materials and dry fairly quickly. This is something to keep in mind when shopping.

Some shoes, due to the nature of their construction, dry quickly. Other kayak shoes have drainage holes that allow them to dry more quickly. Quick-drying kayak shoes are preferred over other shoes such as boots or trainers. Weather conditions can change how quickly kayak shoes dry. On cold days, they will take longer to dry than on warmer days.

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Breathability

The best kayaking shoes are breathable. This is important to ensure that your shoes dry easily when wet and allow your feet to breathe. Fortunately, most of the best kayak shoes are made from breathable materials.

Kayak shoes should be made of lightweight, breathable materials for an optimal experience. We talked about discomfort when your feet get wet. Dragging your feet in wet shoes puts you at risk for blisters. Ultimately, you want to allow your feet to dry quickly so that your shoes can breathe. Breathable shoes are ideal for hot weather, as they will not get too hot, yet will still protect your feet.

Durability

Durability is an important factor in any shoe. Kayaking shoes will withstand jagged rocks, tree branches, and other obstacles you may encounter, and you also want the shoes to last a long time. Since you have spent a lot of money on these shoes, make sure they are durable.

Durable rubber soles provide excellent traction on a variety of terrains. This is to prevent your kayak shoes from tearing when walking on jagged rocks. Durable shoes are also essential if your foot gets caught in a tree branch. Kayaking shoes must be able to withstand hot, cold, wind, and rain. This also applies to water conditions.

With these things in mind, durable kayak shoes are useful because you may encounter rocks, branches, mud, etc.

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Grip

The best kayak shoes grip well on a variety of surfaces. Think about the different elements your feet will come in contact with on a kayaking trip. My wife and I will be heading down gravel roads and dirt slopes to several launch points. Having the right shoes helps a lot.

Wet and slippery rocks on the shore, moss-covered rocks, and slippery tree branches are conditions you may encounter while kayaking. When you get out of your kayak, you will see muddy lake bottoms and slippery river bottoms, so a good grip is important.

Additionally, it is possible to slide the kayak in and out of the water. In the case of rigid-hull kayaks, the inside of the kayak becomes slippery when wet. Grippy kayak shoes are important so that you can safely walk your kayak on a variety of surfaces.

Water Proof

Kayak shoes are not waterproof, meaning your feet will not get wet. However, some materials are waterproof. This can protect parts of the shoe from water. For example, leather can be waterproofed to protect the material from water damage. In fact, water-resistant materials are in demand.

Terrain

Finally, you need to consider the terrain you will be navigating to get to your kayaking destination. It is unlikely that you will be driving on the beach. You may have to carry your kayak through areas where there are pieces of wood or sharp rocks that could sting the soles of your feet.

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Types Of Best Shoes For Kayaking

• Flip Flops

Flip-flops are light, versatile, inexpensive, quick-drying, and easy to put on and take off, making them the perfect summer footwear. However, many flip-flops are slippery when wet and do not always protect just the heel, as they cannot be secured to the foot.

• Sandals

Sandals are the next step after flip-flops. They are light, inexpensive, and versatile, with a good grip, straps that can be attached to the foot, and thick soles that protect both the heel and the sole.

They are also superior to flip-flops when navigating rocky or dangerous terrain. They are almost as good as shoes but lighter and more breathable.

• Water Shoes

Water shoes are excellent for keeping warm and comfortable all day long. Made of thick neoprene, there are two types: the wetsuit type, which allows some water to pass through and is warmed by body heat to provide insulation, and the drysuit type, which is completely waterproof and blocks water. They may be too heavy for hot summer days but are ideal if you plan to paddle in cooler or colder climates.

• Boots Or Rain Boots

If you really want to protect yourself from the cold and water, you may want to consider switching to heavier shoes. Rain boots are completely waterproof (usually made of rubber) and their calf- or knee-length design prevents water from slipping off and soaking your feet. Waders are full-length garments with built-in boots. Wearing warm socks inside rain boots or waders eliminates the need to worry about being cold.

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Best Shoes For Kayaking | Infographics

Best Shoes For Kayaking | Video Explanation

FAQs

Do you really need shoes for kayaking?

Think about it. When you are kayaking, you may have to carry your boat over rough terrain. In these situations, you want to protect your feet. You may also have to get out of your kayak for various reasons.

Perhaps you have fallen over and are trying to gain a foothold on the rocks in the creek. Or maybe you are kayak camping and have to walk through a wooded area. So before you embark on your adventure, you need to make sure you have the best shoes for kayaking.

Can I use regular shoes when kayaking?

Yes, you can wear “regular” shoes for kayaking, but the problem is that they hold a lot of water. The excess water can cause you to lose your footing, slip, and fall. There is no need to walk around with muddy bricks on your feet. Modern water shoes are water-resistant and incorporate waterproof and breathable materials.

Can I wear trainers while kayaking?

Trainers are not a problem, but you should always keep extra water in your shoes. It is best to wear water shoes designed for kayaking.

How often should I replace my water shoes?

It depends on how often and how long you use your water shoes, but 6 months is a good rule of thumb for replacement.

Can water shoes be washed?

Yes, water shoes can be washed and placed in the dryer. However, the rubber outsole should not be put in the dryer and must be dried separately.

Can I wear running shoes when kayaking?

Running shoes can be worn when kayaking, but they absorb water and are easily damaged.

Conclusion

There are many options when it comes to the best shoes for kayaking. When looking at different shoes, keep a few things in mind. Look for breathable and quick-drying materials, a comfortable and durable footbed, and a slip-resistant sole. The shoes should be easy to put on and take off, even when wet. There is no perfect shoe for everyone, but keep these features in mind when looking for kayaking shoes.

Brian Garris

Hi, I am Brian, Lives in Mooresville, North Carolina, and Went to The University of Texas at Austin, I am a shoe lover & know the inside out of shoes. I am well aware of the qualities of top-quality boots. That’s what I’m sharing with the reader of About Shoes/boots/footwear. Read More Here