We’ve all been there – gearing up for a day on the water, not thinking twice about our choice in shoes. I mean, what’s the worst that can happen? You’re in a kayak, right? Wrong. Lesson number one in exploring the great outdoors is to expect the unexpected. And I don’t know about you, but to me, there’s nothing worse than walking around in sopping wet shoes that are past the point of salvaging. So as an ode to both your wallet and your sanity, I present to you a list of the absolute best kayaking shoes.
Best Kayaking Shoes #1: Chaco Z Cloud
If you’re looking for a lightweight option that is waterproof, comfortable for exploring any land you come to, and my personal favorite shoes for any activities where water might be involved, then the Chaco Z cloud could be the shoes for you!
While they don’t offer quite the same protection or waterproof aspects of many of the other shoes on this list, I often like feeling more carefree while kayaking, and find these shoes perfect for that.
You can easily keep them off, tucked away in the kayak, and stay barefoot while you’re actually kayaking. Then when you arrive anywhere you want to get out and explore, they’re easy to slip on, and hardy enough to let you check out whatever your heart desires.
They’re definitely some of the best kayaking shoes around, but they’re also incredibly great all around shoes, and ones that I take traveling quite often because of the versatility they offer. You can even hike in them! Definitely recommend them 10/10!
Best Kayaking Shoes #2: Merrell All Out Blaze Kayaking Shoes
When you’re out in nature, there’s no predicting a turn of events, which is why it’s so important to have a shoe that can support your feet when you need it the most.
Though not totally waterproof, the synthetic, breathable mesh on the All Out Blaze sneakers allows for relatively quick dry time, which is nice if you happen to find yourself capsizing, or wading through a bit of unexpected water.
The UniFly foam midsole allows for hours of comfort, so no worries about a little bit of hiking to find the perfect cast-off spot, and you’ll also appreciate that this shoe has great traction and grip, which is especially useful if you need to navigate some rocky or wet terrain.
These shoes are built to allow natural motion and weigh just over a pound, which makes them much lighter than the traditional 3.5 pound hiking boot.
Essentially, the Merrell’s are a practical, all-in-one kayaking shoe that are guaranteed to be amongst some of the best kayaking shoes out there. I mean it when I say they have you covered from land to sea!
Best Kayaking Shoes #3: Neo Sport Water Shoes
Shoutout to Neo Sport for bringing us some of the coolest, unisex wetsuit boots.
Perfect for the summer, spring, or fall, these puncture-resistant, thermal protected booties have you covered in all varying degrees of water.
And the water-entry-barrier that works to keep out water, dirt, sand, and other unwanted debris!
The high traction sole allows you to grip onto surfaces easily, making them great for the trek leading to and fro the water, and if you’re looking for comfort on a long day out, these are some of the best kayaking shoes to consider.
Best Kayaking Shoes #4: NRS Freestyle Wetshoe
Another highly rated, and favorite wetshoe of mine is the NRS Freestyle available for both men and women.
This shoe, rated for waters 65 degrees fahrenheit and higher has a rubber sole, sealed seams, and a quick drying fleece interior to keep your feet nice and toasty.
One customer stated the shoes even helped his ankle stability so much so that he was able to stand independently in the shower with his chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).
The NRS Freestyles are available for purchase (insert link), as well as from several other online and in-store retailers.
Best Kayaking Shoes #5: Mishana Water Shoes
Perfect for just about any water sport, these Mishana water shoes
are practical, fashionable, and a really good quality without breaking the bank.
These multifunctional slip ons offer a quick dry time, an anti-slip rubber sole, and a fully adjustable pull tab to tighten or loosen the elastic ties – which is a godsend when you don’t want to sit and tie shoelaces every 10 minutes.
Customers describe the shoes as providing an almost “barefoot” sensation, so you may want to be careful on rugged land, but most customers rave about how the mesh conforms perfectly to the foot without irritation.
A viable option for people planning to spend most time in the water or on flat land, these water shoes are a great option!
Best Kayaking Shoes #6: ALEADER Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
Last, but certainly not least on my list of the best kayaking shoes are these stylish sneaker-esque water booties from ALEADER.
With almost 7,000 positive Amazon reviews, these breathable, durable, and cushioned performance sneakers are sure to boost your confidence and comfort as you set sail.
Created in 2013 in California, founder Blacky was determined to, and ultimately decided to invent a shoe as good on land as in the water.
The shoe drains quickly through open mesh and a series of holes on the sole, performs well on land, and even has a lightweight, bouncy feel with every step you take.
In addition to a sleek and useful design, users report that the company offers fantastic customer service.
And let me tell you guys, I honestly admire a company that backs both their product and the satisfaction of the customer.
Time to Hit the Water
Choosing a shoe that works for you and your lifestyle is (pun-intended) no easy feat.
And when you have to account for durability, affordability, practicality, and performance, that adds in a whole new array of setbacks.
Kayaking is an incredible sport, with tons of health benefits, so here’s hoping you can use this list of the best kayaking shoes to narrow down your search and choose an option that exceeds every and all expectations.
Don’t forget to connect with me on social media and share all your feelings and finds with me!