Are Sandals Ok for Kayaking? The 9 Best Sandals for Kayaking

There are many types of shoes that can be used for kayaking. Whether it be boots, sneakers, or any other type. However, many kayakers often wonder if sandals are ok for kayaking.

So, are sandals ok for kayaking? Sandals are okay for kayaking as long as they are able to protect your feet. Water shoes are your best option when kayaking, however, some sandals can work just as well if you have the right pair.

There are many factors that should be kept in mind while picking shoes for kayaking. You want the right type of shoes that will be safe and reliable. Keep reading to find out about some of the best kayak sandals.

What Shoes to Wear for Kayaking?

There are many brands and types of shoes that are great for kayaking.

You will want to look out for a type that will keep your feet protected and warm or cool, depending on the weather. You also want a pair that is comfortable. So, let’s discuss what kinds of shoes are good for kayaking.

The Best Kayaking Shoes

Water Shoes

Water shoes are a great type of shoes to have when kayaking. They are definitely the best type of shoes to have.

These types of shoes are designed to have more grip than any other normal shoe. This makes them a lot more protective and safe for kayaking anglers.

They also provide balance and that is important since many anglers like to stand up in kayaks to fish and having a good grip and balance comes in handy. They are also very comfortable and designed to keep your feet feeling fine during your kayaking trip. Water shoes should be your first option to consider.

Athletic Shoes

These are another good option for kayaking. Normally, shoes would not be your ideal footwear to wear during kayaking or around any body of water, however, athletic shoes are a good option since they have holes that introduce breathability, which is a highly important aspect to have for kayaking shoes.

Breathability is important when it comes to kayaking because it allows water to be drained from the feet quickly and effectively.

They are also made out of quick-drying materials, which is very helpful for kayak fishermen. They are also pretty flexible.

Crocs

To many people’s surprise, crocs are some of the best kayaking shoes out there. They are breathable due to the holes they contain, which allows them to drain water easily.

They also have a strap that provides extra protection for your feet. The grip on them is great for standing while kayaking.

Best Kayaking Shoes for Summer

The best type of shoes for the summer for kayaking are sports sandals. Sport sandals provide much comfort and support. They also offer enough holes to have your feet cool all day long. This also provides great water drainage, which will cool down your feet on a hot summer day.

Best Kayaking Shoes for Winter

The best kayaking shoes during winter are water shoes. Water shoes are usually extremely durable and comfortable, but more than that, they’re usually thick enough to keep your feet warm all day long. You’ll want to look for a pair of water shoes that offer flexibility, water resistance, and comfort.

Are Sandals Ok for Kayaking?

Sandals are okay for kayaking, but only certain types of sandals. Dress sandals are not supposed to get wet and can get slippery when kayaking, which is why you need to look out for the right type of kayaking sandals.

Usually, the right type of sandals for kayaking are the ones that have straps or something protective enough to prevent slipping. You need to look out for ones that are made to endure outdoor use. Your best bet is water sandals. You should consider getting sandals mainly during summer.

Water sandals are the best option for kayaking, and that is because they have less material that covers the top of your foot. This is great for water drainage when kayaking since you will want to keep your feet cool during the trip. I have some suggestions for kayaking sandals below.

The Best 9 Sandals for Kayaking

1. Chaco Z2 Sandals – Best Overall

The Chaco Z2 sandals are the best sandals for kayaking. They offer everything you need to be comfortable and protected. They also come in a variety of colors, including black, white, green, and more.

These sandals are double-strapped with a polyester webbing exterior. This webbing wraps around the foot and goes through the midsole, and you can customize the fit with a toe loop. The great thing about them is that they are adjustable and highly durable.

They also contain a Luvseat dual-density midsole as well as a non-marking Chaco grip rubber that has a 3.5mm lug depth. The grip on them is very handy and could be lifesaving.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Durable
• Breathable
• Flexible

Cons:

• Costly

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a pair of sandals that will keep your feet protected all day long during your kayaking trip, the Chaco Z2 sandals are the ones for you. They are comfortable, durable, breathable, and flexible. Check them out.

2. TEVA Hurricane Sandals – Runner Up

The TEVA Hurricane sandals are another great option for a day-long kayaking trip. They are comfortable, durable, and have many color options including black, white, brown, yellow, and so much more. They

They are designed with quick-dry webbing made from recycled plastic and molded with injection straps that give them extra grip and adjustability. They are also made out of polyester yarn that will support your foot and withstand any harsh settings.

Another great thing about these sandals is that they have an easy hook-and-loop that comes on and off quickly and adjusts to your personal foot size. Likewise, they contain a Robust EVA footbed for extra comfort. The nylon shank on the shoes helps support your feet during turbulence as well.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Easy to put on
• Durable

Cons:

• Pricey

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a comfortable pair of sandals for kayaking, you might want to consider the TEVA hurricane sandals. They are comfortable, durable, and super easy to put on. They are some of the best kayaking sandals on the market.

3. DREAM Paris Outdoor Sandals – Best for Toe Protection

The DREAM Paris outdoor sandals offer toe protection for your feet, which is a highly important aspect for anglers fishing in kayaks. Since anglers usually stand up when they fish on kayaks, they can risk hitting their toes.

They are made of protective rubber on their interior, which makes them incredible for water resistance. The height of the heel is about 1 inch. Likewise, they contain a Super Soft EVA cushion-like footbed for extra comfort while kayaking.

The DREAM Paris sandals also feature a Velcro strap that makes it easier for them to be put on and off. The outer material is synthetic, which is great while being used in water. These stylish sandals are comfortable, flexible, and lightweight.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Lightweight
• Easy to put on and off
• Durable
• Breathable

Cons:

• Narrow fit
• Not the best option for winter

Bottom Line

The DREAM Paris outdoor sandals will keep your feet cool during summer kayaking. They are lightweight, durable, and comfortable. We highly recommend checking them out.

4. KEEN Newport Water Sandals – Best for Color Variation

The KEEN Newport water sandals are made up of 100% polyester. They have many color options for anglers, such as brown, gray, red, black, and so much more.

These shoes include a closed-toe front, which provides high protection for your toes. The washable polyester webbing features a quick dry lining, which makes them fantastic for use in or out of the water.

They are PFC-free, which makes them durable and incredibly water-resistant. The water-repellent material helps the sandals withhold harsh conditions.

Likewise, they contain multi-directional lugs that have razor sipping, which helps maintain a great amount of grip on slippery surfaces.

The lace lock capture systems ensure that your sandals will fit perfectly and come on and off easily. They also contain molded EVA midsole for extra comfort.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Great grip
• Comfortable
• Water-resistant
• Breathable

Cons:

• Pricey

Bottom Line

The KEEN Newport water sandals are great for kayaking. They will keep your feet dry thanks to their high-quality materials. They are super comfortable and have amazing grip. They are definitely worth checking out.

5. Skechers On-The-Go Sandal – Best for Women

These awesome water sandals are a great choice for women who love kayaking. There are plenty of great color options, and they are made of incredibly high-quality materials that make them durable and lightweight.

The innersoles of the shoes are made of responsive 5Gen cushioning, which makes them extremely comfortable since they mimic the shape of the foot while they are worn. They are extremely lightweight and easy to put on, with a strap at the back that gives them protection.

The straps on the shoes are adjustable to the size of your liking in order to fit any foot width. Likewise, they contain a soft heathered fabric upper, which makes them very resistant to any harsh conditions. This pair is definitely the right choice for women who love kayaking.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Adjustable
• Durable
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Loose strap after multiple heavy uses

Bottom Line

Skechers on-the-go sandals are a great option for women who like kayaking. The fit is great, and the grip is good enough to keep your feet on your kayak without any slipping. They are adjustable, comfortable, and durable. Check them out.

6. Merrell’s Hydro Water Shoe – Best For Water Drainage

Like many of the other sandals mentioned above, the Merrell’s Hydro water sandal has many color options including orange, yellow, brown, black, blue, and many more. These water sandals are the best type of sandals for water drainage.

The reason they are so great for water drainage is because of the holes that they contain. These holes make it easy for water to escape the sandals while kayak fishing. They have great grip and are handy when kayaking. They do not slip and will keep your feet firm on your kayak.

To ensure extra security, the Merrell Hydro sandals have straps on them for extra protection. They fit perfectly thanks to the tight and secure strap. They also have articulated heels that are comfortable on the bottom of the feet. Definitely a great choice for kayaking fishermen.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Wide color choice
• Great, tight fit
• Comfortable
• Keep feet cool

Cons:

• Straps might break under extremely harsh conditions

Bottom Line

Merrell’s Hydro Water sandals will keep your feet cool thanks to their drainage holes. They are best worn in warm weather and will keep your feet safe, comfortable, and cool. There is a wide choice of colors.

7. FROGG TOGGS Kayak Sandals – Best for Breathability

These FROGG TOGGS sandals are a type of open-toed sandals that are perfect for kayaking. They are made of 100% polyurethane, and they are known for their anti-slip materials. Many anglers swear by these pair of sandals thanks to their breathability.

They contain OCEANGRIP which provides extreme slip resistance for kayaks and many other types of boats. They are waterproof with synthetic straps that are comfortable on the feet during use. Furthermore, they will keep your feet comfortable all day long.

They are designed to have great traction to ensure extra grip on slippery and wet surfaces. These will keep your feet firm on your kayak without any fear of falling off. They are also durable and have many uses.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Will keep your feet cool
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Open-toed, which might risk hurting your toes

Bottom Line

The FROGG TOGGS sandals are definitely one of the best kayaking sandals on the market. They are lightweight, comfortable, and will keep your feet cool all day while kayaking. Despite them being open-toed, they have amazing grip and stability, which make them a great pair of sandals for kayaking.

8. Crocs Classic Clogs – Best for Comfort

Crocs are another one of anglers’ favorites when kayak fishing. Crocs are a famous type of shoes that are worn by many across the country. Not only are they comfortable for your everyday errand, but they are also great for kayaking.

The holes that Crocs have are great for water drainage, which keeps your feet cool. Having that many holes in your Crocs will make your feet comfortable and free of all excess water. They are recommended for kayaking during warm weather.

They are lightweight and made of rubber that is slip-resistant. Not only that, but they are also extremely comfortable. They are also very secure and provide a level of protection thanks to their back straps that ensure they will stay firm on your feet for as long as you stand.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Versatile

Cons:

• Holes allow sand in the shoes
• Not too snug on the feet due to the wide inner design

Bottom Line

Crocs are a very popular brand of shoes that are also great for kayaking. They are breathable thanks to their many holes, they are comfortable, and they are lightweight. The great thing about them is that you can wear them for just about anything. 

9. Atika Islander Walking Sandals – Best for Traction

The Atika Islander Walking sandals are definitely worth a try. These sandals offer a variety of colors and come in almost all sizes. They have a varied amount of outdoor uses and are great for kayaking.

This pair is better worn during the summer and warmer weather. They have multi-directional wave pattern outsoles that are excellent for traction. They can endure both wet and dry surfaces with ease and with no risk of slipping. The grip on them is firm enough to keep you safe.

They are made of polyester, which is an extremely comfortable material for kayak sandals. The strap is made of Velcro and is easily and quickly adjustable. The high-quality Velcro ensures fastening as well. The strap is very flexible and adjusts to almost all foot sizes.

They have an EVA lightweight midsole that is built for durability and also has a cushion-like feel. The midsole supports the arch of the foot as well as provides traction. They have multiple uses and will keep your feet cool in and out of water.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Durable
• Excellent traction
• Versatile
• Affordable
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Not the best option for cold weather

Bottom Line

The Atika Islander Walking sandals are perfect for kayak fishing. They are great for warmer weather. They are breathable, comfortable, durable, and very versatile. If you are an avid kayak angler, you will not regret checking them out.

What Should You Not Wear for Kayaking?

There are a few shoe and clothing items that you should completely avoid when kayaking. Generally speaking, anything that would risk your physical health or put you in danger should be completely avoided.

We will discuss what kind of shoes and clothes to avoid when kayaking here.

Barefoot

You want to avoid being barefoot while kayaking. Some people think being barefoot gives them the advantage while kayak fishing, unfortunately, that is not the case. This will put your feet at risk of getting hurt in harsh turbulence. Being barefoot offers no protection to your feet whatsoever.

This doesn’t just apply to being on the kayak, this also applies to getting in and out of the kayak. You might have your kayak sitting next to a rocky area. Getting out of the kayak might lead you into stepping on a harsh piece of ground that might cut your feet. Barefoot is not the way to go.

Everyday Shoes/Boots

There are a couple of reasons why everyday shoes and boots are not suitable for kayak fishing. Your everyday shoes might not have the needed grip to be able to hold you firmly on your kayak. This could risk putting you in danger.

Not only that, but they could also get really heavy when they are wet. With your shoes getting heavy when they are wet, that would put you at a disadvantage. You might be wanting to swim, and your heavy shoes will weigh you down. They can also be very uncomfortable on your feet when wet.

Regular Flip-flops

Regular flip-flops rarely contain any grip, which naturally might put you in danger. They are also very open on your upper feet, which provides zero protection for your toes. This can get really uncomfortable, especially in cold weather.

Another thing to note about regular flip-flops is that they tend to come off easily. You could risk losing them in the water if you are not careful enough. This is especially true if you end up swimming in the water. The risk of losing your flip-flops would make it dangerous for your feet.

These are all the types of footwear that you should avoid while kayaking. There are several clothing items that you need to avoid while kayaking as they might put you in danger or make you really uncomfortable while kayaking.

• You should definitely avoid cotton clothing as they tend to rub on your body, which would make you feel extra heat. This can become very uncomfortable during the summer or any type of warm weather. Any cotton clothing, whether pants or shirts, should be entirely avoided while kayaking.
• You should also avoid clothing items that contain zippers, harnesses, or any kind of abrasive materials. The reason for this is that these materials could sometimes get stuck or snagged on your fishing tools. This becomes very uncomfortable for anglers as well as dangerous.
• Other clothes you should avoid include thin clothing that can easily be torn, such as yoga pants or any type of thin pants or shorts. You should also stay away from denim jeans or any other types of pants that might bind or chafe.

Overall, the most important thing to consider when picking sandals for kayaking is safety and comfort. You want a pair of shoes or sandals that will last you a long time and will keep your feet safe while kayaking. It is important to keep in mind the weather kayaking as well.

When it comes to comfort, you need to look out for shoes that will have high-quality materials for your feet. It is best to avoid any materials that might tuck at any parts of your kayak. Another good tip to remember is to look out for shoes that will be suitable for you swimming while kayaking.

Related Questions

Can I Go Kayaking in Flip-Flops?

You can go kayaking in your flip-flops if they are designed for kayaking. They are not the best option of footwear for kayaking, however, the right type of flip-flops with enough grip are fine to wear during kayaking. Regular flip-flops, on the other hand, should be avoided when kayak fishing.

Do You Need Closed-Toed Shoes for Kayaking?

It is recommended to have closed-toed shoes while kayaking, however, not necessary. Some open-toed shoes work just as well for kayaking as other closed-toed shoes. They might not offer the same level of protection, but with enough grip, open-toed shoes will be okay for kayaking.

Can I Wear Crocs While Kayaking?

You can wear Crocs while kayaking. They are some of the best sandal options for kayaking due to the holes that they contain. These holes allow water drainage, which keeps your feet cool and comfortable. Crocs also have a strap at the back, which provide great protection for the feet.

Can I Wear Sneakers for Kayaking?

Sneakers are okay for kayaking as long as they are made of breathable materials. They also need to have quick-drying materials. These factors make sneakers a lot more comfortable when kayaking, especially in colder weather.

Can You Wear Slippers When Kayaking?

Regular slippers are not recommended for kayaking as they offer no protection or enough grip. There are flip-flops that are designed for kayaking and rough environments. Slippers can easily come off and would become more of a burden than a helpful pair when kayaking.

Helpful Resources

5 Kayaking Essentials You Should Always Bring With You

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