The 10 Best Shoes for Kayak Fishing in 2023 To Stay Dry and Warm

Looking for a good pair of shoes can be hard, especially if you are a fan of kayak fishing. The type of shoe that you would want has to be comfortable, durable, and firm.

You want a pair of shoes that will keep your feet dry. It also tends to get cold when you are kayak fishing, so you will want a pair of kayak shoes that will keep your feet warm and combat slippery surfaces.

So, here are some recommendations for the best shoes for kayak fishing available on the market.

List of the Best Shoes for Kayak Fishing

Kayak Fishing Shoes	Best For
Vibram’s Water Shoes	Overall
TIDWE Rubber Boots	Runner Up
SIMARI Water Shoes	Value for Money
Neo Sport Premium Wetsuit Boots	Flexibility
ALEADER Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes	Warm Weather
Northside Unisex Athletic Water Shoe	Versatility
Body Glove 3T Barefoot Cinch Water Shoe	Traction
Cressi Neoprene Anti-Slip Sole Boots	Durability
HIITAVE Barefoot Water Shoes	Comfort
Kararao Water Shoes	Styling

The 10 Best Kayak Fishing Shoes in 2022

1. Vibram’s Water Shoes – Best Overall

The Vibram’s kayak fishing shoes are a great pair of shoes for kayak fishermen. They are some anglers’ favorite shoes when it comes to kayak fishing. Vibram features a wide choice of colors and sizes for almost all feet sizes. In addition, they include plenty of features that make them handy for kayak fishing.

The trusty pair provide feet comfort thanks to their slip-on style that features an adjustable hook and loop strap. They feature a 2 mm EVA insole that contains silicon treatment. The sole design provides the user with extra comfort and flexibility.

Likewise, they also feature a 3.7 mm Megagrip outsole with drainage holes, making it more convenient for the angler when kayak fishing. These pair of water shoes will leave your feet perfect after a long fishing trip. They are the best choice for outdoor footwear for kayak fishing.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Lightweight
• Durable
• Easy to put on
• True to size

Cons:

• Pricey

Bottom Line

If you want a pair of water shoes that are comfortable, durable, and will keep your feet warm with zero slipping, look no further; the Vibram’s water shoes are perfect for your kayak fishing trip.

2. TIDWE Rubber Boots – Runner-up

The TIDWE rubber boots are another fantastic choice. They can be worn in any weather, but they are probably best for cold weather, as they are long enough to keep your feet and ankles warm. They come in black and brown to provide you with your individual choice of colors.

These boots are made of protective rubber that is 100% waterproof, retains heat, and is highly flexible with your feet while walking. In addition, they are extremely heat-resistant, which means they will stop your radiated body heat from escaping in cold weather.

They are extremely lightweight and are paired with 4-way stretch nylon, which is very handy in extreme settings. Furthermore, they are highly durable and true to size. The TIDWE rubber boots are definitely the perfect outdoor footwear for kayak fishing.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Durable
• Retain heat

Cons:

• Pricey
• Bulky

Bottom Line

The TIDWE rubber boots are some of the best shoes for kayaking. They are durable, comfortable, and will keep your feet warm during your kayaking trip. They will also keep your feet dry at all costs, thanks to their perfect height.

3. SIMARI Water Shoes – Best Value for Money

The SIMARI water shoes have the best value for money as they offer many great features for an affordable price.

These flexible shoes are made of 92% polyester. They are breathable due to their mesh material that is combined with elastic. It gives a sock-like feel and dries quickly. The soles are made of protective rubber materials that contain a bump texture to keep balance.

This prevents slipping and provides a high level of protection when it comes to hot water or other hot surfaces. The elastic shoelace makes it easy for anglers to take on and off and adjust the size to their liking. Each sole has 8 holes to make sure that they drain well and keep feet cool.

They come in various colors: black, gray, white, blue, navy, and many more. This might be the one for anglers who like to choose among different colors.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Large variety of color
• Breathable
• Easy to put on and take off
• Firm grip
• Affordable

Cons:

• Fragile in extremely harsh conditions

Bottom Line

If you are a color fanatic, the SIMARI water shoes are the ones for you. They are comfortable, breathable, and easy to take on and off, thanks to their elastic shoelaces. As a bonus, they are extremely affordable.

4. Neo Sport Premium Wetsuit Boots – Best for Flexibility

The Neo Sport premium wetsuit boots are a fantastic pair of kayak shoes. They have multiple uses but have proven successful for all kinds of fishing. These pair of water shoes are an excellent choice for cold and warm weather and fit perfectly for all types of weather conditions.

The great thing about this pair of water shoes is that they are highly durable due to their glued and sewn inner soles. The synthetic soles provide extra grip for traction for anglers when kayak fishing. The sole design is perfect for flexibility as well. They come in different sizes, from 4 to 16.

These versatile shoes feature a heavy-duty zipper that is extremely easy to use and a water entry barrier behind the zipper to prevent water from entering the shoe, which keeps their internal conditions dry and your feet perfect.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Perfect grip
• Comfortable
• Flexible
• Versatile

Cons:

• Pricey
• Confusing size chart

Bottom Line

Looking for the perfect outdoor footwear for kayak fishing can be a chore; luckily, the Neo Sport premium wetsuit boots are a great and trusty pair. They are some anglers’ favorite shoes for kayak fishing, and we highly recommend checking them out.

5. ALEADER Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes – Best for Warm Weather

The ALEADER mesh slip-on water shoes come in many colors, including dark gray, blue, black, white, navy orange, and so much more. The wide choice of colors is not the only thing that makes this slip-on shoe great; its breathable material makes it one of the best options for kayak fishing.

This slip-on shoe features a breathable mesh material that makes it perfect for the foot to breathe. In addition, its solyite midsole gives it an extremely lightweight midsole and provides the slip-on shoe with durability and flexibility.

The internal conditions of the slip-on shoe remain prescient despite the mesh exterior. They will keep your feet perfect and protected throughout your whole kayaking trip. The shoe allows airflow, which is perfect for hot weather.

It also contains a ComforDry sock liner, which provides the perfect amount of comfort for the feet. It gives a cushion-like sensation. This also makes the slip-on shoe feel cooler and drier on the feet, thus creating a healthier environment for the shoe.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Breathable mesh
• Vast choice of colors
• Affordable price
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Not the best choice for cold weather

Bottom Line

The ALEADER mesh slip-on water shoes are great for kayak fishing in hot weather. Its breathable mesh material is great for allowing your feet to breathe. They are also extremely comfortable with a cushion-like feeling. Definitely one of kayak anglers’ favorite shoes.

6. Northside Unisex Athletic Water Shoe – Best for Versatility

The Northside unisex athletic water shoes give you the advantage of a wide choice of colors. These shoes come in colors such as gray, black, fuchsia, lime, navy, light blue, and so much more. This is one of their best-selling points.

Their incredibly affordable price makes them stand out among other kayak shoes. These lightweight water shoes are great for kayaking for extended periods of time. They contain an EVA insole that provides cushioning for your feet and a toe bumper that protects your toes.

They are also water-resistant and dry quickly after extended periods of fishing. Furthermore, they contain a bungee lacing system with a sock-like feature to affirm your fit. This makes them easy to take off and put on.

The Northside Brille athletic water shoes also provide excellent traction due to their multi-directional protective rubber outsole. As a result, they can endure both wet and dry surfaces and will keep your feet firm on the ground on slippery surfaces.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Excellent traction
• Varied choice of colors
• Affordable price
• Comfortable
• Durable

Cons:

• Not as strong as other kayak shoes

Bottom Line

If you like a wide choice of colors when picking a good pair of kayak fishing shoes, the  Northside Athletic water shoes are perfect for you. Not only that, but they are also extremely comfortable as well as affordable.

7. Body Glove 3T Barefoot Cinch Water Shoe – Best for Traction

Many types of water shoes provide some level of traction. The Body Glove 3T Barefoot Cinch water shoe is probably the best pair of water shoes for that. They are perfectly fitted to your fit, providing maximum traction and grip.

These pair of water shoes will give you a barefoot feel but provide a great level of protection to your feet. They have a low-profit ultra-grip outsole, which gives them an excellent amount of traction. In addition, they are extremely easy to put on, thanks to their stretch-fit upper.

Furthermore, they contain an adjustable schocklace system that allows them to slip on your feet quickly and remain gripped to your feet perfectly. They are flexible and lightweight, which makes them great for kayaking or even swimming. Warm water does not have any negative effects on the shoes.

The flexible pair of water shoes are also made with quick dry materials and an Integrated Drainage system. This system allows water and air to move freely and effectively, and that is what makes this pair the perfect pair for kayaking and other water activities.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Excellent traction
• Comfortable
• Perfect fit

Cons:

• Can get slippery on wet rocks

Bottom Line

If you are looking for shoes that will grip onto your feet and fit perfectly, the Body Glove 3T Barefoot cinch kayak fishing shoes are the ones for you. They have outstanding traction, and they are highly comfortable. We recommend checking them out.

8. Cressi Neoprene Anti-Slip Sole Boots – Best for Durability

The Cressi anti-slip boots are perfect for kayaking (and more water activities!). They are made out of anti-slip materials. They are super elastic thanks to their highly durable nylon II Neoprene rubber. This ensures comfort and durability.

They also contain extra rubber heels and a toe cap to protect your toes under harsh conditions. The toe caps provide strength and durability for your toes every time you use them. These can be used for kayaking but can also be used for other purposes, such as scuba diving.

The soles are made out of long-lasting rubber that prevents slipping on wet surfaces. They also work just as well on dry surfaces. These kayak shoes are definitely ones to look out for since they provide a great level of protection as well as durability.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Durable
• Comfortable
• Multi-use

Cons:

• Flimsy zipper

Bottom Line

The Cressi Neoprene Anti-Slip boots are the best kayak shoes when it comes to durability. If you want a pair that will last you a long time, these are the ones.

Bonus point: You can use those for Scuba diving, which is actually what I do.

If they can do a good job of keeping my feet dry for up to 30 meters deep in both salt and freshwater, they can definitely keep your legs dry and protect you from the splashes you get.

Did I also mention I use them for diving from shore? This means I walk on sand and rocks to get in the water with them and they still work fantastic (no sand has ever gotten in them).

9. HIITAVE Barefoot Water Shoes – Best for Comfort

These shoes are extremely comfortable and give a barefoot feel thanks to the wide-toe design that they come in. They have low-profit ultra-grip outsoles. This provides the shoe with much traction and a load of protection for the feet.

The HIITAVE barefoot water shoes were designed for water as they are flexible, breathable, and lightweight. Standing up in a kayak should not be an issue for anyone wearing those shoes since they provide extra grip.

They are also very easy and quick to dry thanks to the Integrated Drainage System included. This allows the air and water to move freely, which protects the feet and makes them cool. These shoes are perfect for a variety of activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, and more.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Flexible
• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Versatile

Cons:

• Not very durable under harsh conditions

Bottom Line

The HIITAVE shoes are a great option for kayak fishermen. They are great for wet surfaces and more. They are also breathable, versatile, and lightweight. They are definitely worth checking out.

10. Kararao Water Shoes – Best for Styling & Color Choices

Kararao water shoes are an excellent choice for kayak shoes. They have a wide range of colors to choose from, and they fit both men and women. These colors include green, blue, black, orange, gray, navy, and so much more.

Not only do they offer a wide range of colors, but they are also extremely affordable. This is because they are made of the perfect material that makes them water-resistant. The ultra-lightweight lycra material is also great for fast draining and ventilation.

These shoes contain drainage holes that are unique and extremely high quality. Their anti-slip camo rubber soles have several holes on the bottom of each shoe to affirm water flow out of them. This makes for a cool and healthy shoe environment.

The pull tap located at the heels of the shoes allows easy and quick entry. This protects your feet from dripping off and adds to the ease of taking the shoes on and off. The elastic on the shoe is flexible enough to be able to adjust to your foot size. It is a quicker option than tying them.

Pros VS Cons:

Pros:

• Wide color range
• Comfortable
• Secure
• Water-resistant
• Useful drainage holes

Cons:

• Confusing size chart

Bottom Line

The Kararao kayak shoes are great for all types of fishing adventures, especially kayaking. They contain drainage holes and are comfortable, secure, and highly water-resistant. You won’t want to give them a miss.

How to Pick the Best Shoes for Kayak Fishing?

Buying fishing shoes can be hard, especially if it is for something so specific, such as kayak fishing.

There are 7 main factors to consider when trying to buy kayak fishing shoes, so let’s discuss them in more detail.

Size

Picking the right size for your kayak fishing shoes should be one of your top priorities. If you buy a size too small, it might get uncomfortable, and if you buy a size too big, you might risk slipping.

Picking the right size is vital for comfort, but it is also very important for safety. It is always important to be careful when kayak fishing since fishermen tend to stand up a lot while fishing on kayaks; picking the right size will help with that.

Price

Price is another important aspect when shopping for kayak fishing shoes. It is vital to know what is in your price range and what is not. Some of the most suitable shoes for kayak fishing are very affordable. You do not need to spend a fortune on them.

We suggest setting up a budget for a reasonable price range. You could refer to that range when shopping and might end up with the best type of kayak fishing shoes on the market. This is also a handy tip if you are buying fishing shoes for a friend or a loved one.

Grip

When looking for kayak fishing shoes, you will want to look out for ones that have a tight grip. The grip is highly important for kayak fishing since, as mentioned earlier, anglers tend to stand up when they are on kayaks to fish.

Making sure that the shoes provide grip is highly vital for safety since the ground can get wet. This prevents accidental slipping from happening, which tends to happen with shoes that have poor grip.

Flexibility

It is also just as handy to buy shoes that are flexible for your feet. You want to make sure that you can maneuver whenever you might need to be able to catch fish using a kayak. Flexibility is an important thing to consider for safety as well.

Flexibility can be a lifesaver for anglers who need to move quickly in sticky situations. Not only that, but also flexibility provides comfort since the feet do not have to be restricted to a certain shape. Being able to move your feet around freely while fishing can be a game changer.

Durability

It is no good buying a pair of kayak fishing shoes that will just break after a few wears. This is why it is important to look into what materials the shoes are made out of. Durability is one of the most important things to consider. You want something that will last you many fishing trips.

Looking for shoes that are made out of high-quality materials should be the indicator of whether the shoes will last or not. It is good to do research while shopping for one of the most essential tools for kayak fishing. Being knowledgeable will help you choose the right pair for you.

Water Resistance

Nobody likes wet shoes. Water-resistant shoes are key when kayak fishing. Many kayak fishing shoes contain mesh holes that allow them to drain water out of the shoe for extra comfort. They do not necessarily have to contain mesh holes for them to be water-resistant.

Some types of shoes are readily made out of water-resistant materials. It can get very uncomfortable if your feet are constantly cold due to excess water in your shoes, especially in colder weather. This can be dangerous for anglers, so looking for water-resistant shoes is crucial.

Comfort

The final thing to look for when kayak fishing is comfort. Fishing on a kayak can be a challenge on its own. It is no good to add extra hardship when fishing by having uncomfortable shoes. There are plenty of kayak fishing shoes that offer a cushion-like feeling at the soles.

This feature can come in handy, especially on long fishing trips. Comfort is also important in harsher weather. You want a pair of kayak shoes that will provide you with warmth as well as comfort when fishing during winter.

Staying safe is key when fishing in all situations, so as long as you find a pair of kayak fishing shoes that will keep you and your loved ones safe, you are good to go. Consider checking out our recommendations above. They are some of the best options on the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Kayak Fishing Shoes a Good Gift Idea?

Kayak fishing shoes are a great idea as a gift for anglers who like kayak fishing. When choosing kayak shoes for another angler, make sure that the shoes are the right size, so that they will be comfortable and safe for them to wear. Also, make sure that the shoes are durable and flexible.

Are Sneakers Okay for Kayaking?

Sneakers are an okay choice for kayak fishing as long as they are made out of breathable materials that also provide the angler with a firm grip. You want a pair that will keep your feet protected and warm, and also allow you enough flexibility while fishing from a kayak.

Helpful Resources

My 5 Top Tips for Getting Started in Kayak Fishing

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