Kayak Guidance logo

7 Best Shoes

for Kayak Fishing: Tested & Reviewed

Best Options and Reviews

Published July 5, 2022

Kayak fishing is a great way to spend time with yourself while enjoying the weather and hunting. But, it can also be dangerous without appropriate accessories like kayaking shoes. So, if you are looking for the best shoes for kayak fishing, then you are at the right place.

I will disclose some of the best shoes you can buy for kayak fishing this summer. Besides that, I will also teach you to choose the best shoes according to your needs and budget.

So, let’s get started.

7 Best Shoes For Kayak Fishing: Summary

Top 7 Best Shoes for Kayak Fishing

Following are the top 7 best shoes for kayak fishing that you can consider buying in 2022. My fellow kayakers have used these shoes, and that is why I’m recommending them to all of you guys.

I hope my recommendations will help you find the right one you are looking for.

1. NORTIV 8 Barefoot Water Shoes

120+ Reviews
4.5/5

The NORTIV 8 kayak shoes are the perfect pair of shoes for those who want to stay dry and comfortable while swimming, surfing, or enjoying the beach or on the water. These shoes are lightweight and quick-drying, so they will work just as well in the water as they do on land.

Detailed Review of These Water Shoes for Kayak Fishing

These NORTIV 8 kayak shoes are a great way to stay safe while exploring the water. They’re light, comfortable, and sports-friendly.

These are made from a soft and flexible rubber material that makes them very easy to get on and off. The soles are non-slip, so you don’t have to worry about slipping around in the kayak or ocean, but they also have good traction for walking on rocks or trails as well.

The best part about these shoes is that they are quick-drying. Water puddles easily around your feet when you take them off, so you don’t have to worry about getting water inside your shoes where it could damage your skin.

Pros

Cons

  • The shoe is lightweight and easy to put on and take off.
  • They are breathable.
  • The shoe has a rubber sole, which makes it very comfortable to walk in.
  • The shoe has a Velcro strap around the top of the foot, which prevent shoes from being taken off by the water pressure.
  • These shoes can’t prevent debris because they are breathable.

Summary

If you are looking for a pair of shoes that can work as both sneakers and water shoes but still look good enough for casual wear, then I definitely recommend checking out the NORTIV 8 Water Shoes.

2. Josaywin Water Shoes

320+ Reviews
4.5/5

Josaywin Water Shoes are the perfect choice for men who want to enjoy the water but don’t want to get their feet damaged. So, these are the perfect shoes for all types of kayakers and those who want to go kayaking this summer.

Detailed Review of These Water Shoes for Kayak Fishing

If you’re looking for a pair of water shoes that are both comfortable and functional, look no further. These shoes are perfect for swimming and surfing but also provide excellent support when walking or running on land. They’re made from an anti-fungal material that prevents odor retention while they dry quickly, so you can use them again right away.

These water shoes feature quick-drying, comfortable soles, so you can be out in the water as long as you want and won’t soak your feet through. They’re also adjustable, so you can make them fit just right for your feet. And because they’re made from a breathable material, they will keep your feet cool and dry even during hot summer days.

And if you live in a place where the surface gets slippery?

Don’t worry! These shoes are made to keep your feet on the ground due to strong grips.

Pros

Cons

  • Quick-Drying and breathable
  • Easy to put on and take off
  • Comfortable for all-day wear
  • The straps don’t stay in place well

Summary

These shoes have been designed with a look-alike toe box, providing a more comfortable fit. It also has an adjustable strap at the ankle, allowing you to get the perfect fit. These are good for anyone looking for a reliable pair of shoes this summer.

3. Quick Dry Athletic Water Sport Walking Shoes

70+ Reviews
4.5/5

The Men’s Quick-Dry Athletic Shoes are the perfect choice for athletes who want to stay dry and comfortable while playing water sports, riding around lakes, or just fishing on the rivers. They’re lightweight and anti-slip, so you can get outside and enjoy your day without worrying about destroying your footwear. You’ll stay protected from the elements while remaining light on your feet to keep up with everyone else.

Detailed Review of These Water Shoes for Kayak Fishing

The Quick Dry Water Shoes are the perfect shoes for you if you are looking for a lightweight, comfortable walking shoe that is breathable and dries fast.

These shoes feature a quick-dry lining that helps keep your feet dryer than other water shoes on the market. In addition, these water shoes have an easy slip-on design with a non-slip rubber sole for maximum traction.

They are made from high-quality materials that will last for years of use. These water shoes are ideal for fishing, kayaking, and everyday use in the pool or beach without getting your feet wet.

Pros

Cons

  • The shoe is lightweight,
  • It’s easy to put on and take off,
  • It’s comfortable and has to cushion,
  • The sole is made from rubber with a gel layer for extra comfort and support
  • They are water-resistant but not waterproof

Summary

These shoes are lightweight and super durable, making them perfect for those who love to swim or go kayak fishing. They have a unique design that lets your feet breathe while protecting them from scratches and debris during your adventures.

4. Mishansha Water Kayak Shoes

24,500+ Reviews
4.6/5

Mishansha Water Kayak Shoes are the perfect solution for all your water sports needs. From swimming to surfing, kayaking to wakeboarding, these shoes will keep you comfortable and protected. They are quick-drying and come with a comfy sole design to make them even more comfortable.

Detailed Review of These Water Shoes for Kayak Fishing

Mishansha Water Shoes are made from a quick-dry fabric that dries in minutes and can be worn with or without socks. They fit comfortably thanks to their flexible design and are perfect for kayak fishing and swimming.

They are easy to wear and come with strong laces that make it easy to tighten or loosen the shoe. The laces also make getting the shoes on and off your feet easier.

They are water-resistant and will try to keep your feet dry even when you are in the water or standing up for long periods.

They come in both men’s and women’s sizes, so you can choose which size is best for you.

Pros

Cons

  • The shoes are water-resistant and comfortable to wear.
  • They can easily be folded up and stored in your bag or suitcase.
  • The shoes are lightweight, so you won’t feel weighed down by them.
  • Mishansha Water Kayak Shoes are inexpensive, so you can buy a pair for every trip you take.
  • They have a tendency to get stuck in the mud and sink into the ground.

Summary

If you are looking for a versatile pair of shoes for yourself, you can consider buying them because these shoes are just great for every purpose. From kayaking to fishing, you can wear them all day long without irritation or discomfort.

5. UBFEN Unisex Aqua Shoes

16,000+ Reviews
4.5/5

These shoes are for you if you’re a kayaker or just like to go to the river. UBFEN Unisex Aqua Shoes will keep your feet dry and comfortable while you’re out in the water. They have easy-to-use laces that make putting them on and taking them off easy.

Detailed Review of These Water Shoes for Kayak Fishing

The UBFEN Unisex Aqua Shoes are perfect for boating, fishing, diving, swimming, and yoga. They are manufactured from a waterproof fabric that dries quickly when exposed to water. The shoe has been designed to fit comfortably on your feet and toes so you can relax while enjoying your time on the water.

This makes it easy for you to enjoy all the benefits of an Aqua Shoe without worrying about getting caught in the rain or having to take them off once you get back on land.

Whether you’re boating, fishing, diving, surfing, or simply relaxing by the pool, these shoes keep your feet dry and ready for whatever comes next.

Pros

Cons

  • They are comfortable to wear.
  • They are made from quality material.
  • The design of the shoes is fashionable and eye-catching.
  • The color of the shoes is attractive and appealing to the eye.
  • They are a bit on the pricey side.

Summary

The rubber sole is perfect for rocky beaches and kayak surfaces, while the quick-drying fabric keeps them feeling fresh even after a long day of play. So, if you are looking for decent shoes that you can use on both beaches and kayaks, you can have a look at them.

6. HIITAVE Barefoot Kayak Fishing Shoes

8600+ Reviews
4.5/5

The HIITAVE Barefoot Kayak Fishing Shoes is a great piece of equipment to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about getting your feet wet or dirty. These water shoes are perfect for the beach, swimming, and kayak fishing, and they’re quick-drying so you can keep moving while you’re out there.

Detailed Review of These Water Shoes for Kayak Fishing

The HIITAVE Barefoot Kayak Fishing is made of lightweight neoprene that keeps the water out but still allows you a full range of motion. They have a molded heel strap that helps secure your foot in place but also makes it easy to slip them on and off when you’re getting ready to head out on the water.

The HiittaVes have extra traction on the bottom, so you can walk over rocks and other obstacles without slipping on top of them like traditional water shoes do. They also have adjustable laces strap around each ankle, so they fit just right even if your feet are larger than average.

Pros

Cons

  • They are lightweight, making them easy to carry around.
  • They are mud resistant, so you can fish in any weather conditions.
  • They have a non-slip bottom, which is great for paddling.
  • The laces are super thin; you will have to adjust them often.

Summary

These Shoes are perfect for fishing on the water. The patented sole is designed to give you maximum traction and help you move quickly without getting stuck in the mud. So, they are perfect for occasional fishermen.

7. Zhuanglin Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes

16,000+ Reviews
4.5/5

The Zhuanglin Aqua Shoes are a great choice for those looking to stay cool while they’re out on their kayak for fishing. They feature innovative water-repellent upper and quick-drying soles, so you can confidently enjoy your time in the sun.

Detailed Review of These Water Shoes for Kayak Fishing

The Zhuanglin Aqua Water Shoes feature a breathable design that helps keep your feet cool and dry, so you won’t have to worry about sweating through your favorite pair of flip-flops or sandals. They are built with a lightweight EVA construction that’s easy on your feet but still durable enough to last through years of wear.

The soft, breathable neoprene material provides comfort and durability, while the closed-cell foam midsole provides shock absorption and flexibility.

They’re lightweight and easy to slip on, so you don’t have to spend all day tying your laces. The soft, breathable fabric will keep your feet cool and dry all day long.

Pros

Cons

  • Dry in a few minutes.
  • Good for water sports, hiking, and kayak fishing.
  • Lightweight and easy to carry.
  • Made of high-quality materials that are long-lasting and durable.
  • The price is a bit high compared to other similar shoes on the market.

Summary

If you want a pair of water shoes that won’t let you down when it comes to style and comfort, these are definitely worth considering.

Why it is important to have kayak Shoes?

Having kayak shoes is important because they will make your kayak fishing experience easier when you are out on the water. You can have better control of your kayak and stand on top of the kayak if you have the right shoes on.

If you don’t have kayak shoes, you might slip on your kayak and fall into the water when grabbing your catch. That is why it is important to have a pair of decent water shoes.

There are also other benefits of having kayak fishing shoes, so let’s understand them.

Toe protection: A water shoe’s toe protects from sharp corners of the kayak, corals, and other debris that can injure your toes.

Easier entry and exit for the kayak: A water shoe makes it easier to get in and out of your kayak without falling in because it provides friction to your feet.

Firm foot grip: Water shoes provide firm footing on slippery surfaces, which helps you maintain control over your kayak as you paddle.

Support for your feet when pulling your Catch: You can use them to go through the water and pull your Catch without worrying about being uncomfortable or unstable.

How to Choose the Best Shoes for Kayak Fishing

If you are a beginner in kayak fishing, then you must be interested in knowing how to choose the best shoes for kayak fishing.

So, here are a few things that can help you.

Choose shoes that keep your feet warm and dry:

The best kayak fishing shoes keep your feet warm and dry without causing too much trouble. A good pair of paddling shoes should hold your foot in place without being too tight or loose, and they should be made from durable materials that can stand up to the rigors of a day on the water.

Shoes that are too stiff might irritate your feet after a few hours of paddling, but too soft can make paddling difficult because they don’t provide enough support for your arch and foot bones.

So, choose the one that fits perfectly and keeps your feet dry. And since you will be doing a lot of walking while fishing, you don’t want anything too heavy or clunky.

Opt for water-resistant Boots:

Water-resistant footwear is essential in any outdoor activity, but it’s especially important for kayak fishing. While you might think that your feet would be immersed in water on a kayak fishing trip, this isn’t always the case.

In fact, most of your time will be spent standing on the deck of your kayak as you wait for a bite or cast your line out into the water. That means your feet will be exposed to cool air while not submerged in water.

So, choose the one with water-resistant capability; it will help you stay dry.

Select a Comfortable Shoe Size:

The next is to select a comfortable shoe size like other formal or informal shoes. The shoe size should be exactly like your feet because if you choose the bigger size, the shoe will get off every time you jump or twist your feet. Similarly, if you choose a smaller size, it will make your feet tired.

So, choose the perfect size according to your feet’s length and width. The easiest way to choose a comfortable size is to look for the shoe size chart given by the seller. This will help you choose an appropriate size that will snugly fit your feet.

Choose Shoes with Non-Slip Soles:

The most important thing in choosing the right water shoes for yourself is: to select the one with non-slip soles or choose the one that provides friction to your feet while you are out on your kayak. The non-slip texture at the bottom of your shoe will not just provide you strong grip but also helps you get in and out of your kayak.

However, ensure your shoe has good traction because slippery surfaces may cause accidents while kayaking. In addition, you need to be careful with open-toed shoes because they don’t protect against ticks or thorns, which could lead to infections or illness. And lastly, never wear flip-flops as they won’t provide much support for your foot and will make it difficult for you when moving around on your kayak.

Besides, it will also prevent you from accidental falls on the ground and on the waters. The above-mentioned shoes all come with non-slip soles, so you can choose anyone from them.

Select Shoes that Don’t Trap Sand or Debris:

You will have to select water shoes that don’t trap sand or debris because it will be very uncomfortable to have something trapped in your shoes. If you get sand or other things stuck inside of them, then they will not be able to work properly and could even cause blisters on your feet. This is why it is important to ensure that these are as comfortable as possible so that they do not cause any problems later on down your journey.

Consider the Time of Year You Are Kayak Fishing:

If you are going on a kayak fishing trip in summer, you should choose a pair of breathable water shoes that can keep your feet cool and protected. But, if you are going out in winter, you should choose the one that keeps your feet warm and dry to prevent any negative health effects.

Conclusion

So, these are the best shoes for kayak fishing. You can choose any of the above because they are tested and proven to be excellent for kayak fishing on long or short trips. Besides, I have also written some tips that will be very helpful for you in choosing the best shoes for kayak fishing.

If you are facing problems while choosing the best water shoes, you can consult me by writing in the comment section below. I will reach out to you within a few hours as I regularly check the comment section.

Jay Schwartz author of Kayak Guidance

About the Author - Jay Schwartz:

Hey there kayak lovers! I’m Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! You know water sports – you know me! My life is all about it. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. 

More to Learn About Kayaks!