The type of water shoes you wear while you kayak will depend on the weather, the temperature of the water, the type of kayaking you plan to do, and whether or not you will be exiting your kayak during your excursion to do some walking or hiking.
There is a wide range of options from sandals, to wetshoes to warmer water booties. With more and more water shoes being available every year there is no shortage of choice.
Here are some of the most popular options.
The Sport Sandal
More often then not, in warm weather I will simply wear my sports sandals while I am using my inflatable kayak.
They have decent grips on the bottom so they are good for keeping balance while entering or exiting my kayak if I am on rocks.
They are light enough that they do not feel clunky if my feet are in the water and they fit well enough that I know they will not come off my feet or weigh me down if I happen to capsize in the water. A good sport sandal is great for kayaking.
The Water Bootie
In colder weather I wear a water bootie. I have the NRS Paddle Wetshoe which is a fairly basic wetshoe but really does the trick for what I need it for.
They fit snug and secure and keep my feet fairly warm. They have good grips on the bottom so I can wear them scrambling over rocks and walking on shore.
If the weather is really cold I can add a pair of hydroskin socks which give my feet extra protection and warmth. A wetshoe water bootie can be a great way to go.
The H20 Sport Sandal with Toe Protection
However I have begun to look at a different kind of water shoe… the sport sandal that has protection around the toes.
You have likely seen them as they have become very popular. Keen is probably the most common brand name for this type of water shoe but others include Teva, Columbia, North Face, Merrell, etc.
What I like about this water shoe is that it offers the comfort and the style of a sport sandal but gives added protection to the toes and sometimes the heels.
This can be great when scrambling on rocks and climbing in and out of your kayak.
This type of sport sandal is extremely functional for all types of outdoor activities and makes for a very versatile water shoe.
No matter which type of water shoe you choose to use there are a few important factors to keep in mind:
- Make sure they will not slip off your feet… you don’t want to lose them in the water or slip and fall.
- Make sure there are some grips on the bottom so you don’t slip when getting in and out of your kayak
- Make sure they will not weigh you down should you capsize in the water.
- Make sure they allow your feet to breathe.
- Make sure they are not too clunky for the inside of your kayak.
Best Online Stores to buy Water Shoes
I really like the selection at Outdoorplay.com. They have a fantastic range of options, offer free shipping and often have great deals.
Hi Allison
What about rubber-soled tennis shoes or Sperry Topsiders?
You could definitely use either of those shoes. You won’t be able to grip the board as well with your toes with those shoes but if you are on flat water and a stable board you’d be just fine.
Do we have to wear socks? I have adidas watergrip, a present from my uncle but i don’t know whether i should wear socks or not.
Hi Dylana, If the weather is really cold you can wear some water socks, but you can definitely wear them without socks. I normally don’t wear socks with my water shoes.
I’ve been a fan of Keens since they came out. I wear these shoes almost exclusively. They are my work shoes, play shoes, travel shoes, simply awesome. They have proven themselves again and again, peaking for me in 2008 when I motorcycled the entire country of Laos over 35 days. Keens Newports were the only shoes I wore.
I own a pair of 5 fingers too but the use is very limited the sport activities.
Cheers
Phil
Thanks for the comment Phil, I agree with you 100%. These Keen shoes are the most comfortable things I’ve ever worn and totally versatile.
I wear a tiny little bootie I purchased at Academy for $5. I like it so much I went and bought a 2nd pair just to wear in the summer.
Well you certainly couldn’t get a better deal than that! It’s always nice when you find something you really like. 🙂
Firstly, great website! You’re missing the Vibram 5 fingers as options here. I have a pair and they are wonderful for any water activities. Great sole and the best part is you have individual toe movement for superior balance. They may look weird, but they are seriously awesome! Visit http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/ for more information.
Excellent comment Scott. A friend of mine just mentioned the “vibram 5 fingers” to me as well – they do look really strange but I hear they are fantastic and they sound perfect for kayaking!
Cheers, Allison