What Are the Best Shoes for Kayaking After 2015?

Kayaking requires the right shoes – probably more so than any other sport. Most beginners make the mistake of going out on the water in their usual socks and shoes, only to find themselves driving home with wet feet. Never again do they make that mistake.

Speedo Men’s Seaside 3.0 Lace Amphibious Pull On Water Shoe	Our favorite for 2020
Northside Men’s Brille II Slide Sandal	A great value option
Aleader Women’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes	A great pair of women’s kayak shoes

Kayak shoes are designed to get wet. They repel water and dry quickly, so your feet stay comfortable while you’re out on the water.

Water shoes are unique, so finding the right pair can be a challenge. We’re going to review some of the top shoes on the market, but first, let’s take a look at some of the factors you should consider when comparing our recommendations.

• Shoe Profile: What type of shoe do you prefer? Some kayakers prefer to wear shoes that look and feel like a regular pair of sneakers. These offer full foot coverage, and many are slip-on for easy wear. Others would rather wear a shoe with a lower profile, which leaves more of your upper foot exposed to the elements. The right profile for you will depend on your personal preference and the time of year. Generally, low profile shoes are better suited for warmer months.
• Material: What type of material is used to create the upper and the sole? The materials used are often an indication of the shoe’s quality, which can help you narrow down your choices by eliminating models that don’t meet your standards.

To help you find the right kayak shoes for your needs, we’ve hand-selected the five best models on the market based on user satisfaction, quality and price.

Reviews – The Top Kayak Water Shoes This Year

Speedo Men’s Seaside 3.0 Amphibious – From the iconic Speedo brand, the Seaside 3.0 Amphibious shoe is designed not only for kayaking, but all water sports.

Constructed with a synthetic fabric, this pull-on shoe has a mesh upper for maximum breathability. A bungee lace system allows for easy fit adjustments, and the pull loop on the heel allows you to slip the shoe on and off with ease.

The shoe’s outsole boasts a water-management design that increases traction for added safety. The seaweed massage footbed maximizes comfort.

If you’re looking for a versatile water shoe that can also be used in the shower, the Seaside 3.0 Amphibious shoe is a great choice.

Teva Men’s Evo Outdoor Water Shoe – Teva’s Evo water shoe is stylish, comfortable and easy to wear. With a breathable fabric lining and lace-up closure, these shoes will stay put and dry out quickly in the sun.

For added control and stability, Teva includes a nylon shank, and the Shoc Pad technology absorbs impact for added comfort. The outsole features Spider Rubber for maximum traction.

Teva’s water shoe comes in four colors: charcoal, navy, black and red.

A cushioned footbed makes these shoes comfortable to wear before and after you get out of the water. And the EVA sole and midsole add to the durability and traction of the Evo.

Northside Men’s Brille II – The Brille II from Northside is affordably priced and surprisingly comfortable. This mesh water shoe is similar to the Speedo model, and features a bungee lace-up system that allows for maximum fit control.

A heel pull loop also allows you to put on and take off these shoes with ease.

An EVA footbed offers comfort, while the thermoplastic rubber sole adds durability and traction.

Neoprene uppers resist moisture and offer maximum breathability, and the cushioned insole can be removed to personalize the shoe’s fit.

If you want a shoe that’s similar to the Speedo model, but are on a tighter budget, the Brille II may be the right choice for you.

Cudas Women’s Shasta Water Shoe – If you prefer a low-profile shoe, the Shasta from Cudas is a great choice for women. Featuring an X-band style, this shoe allows the top of your feet to breathe while offering vital protection to your foot’s most sensitive areas.

A toe and heel bumper offer extra protection, while the outer sole grip prevents slips and falls without leaving a mark. A pull tab on the back of the shoe makes it easy to slip this shoe on and off.

To keep your feet comfortable, the upper features neoprene and waterflow mesh for added breathability. Cudas also gives you three colors to choose from: black, blue and natural (beige/green).

Aleader Women’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes – For women who prefer a more traditional sneaker style, Aleader’s water shoes are a great option. Everything about the shoe’s design is aimed at improving airflow and reducing drying time.

An air mesh upper allows the foot to breathe, while a hole in the sole promotes quick drying and adds even more breathability.

The solyte midsole is incredibly lightweight while adding to the durability of the shoe and offering great bounce-back.

The ComforDry sockliner adds cushioning while also promoting a drier and healthier environment in the shoe. And to show off your personality, Aleader gives you three colors to choose from: blue, gray and purple.

Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Shoes for Kayaking

Buying a pair of kayaking shoes doesn’t have to be complicated. To help narrow down your choices from the list above, keep these factors in mind:

• Upper Material: One important thing to keep in mind is the material of the shoe’s upper. Ideally, you want a fabric that offers breathability as this will keep your feet healthier and drier. Mesh and neoprene are two popular materials, and they do a great job of keeping your feet dry. Some shoes, like our last pick, have holes in the bottom to keep water from collecting inside the shoe.
• Traction: Kayaks can get slippery and if you’re launching off a dock, they can get slippery, too. That’s why traction is so important. Look for shoes that offer excellent traction to add to the safety and the comfort of the shoe.
• Lacing: Do you prefer a bungee lace-up system, or a more traditional approach? Bungee systems offer a little more fit control and make it easier to remove the shoe, but most lacing systems on water shoes are relatively easy to work with. While still something to consider, this point is more of a personal preference.
• Price: Naturally, you want to keep the cost of the shoe in mind. Most water shoes are affordable, but you’ll still need to set a budget and stick to it. Higher-end shoes will likely have more features that promote airflow and allow for quicker drying. Like with most other things, it’s better to spend more on a quality shoe if you can.