When it comes to a pair of kayaking shoes, there seems to be two extremes to choose from: pricey high-performance ones ready for anything, and cheap box-store pairs with thin mesh uppers and a clunky sole that are lucky to make it a week at summer camp let alone a season of a paddler’s use. Level Six’s new Tidal Shoe sets out to provide paddlers with another option—a pair of shoes that will protect your feet and hold up to use, yet be a relatively low-cost.
Construction of the Level Six Tidal Shoe
The Tidal Shoe comes in at a minimalist design compared to the other footwear in the Level Six catalog including the River Boot 2.0 and Creek Boot 2.0. According to Level Six founder Stig Larsson, the Tidal Shoe is inspired by the whitewater playboating crowd—a group that needs something low-profile and functional on their feet in order to be able to fit inside the limited space of a low volume kayak deck. Larsson says, others like paddleboarders and general water users will appreciate the slenderness of the shoes design as well.
The upper is constructed of a polished-looking 1.5 millimeter-thick, heathered neoprene for an enclosed, secure fit that provides both thermal and protective layering. Level Six has brought the rolled cuff cut up toward the top of the ankle to prevent rocks and sticks from getting inside. Meanwhile, a wide rubber band runs across the top of the foot to keep the shoe in place without the added bulk of laces or velcro straps.
Underneath the shoe, the sole is constructed with a vulcanized rubber, and has a thinner, climbing shoe like profile that even includes section of rubber wrapping over the toes for added protection around your lower digits.
For those paddling recreationally, without long carries to and from the water, or whose paddling outings don’t involve skipping around treacherous terrain, the Level Six Tidal Shoe looks to be a capable water shoe that sets you back less than $50 USD. Learn where to find a pair at levelsix.com.
