When it comes to the question of what to wear kayaking, solid footwear cannot be overlooked. The right pair of water shoes will keep you on your feet while carrying a canoe or kayak down steep trails. They need to be comfortable against footbraces for a full day on the water, quick drying, grippy on slick rocks and be able to take a beating. And should you need to jump into action and rescue a fellow paddler, the right shoes provide confidence and sure-footing. As paddlers, our water shoes are often our footwear of choice on and off the water.
So, how do we find out which shoes meet the needs of paddlers? By wearing down the tread on as many as we can.
Best water shoes: Our top picks
- Best overall: Astral Brewer
- Best sandal: Chacos Z/1 Classic
- Best neoprene bootie: Level Six Creek Boot 2.0
Best water shoes overall
Astral Brewers
$105 | astraldesigns.com
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Why we love them
If I could only have one water shoe for all my paddling adventures, this might be it. The high-performance Brewer from Astral offers great drainage, excellent traction, feels comfortable, lasts for years, looks like a sneaker and is supportive enough for portaging but slim enough to fit in your cockpit too. The Brewers have great drainage, and no liner in the sole to hold water, so they’re quick to dry and don’t catch much odor.
The Paddling Mag team has tested Brewers on paddleboards in whitewater, raft guiding on the Ottawa River, on multiweek coastal kayaking trips, and on lengthy canoe trips. I’ve lived in my second generation Brewers for weeks at a time.
Now in its third gen, the newest Brewer 3.0 boasts more room in the toe box as well as a soft liner built in to reduce seam contact and increase barefoot comfort. The opinion on the Paddling Mag team is unanimous: the do-it-all Brewer takes abuse and keeps on going.
Reasons to buy
- You’re looking for a do-it-all river shoe
- Confidence-inspiring “stickiness” on slick surfaces
- Light, quick-drying Cordura upper construction
- Stylish look for paddling and travel
Consider another if
- You need more support and a higher cut for ankle protection, see Astral’s Rassler
- If a supportive sole isn’t paramount, consider the Loyak for similar performance in an ultra-slim package
Bottom line
This could be one water shoe to rule them all.
Wear A Life Jacket
- Everyone, even strong swimmers, needs to wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. It is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water. Even a light wind can blow any paddlecraft away from you, faster than you can swim.
- Always wear a USCG-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling.
Best sandals for all terrain
Chacos Z/1 Classic
$105 | chacos.com
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Why we love them
The Z/1 Classic from Chacos is a long-time favorite sandal for water or land in the outdoorsy crowd. First released in 1989, it’s not uncommon to hear folks boast of wearing their Classics for 20-plus years. With just a single buckle and one continuous piece of webbing, customizing fit is dead easy. But it’s the traction, durability and versatility that made this the standard for rugged hiking sandals. The stiff and heavy sole of the Z/1 Classic is boot-like in feel and takes some breaking in. No toe thong makes these sandals easy to pair with socks, if you must.
Reasons to buy
- Available in ChacoGrip or customized with Vibram outsole
- Open design lets the dogs breathe on summer days
- Beefy midsole for foot support
Consider another if
- You need the protection of closed-toe water shoes
- You prefer a low-profile sole
- You’re searching for a paddling-specific shoe over a multi-sport sandal
Bottom line
If you own a pair of Chaco Z/1s, you already have a classic paddling sandal on your feet. The Z/1 has been a go-to shoe choice for years and is just as at home on desert river trips as it is on afternoon paddleboard sessions.
Best water sandals with toe protection
Keen Newport H2
$130 | keenfootwear.com
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Why we love them
A perennial favorite at the put-in, it feels like every canoe tripper has owned a pair of Keen Newport H2s at some point. With the sole of a hiker and the topside of a sandal, the Newport H2 pairs the chunky support of a hiking shoe and protection of a toe cap with the breathability of a sandal and the quick-dry performance you want if you’re repeatedly stepping in and out of the water.
Celebrating more than two decades in production, the modern Newport H2s feature a secure feel thanks to Keen’s lace-capture system paired with nylon webbing. These are among my top picks for best water shoes because they are comfortable, can tackle most terrain while portaging, and they’re durable—my first pair lasted close to a decade and I’m onto my second.
Reasons to buy
- Sandal sensibility with protective rubber cap for toes
- Bungee adjustment combined with webbing upper
- Razor-siped lugs for added traction on wet surfaces
Consider another if
- You need a truly enclosed shoe
- You’re not a fan of bungee adjustment systems
- The downside of all that protection and support is a bit of a bulky sole
Bottom line
When Keen introduced the Newport, they produced a sandal solution bloody- and bruised-toed paddlers had been waiting for. The Newport holds up to this day as one of the best hybrid sandals to tackle the outdoors on land and water.
Best for really cold water
Cressi Isla
$43.50 | cressiamerica.com
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Why we love them
These seven-millimeter neoprene booties from Cressi are ultra warm, cheap and have lasted me years. The Isla my go-to for year-round dips in the lake and surfing on the Great Lakes in winter. Paired with a drysuit, they’re great for cold weather paddling.
These water shoes have a thin but tough rubber sole that provides protection at rocky launches. Both the toe and the heel are reinforced with long-lasting rubber—mine have been in heavy rotation for six years and are still going strong. The Isla’s double-lined neoprene and zip from the sole to the ankle make them easy to slip on and off, and water seepage is at a minimum thanks to a thin flap under the zip, which acts as a barrier. Quality is no surprise given Cressi’s legacy as the world’s oldest manufacturer of scuba equipment.
Reasons to buy
- Ultra toasty
- Great price and value
- Ideal if you have to get your feet wet in cold water
Consider another if
- You need more support for portaging
- You want something breathable
Bottom line
If you have to get your feet wet in extra cold conditions, the Cressi Isla is a budget-friendly and durable option.
Best sandals for wet rock Spidey-grip
Astral Webber sandals
$110 | astraldesigns.com
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Why we love them
Astral first ventured into the sandal market in 2022 with the Webber water shoe. The Webber pairs the chunky webbing of Astral’s award-winning life jackets with their stickiest G Rubber sole compound for grip. Maintaining a stable shoe-like feel, the Webber sandal offers the adventure footwear triad of adjustability, durability and breathability.
Reasons to buy
- G.ss, Astral’s stickiest rubber compound
- Flat, razor-siped treads
- Canvas upper adjusted with PFD size buckles
Consider another if
- You’d prefer a closed-toe
Bottom line
Astral’s water shoe lineup have been praised for having some of the grippiest rubber compounds available. The Webber brings that confident grip to the sandal front.
Best for casual paddling
Crocs Classic Clog
$49.99 | crocs.com
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Why we love them
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the unfashionable Classic Clog by Crocs is much maligned but perennially practical for paddlers. They’re durable, lightweight and dry faster than anything else, which is why they’re my go-to for warm-weather lake paddling. I love the airy breathability they provide, and they’re a boat shoe and camp shoe in one package.
Of course, the downsides of Crocs are numerous, including potential for injury due to the loose fit, mediocre traction, and a footbed that can get slippery when wet. Also, sometimes they squeak, and are liable to float off a paddler’s feet in a capsize.
Yet, despite all those downsides, for casual warm-weather paddling, you’ll find me slipping on a pair of Crocs more often than anything else because they’re so comfortable and easy to wear.
Reasons to buy
- Airy, surprisingly rugged, lightweight, packable, fast to dry and easy to clean
- Most appropriate when water access is just a short stroll away
Consider another if
- The lack of stability is a deal breaker
- Shoreline scrambling factors into your trip
- You need footwear that will stay secure on your feet in a swim
Bottom line
Fuss-free footwear that cleans and dries easily, with performance best suited to ambling from car park to shoreline.
Wear The Appropriate Leash When Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Always wear a leash on open bodies of water like lakes, bays, and oceans. Due to the risk of snags and entrapment, leashes should only be worn on rivers if they include a quick release attached to your life jacket.
Best low-profile bootie
NRS Freestyle Wetshoe
$67.95 | nrs.com
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Why we love them
The lightweight NRS Freestyle Wetshoe is so crazy flexible that we can roll it up and fit it in a regular-sized coffee mug. Constructed with a three-millimeter neoprene upper for warmth and a three-millimetre neoprene insole for added comfort, the Freestyle offers a sock-like feel. Ideal for cramming big feet into small boats and long days kayaking; less suited for gnarly portages and rough, rocky environments.
Reasons to buy
- Low-profile design fits in low-volume bows
- Graphene-infused interior adds potential warmth to neoprene
- Thin rubber outsole provides better traction than barefoot or minimal neoprene sock
Consider another if
- You prefer a breathable upper fabric
- You’d like a shoe with substantial support
- Your paddling involves long or rough portages
Bottom line
Nobody wants what used to be unaffectionately referred to as “rodeo foot” or to wipe out trying to carry your kayak over the rocks in bare feet. The Freestyle Wetshoe is the Goldilocks water shoe for those seeking barely-there foot protection.
Best minimalist
Astral Loyak shoes
$99 | astraldesigns.com
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Why we love them
A minimalist and high-performance water shoe providing first-class grip and comfort? Yes, please. The adaptable Astral Loyak manages to do all the above while looking like a classy, casual sneaker. A top contender for “best overall,” the Loyak is self-draining and dries quickly on the water or packs flat to slide on in camp. Its thin and super-grippy outsole promotes balance and ground feel—what the pros call proprioception. Compared to the Brewer, the Loyak gives up some foot support for a slimmer, more flexible feel.
Reasons to buy
- G.15 Rubber compound and Loyak tread provide confident “stickiness” on river bottoms
- Quick-dry canvas with 3D airmesh upper
- Removable EVA midsole
- Minimal profile shoe fits well in most kayaks
- Stylish look fit for paddling and travel
Consider another if
- You need more substantial midsole support
- An open sandal is preferred
- You are looking for Astral’s stickier G.ss rubber compound
Bottom line
The low-profile Loyak is a much-loved shoe.
Best water shoes for anglers
Columbia Tamiami PFG Shoe
$80 | columbia.com
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Why we love them
Comfortable and stylish, the Tamiami from Columbia is a worthy water companion. This budget-friendly sneaker is part of Columbia’s performance fishing line and features a water- and stain-resistant mesh upper designed to repel fish guts and grime. Now in its second generation, the Tamiami features a super grippy, non-marking outsole that keeps you rubber side down on slick surfaces, while midsole ports aid ventilation, cooling and dry time. Equally suited to shorelines and martinis at the club.
Reasons to buy
- Omni-Shield stain resistance valued by anyone spending time outdoors
- Breathable mesh upper
- Micro-siped lugs for additional traction
- Style means no need to change out of them for an after-fishing meet up with your buddies
Consider another if
- Lace-ups aren’t the lines you want to re-tie
- Mesh isn’t a durable enough upper for your needs
Bottom line
The Tamiami PFG Shoe is a stylish and well-designed water shoe from a major outdoor apparel brand.
Best souped-up redesign on the classic bootie
Level Six Creek Boot 2.0
$75 | levelsix.com
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LEVEL SIX AMAZON BACKCOUNTRY OUTDOORPLAY
Why we love them
The redesigned Creek Boot 2.0 from Level Six is a souped-up version of the classic neoprene bootie. This second-generation, ultra-flexible bootie provides increased stability and durability thanks to a reinforced rubber sole and stiffening in the mid-shank for ankle support. Vulcanized rubber extends onto the boot’s three-millimeter neoprene upper, minimizing wear in high-use and vulnerable areas, like the toes and heel. Slide them on and secure with Level Six’s fast lace system.
Reasons to buy
- Three-millimeter neoprene upper
- Bungee lace system and hook-and-loop cuff strap
- Sole reinforced with stiffening mid-shank
Consider another if
- You prefer the design and breathability of a shoe
- You seek thicker underfoot support
Bottom line
The Creek Boot 2.0 manages to put a good deal of juice under the hood of the modest neoprene bootie.
Best for expeditions
La Sportiva TX Canyon shoes
$189 | sportiva.com
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Why we love them
The TX Canyon from Italian brand La Sportiva is a burly water shoe for the most rugged terrain. Designed with canyoneering in mind, the TX Canyon has more support and protection than almost any water shoe. The upper boot uses Ariaprene with hundreds of tiny perforations and two drain valves on the arch to maximize water-shedding. Ideal for kayakers requiring sturdy footwear in demanding conditions.
Reasons to buy
- Vibram outsoles designed for every type of terrain
- Perforated Ariaprene upper is like a breathable neoprene material
- Encompassing foot support
Consider another if
- Your kayak is tight on space around the footbraces
- Something less full-on will work just fine for your needs
Bottom line
If you are rolling out topo maps to plan how you’re going to reach the river, pack yourself a pair of the TX Canyons.
What you should know about buying water shoes
Choosing a water shoe requires give and take, so it’s best to decide what’s most important to you.
A sandal might be ideal for warm days, especially if you’re a paddleboarder planning to slide them on and off—however, you lose the enclosed protection and insulation of a shoe. Meanwhile, the classic bootie is generally cheap, keeps feet warm, but the feel, and often thinner outsole, differs from the common comfort of a lace-up style shoe. Shoes also generally allow better airflow on your feet. The bigger outsole on shoes though may be an uncomfortable, even impossible, to fit inside some kayaks.
Tread and rubber compounds also play a role in choosing footwear. Deeper lugged treads provide good traction to dig into rugged earth. While shoe treads with a flatter, larger surface area tend to provide better grip on wet rocks in rivers, on docks and boat ramps. Rubber compound matters too. A firmer rubber will be more durable, and these shoes generally have a thicker midsole for foot support. A softer rubber compound will provide more gecko-like traction, similar to a climbing shoe, and tend to have thinner midsoles but less lifespan. Brands today balance these factors out to a point, but ultimately lean toward which factor the design serves best.
Do you really need specialized water shoes for kayaking? Not always. For casual paddling from easy launches, an old pair of sneakers can work. Decades ago, this was the only option for paddlers. But the advantages (and necessity) of purpose-built water shoes quickly become clear when you’re in and out of the water, walking on slippery surfaces, portaging, paddling whitewater or spending multiple days out on the water.
Finding an opportunity to test different shoes for the river or lake can be tough. Learning what shoes or sandals people like to use where you paddle can be a great conversation starter at the boat launch, and clue you into what factors are valued on your local waterways.
Best water shoe brands
- Astral Designs
- Chacos
- NRS
- Columbia
- Keen Footwear
- Teva
- Bedrock Sandals
- Level Six
- Gul
- La Sportiva
- Five Ten
Why trust us
The team at Paddling Magazine has a century’s worth of combined paddling experience. We’ve tested these shoes on everything from afternoon paddles to multiweek trips, on lakes and in rivers, and from the height of summer through the shoulder seasons, paying particular attention to traction, drainage, comfort, support, cockpit fit and durability. We’ve worn through all the shoes that have made our list and have some funky foot tans to prove it.
Sensible shoes, it means practical and strong rather than fashionable and attractive. That’s about right. | Feature photo: Kaydi Pyette
