Do I Need Water Shoes for Kayaking

If you ask us here at Topnotchoutdoor.com, kayaking is the perfect outdoor adventure rolled into one: it’s part exercise, sightseeing, and part meditation.

While it’s definitely a rewarding experience, kayaking can quickly become an uncomfortable memory. This is especially true if you don’t wear the proper clothing. The same rule applies to all parts of your body, even your bare feet. So you need to know Do I Need Water Shoes for Kayaking?

While there’s nothing stopping you wearing your favorite athletic shoes, there’s a solution to keeping your feet warm and protected on your outdoor water adventures…

We’re talking about water shoes! 

If you’re a fan of kayaking and other water sports, then invest in a reliable pair of kayaking shoes that are quick-drying, breathable, secure, and provide excellent water drainage.

Wearing water shoes should give you versatility, durability, stability, protection from sharp rocks, and reliable grip on slippery surfaces and rough terrain during any outdoor adventure! 

In our Ultimate What to Wear to Kayaking guide, let’s dive deep into:

We know you’re excited to slip on the perfect pair of water shoes. But before anything else, let’s get into the types of water shoes and why you’ll need to get your hands (or feet) on a reliable kayaking shoe!

Let’s start paddling!

What is a water shoe?

If you’re heading to a body of water, a pair of water shoes are your best friend! 

Whether it’s for water parks, paddle sports, snorkeling, hiking, splashing around on the shore, spelunking, or kayaking, they’ll keep your bare feet protected at all times.

How does a water shoe work? 

Water shoes have evolved from bulky, heavy, and frumpy designs to light, comfy, and sleek models.

Newer designs were developed to offer exceptional underfoot traction, multiple drainage ports, thermal protection, and thick soles.

You can either get a closed-toe design or a sandal-type water shoe. Slip-on water shoes are convenient to put on, but water shoes with an elastic or velcro strap provide added security.

While water shoe designs vary, most are versatile enough for different environments and everyday use.

What is a water shoe made of? 

While water shoe types will differ in design and features, most are made of these materials:

Mesh or Neoprene

Typically, water shoes are flexible and made of light mesh. Breathable mesh helps keep feet cool during outdoor adventures. It also enhances water flow when submerged and drainage when out of water.

Neoprene water shoes are also popular, especially in colder climates. Neoprene is thin, but it helps trap a thin layer of water that will help keep your feet warm (thanks to your body heat).

Thick and flexible rubber sole

Most water shoes will also have a thick rubber sole that covers the entire foot. This will help protect the feet from sharp objects or scorching surfaces. All in all, hard soles will also prevent any cuts and abrasions.

Grippy rubber outsole

If you expect some hiking or wading through unpredictable and rocky terrain during your kayak tours, go for styles with built-in toe shields. Trust us; stubbed toes are the worst!

Water shoes also have specially designed tread that enhances traction on slippery surfaces, such as decks, boat docks, and algae-covered rocks. Rubber outsoles offer great grip on wet surfaces!

Benefits of Water Shoes – Should I wear water shoes when I go kayaking?

Kayaking is a sport, so you’re probably wondering why you can’t wear your go-to athletic shoe.

While you’ll definitely survive your kayak trip wearing sneakers or maybe even a pair of flip flops, we’ll break down why you should choose a good pair of water shoes:

Why can’t I wear regular sneakers or rubber shoes for kayaking?

The main reason is that sneakers aren’t meant to be wet! They do the exact opposite of what water shoes aren’t supposed to do: absorb water! Drying your sneakers after a full submersion is tiring work. Your sneakers will also degrade faster if they get wet often.

Trust us: when you’re out paddling with wet sneakers, all you’ll think about is how moist your shoes and socks are. Not only are they uncomfortable and cold, but they also don’t have good traction either. You’ll likely fall over and slip on wet surfaces.

Though not the ideal footwear for kayaking, flip flops are a decent kayaking companion. 

It’s definitely better than kayaking barefoot.

Are slippers or flip flops good for kayaking?

Flop flops are cheap, and they can be found in almost any convenience store or gas station. They dry out pretty quickly, and you can easily store them in your day pack. And another thing ––they float! There’s no need to worry about losing your trusty pair. If they fall off your kayak, chances are you can retrieve them quickly!

However, they aren’t durable, which means you’re more likely to get injured from sharp objects and rough terrain. Rubber slippers won’t do you any favors on waterlogged surfaces, either.

Water shoes offer benefits above and beyond rubber sneakers, slippers, and other shoes. A good pair will ensure that you enjoy wet conditions, whether you’re submerged or above water. 

With quick-drying capabilities, instant drainage, and a rugged sole, wearing water shoes offer unparalleled practicality, durability, and versatility for water sports. They also ensure that you enjoy wet conditions, whether you’re submerged or above water.

What are the types of water shoes?

There are different types of water shoes, each with different designs and materials.

The best one will depend on weather conditions, temperature, and the specific outdoor adventure you’re heading to!

Here are some of the most common water shoe types:

1. Barefoot Water Shoes

Barefoot water shoes are the complete opposite of what you’d have in mind when you imagine a pair of water shoes!

They’re sporty, lightweight, and understated. Clearly a far cry from the unsightly water shoe designs of old!

A barefoot water shoe is just as comfortable as wearing a sock, with the helpful benefits of flexible and thick soles plus a breathable upper. They’re designed with a durable, flexible, and quick-drying stretch upper plus an anti-skid sole that’s guaranteed to keep your toes and feet protected.

A great pair of barefoot water shoes would have vented holes that are small enough to keep sediment out but large enough to offer good water drainage.

One of the crowd favorites at Amazon is the UBFEN Unisex Barefoot Water Shoes. Check out our Top Kayak Water Shoes Section for more top-rated pairs!

2. Booties

Water booties are the prime choice for paddle boarding or surfing. They provide excellent grip on a boat and other paddle sports.

This pull-on boot or zip-up comes in two designs: round-toe and split-toe. The round-toe design is more popular because they’re relatively budget-friendly.

There are also more technical booties that are designed for diving and other underwater activities.

3. Socks

Water socks or aqua socks look just like the ones in your closet. The only difference is that they’re made of neoprene or lycra.

Aqua socks come in different heights, but the most popular are high-tops or ankle-high socks. Some designs also have adjustable ankle straps for added security when you’re wading in the water or swimming.

Socks are popular among snorkelers to prevent any chaffing from diving fins. You can also wear high-top socks inside low-cut water shoes for added protection from jellyfish stings.

4. Sandals

Water sandals remain one of the most popular water footwear types. 

Contrary to what most people think, they’re not at all like the cheap sandals you wear at the beach or pool. They aren’t like those leather sandals you find in boutiques, either.

The main difference is that water sandals are made of durable material and provide excellent traction on slippery and wet surfaces. They’re also great for short hikes on rocky and uneven terrain.

A waterproof sandal is versatile and often suitable for most day trips and relaxed kayak tours. Unless you need more traction or foot protection, there’s no reason you should choose a closed-toe shoe over a sandal.

Check out these extremely durable and stylish outdoor sandals by Teva.

How to choose water shoes?

The first things to consider when purchasing water shoes are size and fit. Make sure that your water shoes aren’t loose. If they are, they might come off in the water, and they’ll cause you some uncomfortable chafing. Yikes.

Now, onto the key features that make a good pair of water shoes:

(We’ll get into the nitty-gritty of what to look for when buying kayaking shoes in the next section. Let’s begin!)