Kayaking is an activity that is loved the world over. Not only does it provide you with plenty of fun when out on the water but it is also a great way to stay fit. What’s more kayaking is a low impact activity yet it is also an excellent way to boost your aerobic fitness.

When kayaking you will need good and reliable kayaking shoes that provide you with grip when you are getting into and exiting the kayak. The shoes should allow water to pass through them easily as well be fast drying to prevent feet from remaining drenched. This will also help prevent mold and other types of bacteria build up.

There are plenty of options when choosing kayaking shoes from the different manufacturers. However, we’ve put together a list of the best kayaking shoes in the market for you to check out when you are shopping. Take a look and you are almost guaranteed of finding a great pair of shoes for your kayaking adventures.

1. ALEADER Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes

Product Overview

The ALEADER Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes are a highly comfortable water shoe. They drain easy and are fast drying. The air circulation is good and your feet remain cool even after wearing the shoes for a long duration. The top mesh allows for breathability and more air circulation means that you will not worry about getting mold and fungus infections on your feet due to wetness.

Traction is excellent and this is what makes them such a great choice for kayaking. Women can also wear these shoes and all you will need to do is find a size that is perfect for your feet. What’s more, they have a cushion outsole and a systole midsole making them comfortable to wear for long durations.

You could walk in these shoes for days and still come out without sore feet thanks to the excellent cushioning. They also feature a durable construction and can withstand a lot of beating. The ALEADER Men’s quick drying shoes are also super lightweight.

2. Mishansha Quick Drying Water Shoes

Product Overview

The Mishansha quick drying water shoes are just that —quick drying. They feature bottom holes which means water drains out from all angles leaving you with dry and comfortable feet. The elastic laces are simple and quick to tie and its easy to wear and remove the shoes.

The shoe upper is made from a stretchable breathable material which allows them to offer a great fit. Traction is excellent and will perform well on smooth rocks and other surfaces near the river bed. This is especially useful when getting in and out of the kayak.

As far as looks go Mishansha quick drying water shoes feature a great looking and sleek design. They almost look like socks on your feet. The right size shoe for you will fit snuggly around the feet. And there is a huge range of colors to choose from with pink, purple, blue and khaki green on the list.

There is also a combination of colors such as black/green, black-rosy, grey/black and blue/black.

3. Speedo Men’s Surf Walker 3.0 Water Shoes

Product Overview

The Speedo Men’s Surf Walker 3.0 water shoes have a solid and durable construction. The upper is made from a stretchy material which makes them simple to wear. Kind of like wearing socks. The insole provides good padding and is very comfortable on the feet.

As far as breathability goes the shoes are great allowing for good air circulation. They may take quite a bit of time to completely dry out however, but the great thing is that they allow water to flow out easily. These shoes are also well made and very pleasant to look at.

The opening where you fit your feet is smaller but this only serves to hold onto your feet nicely and snug. They are light weight and you can easily forget that you are wearing the shoes at all. All this while providing great protection for the feet.

Even better is the arch support which is often a feature that you will not find in many water shoe designs.

4. The Wave Men’s Waterproof Water Shoe

Product Overview

The Wave Men’s Waterproof water shoes are very easy to put on. They have no laces so you can wear them in an instant. The rubber sole is thick and provides great traction on smooth surfaces. Even better is that you will not feel any pressure when walking over sharp rocks and jagged areas.

The synthetic upper drains easily and is breathable allowing for good air circulation. They feel particularly light weight and it’s easy to forget you are wearing any shoes at all. These are comfortable on the feet which allows you to concentrate on your kayaking.

For the color conscious, you will be pleased to know that the Wave men’s waterproof water shoes come in a variety of colors from black, grey, yellow to navy/gray to gray-camo.

They are designed for a large variety of feet as well which means that you can always find a shoe that fits you nicely and snug. The design is strong and durable and the shoe will hold up against rocks and other sharp surfaces.

5. Body Glove Men’s 3T Cinch

Product Overview

If you are looking for a comfortable shoe with great heel support for the next time you go kayaking, then The Body Glove Men’s 3T Cinch is a shoe you should consider. It offers excellent cushioning to your feet and provides great traction. If you plan on taking your kayak over very smooth rocks, then body glove 3T will ensure that you maintain your grip.

Even better is that they can withstand jagged surfaces and sharp rocks quite well which ensures that your feet are well protected. Unlike some shoes that will allow small rocks and sand to get in, the Body glove will not. Do you like to feel the bottom of where you are treading? These shoes are light enough to allow you to feel what you are stepping on while still offering ample protection.

The shoes have a durable construction and can take a lot of beating which means they will serve you for a long time.

 Final words

With the many options available in the market it can prove quite challenging to get the best water shoes for kayaking. Aim for shoes that are comfortable and simple to wear. This means getting the size just right and the shoe should neither be too loose on your feet or too tight.

Secondly check for water shoes that provide great traction. Every time you are putting the kayak in the water or getting out of it, you stand the chance of slipping on some smooth rocks. The sole should also provide excellent protection from any jagged surfaces and sharp rocks.

But this is not where things end. Also, you want water shoes that are durable. Granted there is very little wear and tear subjected to the shoes when you are in your kayak but every time you want to access that lake or river, there are different surfaces to get over. This is why the shoes should be strongly built.

Watch for shoes such as the ALEADER Men’s quick drying shoes as these are comfortable to wear and provide excellent cushioning to the feet. Every time your feet get into the water, the shoes need to drain out the water fast and allow enough air circulation for the feet to remain dry. This helps to avoid fungus and mold build up.

Lastly, of course you want to go for a kayaking shoe that looks great on your feet. The Mishansha water shoes for example have a sleek and stylish look which allows you to look good whether you are in the kayak or you are out of the water.

If you are looking for flexibility which is one of the most important factors to consider when on uneven terrain, water shoes such as the Body glove 3T men’s cinch water proof shoes would be great choice. The toes are flexible which means the foot can attain a much steeper grip on rocks and other types of terrain. Plus, they have good traction and can be used comfortable with little strain on smooth rocks.