For comfort and safety while kayaking in Miami or anywhere, preparing the best water shoes for kayaking is the first and foremost thing that you should consider.

It’s because these shoes will offer necessary traction to keep you safe on slippery areas. Besides, they protect your feet from falling or meeting sharp objects that you might meet in or out of the water.

Do you have any water shoes made for kayaking? Or you don’t indeed put much thought into the shoes since you have no idea of them.

So, what you should do now is to prepare the best water shoes for kayaking so that you won’t make your trip less fun and more frustrating. Since you’re here, we will support with all our heart.


Types of water shoes for kayaking you should know
After learning about top 5 best water shoes for kayaking, you need to understand each different kind of water shoes as well.

a. Water booties
For kayaking in Canada or colder areas or white-water kayaking, having a pair of water booties helps to keep your feet warm thanks to their extra lining and padded ankle protection. Besides, they protect your feet when going in and out of the kayak.

Water booties are easy to put on while some are designed with fabric hook-and-loop fastener straps or zippers to give a comfortable fit.

b. Wet boots
If you want to keep your feet warm and dry when wet, wearing wet boots is a perfect choice.

It’s because this footwear offers temperature and water protection up to the knee, maintains a safe fit when trudging through mud or water, and provides additional padding and security for the toes, heels, and sides of the feet. But, note that wet boots are not for an extended walk since the traction might wear down when not being availed in the water.

c. Sports sandals
This footwear looks like sneakers, yet acceptable cut-outs on the sides allow air circulation and water drainage well. It’s lightweight, comfortable and safe without complex straps or long shoelaces. The only disadvantage to open-sided sandals is that you might get cut by rocks if you’re careless.

d. Water sneakers
Nowadays, water sneakers highlight mesh lining that helps to drain the water as well as prevent dirt and sand from entering. Besides, it circulates the air to keep your feet fresh. Plus, it includes laces or straps that protect your feet, toe and decrease shock absorption.

The only drawback is if the surface is too muddy, your footwear might be sucked right off your feet.

Things to consider when buying the best water shoes for kayaking
What constitutes a helpful shoe for kayaking?

Firstly, you need to know that the kayaking shoes cannot prevent your movements or make your feet feel heavy while walking. It’s best to help you move safely and comfortably. Besides, this footwear needs to keep your feet dry in the water and offer an excellent grip on different surfaces.

And here are some factors that you should learn when searching for the best water shoes for kayaking.


a. Material
Neoprene is the most common material that manufacturers use to create the kayaking shoes. It’s because this lightweight, flexible, and non-slip material include all the qualities you need in a water shoe. Even, it brings warmth inside no matter what the weather is.

Additionally, other manufacturers combine neoprene with other materials such as titanium or mesh in order to improve the water shoes’ durability and performance.

Another important point that you should consider is the material of the soles. They should be made from the solid rubber to protect your feet from getting damaged because of impacts with rocks. Furthermore, it offers a sturdy grip on any surfaces when you’re walking.

b. Weight and Height
The best water shoes for kayaking should fit your feet like a glove or make you feel like a second skin. Even, they need to be lightweight so that you don’t feel like you’re wearing them. Relying on that, you can wear for all day long and feel comfortable when walking in rough terrain.

How about the height?

The low-cut kayaking shoes are rather suitable in sunny weather since they’re thin, lightweight, and breathable.
If you value an easy on and off, the ankle height kayaking shoes will be the best choice. Moreover, they provide a right combination of breathability, warmth and sole protection.
As compared to the two above, the knee height kayaking shoes are appropriate in cold weather conditions because they offer a high level of water protection. Besides, they are thicker and more insulated to keep your feet from the choppy water. In case you opt for this type, remember that they need to be fit perfectly with no gaps or they make you feel uncomfortable when wet.
c. Good fit
Your kayaking shoes should be more comfortable than the ones you wear for day-to-day use.

They are tight yet not constricting. And when fitting the shoes, they need to ensure that no dirt or water can access inside. Don’t forget that you also flex your foot easily without worrying having any problem.


d. Size
Choosing a correct size is an obvious thing no matter what you’re going to buy water shoes or normal ones.

You need to know that the size of dry kayaking shoes will be different than the wet ones. So, it’s best to get a size that is between what you feel comfortable and looser than what you’re used.

That means if the shoes adhere to the feet and don’t fall out while walking around, they are perfect.

e. Style
Luckily, the best water shoes for kayaking today don’t resemble the old-style ones with no arch support and awful soles. There are various styles of kayaking shoes that look like sneakers. Even you might find what is called booties, some just like socks or shoes like “Crocs.”

Wonderfully, each style always comes with a huge range of color to select. So, be free to pick up the one you want most.

f. Terrain
Determining different terrains to reach your kayaking destination is necessary. For instance, if you have to go through a place with splinters and sharp rocks, make sure to wear a thick-soled shoe to guarantee your safety.

Or selecting the breathable tread shoes is ideal for smooth water. Or booties are suitable for protecting your feet up to the ankles, allowing you to ross in pebble-filled water easily.

g. Season
Aside from examining the terrain, considering the weather is necessary as well.

Try to imagine that you’re kayaking in cold temperature water. Of course, you need something that is insulated yet lightweight to warm and comfort your feet. If you’re in this case, make sure to choose the shoes with 4 layers of thick neoprene together with an ankle boot in order to cover the feet.

Or assume you’re going to kayaking in warm temperature water. A pair of breathable and lightweight shoes will be an ideal choice. This footwear should be made from a thin layer of neoprene and shaped with a cut below your ankle.

h. Price
Make sure you don’t ignore the price when shopping the kayaking shoes. Please determine how much you can pay because a pair of water shoes can vary significantly. Or you might shell out more than $100 for them.

Try to reread top 5 best water shoes above and then you can find all are stylish and durable with high-quality material. The price, of course, runs between $15 and $50 per pair.

So, if any footwear is over this amount, we think it’s not worth much. It’s best to spend the extra money for your next vacation or adventure.