Top Fishing Shoes Compared

The Importance of Proper Footwear While Fishing

Buyers Guide to Choosing Quality Fishing Shoes

Fishing Environment/Purpose

When it comes to buying your perfect fishing footwear, the number one question to ask is, “Where will I be fishing the most?”. You might be thinking that comfort or style would be more important, but it's crucial to wear the right footwear in the right environment.

You wouldn't wear a pair of football cleats on a basketball court, for example. The same applies to different fishing environments, too. You may find yourself on a canal or by the lake. These areas require more support and water draining features than footwear that’s used for the shores.   

Material

Grip & Traction

You may find yourself on a slippery boat or in unpredictable muddy patches. If so, you’ll be worse off if you don’t prepare for this in advance. Fishing footwear should have sufficient grip to help deal with these dangerous terrains and surfaces. The soles are made from natural rubber, polyurethane, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds. These compounds are specifically formulated to help anglers with grip, especially when they're going against the line with large species.

When it comes to traction, there are boots, like wading boots, for example, that will have superb traction on wet rocks and in the water. This level of traction can come with a few problems, though. One problem is that wading boots work poorly "out of the water." If an angler does a lot of walking along a riverbank, the felt soles that work well on wet rocks, won't work so well on dry land.

This could be anything like tree trunks, dry dirt, and everything else an angler encounters when slogging alongside a riverbank. As mentioned already, knowing your fishing environment will help you determine which footwear is best, especially when it comes to grip and traction.

Easy to Maintain

A good pair of fishing footwear shouldn't just last a season; they should last a lifetime. Proper maintenance helps keep the quality from year to year, but anglers often overlook their boots or shoes at the end of their fishing season. Instead, keep an eye out for some of these problems that could arise. Tackling the issues quickly will allow you to maintain your new pair of footwear easily.

Note: Before you do anything, read any manufacturer information you have regarding the care and cleaning of your fishing shoes. If you have a question regarding maintenance, the manufacturer could answer it with ease.

Fit & Comfort

Versatility & Durability

Being specialty shoes, you’d think all fishing shoes would be built to last, but this is where price comes into play. The more money you spend on quality shoes will offer you years of service and give anglers their money’s worth. To ensure you get a durable pair, inspect the quality of construction. Boots with soles that are stitched last longer than those that are glued.

The shoe tongue should be well attached to the side of the shoe to ensure that sand particles and other debris don’t get inside and wear out the shoe. It is also important to research the reputation of a brand behind the product and read customer reviews to get an idea of how the pair you’re considering holds up after several fishing excursions.

Versatility, on the other hand, is very basic. Like most types of shoes, there's not too much danger in wearing fishing shoes even when you're not on a boat, in water, or fishing. There are many of these quite versatile shoes, but only when it comes to water sports and low-impact activities. One thing that makes fishing shoes less versatile is the weather type. Boots you wear in the winter won’t feel comfortable in hot summer months, so a pair of fishing sandals will be needed.

Water Draining Features

When angling, getting wet is unavoidable, and water will flow in or around your shoes. A great pair of fishing shoes should be able to let the water drain easily so the shoe can dry quickly. To ensure that you don't end up with shoes that get soggy and drag you down, check that the pair you buy has a mesh upper construction and venting in the soles so the water that gets in can get out just as easily.

Some boots are 100% waterproof but will be higher in price. Waterproof wading boots will keep your feet completely dry, so you'll never feel uncomfortable getting that perfect catch. Wading shoes are a bit of an added expense, but they provide the option of having the right thread for different water environments. And boots are transferable from stocking foot wader to wader, so if you've got more than one pair, you can transfer between each pair depending on the environment you’re in. 

Breathability & Ventilation

You’ll notice the difference if you’ve been out on the water with footwear that’s lacing in breathability and ventilation. Once you purchase a quality pair of fishing shoes, this will be something you’ll appreciate the most.

There are two main types of materials that are great for improved breathability. In warm weather, choose a pair that's constructed of mesh. Mesh is the best material in hotter climates as it is lightweight, breathable, allows water to drain quickly, and dries faster. If you're fishing in cold water and climates, neoprene is an excellent option as it offers waterproof and thermal protection keeping your feet dry and warm.

Price

Just like any type of footwear for any sport, the price will range based on the materials used and on the features of the shoe. If you buy fishing footwear with new technology, you’ll be spending a lot more than the average price, run of the mill fishing shoes.  Some advanced fishing shoes that may be higher in price will have the following features.

1. ALEADER

Our top pick for men fishing footwear has to be the ALEADER Men's Quick Drying Aqua fishing shoes. Many anglers believe that boots are the only shoes you can wear when you're out by the water, and these shoes prove otherwise.  Their design is simple and resembles a pair of sports training shoes, yet they have many features specifically to fishing that makes them one of a kind.

They are made from a tough mesh fabric that allows your feet to breathe and dry easily. The outer rubber sole not only provides traction and comfort but contributes to its quick-drying nature with strategically placed rubber pods. They're placed in high wear areas for additional traction while using their "fluid-flow technology."

You’ll also get to enjoy ALEADER’s ComforDry sock liner. This provides warmth and comfort yet still breathable in colder, drier environments. This pair features bungee laces so you can slip them on and the laces will give you some added grip. Your feet will feel secure and comfortable even on long walks on the riverbank.

Sixteen different variations of the water shoe range in different styles. Some come with drawstrings and others slip-on, so finding a pair that suits your preference should be easy. It is worth paying close attention to the exact model that you are planning on purchasing.  

2. Merrell All Out

When you’re out on a jetty enjoying a day of fishing, you may come into some hassle with slippery surfaces and rocky piers. Having the Merrell men's all-out blaze water shoes will keep you safe in dangerous situations. The sole consists of four layers that provide a fit that's as comfortable as possible.

The Merrell Blaze Sieve water shoe features excellent drainage through mesh paneling. These panels give an added layer of breathability to the angler. As mentioned, they’re great for jetty fishing and a range of other fishing environments too, like boat and kayak fishing. If you're into other types of outdoor sports, this rugged and versatile shoe is suitable for hiking and more. So you can enjoy them on many of your outdoor adventures.

This shoe is made of leather and is finished with a waterproof treatment.  The tough rubber toe-casing keeps your feet dry and is treated to minimize odors as well. Merrell prides itself on their level of expertise when making durable, high-performance products that are built to last.

And their wide selection of fits is very admired by anglers too. The water shoes range in sizes from a US 7 to 14 with many half sizes in between, so you have got a good chance to find your perfect fit for ultimate comfort.

3. Hodgman Neoprene

4. Speedo Seaside

You can enjoy Speedo’s new model of athletic water shoes on a day of offshore fishing and even more. The updated design features Speedo's S-TRAC TPR outsole, which keeps water at and provides incredible slip resistance. They have a breathable mesh upper layer that enhances the airflow and reduces bad odors so you can wear them all day long.

You won’t have to worry about undone laces or uncomfortable tightness as these wading shoes feature a bungee lacing system. This bungee strap with toggle closure gives anglers a secure fit with on-the-fly adjustments. At the back of the shoe, you’ll find a handy heel tab for an easy on-and-off application.

These all-black offshore shoes look extremely simple and stylish, but if you're looking for a different color, have no fear as there's a range of colors to choose from. They're also extremely lightweight and quick-drying, so you're bound to fall in love with them for your next offshore excursion.

Be careful walking on sharp object surfaces, though as the sole is thinner than they’re competitors. Sharp objects may pierce through the sole pretty easily, so they may not suit all fishing environments very well.

5. Columbia Drainmaker III

6. Merrell’s All-Out Blaze

For women’s footwear, the Merrell women’s all-out blaze has to be number one in terms of functionality and style. These hiking-water shoes offer great breathability and quick-drying properties. This allows anglers to hike dozens of miles to get to beautiful and obscure parts of rivers and lakes.

Merrell prides themselves stating that they offer “easy-to-wear, quick-drying, and comfortable footwear” in a dynamic model, specifically for women. These lightweight shoes are made of 100% Leather with a neoprene upper fabric. Its waxy waterproof finish on the leather gives ultimate protection even with anglers getting in and out of the water. 

The Omni-fit lacing system is also designed to provide a precise fit that molds to your specific foot like a glove. Pair these features and materials together with a Vibram TC5+ outsole with 3mm Hollowed lugs, and you've got a high quality, lightweight water shoe.

These shoes hold up well under rugged conditions and have great tread. They don't offer much in the way of arch or toe support, yet they work well for traversing long distances. They're also very easy to keep clean, requiring very little in the way of special maintenance. All you need to do is wash it with mild soap and warm water to remove the dirt and discoloration.

7. Neosport Neoprene Wetsuit Boots

8. ALEADER Slip-On

Whether you want to walk a long distance to a beautiful riverbank or you'd prefer to run long distances, these CrossFit shoes are perfect for both. ALEADER has created footwear for a variety of outdoor activities, and fishing is just one of them.

These stylish slip-on shoes are made of high-quality fabric, which provides a cushioning effect during the long run. It also has an MD rubber sole that ensures a spectacular grip during long track running. They're capable of absorbing shocks as well so you could get a workout in before you get to the riverbank.

River shoes need to be water-resistant or at least have a solid water drainage feature. Luckily, these shoes are very water-friendly as its water drain outsole gives great traction in wet and slippery conditions.

Another great feature of these mesh slip-on shoes is its ComfortDry sock liner. They provide optimum cushioning performance that creates a cooler and drier shoe environment. ALEADER really thought about the performance of the shoe, as it’s one of the highest performance shoes at a reasonable price point.

The only downside of the shoe is that they're well-designed to be worn in warmer climates. So they don't hold in the heat very well.

9. Mishansha

This spandex material water shoe is perfectly designed to protect your feet and give you grip for your fishing boat excursions. Sometimes the water can become bumpy, and water can enter the boat, these water shoes are bound to keep you at bay.

The shoes have a pull tap so you can adjust the tightness to your preference. A solid rubber sole accompanies it. They're also quick-drying and lightweight so you can easily pack them away on long journeys. And when it comes to draining, they feature an excellent drainage system with drainage holes at the bottom of the shoe. It allows you to have any water to flow out and provides you a cool environment for your feet.

If you’re wondering if they’re versatile in terms of environments, you’ll be pleased to know that these water shoes aren’t just great for boat trips. They’re perfect for the beach, swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, yoga, and more. So you could get a lot of wear out of the Mishansha water shoes.

Mishansha also put a lot of time into their color range for this shoe. Even though they're unisex, you can get a variety of feminine and neutral colors to choose from.

10. Adidas Terrex

Adidas is known for producing high-quality sports footwear. They've mastered many sports and understand what a sportsman needs in a shoe. Well, this outdoor Terrax Climacool water shoe lives up to Adidas' reputation. Not only are they non-marking, but they're very stylish yet still practical. They’re constructed of 100% synthetic textile, with a sleek upper silhouette for a comfortable fit.

They come with a unique Climacool tooling construction in the mid and outer sole. This gives a high level of ventilation and prevents odors. The perforated neoprene mesh is on the upper portion of the shoe. This also helps with odors as it enhances breathability.

The Outsole is called TRAXION. It gives anglers the perfect combination of stability and grip for everyday outdoor activities. Add all of these features along with a comfortable tongue, and bungee laces, and you’ll find yourself a comfortable and stylish pair of water shoes.

The Terrex water shoes wouldn’t be suitable for all weather types. They’re built and constructed for summer climates. So don't expect too much warmth in the water shoe. Overall, these water shoes are made to last many seasons on the water so you won't need to worry about markings or significant wear and tear, as long as you keep them well maintained.

Differences Between Fishing Shoes for Men & Women

From the reviews above, you'll see a difference mainly is styles and sizes. There are a ton of women's fishing shoes that start at a US size four, and they have the same and sometimes higher quality material as the men's versions.

So you won't have to jeopardize safety and quality. For men's shoes, there's a range of color choices and sizes that would suit many anglers. You can wear excellent quality footwear in the style of your choice. Overall, women's and men's shoes come with similar features depending on the shoes.

Tips for Caring for your Fishing Shoes

Depending on the type of material your boat shoes are, there are many ways to clean and care for your shoes to maintain their structure. Leather fishing shoes should be taken care of properly with products such as mink oil or leather shoe oil.

This will also help the shoes stay water-resistant or waterproof. Neoprene or mesh materials can be watched very easily with a soft cloth with some soapy water. It’s important to clean these materials after your fishing excursions to prevent a build-up of bad odors.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What shoes should I wear for offshore fishing? Inshore fishing?

When you’re considering fishing shoes for offshore day trips, it's important to get shoes with a high-quality sole. You'll need a sole with a good grip, so consider fishing shoes with anti-slip technology. For inshore fishing, comfort is key. A pair of fishing shoes that will allow you to in and out the water is better, so buying fishing shoes that are waterproof or water-resistant is great, too.

Should I wear socks with my fishing shoes?

There are many ranges of fishing shoes that don't require you to wear socks. As a matter of fact, some work better if you don't wear them. If you've got a pair of fishing shoes that let in a lot of sand and gravel, then wearing neoprene socks will help keep them from scratching your skin. Neoprene socks also help keep your feet warm without weighing your foot down. So, you’ll have another layer of protection and warmth.

What features should I look for in the best wading shoes for fly fishing? Surf fishing?

Wading boots with a felt sole will give an excellent grip on really slippery rocks when fly fishing. They're a little less in weight too, so they should leave your legs sore and tired after a long day of fly fishing. Surf fishing needs more breathability, and they should be lightweight. Surf fishing shoes should also drain easily, offer good grip, and have non-marking soles so they won’t scuff on deck surfaces.

Can fishing shoes be worn outside of the water?

Yes! There are a ton of fishing shoes available that are incredibly versatile in their use. Some fishing shoes are so well equipped and durable; they're capable of 10-mile hikes before you even start fishing. You can find a pair that has a range of uses, just be sure that you check before you buy.

What are the top brands of fishing shoes?

Are Crocs good for fishing? Are they good boat shoes?

Crocs are good as you’re able to wear them while on the water and are better to wear over summer sandals. Yet crocs lack in support and durability. They may not be the safest option for you in your fishing environment.

Where is the best place to buy these fishing shoe options?

If you’re closeby to a fish and tackle shop, you could pop in to try on and feel the quality of the shoe. It will also help you choose the best size. Always check Amazon to see if there’s a seller with a good price. It could save you a buck or two.

Conclusion