It’s essential to consider the season and temperature when choosing the correct footwear for kayaking. If the temperature is low, you’ll need footwear that’s well insulated to keep your feet warm. On the other hand, summer temperatures will be better suited for lightweight shoes that are incredibly breathable. Bear in mind, having waterproof shoes with some ankle or sole support can make a huge difference when you're kayaking in any season, terrain, or climate.

When you’re buying good quality, durable kayaking shoes, you’ll find a ton of shoes and boots are composed of mainly neoprene. This material tends to be one of the most common materials, as it's an extremely lightweight and breathable material that's easy to keep clean.

They can also help keep your feet warm, which is good news if you are paddling in the winter. Some other materials used could be a sturdy rubber material, PU leather or materials that are composed specifically by a brand, like terrapene. Each manufacturer will give guidelines on maintenance based on the material that they’ve used.

Finding a pair of kayaking shoes that are high-wearing and durable is becoming easier each day with more and more specialty shoes coming onto the market. 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. Many anglers and kayak junkies will review how the pair you’re considering holds up after several fishing excursions, so reading reviews always help.

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 shoes that are quite versatile, but only when it comes to water sports and low-impact activities. One thing that makes kayaking 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 kayaking sandals or shoes will be needed.

Like any type of footwear for any sport, the price will vary based on the materials and features of the kayak shoe. Some advanced fishing shoes that may be higher in price will have wider heels for balance, or better arch and ankle support. They could be constructed with state of the art materials specialized by a manufacturer. These features could raise the price significantly, so it's best to be aware of what you need before buying your new kayaking shoes.

We start our list with our top choice for men, the NRS Men's Paddle Wet shoes. These water shoes are one of the most versatile shoes with new technology, and at a great price point, making them hard to beat. They’re perfect for kayaking, tubing, fishing, walking on wet terrain, and of course, a range of paddle sports are well suited with these water shoes.

The NRS Paddle wet shoes have a high-top, low-profile design that provides outstanding protection without creating any bulkiness. You’ll be able to wear them easily barefoot, or with wet or drysuit socks as they feature a nifty gusset-backed YKK entry zipper along the side of the shoe. They also have a roomy, naturally shaped toe box that frees your toes all-day, helping you stay as comfortable as possible.

If the weather drops or you find yourself in contact with freezing cold water, there won't be a need to worry. These paddle shoes are constructed with 3-mm Terraprene neoprene with heat-reflecting titanium adhesive, so your feet will stay warm and dry. There's also a 3-mm thick high-traction sole, paired with a 5-mm neoprene insole, protects your feet from rocks and roots when you're out exploring.

Top these features with a soft, fleece-like VaporLoft lining to repel water, and you'll feel comfortable in all weather conditions. The NRS Paddle Wet Shoes are a great example of high-quality without the high price point, making them the best kayaking shoes for men.

When you’re out on a kayak enjoying a day of fishing or adventuring, you’re bound to come into some hassle with slippery surfaces and rocky piers. Having the Merrell Men All-out Blaze Aero Sport Hiking Water Shoes will keep you safe in many dangerous situations. They’re perfectly paired for long hikes and for boating and jetty fishing, too. 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.

The Merrell  Men All-out blaze aero-sport water shoes feature excellent drainage through mesh paneling on the top layer of the shoe. These panels give an added layer of breathability to the angler. This shoe is made of 100% Polyurethane Coated 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’s Omni-Fit Lacing System allows the shoes to fit like a glove, and the Bellow’s tongue keeps debris out so you won’t have to worry about taking them on and off removing sands and rocks.

Merrell prides themselves 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 15 with many half sizes in between, so you have got a good chance to find your perfect fit for ultimate comfort. They're a great fit for many anglers, making them our runner up water shoes for kayaking.

Many anglers believe that sandals or boots are the only shoes you can wear when you’re out by the water, yet the Men’s Outventure quick-drying water shoes prove otherwise.

ALEADER has created water shoes with a simple design that resembles a pair of sports training shoes, yet they have many features specifically to watersports, making them one of a kind. They're also at an exceptionally low price, so they're great if you're an angler on a budget.

These sporty water shoes are made from a breathable mesh upper fabric with hot melt overlays for support and keep your feet cool and comfortable. They also feature a synthetic hot melt toe cap to protect your toes from bumps and abrasions. The rubber outer sole not only provides traction and comfort but contributes to its quick-drying nature with strategically placed rubber pods that are in high wearing areas.

This pair features quick-adjusting bungee laces so you can slip them on and the laces will give you some added grip. Pair this with the easy on/off pull loop, and you’ll have no problem taking them off or readjusting them to fit your feet. Your feet will feel secure and comfortable for long days on a kayak, and best yet, they won't break the bank, making these shoes our best budget option for anglers and water sports enthusiasts.

Another pair that’s unlike most water shoes or sandals are the Vibram Five Fingers V-Aqua water shoes. Vibram FiveFingers are a type of minimalist shoe that is meant to replicate being barefoot and has thin, flexible soles that are contoured to the shape of the human foot, including visible individual sections for the toes.

They are a more natural alternative for different outdoor activities. You can enjoy sailing, canoeing, wet rock trekking, light hikes, and of course, kayaking with ease in the Five Fingers V-Aqua men’s water shoes.

These exceptionally lightweight water shoes are composed of textile and synthetic materials and have a good quality rubber sole. The sole allows anglers and adventurers to move in and out of the water naturally and also across a variety of wet and dry terrains. It has a 3.7 mm Megagrip Outsole w drainage perforations for added performance and a 2 mm EVA insole with Silicon Treatment for ultimate comfort.

Overall, if you’re looking for a light pair of shoes that perform well in oceans and rivers, and you’re hoping to wear them for short or light hikes, then these water shoes are worth looking at. The separate toe boxes in these water shoes make them look a little strange, but at the same time, they help with dexterity and grip ability.

If you do decide on these water shoes, be mindful of the sizing. Vibram has recommended wide footed anglers or half-sized anglers to go up in size rather than their normal size.

Here we have another product by NRS, the Desperado wet shoe in the shape of a boot. These water boots are one of the best men's wet shoes for kayaking as they have a non-slip 3mm high-traction rubber sole.

The sole also features a 2mm plastic shim for outstanding protection from rocks and roots on shorelines. You’ll feel comfortable walking on wet or dry terrain, and you won't need to worry about battered or bruised feet or ankles as these boots come with a lot of support.

The outer material is a Stretchy 3mm Terraprene/neoprene that gives you lots of cushion and warmth. They have a naturally shaped toe box and protective rubber in toe and heel, as well as lateral support bands for even more support.

And even though they’re boots, they’re not too hard to get on or off. The Desperado wet shoes have a slip-on design with a Hydrocuff ankle closure and VaporLoft lining. These features are specifically developed by NRS and are unique to their wet shoe style. With a range of sizes available, and at a competitive price, these boots could be added to your fishing gear arsenal for years as they’re durable, versatile, and a great all-rounder pair of water shoes.

We start our womenswear list with the Merrell Women’s All-out Blaze wet shoes. These have to be number one in terms of functionality and style when it comes to most outdoor water activities, including kayaking.

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, and this couldn’t be any truer when it comes to the All-out Blaze water shoes.

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 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 straightforward 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 any dirt or discoloration. The All-out blaze water shoes are versatile, durable, and extremely comfortable, making them our best women’s water shoes for kayaking.

If you’re on a budget and you’re looking for the best kayaking shoes at a low cost, then you should consider Aleader’s women’s quick-drying water shoes. Just like the Aleader’s men’s option, the design is simple and sporty, and they resemble a classic pair of sneakers but with water draining features that make them great for kayak fishing.

They are made from a tough mesh fabric that allows your feet to breathe and dry easily. The rubber outer 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 bungee cord will give you some added grip. Your feet will feel secure and comfortable even on long walks on the riverbank.

Altogether, There are a total of 28 colors to choose from, and they vary from slip-on to bungee laces, with some drawstrings in between. There should be a color or style to suit your needs for your summer kayaking excursions. Just like the men's Aleader's water shoes, they're at a great price, making them the best value for money water shoes for kayaking.

If you’re hoping for a simple pair of neoprene boots or shoes that are of high-quality, then the NeoSport Wetsuits Premium wet boots are worth looking at as they are the best value for money. These neoprene boots come in 7 colorways from pink to blue, to orange, and the sizes are broad, too. There are full sizes available with an option of 3mm or 5mm of neoprene, so you'll be able to find your perfect fit.

Once you unpackage the NeoSport wet boots, you’ll see their 5mm neoprene material on the outside and a durable, non-marking traction sole on the bottom. The neoprene material is both stitched and glued with heavy-duty abrasion-resistant thread, which increases durability and prevents heat loss through water seepage. You can use these sleek and stylish wet boots in a number of water activities, including tubing, boating, kayaking, and fishing. 

These easy-on boots are warm and super streamlined, thanks to the absence of a bulky zipper. They have a wrap-around guard that reinforces the toe section for more protection against rocks and roots. There’s also an extended heel that is perfect for catching onto fin straps.

Your feet will feel secure with their hardened insert sole that's also puncture-resistant, so they are genuinely excellent water shoes for navigating through rocky beaches or river bottoms with ease. Again, these high quality, simple and sleek wet boots are perfect for being in the water, but they may not last as long if you try to hike in them, too.

If you’re always out on the river doing water sports or fishing for bass, then the NRS Women’s paddle boots are a natural choice for our best river shoes for kayak fishing. The 3 mm Terraprene neoprene with a heat-reflecting titanium layer provides excellent warmth and stretches to ensure a snug fit whether you wear it with lots of insulation or bare feet.

They look sleek and aren’t bulky in the slightest as they were built on a naturally shaped woman’s foot. They’re also built to last, so the Women's Paddle Wetshoe provides outstanding fit and comfort that won’t stretch over time.

Just like the men’s version on our list, there’s a gusset-backed YKK entry zipper that opens wide, making the Paddle Wetshoe easy to put on and take off. They also feature a soft, fleece-like VaporLoft lining. This lining repels water and dries instantly for superior warmth and comfort.

They're also great for cleaning, just soak in soapy water, and any bad odors will wash away. Another great feature is the sole on these wet boots. They wrap up around the heel and the toe area for extra protection against rocks or sharp objects.

If these features aren’t enough, there’s also extra padding over the outside ankle that protects the anglers’ pressure points inside the wet boot. Pair this with the stretchy rubber support bands, and your lateral stability will improve without adding any volume.

Ranging from wading boots for fly fishing to stylish slip-on canvas shoes for walks on the shoreline, Soft Science has an impressive range of water shoes to offer for a range of water activities. And Soft Sciences model ‘The Fin 2.0 water shoes’ are no exception when it comes to kayaking. You may not even realize they are water shoes at first glance as they look stylish and are like typical boat shoes.

These lightweight, superbly cushioned and stable shoes are great for anglers who like a little more comfort for the arch of their feet. They fit generously without being too tight, so you'll feel your feet will be able to breathe with their great ventilation and healthy foot circulation. You can also adjust the tightness of the shoe with their laces so you can have them just right and tailored to your feet.

The Soft Science Fin 2.0 are composed of microfiber upper panels with a self-draining system to dry quickly when things get wet. The Trileon insole cushions are removable and washable so that odors won't last, and your foot can wear them again and again for long periods.  

Bear in mind; these 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 these water shoes. Overall, these water shoes are made to last many summer seasons on the water, so you won't need to worry about markings or major wear and tear, as long as you keep them well maintained.

Men’s and women’s shoes can differ in size, comfort, performance, and cost. You'll see from our list above, many of the women's sizes begin at a US 4 or 6, whereas men tend to start higher. Having your kayaking shoes fit securely is important as when neoprene gets wet, they tend to become wider, so if they're too big, they'll slip right off in the water.

In terms of features, many offer the same high-level of materials and technology for men and women, so you shouldn’t worry too much if a gender-specific pair of kayaking shoes will jeopardize the quality level.

Be sure to wear something that’s both comfortable but durable. You could be in a kayak during a lovely warm day, but a wetsuit or drysuit may still be needed due to harsh, cold water. No matter how hot or cold the water is, you should always wear a personal flotation device (PFD), especially if you're new to kayak fishing.

Unfortunately, you'll be out on the water, so the chances of getting wet are high. You can wear waterproof attire to help from getting soaked to the bone. Also, if you’re in a sit-down kayak, you can use a spray skirt to protect you from splashbacks from the water.

Now that you’ve all of the information you’ll need to identify a good pair of kayaking shoes from a great pair, you can start choosing which style is the best for you.

The NRS Men's Paddle Wet shoes are a great pair of high-quality neoprene water shoes that are also available in womenswear.

Otherwise, our top pick for females, the Merrell Women's All Out Blaze are perfect if you’d like to hike as well as kayak all day long.