Aleksander Doba is the best definition of an adventure junkie. With a fearless curiosity, Doba Continues to successfully paddle across the Atlantic, which according to him is the best way to explore the world.
In 2017, and at the age of 70, the adventurer spent 110 days kayaking between New Jersey and Brittany, battling treacherous waves and raging storms. According to many, this adventure is nothing short of impossible, but for Doba, it is the best way of enjoying life and seeing the world.
We may not all be like Aleksander Doba, but most of us love kayaking. The activity is one of the best ways to enjoy nature, and refresh our mind.
Apart from being one of the most fun activities under the sun, kayaking has a host of health benefits that include cardiovascular health and muscle strength.
It is almost impossible to enjoy kayaking without proper footwear. In other words, the best kayaking experience includes having the best shoes for the activity.
Unfortunately, you cannot wear your sneakers or any other type of shoe that you usually use for the outdoors such as hiking or even attending a party.
In the following write-up, we discuss some of the best shoes for kayaking to make your experience unforgettable. Life is about the moments that take our breath away, and kayaking is among them.Best Shoes for Kayaking (Reviews)
ALEADER Women's Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
The highly-rated ALEADER women's Water Shoes are our top choice based on some factors that include durability and comfort. They are stylish and offer good support that you may need when kayaking.
The shoes are most appropriate in hot areas. The upper material is a breathable and comfortable mesh that allows efficient movement of air into your foot. And even more importantly, the water shoes have a water drain outsole that gives you excellent traction in wet surfaces. You can be comfortable when kayaking in hot conditions, and also be safe when stepping on slippery surfaces.
Another benefit of the water drain outsole is that it keeps your feet dry, because of the fabric and its ability to lose water quickly allows your feet to dry quickly.
ComforDry sockliner is another award-winning feature that provides excellent shock absorption and comfort to kayak on a variety of terrains. They are dryer and cooler than any other type of shoe or open shoes that you may decide to use instead.
Furthermore, the kayaking shoes have a rubber sole that is not only durable but also comfortable and flexible. The rubber sole works together with Solyte midsole to provide adequate shock absorption when kayaking in rocky areas. They have a nice bouncy feeling that makes kayaking fun for you
What we like
- Breathable mesh upper material for optimal comfort;
- Durable and flexible rubber outsole;
- Solyte midsole for enhanced comfort;
- Fabric material for a lightweight and comfortable design;
- An efficient water drain outsole to use when kayaking;
- ComforDry sockliner for proper shock absorption and cushioning.
What we don't like
- They may not be the best on sandy beaches.
Dreamcity Men's Water Shoes Athletic Sport Lightweight Walking Shoes
Dream city water shoes are another decent choice for any passionate kayaker. The build, comfort, and durability make them some of the most appropriate for kayaking.
The 90% fabric and rubber sole make them some of the most comfortable shoes to use in hot weather. It also has a mesh upper for optimal breathability of the shoe. As a result, your feet can breathe and dry quickly as you kayak through the turbulent waters.
Another source of comfort is the Solyte midsole that provides adequate shock absorption and cushioning for comfortable kayaking. And apart from the bounce back ability that the midsole provides, the feature also provides sufficient support for the foot as you navigate through different terrains.
Some people may be skeptical about mesh material and its durability. However, these shoes are durable with the fabric material upper. There's no question about the longevity of the rubber outsole.
What we like
- 90% fabric and rubber sole that makes them comfortable in hot weather;
- Mesh material upper for optimal breathability;
- Durable kayaking shoes;
- Comfortable midsole that also provides adequate shock absorption.
What we don't like
- Not the best for beach use.
Speedo Men's Surfwalker 3.0 Water Shoe
Speedo Men's Water Shoe is undoubtedly one of the most popular water shoes on the market. You can figure that out with the numerous reviews that this product gets online.
But what makes the shoe so popular, and why is it the perfect kayaking footwear?
No doubt the footwear has an attractive design, and it is a source of confidence for any man kayaking across the river or any other water body. But apart from the aesthetics, the water shoes have a stable and good build.
Its synthetic sole is flexible and durable. Furthermore, it’s efficient in providing adequate shock-absorption that you need when kayaking in troubled waters.
I also like the upper stretch material that makes it so simple to put on the footwear as well as remove it. It is as efficient as can be. As any kayaker will tell you, a non-slip grip is critical for active kayaking across any terrain.
What we like
- A stable build and attractive design;
- An efficient synthetic sole that is flexible and durable;
- It has a stretch upper that makes it so easy to wear and remove the water shoe;
- Active outsole that provides a no-slip grip.
What we don't like
- The durability of the material needs some improvement;
- Small rocks and sand can get inside and make the shoe uncomfortable.
Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve
Leather and fabric are the two primary materials responsible for making Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve durable and comfortable. But apart from the durable upper material, the synthetic sole on this footwear is flexible and has a good grip.
Furthermore, the cushioning in this shoe is adequate and provides the best shock absorption as well as comfort when kayaking in some of the most unlikely places for adventure. Some of us like the adrenaline that results from going beyond our limits and nothing could be more enjoyable.
What we like
- Leather and fabric upper material that makes the shoe durable and comfortable;
- Synthetic outsole that is flexible and with a good grip;
- Sufficient cushioning to provide proper shock absorption and comfort;
- Slip-resistant outsole.
What we don't like
- The shoe may not last for long;
- Does not have odor control.
Neo Sport Premium Neoprene Men & Women Wetsuit Boots
The blend of synthetic and neoprene material makes this wetsuit boots ideal for kayaking. You can easily choose the appropriate sizing as well as the thickness depending on the environment that he will be kayaking.
The boots have a glued and sewn construction to ensure durability and stability. It is not many shoes that stand the test of time when it comes to water use. However, you may hit the jackpot with these water boots.
Rugged traction sole that provides you with a good grip as you step on wet surfaces such as the stones, and of course the kayak. Additionally, the heavy duty zipper makes wearing the boot and removing it, a walk in the park.
What we like
- Durable and stable construction for water use;
- Lightweight design that also makes it comfortable;
- Puncture-proof outsole for safety and shock absorption;
- Rugged traction sole for a good grip.
What we don't like
- They don't dry quickly especially on the inside;
- The shoes are not the best for walking on rocky surfaces.
The Factors to Consider when Choosing Shoes for Kayaking: A Buyer's Guide
Temperature
The ideal kayaking shoes for you will depend on the temperature of the water where you will be kayaking. If it is in icy water, then you are going to need waterproof footwear made from thick neoprene material to provide adequate insulation.
Those in warm weather will need something breathable to prevent overheating. Cold water kayaking will require a neoprene material that is above 4 millimeters in thickness. Furthermore, the footwear will need to go a little above the ankle.
It is advisable not to wear cotton socks because it takes too long to dry and the material tends to draw heat away from your body. And if you're not sure, it is always better to get something warmer because it is simple to bring down the temperature when kayaking than warming up.
Fit
Kayaking shoes should fit snugly just like gloves or socks. If it is too loose, water might go in together with other debris and cause problems for you. For example, you can develop blisters and other injuries to the feet because of the friction.
And if it is too tight, foot cramps might develop, and the resulting discomfort can take away the fun of kayaking. Ideally, the shoes should allow you to flex the feet and not have to worry about discomfort in any way. It is always impossible to enjoy a specific activity when a particular part of the body is hurting.
If you are choosing neoprene kayaking shoes, keep in mind that the material expands when exposed in water. Therefore, you may want to pick something that is a bit snug.
Shoe Height
In the majority of cases, kayaking shoes come in three sizes, and it depends on the environment in which you will be kayaking.
Low-cut pairs will work best in warm areas, and where the kayaker wants to keep their feet relaxed throughout the activity. Typically, these types of shoes have a thin neoprene material or mesh to allow efficient circulation of air.
The other size of kayaking shoes is ankle high shoes. The shoes offer more support and are a bit warmer than the low-cut variety. In other words, they are better and more temperate.
The high ankle shoes are ideal for kayakers that spend most of the time going inside and outside the kayak such as in a competition.
Knee-high shoes are best for icy water, and to provide adequate insulation. They are also waterproof and snug to prevent sand and other debris going in and causing injury to your feet.
The main idea here is to choose kayaking shoes based on the terrain or environment that you will be holding the activity.
Terrain
The terrain that you'll be kayaking is another crucial determinant of the kind of shoes that you should get. For example, your kayaking shoes should have a thick sole if the area has a lot of rocks. On the other hand, a tall kayaking shoe is most appropriate where there is a lot of sand and pebbles that may get inside the shoe and cause injury to your foot.
Wet rocks, moss and other debris can cause problems for kayakers. Ideally, you should get something sturdy to protect your feet and to provide adequate grip as you navigate through the water.
Material
As mentioned above, the most common material in kayak shoes is neoprene. It is sturdy, flexible and keeps the feet warm. In most cases, the thickness of the neoprene material is what matters. The best thickness depends on the temperature of the environment that you will be kayaking.
In most cases, the neoprene shoes have rubber outsoles for flexibility, comfort and shock absorption when kayaking.
Other materials include mesh and rubber. The mesh material is best where it is hot, but the rubber is a little warmer. Synthetic mesh allows the feet to dry quickly, is more comfortable in areas where it is warm, and the kayaker needs adequate foot comfort even as they have fun.
Final Note
The best shoes for kayaking provide adequate protection and comfort to make the activity fun. As an adventure junkie, you do your best to be comfortable and to emerge as the best in the activity. The idea is to have as much fun as you can to enjoy life to the fullest.
If you are wondering ‘what shoes to wear kayaking,’ the above suggestions will point you in the right direction, and you can have as much fun as possible without anything coming in between. Any of the above shoes can be your ideal.
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