Water shoes come in pretty handy when you go on adventures like kayaking or fishing. Not only will they help bring you closer to the water but they are also specifically designed to prevent bacteria that can form in wet places. So you get to keep your shoes on when venturing into water and also keep your feet happy and smiling! But in order to do any of the two, you need water shoes and for that, you need our buying guide so you don’t get the wrong pair of shoes and end up ruining your water adventures.
Things To Consider When Buying The Best Water Shoes
Breathability
On camping trips or while exploring the backcountry, you might feel the need to cross marshy areas or rivers and streams. Will you let the lack of suitable shoes get in the way of seeing new places? No, right? Then you need to buy a pair of the best water shoes that are made from a breathable material that will help the water to seep out while also offering adequate air circulation for your feet. Trust me, you’ll have them thanking you for it..
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing the right breathable material is that it also has to ensure that water is not absorbed in the shoes for too long, which will only result in super off-putting and smelly feet. Not just that, it can also become a breeding ground for fungus, yeast and bacteria to grow.
So when buying your pair of water shoes, make sure you check the material construction and opt for one that is not only fast drying but breathable as well. The material should not be soaking up water, making your feet heavy otherwise it would be difficult for you to continue on your journey.
Comfort
Something that is of the utmost importance is often overlooked by shoe manufacturers and that is comfort. In an attempt to make your water shoes breathable and lightweight, these manufacturers fail to factor in the comfort aspect and remove the padding from it. And you know what a padding-less pair can do to your feet when you’re hiking all day and need your shoes to be comfortable? Imagine a world full of blisters and pain, that’s how you’ll feel.
Soles provide cushioning to the upper shoe and the best are rubber ones so that everything fits you snug, bringing us to another important tip. Your shoes should never be too loose or too tight as it will end up feeling uncomfortable after only a short period of time, in both scenarios.
Ease
Most people hate tying and untying their shoelaces after the shoes have been wet. This is where the stretchable upper mesh material comes in. This helps you remove the wet shoe with ease and even makes walking much easier while the water easily drains off.
Durability
Water shoes that are available for both genders don’t only provide your feet with the protection and comfort it needs but they are also supposed to last a long time, even when you use them rigorously on your hiking adventures.
Traction
Traction is an important factor to consider when it comes to all types of shoes, but more so in water shoes. If you want a good quality pair of water shoes then you will have to look for one that has special treads in its rubber outsoles.
Support
When you try on different water shoes, keep in mind why you are buying them. The type of water activity you plan to engage in will help determine the kind of support you require. If you are planning on being on your feet for hours and hours then you need to get yourself water shoes that focus on providing good ankle support. However, if you are going to be fish kayaking or boating, you can easily get away with wearing simple slip ons.
Types Of Water Shoes
Depending on the type of water activity you are about to engage in, there are different types of footwear divided into four categories. While some are perfect for fishing, others are better suited for most types of water activities.
Water Sandals
Featuring an open toe design, these are the most common type of water shoes you can find, thanks to their ability to provide your feet with a good grip through straps and good traction with the help of the rubber soles. The grip of these sandals actually make them a very popular option for people who aren’t looking for something that will fare well in rigorous adventures like long distance hiking. They are also not suitable for activities like camping where your feet can be exposed to rocks, branches and other items thanks to its open toe design.
Water Shoes
Maybe not as popular of an option as water sandals are but water shoes are a favourite of anyone who has a love of water adventures. They don’t leave any toes out for anything to fall on and provide plenty of foot protection and comfort. Not to mention the rubber soles that make for excellent traction while also being breathable and comfortable to wear all day.
Wet Shoes
When you think of wet shoes, just imagine a thick pair of water socks. While they are extremely lightweight and have a thin rubber sole for traction, they are not ideal for walking along a path that has sharp rocks likely to poke your feet, leaving you with an agonizing pain and a hatred for the outdoors.
Boat Shoes
They pretty much say it all with their name. These shoes are best if you’re planning on spending extended hours on a boat. Sporting a leather upper and a snug inner, these shoes are super comfortable to wear with a good grip and heel support. But the best part about them is that they can also pass as formal shoes, thanks to the good-looking design and comfort.
FAQs
Can you use normal shoes instead of water shoes?
You can choose to wear normal shoes while on your water adventures. However, they will not be as comfortable or as efficient as water shoes. When wet, they can be dangerous and heavy, leaving you more prone to accidents and unnecessary pain.
What shoes should you use when going kayaking?
It depends on the type of kayaking, whether it is water or flatwater. If you are going water kayaking then you will have to get shoes with excellent traction. On the other hand, flatwater kayaking demands not just good grip but also great breathability.