So, you are ready for your angling expedition with all your gear set? Most anglers forget that they need a pair of the best fishing shoes and that is what we are going to delve into today.
The right pair of fishing shoes should be:
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Well-ventilated
There are many kinds of fishing shoes in the market and picking the perfect pair can be a hassle. Stay with us if you want to find out how to make the selection process easier.
Fishing Shoes for Men
When you head out to fish, you want to bank on the best-made shoes for the job. Here’s our review of some of the top models worth considering.
| Ranking | Name | Size | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ALEADER Men’s Stylish Quick Drying Water Shoes | 9.5 | 0.28 pounds |
| 2 | Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoe | 8.5 | 2.2 pounds |
| 3 | Aleader Men’s Mesh Slip On Water Shoes | 10.5 | – |
| 4 | Sperry Men’s A/O 2 Eye Boat Shoe | 7 | 2 pounds |
| 5 | Speedo mens Seaside Lace Up 4.0 | 9 | 2 pounds |
| 6 | Sperry Mens Sea Kite Sport Moc Boat Shoe | 9 Wide | 2 pounds |
| 7 | Columbia mens Bahama Vent Pfg Boat Shoe | 7 | 2 Pounds |
| 8 | SALOMON Quest 4D 3 GTX Backpacking Boots | 9 | 1.62 Pounds |
| 9 | Uminder Mens Water Shoes Breathable | – | 1.37 Pounds |
| 10 | SHIMANO Evair Marine Fishing Shoes | 6 | – |
| 11 | Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe | 8 | – |
| 12 | SoftScience The Fin Men’s Boating/Fishing Shoes | 17 | 0.38 pounds |
1. ALEADER Men’s Quick Drying Water Shoes
Are you searching for quick-drying fishing shoes that are comfortable? Well, ALEADER has a product that you need to check out.
These shoes have holes at the bottom of the soles where water can easily drain. As such, your feet are likely to remain dry and comfortable even amidst splashes.
On top of that, these shoes are breathable due to the upper mesh that facilitates air circulation.
Unfortunately, these same holes are where sand particles get in through and once they get to the insole, they can cause discomfort.
Pros
- Breathable mesh on the upper side
- Light and comfortable
- Easy to wear and remove
- Anti-slip rubber outsole
Cons
- Sand particles get in through the mesh
2. Merrell Men’s J65243 Water Shoes
The synthetic sole in these shoes is claimed to have good traction power. As such, you are likely to have sufficient balance on wet surfaces and slippery grounds when walking or standing in these kicks.
According to Merrell, the shoes are comfortable to wear as they are made of Unifly midsole which provide extra cushioning for your feet. In our view, they seem like a cozy solution worth trying.
However, some customers feel that the insole is narrow. They end up stepping on the side of the shoe, which is quite uncomfortable.
Pros
- Waterproof upper fabric
- Synthetic non-slip sole
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Varied sizes to choose from
Cons
- Narrow footbeds
3. Aleader Men’s Mesh Water Shoes
Are you in the market to search for fishing shoes with sufficient traction? Looks like that search may have come to a successful end as Aleader seems to have the answer.
Aleader shoes that have rubber soles are said to have high traction. As a result, they have a better grip on slippery surfaces.
Having water in your shoes can be very uncomfortable, an issue that these shoes seem to address. They have numerous air vents to drain out water and to allow air circulation to dry your feet faster.
Pros
- Cushioned midsole
- Upper mesh for ventilation
- Light in weight
- High traction outsole
Cons
- Takes long to dry
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4. Sperry Men’s Authentic Boat Shoe
Try out these boat shoes from Sperry that are said to have shock-absorbing EVA heel cups. Your heels are likely to be protected from impact in case of accidental knocks.
Besides that, the soles of the shoes are non-marking with high traction on wet and dry surfaces. Consequently, chances of you sliding are minimal.
This product from Sperry is said to be comfortable, especially when you spend long hours in them. But some customers have reported that the shoes make a squeaking sound as they walk.
Pros
- Made of leather
- Non-marking outsole
- Shock-absorbing heel cup
- Lightweight and durable
Cons
- The shoes make a squeaking sound as you walk
5. Speedo Men’s Seaside 4.0 Water Shoe
Speedo has designed its shoe uniquely. The outsoles are said to have the ability to disperse water flow on the surface.
The upper synthetic material is alleged to be hydrophobic. As a result, it repels water to keep your feet dry unless you get the shoes into the water.
The water shoes from Speedo have bungee straps that you can adjust for a comfortable fit. Some customers, however, find the shoe to be narrow and they say it tends to squeeze their feet.
Pros
- S-track outsole
- Breathable upper mesh
- Adjustable bungee strap
- Hydrophobic and lightweight
Cons
- Slippery sole when wet
6. Sperry Men’s Sea Kite Boat Shoe
Have you been searching for comfortable shoes to wear on the boat? Well, Sperry’s boat shoes have adaptive wave sipping soles that are said to disperse water.
The upper part of these shoes is made of breathable mesh. As such, air circulates freely, allowing your feet to dry up and remain cool.
Sperry states that their boat shoes have water-resistant leather and breathable mesh on the upper side. But some of the customers assert that the leather used to make the shoes soaks in water.
Pros
- Upper quick-dry mesh
- Removable footbed
- Synthetic sole
- Comfortable and durable
Cons
- The leather soaks in water
7. Columbia Men’s Bahama Vent PFG
Columbia may have considered your safety on slippery surfaces when designing these shoes. The shoes have Omni-grip rubber outsoles that grip well on wet surfaces to minimize chances of you losing your balance.
The midsoles of these shoes are light in weight and cushioned for your comfort. Moreover, they have drainage ports to help in getting rid of any water and to facilitate drying of your feet.
These light shoes are said to be very comfortable. Furthermore, the elastic closure on it allows for a perfect fit.
Pros
- Cushioned midsole
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Elastic closure
- Omni-grip rubber outsole
Cons
- Lacks arch support
8. SALOMON Quest 4D 3 GTX Backpacking Boots
Flexible shoes go a long way in making your feet more comfortable. These boots from SALOMON are said to be flexible since the upper part is made of split suede leather and nylon mesh.
The boots have Gore-Tex membranes that are seam-sealed and are supposed to protect your feet from water. Additionally, these membranes are meant to allow vapor to evaporate for faster drying.
Unfortunately, some customers have claimed that the shoes take a long time to dry. Columbia Men’s Bahama Vent PFG seems like a better option.
Pros
- Removable footbeds
- Lug design outsoles
- Lightweight and breathable
- Leather and synthetic material
Cons
- Take time to dry
9. Uminder Mens Water Shoes Breathable
Uminder’s shoes feature drainage holes to help take out water from the shoes. As such, your feet are likely to dry out faster, even after spending time in water.
When it comes to safety, these seem like the shoes to go for. The thicker toe caps are supposed to protect your toes in case you accidentally hit rocks or hard surface.
Natural rubber is what has been used to make the outsoles, so they are said to be suitable for any kind of surface. On the flip side, some customers feel the outsoles are thin because they ended up with sore feet.
Pros
- Natural rubber outsoles
- Thick toe cap
- Adjustable elastic buckle
- It has drainage holes
Cons
- The sole is a bit thin
10. SHIMANO EVAIR Marine Fishing Shoes
In case you have been searching for 100% waterproof shoes, I suggest you try out these fishing shoes from SHIMANO. These marine shoes keep your feet dry since they are made of molded EVA material that repels water.
The midsoles in these shoes are also made of EVA material that is foam-like. The EVA material offers cushioning to keep your feet comfortable.
SHIMANO claims that their shoes can absorb heel shock due to the ergonomic arch design. It is unfortunate though that some customers reported to have gotten blisters on their feet and toes when they wore the shoes.
Pros
- Removable inner sole
- Lightweight EVA material
- Ergonomic arch
- The shoes are waterproof
Cons
- Caused blisters on feet
11. Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe
Who doesn’t love to wade through water? When it comes to fishing though, wading is part of the job most of the time and that is why these shoes with anti-slip soles made of rubber seem like the perfect option.
The Hodgman shoes have cuffs that you can adjust with a hook and loop strap. As such, you can tighten the cuffs for a snug fit to keep out debris and sand particles.
On the front of these shoes, there is a gusseted YKK zipper to make the wearing and removal of the shoes easy but it keeps opening. The zipper makes the shoes appear trendy.
Pros
- Gusseted YKK front zipper
- Neoprene upper material
- Non-slip rubber outsole
- Adjustable cuffs
Cons
- Front zipper keeps opening
12. SoftScience Men’s The Fin Boating Shoes
This product from SoftScience is said to be easy to wear and remove due to the lace-up closure feature. Besides that, the upper mesh material is meant to allow free circulation of air.
The outsoles on the shoes are said to have good traction. As such, you can use them on any surface since they help keep you stable.
Despite the shoes being comfortable, some customers feel the soles are heavy especially for wearing on the boat. Others also find them to be so wide and liken them to crocs.
Pros
- Lace-up closure
- Easy to wear and remove
- Upper mesh material
- Good sole traction
Cons
- Wide and heavy
Fishing Shoes For Women
Who said that fishing is a gentleman-only affair? The following pairs of shoes are specifically meant for all the awesome women who enjoy fishing and kayaking.
| Ranking | Name | Size | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ALEADER Womens Water Shoes | 9.5 | 0.50 pounds |
| 2 | Merrell Women’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoe | 8.5 | 0.1 pounds |
| 3 | Women’s Wave Water Shoes | 10 | 0.63 pounds |
| 4 | ALEADER Womens Walking Shoes | 8.5 | – |
| 5 | Dreamcity Women’s Water Shoes | 7.5 | – |
| 6 | Sperry Womens A/O 2-Eye Boat Shoe | 6 | 3 pounds |
| 7 | Neo Sport Premium Neoprene Men & Women Wetsuit Boots | 12 Men’s 11 / Women’s 12 | 2.05 Pounds |
| 8 | PENGCHENG Mens Womens Water Shoes | 6.5 Women/5 Men | 0.66 pounds |
| 9 | DLGJPA Women’s Aqua Water Shoes | 7 | 0.44 pounds |
| 10 | Speedo Women’s Water Shoe | 8 | 0.43 pounds |
13. Aleader Women’s Mesh Water Shoes
Are you searching for comfortable shoes for aquatic activities? Aleader may have the right one for you as their shoes have a light in weight solyte midsole that is said to bounce back.
The rubber sole on these shoes is claimed to be non-slip. This means they can support you well on slippery surfaces.
However, customers have reported that particles get ingrained in the soles. The particles do not easily come off, so you might want to avoid walking on sand for too long with these shoes.
Pros
- Non-slip rubber sole
- Breathable upper mesh
- Quick-drying material
- Comfortable and light
Cons
- Pebbles stick on the sole
14. Merrell Women’s All Out Water Shoe
Looking for fishing shoes with slip-resistant synthetic soles that are suitable for aquatic activities? Your search might just stop at Merrell’s shoes which tend to minimize your likelihood of slipping, even on wet surfaces.
You can easily wear and remove the shoes since they have adjustable bungee straps. In addition, the insole is said to comfortably cushion your feet.
The bad news is that some customers have found the toe box to be small, resulting in their toes being squished. For a long fishing trip, I wouldn’t recommend the discomfort that might come with these shoes.
Pros
- Slip-resistant sole
- Adjustable bungee straps
- Light in weight and comfortable
- Insole cushioning
Cons
- Small toe box
15. The Wave Easy Women’s Water Shoes
Talk of good traction, these shoes are claimed to grip effectively on any surface as a result of the sole. As such, accidental slips are unlikely even on slippery wet ground.
The upper mesh is breathable and allows water to flow out with ease. As a result, air circulates and hastens the drying process for a comfortable feel.
Apart from being easy to wear and remove, these shoes are said to be comfortable on your feet. Unfortunately, some customers have had blisters on their feet and toes from these shoes.
Pros
- Adjustable heel strap
- Rubber sole
- Upper breathable mesh
- Comfortable and light in weight
Cons
- Caused blisters on toes and feet
16. Aleader Quick Drying Water Shoes
Have you searched for shoes that dry fast and are yet to find any? Why not try out these ones from Aleader.
These shoes are said to be quick-drying because of the upper mesh material that drains out water. Besides that, the breathable nature of this mesh facilitates air circulation that enhances drying.
You are unlikely to slip on wet surfaces as the shoe soles are made of rubber. You can use them on wet surfaces since they are said to have a good grip.
The insoles are likely to provide cushioning for your comfort during those long hours of water activities. However, customers have reported that the eyelet grommets get rusty.
Pros
- Sufficient arch support
- Non-slip outsoles
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Breathable upper mesh
Cons
- Eyelet grommets get rusty
17. Dreamcity Women’s Water Shoes Athletic
Rubber soles on these shoes are said to have good traction to keep you stable in slippery conditions. Therefore, the shoes seem like a good choice for water sports like fishing.
Solyte midsoles are said to be durable as they offer you sufficient bounce-back as you walk. The sockliners enhance your comfort as they are cushioned for a stress-free fishing experience.
The manufacturer claims that these shoes are quick-drying. However, some customers disagree with the statement since their shoes took so long to dry after they used them in water.
Pros
- The soles are made of rubber
- Light in weight
- Upper mesh is durable
- Cushioned sockliners
Cons
- Take long to dry
18. Sperry Women’s A/O 2-Eye Shoe
Sperry is likely to have had your safety in mind when designing their shoes. They made the shoes with bevelled heels for stability.
The soles are said to be wave-siping hence can push away water from under your feet. As such, traction on the surface is more efficient.
These shoes are made of 100% leather material which is soft and comfortable. In addition, the EVA heel cup is claimed to absorb shock hence protecting your feet whenever you encounter hard surfaces.
Pros
- Rust-proof eyelets
- EVA heel cup
- Wave-Siping soles
- 100% leather
Cons
- Poor quality seams
19. Neo Sport Premium Neoprene Women Boots
Have you been wondering whether shoes that can keep you warm when fishing are available? Well, wonder no more as Neo-Sport seem to have what you are looking for.
Neoprene synthetic material, said to be warm, is what has been used to make the shoes. Moreover, the shoes go above your ankle to protect your feet even further.
The soles on these boots are said to be non-slip since they are made of rubber. However, some customers feel that the soles are very thin despite offering them stability on slippery ground.
Pros
- Side zipper
- Warm and comfortable
- Rugged traction sole
- Neoprene material
Cons
- Thin outsole
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20. PENGCHENG Womens Water Sports Shoes
For your fishing or sporting activities in water, these shoes from PENGCHENG may seem like a good choice because of the lycra material on them that is said to let out water fast. Your feet are likely to dry up faster with these shoes.
Customers have found the shoes to be comfortable and light in weight. Furthermore, you can easily adjust the shoes to fit you using the elastic buckle feature.
The toe cap has an ergonomic design that is supposed to fit even the widest of toes. For some customers, the shoes still squeeze their toes.
Pros
- Ergonomic toe cap
- Elastic buckle feature
- Quick-drying lycra material
- Rubber outsole
Cons
- Poorly glued outsoles
21. DLGJPA Women’s Quick Drying Water Shoes
Stability is important, especially in wet environments. Therefore, these shoes from DLGJPA seem like a good choice as they are said to have anti-slip outsoles for good grip on slippery surfaces.
With a breathable upper mesh, your feet are likely to remain cool and dry. Moreover, the mesh allows water to flow out with ease.
The manufacturer refers to the shoes as quick-drying. Some customers disagree with this statement because their shoes retained water for a long time.
Pros
- Breathable upper mesh
- Shoelace design
- Anti-slip outsoles
- Comfortable and lightweight
Cons
- Keeps water for long
22. Speedo Women’s Seaside Water Shoes
When participating in aquatic activities, water is likely to get into your shoes all the time. But with these seaside shoes from Speedo that are said to be hydrophobic, your feet are likely to remain dry.
The S-track designed rubber out soles on these water shoes are alleged to be able to disperse water on the surface. As such, their grip on the ground is enhanced, so that you are more stable on slippery and wet surfaces.
With a breathable mesh material on the upper part, air circulates well leaving a cool feeling on your feet. But the shoes are likely to cause feet fatigue since they are said to lack sufficient arch support.
Pros
- S-track rubber sole
- Adjustable bungee straps
- Breathable mesh material
- Easy to wear and remove
Cons
- Insufficient arch support
Buying Guide for Fishing Shoes
By considering the following important features, you will be able to pick a good pair of shoes that will help you have the best angling experience.
Shoe Resilience
You will hardly find a cheap pair of fishing shoes in the market unless they are substandard. This is because they are specialty shoes.
Of course, we all want value for our investments and as such, you want to ensure that you purchase a pair of shoes that will last for a long time.
Your shoes will be constantly exposed to water and harsh weather conditions and they are bound to be worn out at some point.
However, the best shoes should be fabricated from durable material that can stand the test of time.
Brand Reputation
You also want to carry out a bit of research in respect to the reputation of the brand behind your shoes of choice.
By going through customer reviews, you will be able to get an idea of how a particular pair of shoes holds up after frequent exposure to water and harsh weather.
Remember to take proper care and maintenance of your shoes once you find the perfect pair to ensure they last you for a long time.
Shoe Traction
Every pair of fishing shoes worth their salt should have traction as a safety feature. You will be walking on slippery rocks, muddy water, and wet deck surfaces and you will need a pair of shoes with a strong grip and enough traction to prevent falls and slips.
As you are picking your shoes, make sure that the out sole is able to provide a sturdy, non-slip grip, and traction on all kinds of surfaces.
Weight of Shoes
When it comes to fishing shoes, the lighter they are the better. A light pair of shoes will ensure that your feet do not get tired as you walk.
This means that you can go about your business without being slowed down by discomfort and fatigue. Even when soaked in water, lightweight shoes will not get to heavy.
Comfort Ability of Shoes
If you intend to be in the water for long periods and enjoy the experience, you want to get a pair of comfortable shoes.
A good pair should keep your feet comfortable and dry. They should also be the correct fit so if you will be wearing them with socks, get half a size bigger.
You should also consider getting a pair of shoes with padding for extra comfort and support.
Shoe Design
When it comes to fishing shoes, they come in different styles and designsfrom boots to sandals. As such, you want to pick a pair that offers the performance, protection, and comfort you require.
Ankle Support
Apart from having good traction, your fishing shoes should also be able to support your ankles. Fishing grounds can be unstable that even a small twist can cause a broken ankle.
A good pair of shoes should offer stability and balance when walking n slippery and muddy surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We know that you may be curious and have some questions you want answered. Here are a few that can be of help.
What are fishing shoes?
They are just regular shoes but designed to withstand constant exposure to water and harsh weather conditions.
They offer better grip and traction on slippery surfaces when compared to regular shoes. They also have ventilation for faster drying and drainage of water.
Do I really need fishing shoes?
Yes, you do. The right pair will promote optimal performance and provide the required protection. As long as you are going to spend some time angling, you will need a pair of fishing shoes.
What is the best material for fishing shoes?
So far, rubber has proven to provide good traction and grip on almost all kinds of surfaces that are synonymous with fishing.
If you will be fishing in warm weather, we recommend mesh material because of its breath ability and lightweight nature. It also allows for faster drying and drainage of water.
For cooler weather, neoprene offers unmatchable thermal protection to keep your feet comfortable, warm, and dry.
Best Overall Choices
Men
Our best overall choice for men’s fishing shoes is Sperry Men’s Authentic Boat Shoe with superb soles to support you on any surface. Moreover, the shoes keep your feet comfortable on that long fishing trip.
Women
Our best fishing shoes for women is Aleader Women’s Mesh Water Shoes since they are said to be light in weight and comfortable. In addition, they offer good traction on wet surfaces and reduce the chances of you falling.
Final Thoughts
As you can clearly see, fishing shoes are a crucial accessory for any serious angler. If you want an enjoyable, comfortable, and safe angling experience, you must get yourself a pair.
This guide is a great starting point, the ability to choose the right pair of shoes now lies on you.