20 Best Water Shoes For Kayaking (2023 Updated)

Hiyak Initial impressions. I’ve had my pair of Hiyaks for a bit over a week now, and have used them sea-kayaking every day since. Sizing/fit: I wear a 12 in just about every pair of shoes I’ve ever owned, and the Hiyaks are no different.

They fit fine with no socks, a 1. 5 mm neoprene sock, waterproof socks, or a Smartwool like hiking sock. Warmth: The water I paddle in is hovering just below 40 degrees right now, so a pair of waterproof or neoprene socks are a standard at this point.

There’s a bit of cushion around the ankle and above the heel that also works as a bit of insulation. The rest of the inner shoe is lined with an almost grid-like quilted material- Astral calls it “Airmesh”- that traps bits of air in the channels which leads to some warming.

If I were standing in the sub-40 degree water for extended amounts of time, I’d have less than warm feet, but after a quick dip during loading, my feet stay plenty warm propped on my foot pegs inside my boat.

Drainage/Drying: One of the features that Astral touts about the Hiyak, along with their other shoes, is that they are better than traditional booties because of their ability to dry quicker than neoprene.

If you have any neoprene gear, you’re probably well versed in the potential funk associated with the material. I’m not saying that the Hiyaks will be funk-free, but they do dry quickly. The outer shell is made of a hydrophobic bombproof 1000D nylon, so not absorbing water in the first place lends to drying quickly.

As for the inside of the shoe, the Airmesh allows water in, but like all synthetics, allows water to drain quickly. With drain holes in the toe and heel paired with raised bumps/channels on the insole, any water that does enter (through those drain holes, the laces, or over the top) has an easy way out.

When walking the water squishes out the toe (pretty fun little squirts), and when in the boat it drains out the heel holes. One thing I really like about the drain holes is that they act almost as a scupper- with a bit of nylon just inside them, they allow water out (and in) while keeping out a lot of the dirt and sand that comes with stirring up the bottom.

As far as drying goes, Astral is right, the Hiyak is dry and ready for tomorrow. I paddle every day, and when I’m done I prop them up so they can drain and they’re good to go for the next day. The part that remains wet the longest is under the insole, but even that is set by paddle time.

Support: The shoes are pretty minimal; super lightweight and thin- both top and bottom. With this, they’re comfortable and fine for walking around, but they don’t offer a ton of support. I wouldn’t want to carry my boat any serious distance on a cobbley beach with them.

The insoles allow some drainage with the circle patterns on them, but also provide some cushion for the rocky entries. If you’ve got high arches, you’re gonna need a bit of extra help. The part of the Hiyak that excels in support is the heel cup- its stout and great for resting your foot on while in your boat in true paddling fashion.

Soles: The soles on these have curved diamonds as a main tread pattern, and like high end snow tires, each diamond is siped with small zig-zig slits. The traction is about as good as it gets for such a low profile sole.

Laces: Obviously, laces are the best way to get premium fit in a shoe, and the laces in the Hiyak do exactly that. I’ve found that really cranking down the laces puts some unneeded pressure on certain spots and becomes uncomfortable, and preferring loose shoes (I rarely tie any shoes I wear) I usually tie them pretty loose.

Because I tie them loose, the laces are a bit short, so I skip the top lace hole (like anyone does in a pair of sneakers) which I wasn’t a huge fan of anyway. (I like the height of the shoe, just not having the laces tight that high on my ankle!) The Velcro strap across the top is great for keeping the laces from catching on anything inside of the boat, and also helps to keep the knot tied.

Wish Hiyaks had: A spot for the Velcro to be when not stuck across the top. I’m pretty renown for less than properly tied shoes, and they’ve gotta be at least almost laced up to get the strap across the top.

Also, when sitting on the floor drying for tomorrow, the copious amounts of hair that my pyranees/newfie mix leaves lying around tends to gather on un-stuck Velcro. Channels under the insole would add to the drainage.

Just a few grooves or a little river system would help to dry under the insole. Some side tread would add to the grippiness. It would have to be a balance between gripping the ground and not gripping everything on the inside of a kayak, but I think it would be a beneficial addition.

Overall: I was a disbeliever. I had calf high rubber boots, why did I need booties or special shoes for paddling? Wrong. He Hiyaks are awesome. I moved my foot pedals up two clicks, and now have a better, tighter stance in my kayak.

Not to mention that my heels no longer overlap. It’s pretty awesome having specific gear- like shoes made for cold water Sea-kayaking.

Quetico boundary water trip first use. Great performance, very comfortable, arch strap keeps the boot snug when portaging. This is a wet boot and I was wearing wool boot liner socks. I wear a 10 to 10 1/2 but went up to an 11 as this is not a hiking boot and liked the extra toe space.

Agree with other reviewers that if there are a lot of rocky portages this may not be the right choice. Suggestions for the manufacturer add a stone guard mid sole and weep holes.

Just opened the box and these are going straight back. The quality is not what I expect from NRS. The construction between the 2 boots is not at all symmetrical, plus the rubber sides have been sloppily cut and applied.

I fear they will split after a few wearings. They certainly do not compare to the quality of my previous NRS 3mm paddle boots. Please bring back your QC or expect to lose past customers NRS.

This is an update to my previous review. I had ordered my typical size 11 and they were tight against my toes to the point they hurt. Upon further review with my other NRS size 11 boot I have worn for three years I found they were in fact the same size, BUT, the heal curved up faster making it seem smaller when put flat sole to sole.

This is what forced my middle toe into the front of the boot making it uncomfortable. My service request to NRS was handled by Tiffany. The NRS service I received is as good as the best I have received anywhere.

Tiffany worked with me to send a size 12 in this boot and a size 11 in another. This was after questioning me carefully about what I was wanting to make sure she provided the correct options. Tiffany is great! I received the new boots a few days later and tried both the size 12 of the Men’s Paddle Wetshoe and the size 11 of the other.

Both fit. Next tried the size 12 in my Liquid Logic Remix 69. At 6’2″ my feet go quite a ways in and I was concerned the bigger boot would not fit. But it did. Since it is a Michigan winter and very cold I went to a pool session and paddled for three hours.

No problems, worked well. I am raising my 3 star rating to a 5. The boot seems well made. The fit, due to the design, could be tight for someone like myself depending on where their actual foot length, especially with the middle toe, falls.

Bottom line, the normal size may or may not work. But the next size up worked great. I do like having more room in the front of the boot width wise. My middle toe was back 1/2 inch in other type boot.

Maybe that helps others decide size to order? If too small (or large) contact NRS support. They are wonderful! Replacement boots had no charge for shipping to me and there was a paid return label to ship back.

NRS really takes care of their customers! Certainly my credit card was charged for the two boots I was sent to try. Both boots when sent back were promptly credited once NRS received them back.

A video w/old pal Chad Hoover popped up on my YT feed. He was stoked on these, and he doesn’t crow about gear that doesn’t get the job done for fishermen. The tread is really great for slippery boat ramps and mossy/algae covered rocks.

The Backwater drains well and is breathable so your feet dry out and aren’t pruned up at the take out. The gray color is nice on hot summer days. Your feet don’t feel like they’ve been stuck in a crock-pot all day.

If you’re a half-size order a size up and you can wear a pair of HydroSkin socks and stretch the Backwaters further in to the late fall and early winter months. I have found these very comfortable while using a pedal powered kayak.

The uppers have enough stretch so that the material doesn’t bunch and chafe the tops of your ankles as some surf/dive booties are prone to do. The only thing I would add is a finger loop on the back of the upper to aid in pulling them on.

Taking off wet neoprene boots can be a pain in the hind end. Having a side zip shoe like this is the best option I’ve seen to combat the humidity and that foot suck that makes you struggle to remove your neoprene after a long day on the water.

The velcro over flap is also a nice touch to keep your zipper from getting caught up in a pant leg and then loosening up. Another big plus for me is that the NRS Backwater is protective yet breathable at the same time.

These wetshoes aren’t meant to keep you bone dry. The design is for tolerable water temps but you won’t get swamp feet either. It’s a good combination of circulation and thermal water heating. Probably the most surprising thing to me was the comfort.

On one of my test trips out I actually got out of the kayak and bank stomped for a couple of hours. I wore the Backwater shoes and they were really comfortable. The tread was nice and gripping on the wet rocks and because they rise well above the ankle and lack open vents, I didn’t have to clean gravel out of them after stomping around.

Ventilation but no intrusion is a great plus in my book. I’ve spent way too many days digging rocks out of my water shoes. I love the fact that the shoe has structure and seam reinforcement. Normal neoprene boots are so dang floppy that you feel like a kid wearing their Dad’s socks around.

These wetshoes fit like a shoe. The reinforced heel and toe box are great additions so wear and tear won’t happen for many, many miles.

I just used these booties for kayaking, scrambling over rocks, up and down banks, and fording streams in Ecuador for a week. They have fabulous tread! I had to take a guess at the size since I’m female but with the help of the NRS sales staff, we nailed the size.

Since I wear them over my drysuit, I need extra room. My normal shoe size is an 8 regular. The men’s 9 is perfect when worn with a thin Smartwool sock! They are made a little differently from the Paddle Wetshoe so the upper part drains, making it a little less warm than the Wetshoe which is almost all Neoprene.

This isn’t a huge issue but I would like to see this shoe’s tread used on the Wetshoe. A lot of accidents happen on the river rocks from people slipping and this tread is so much better.

These shoes are cute on and don’t have the ridiculous-looking ‘Punky Brewster’ colors all over them like almost every active-shoe for women does these days (why do manufacturers think adult women want to look like nine-year-olds?).

I normally wear a 9 in women’s and these in a 9 fit as expected. Like Keens, they are wider in the toes so they provide plenty of wiggle room for toes. I bought these shoes mostly for the beach, on the sand, rocks, and in the surf with my grandchildren and these shoes are great for that.

They are lightweight and grip the ground well, which is important to me because I took a spill a few months ago and one of my knees is still messed up from it! I have no problem walking on the sand and I also come home with no sand in my shoes.

The only thing that prevents me from giving these five stars is I am conflicted about the bumpy footbed. It doesn’t really bother me when I am wearing them; in fact, I forget about the bumps after I’ve had them on for a few minutes.

However, I do not really understand what purpose they serve and sometimes it feels like sand in my shoes when there is no sand in them; it’s just the built-in bumps. I wish REI sold them in more colors because I would purchase them.

I don’t usually leave reviews on anything (certainly now footwear), but I felt like I needed to share my experience with these Astral’s. We were getting ready for a trip to Costa Rica and I needed some footwear that would work in all kids of conditions.

I’ve tried Teva-like sandals in the past and I just don’t find them comfortable, so I’ve used old-school sperry boat shoes in the past, but those aren’t super ideal for all the stuff we were going to do on our trip.

Anyway, I came across these and I’m glad I did. I find them extremely comfortable to walk in and they grip really well on wet surfaces. I thought the little holes at the front and back would be kind of useless on clearing out the shoe from water, but they actually worked really well.

Honestly, I really love these shoes.

I decided to pick up some water shoes to wear over my dry suit with integrated socks. I thought this would protect my rather expensive dry suit when landing on rocky beaches. Although it seemed like a good plan, these shoes aren’t the ticket.

They basically will not stay on for walking. The built-in gortex socks are too slippery and you simply cannot cinch these things on tight enough to stay. Especially when they are wet. They are both warm and comfortable while you’re sitting in your kayak and paddling.

But they’re virtually useless for walking anywhere. I intend on buying the higher ankle height booties and hope they are better for walking up beaches.

I wear a 7-7. 5 street shoe with a wide toe box (think Keens). I bought these in a 7 and they fit perfectly! I bought them for SUPing. They are great for walking around while inflating the board and launching into the water.

I walked over rocks comfortably. I went down a star because the sole is so grippy that once I’m on the board I can barely move my foot on the grippy board surface. Now, keep in mind I’m trying to step around my 55 lb Goldendoodle who sets herself in position like a ship’s masthead and I’ve always inched my bare feet around into position.

When I got back ashore, I took the fin off & walked on the board on the grass without my dog, and didn’t have a problem, so I’m thinking I just need to get used to them. Overall, I’m pretty happy.

I’ve had a handful of NRS’s low river booties over the years. This newer model of kicker is nice but the single strap over the top of the foot just doesn’t seem secure enough. This is compounded by the fact that the 3mm is very stretchy and the toe box is quite wide, which also makes them less snug.

It’s probably fine for walking the beach, etc. but for whitewater, I just don’t trust it not to come off, so it’s going back. Previous versions had a combo of a strap and cinch cord around the opening or strap that ran around the ankle and over the top.

NRS, please return to a more secure style. Also they seem to run a little big so if you’re planning on wearing them without any socks, etc. I’d consider going a half size down.

Love these shoes! White sneakers are in right now and these are so cool/unique looking! The size 7 fits my size 7 feet and I love the elastic shoe strings. They are great for walking but since there’s not a ton of cushioning, I would not recommend to run or hike in these.

I purchased these because of xtratuf’s reputation in the boot market. I wore them twice in saltwater and they instantly smelled disgusting !! No better than if I wore regular shoes in the water. I contacted them for cleaning instructions after I washed them by hand and in the washing machine.

They replied with an oof the shelf cleaning remedy for their boots. I have the boots and they’re a good product. I’m disappointed because these shoes actually don’t look like the ugly water shoes on the market and they’re comfortable.

Most water shoes will pull right off of your heel if you wade out in the Sacramento River mud. These can actually be cinched up tightly and don’t pull off while you walk out to your boat. Soles are very sturdy and keep clam shells from slicing through.

I always get size 12 1/2 or 13, but ordered 12’s in these and they are just snug enough, not uncomfortable at all, to help get through the mud without pulling off.

I normally wear Chacos, but needed something to keep my feet warmer for shoulder season. I normally wear a women’s 9. 5/10. I bought these with a little extra room to wear with wool socks and a pair of Sealskinz waterproof socks.

They’re great! Only surprise is the more flexible sole provides less sturdy protection than the Chaco. Duh. But I didn’t notice it until it came time to hop out of the boat onto the rocky shore. Pointy rocks were pointy! I had to plan my steps a bit more carefully.

In all, great bang for my buck.

Purchased for a trip to the Riviera and they were perfect for snorkeling cenotes and days on the beach. The soles are sturdy and thick enough to walk on pavement and concrete with comfort. I also wore these back home through the airport and plane.

sandles didn’t smell too good. No odor from the waters and sands with these.

I wear a size 12.5 or 13 shoe. I ordered a size 13 water shoe. My foot swims in the shoe. I should have ordered a size 12. I suggest you order a size down if you wear a half size.

My shoe size is generally a normal width UK 11 so on advice ordered a UK 12 to accommodate a sock and a dry suit sock. It’s a fantastic fit and there’s sufficient room to flex the toes without the boot wallowing about.

The sole isnt the thickest however it’s ideal for tramping down to the Ericht or the Garry and the grip is ample on paths and wet rocks. The material has a plush inner making for a warm boot and I’m happy to add that it dries out slightly faster than my standard boots.

There’s a touch of colour to the boots if that excites your fashion concerns. I had tried the Palm Paw but these were ridiculously large and slightly snug across the foot. Overall I’m well impressed with the NRS watershoe and would recommend them for large feet and tight spaces.

PS thanks to Northshore for a rapid dispatch of the shoes and some great advice.

They’re like wersuits for your feet, only they’re much easier to put on. These kept my feet warm theough the apring but aren’t too hot in summer. I kept rhem on today after my paddle session to help put our dock in for the summer.

The mud on the “beach” by our river camp is no joke. Literally everyone down there lost at least shoe in the mud — except me. Mine got stuck, too, but the difference is, these do not come off when you pull up.

And the cuff also keeps out the majority of the muck. Everyone else’s feet were caked with mud. My feet had some minor streaks and that was the most dirt that’s ever gotten in. This was actually the only time i’ve had to hose my feet off since I bought them.

Took off one star because these would be perfect if they had just a bit more tread. Yes, the Paddle wetshoes have better tread but they come up a little high on the calf for my liking. Put that tread on the Freestyle and I’ll be a happy camper.

I was looking for a low cost decent quality piece of footwear and I found it. Nice comfortable fit, easy to slide on (I was worried as I have a height instep but no problems there) and once on they feel nice and secure.

They appear hard wearing and I’m confident they will last & do the job.

Good looking – well made boot. Comfortable and easy to put on. You need to order the size above your normal shoe size with these.

Great boots. Firm base. Protect feet. Warm and secure.

Fit to size for me, solid 9. Paddling a couple of offshore kayaks, baidarka and more traditional , all good through the 10,000 islands S and SE of Naples. Day trips to multi-day. Plenty of protection for the beaches while maintaining flexibility in the cockpit to avoid cramping.

On and off are a bit of work, no lie, but once on, super comfy for a day in the cockpit. I don’t expect waterproof, I get a TINY bit of sand from walking in the water over the cuff, but nothing I have tried does better.

Solid thumbs up.

Shoes were great way to keep warm. Used them in lake Erie with about 59 F water temperature and air temperature around 60-65F so just at or slightly above the 120 rule. Feet and toes were warm all day(9 hours) Stones and mud were kept away from feet with the neo sock and the stones easily washed out with a little running water.

Only drawback is the internal sock is cold when putting on the next day and wet shoes were a bear to put on when wet shoe and dry foot. Normal for wetsuit. Stones and sand tended to collect between the neo sock and the shoe side under the laces.

Stones and sand were not noticed until the end of the day when cleaning mud from shoes and I had a pile of silt in the wash sink. Laces stayed locked in place even while kneeling in the canoe.

I’ve been using this for about a year and a half now. They’re great at draining water but will remain damp. Since it’s made of neoprene you can expect warmth, which can be both good and bad depending on the weather and climate where you operate.

Foot sweat will definitely cause a funky smell when wet in warm weather. The collar is also pretty tight. I’m size 10 but a size 12 fits snugly. I’d say order two sizes up, the construction allows for further tightening around your toebox.

The construction is pretty sturdy too, with grippy soles for boat work. It’s worth the price if used with its strengths. TL;DR keeps feet warm but doesn’t dry fast due to neoprene. Order 2 sizes up (mens).

Perfect size, impeccable finish. Very comfortable, sole thick enough to walk on all surfaces. Very satisfied with my purchase.

I bought this one for my wife and she loved it was perfect and besides being able to walk on rocks and corals without getting hurt. Good material and thick sole. The price is also perfect, super cheap!.

excellent product. Comfortable and according to the specifications of use published in the presentation. I highlight the quality of care. Thank you

Looks solid after all, but cloth lining on inner sole came off second day shoes were in water. Evidently glue used is not waterproof.

Super comfy, lightweight, and worked great for when i went kayaking! would def recommend to anyone wanting durable and affordable water shoes 🤘🤘

I had one of these the first time round when it was made by HF. To be honest, at the time it was not my first pick (I wanted a Palm something) but it’s the best vest I have ever owned. It had been all around the world and all over the country and held up very well.

Sadly it started wear out and there was nothing I could do but say goodbye. After a few years away from splashing about (mortgage and 2 kids) I thought I’d get back on it and started looking for a new vest.

To my amazement I could buy a new Serpent vest, and I could get the blue one! (Back in the day the blue one was not available to just anyone) however I thought I’d stick with the yellow. I read the label and Astral have made hardly any changes other than a bit more buoyancy and a more eco version using ‘greener’ materials.

When I look at it and put it on, it is the same. The only tiny difference is that on the old one there were two very small pockets on the outside of the chest pocket where I would keep my whistle in one and a Cadbury Fredo in the other, there not there any more.

I wore the old one everywhere. I’ve abseiled into gorges, been dragged up and down rivers and looked good surfing in the South of France. I’ve not got round to doing all this with the new one but I can’t see a reason why this new vest wouldn’t be even better.

To the old farts it’s cool retro, to the young bucks it’s cutting edge, so whatever you are and whatever you have planned this vest won’t let you down Thank you Astral for reviving a genuinely great vest with modern materials and not screwing it up Thanks very much Graham.

The Brewer is by far the best water shoe I’ve worn. The grip on wet rocks, raft frame, rubber, etc is unmatched and I find them to be very comfortable. They drain well and look rad on and off the water.

I finally had to get some 2. 0s after a few years of HEAVY use saw my OGs get retired. Here are a few things that I found I didn’t like quite as much about the 2. 0 compared to original: – more narrow in the midfoot as others have pointed out.

It doesn’t bother me too much after having them on for a while, but if you have wide feet, could be an issue. – while the grip is still great, I dont think it’s as good as the OG. The sole is much firmer in the 2.

0s and maybe that’s why it seems a bit less grippy. Still better than anything else out there though! – the material on the inside of the OG was almost a ripstop type material. The 2. 0 has one that, while soft, I find it can sometimes irritate my feet when wet.

Chalk that one up to a personal problem I guess? I also feel like the OG material dried faster too. – 2. 0s drain well, but compared to the OGs it doesn’t even come close. The OGs had a clear opening in the heel that offered superb draining.

The 2. 0s have a tiny little hole in the heel which leaves the shoe wetter longer. Overall, the Brewer is still the shoe I recommend to anyone that’s on the river a fair amount. I wear them to the office sometimes because they are so comfortable.

So while the 2. 0s feel like a step back to me, still a top notch shoe. (If I wasn’t familiar with the OG Brewer, this review would likely be 5 stars).