Best Shoes for Paddling | How to Keep Your Feet Comfortable in a Kayak or Canoe

[@kayasper6081]

Ha! You nailed it when you say most accidents happen on shore. Last year I slipped while carrying two kayaks towards the sea. Those rocks were covered with a thin greenish layer and before I even got aware of it, I laid on my back. I thought it was only a painful fall, but harmless, until my buddy behind warned me that my bone was sticking out of my elbow! Six months after, all was fine again, so I feel lucky. I WAS wearing high quality neoprene kayak boots, by the way. I also recommend them, just like you. But apart from that, we always have to be aware of the danger of an unexpected sudden slip, I learned that for sure. I like it you dedicate videos to these things, thanks.

[@PaddleTV]

Whoa! Glad to hear you have recovered and you're alright. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@MakzFishin]

Those Boundary Boots got a refresh last year and I went from old style to the new ones. Just as great and they are the best for winter time kayak fishing.

[@JonPaddles]

in warm water season I usually go bare foot inside the kayak and have a pair of keen Newport either in the cockpit or on the deck.

[@gavinn.4060]

My astral rasslers were crazy helpful for my last trip. We did about a third of our 585km upstream so having good ankle support and good grip helped a lot while wading upstream pushing/pulling my canoe. They were very capable walking over loose slimy medium sized rocks and dried pretty fast. We also did shitloads of portaging and they were a huge help. They’re definitely no warm though

[@PaddleTV]

Yup. Astral makes great water shoes!

[@HillbillyTosh]

I put a little scoop of Borax directly in the washer and my shoes or sandals come out clean: no Lake smell

[@EdwardsOutdoorAdventures]

Although it may seem like overkill, as canoeist of flat water rivers and creeks where one must often pull over logs, across sandbars, and over beaver dams, I have found that hip waders or boots with fold up (very high way up thigh tops) really work for winter paddles.

[@PaddleTV]

Great point. When it gets really cold, I've moved to a full drysuit with feet. I can wear socks inside the drysuit for warmth, and then almost any big fitting shoe or boot over top. Waders are a great option because they accomplish the same thing, and are a fraction of the cost of a drysuit. Of course, if you flip or swim, the drysuit will keep you smiling :)

[@lxoxrxexnx]

I have the low cut NRS and agree that they are very good. The water boots is something new to me. I think I’ll look into these.

[@Megwilson2801]

I swear by my Crocs for paddling. They are so comfortable for paddling. They stay on when portaging. They are good over rocks. They dry fast and don’t smell. When it’s cold, I can fit a pair of neoprene socks inside them. They are perfect at camp since you can flip the strap to the front and slide them on and off quickly. I’ve been using them for about four years and haven’t found anything better.

[@PaddleTV]

I know a lot of people that love their crocs. One friend of mine has worn a hole right through the sole!

[@Wild_Danimal]

I first bought 6mm thick neoprene booties for colder weather, a few months ago I bought some adidas boat shoes for warmer weather THAT ARE AWESOME, would recommend thin neoprene socks because my water shoes kinda rubbed my feet the wrong way

[@PaddleTV]

Good point on the neoprene socks. On really cold trips I've even used those inside the water boots.

[@l2andom]

I wish my low cut nrs wet shoes lasted that long. They are great but I can't seem to get that type of longevity out of them.

[@TheChadWork2001]

A warning regarding NRS-type shoes: ensure they have arch support or your feet will be in pain on portages and trips.

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

Right about stones in sandals. Ouch!

[@adriennefarrellbriggs4010]

I’ve seen the water shoes before in another one of your videos. What is the brand? Love the red shoe laces! Thanks for all your videos. I am getting ready to buy a kayak. Have been doing a lot of research about it. Have kayaked quite a few times and am hooked. Still Having trouble deciding on a kayak though.

[@PaddleTV]

Hey Adrienne, the shoes I'm wearing in most videos are from NRS, the ones with the red laces are their Vibe model. Best of luck deciding on your kayak, there is a ton of options out there! You'll find the one that works for you :)

[@adriennefarrellbriggs4010]

@@PaddleTV thank you!

[@macpalmer6611]

I can't wear any water shoes that are made,unless someone can custom make them. My standard New Balance shoe is a 14AA. I have 2 insoles extra in them. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

[@PaddleTV]

14AA. Yup, that makes it hard to find water shoes! I believe NRS only makes up to size 13, but I think Astral Designs makes shoes up to size 14. www.astraldesigns.com

[@macpalmer6611]

@@PaddleTV Thank you for the information. I will look into. Having big feet does pose complications thats for sure.

[@jeffolsen4983]

I have the same NRS 6" (or so) high neoprene shoes as you show in this video. Great to wear - they keep out sand and rocks (the biggest nuisance footwear wise where I mostly paddle), a little difficult to doff and don but, MAN DO THEY STINK!!!! Your thumbnail (toenail?) have me hopes that you might know a solution... but NO. Maybe there isn't one. Anyway, thanks! Good review.

[@rustyshackleford4299]

Mirazyme Odor Eliminator

[@kayasper6081]

Oh sorry, it is me again. What works good for me to keep your shoes smelling fresh is to just wash them in the machine with powder soap, once in a while. And rinse them of good after every use, and above all, let them dry fast.

[@PaddleTV]

Good suggestion for sure. I am definitely overdue to give all my gear a good washing!

[@shinysidedown9090]

Tried the neoprene boots and found that they wear-out quickly. Also they have no arch support - step on a sharp pebble and it hurts! For spring portageing I wear LL Bean type Pak's. They keep your feet warm and dry in 6" of water or mud. Summer I use deck shoes or old tennis shoes - week long northern bush trips would wear out a pair each year.

[@georgeemil3618]

Neoprene paddling shoes don't drain. You'll be sloshing in your personal puddle on each foot. Get Leguanos or other sock shoes with quick drying fabric.

[@PaddleTV]

So true... That's why booties are one of the Top 5 Things I Hate about Paddling - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZamm3Ruq6ifa7M

[@TimberHillRedboneDogs]

Yeah tried a pair of slip on rubber flip flops.. Nope never again.

[@Gromit801]

And if you wear a 14 narrow, you’re screwed.

[@sandroweiner1858]

I stop using neoprene shoes you just feel all the rocks and they don't protect well your toes, Astral Brewer so far is the best I have they use Five Ten sole, front and back drain you can walk on rocks, log jams you don't feel anything and they have Wide Box.

[@PaddleTV]

I typically do the same, except when I'm whitewater paddling, as my feet are too crammed in most whitewater kayaks with stiff soled shoes.