All the different types of fishing have one thing in common, you need to protect your feet so you can go fishing the next day.
Whether you’re wading rivers in Colorado, walking the flats of Los Roques, or paddling your fishing kayak around Miami, wearing a high quality pair of fishing shoes is a must.
Best Water Shoes For Fishing
Best Shoes For Fly Fishing
Best Offshore Fishing Shoes
The ideal fishing shoes will not only protect your feet but they’ll also be comfortable, allow water to drain, and give you the best grip around for the type of fishing you’re doing whether it’s walking on algae-covered rocks or walking on the deck of a deep-sea fishing boat.
The Best Fishing Shoes From The Review
Before we head to the full lineup, here are the top 6 best fishing shoes in the review sorted by category…
Best Water Shoes For Fishing
HUK Rubber Rogue Wave Boots
Designed to keep your feet dry, warm, and protected while you’re out fishing in cold seas.
HUK Rubber Rogue Wave Boots
The best water shoes are the HUK Rubber Wave Boots.
These are part mesh shoes with a mesh upper and holes of drainage so any water that comes into the shoes goes right back out.
The mesh is also stretchy for comfort while the mid-soles provide great cushioning and the Omni-grip sole features a traction system that is made to keep you on your feet no matter how slippery the surface is.
Top Pick
Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe
Made for wading in colder or areas with sharp rocks and coral, like on the flats.
Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe
The best fishing shoes overall are the Hodgman Neoprene shoes.
The reason these are the best shoes is that they are the most versatile and work for a lot of types of fishing.
You can use these shoes for wet wading in summer, cold wading in winter, flats fishing, with a float tube, walking the surf, the list is endless.
The shoes are also durable and provide great foot comfort and protection too.
Best Shoes For Fly Fishing
The Reel Shot Shimano Evair Fishing Shoes
Ideal for any type of fishing where you know your feet will get wet and you want excellent drainage from a type of shoe that won’t hold water.
The Reel Shot Shimano Evair Fishing Shoes
The best shoes for fly fishing are the Shimano Evair Shoes.
Their open and rugged design features allow you to use them for wet wading in summer and with your waders in winter.
They’re much lighter to carry around and walk with than a pair of wading boots and are fully waterproof shoes so they never get wet, and dry out quickly.
The grip is so excellent, even on slippery rocks.
Best Boat Shoes For Fishing
Rugged Shark Bill Dance Pro Boat Shoe
Made to give you balance on boat decks without leaving any marks for the crew to scrub off later, something they will thank you for.
Rugged Shark Bill Dance Pro Boat Shoe
The best boat shoes for fishing are the Rugged Shark Bill Dance Pro Boat Shoes.
These shoes are comfortable, protective, and are full of features like mesh drainage areas, non-marking grippy soles, and waterproof leather to ensure foot comfort while you’re out fishing.
Best Shoes For Kayak Fishing
Merrell Men All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoes
Features a sandal design crossed with a running shoe for comfort and support. Ideal fishing water shoe for wet wading on rivers in the summertime.
Merrell Men All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoes
The best fishing shoes for kayak fishing are the Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoes.
These shoes provide good foot coverage for sun protection, are cushioned for comfort, and the open sandal design ensures your foot won’t overheat on hot weather days.
The shoes are also water-resistant, have good drainage, and dry quickly so you can keep on kayaking without soggy wet feet.
Best Offshore Fishing Shoes
HUK Rubber Rogue Wave Boots
Designed to keep your feet dry, warm, and protected while you’re out fishing in cold seas.
HUK Rubber Rogue Wave Boots
The best fishing shoes for offshore fishing are the HUK Rogue Wave shoes.
The HUK shoes offer excellent foot comfort and protection, especially in colder seas.
They are warm, waterproof, and the rubber upper ensures that you stay safe when walking on deck in rough seas.
Our Top Fishing Shoes
Best Shoes For Fly Fishing
The Reel Shot Shimano Evair Fishing Shoes
Ideal for any type of fishing where you know your feet will get wet and you want excellent drainage from a type of shoe that won’t hold water.
The Reel Shot Shimano Evair Fishing Shoes
The Reel Shot Shimano Evair Fishing Shoes look like a pair of Crocs brand shoes upgraded with a heel and an adjustable buckle so you can secure them.
The design is ideal for any type of fishing where you know your feet will get wet and you want excellent drainage from a type of shoe that won’t hold water.
Build
The Shimano Evair are made from Shimano’s own Eva material which consists of ethylene-vinyl acetate.
It creates a rubbery almost foam-like material that is extremely light, fully waterproof, and tough.
Comfort
With these fishing shoes you’ll feel light on your feet, have great shock absorbing heel support, and your feet will be protected from any scrapes on rocks by the outer webbing.
The outer sole is covered in grip too, so you can get good traction on wet surfaces and stay on your feet in slippery areas.
Design
This type of shoe is perfect for different types of fishing.
You can wear them combined with waders while fishing on trout streams, or while surf fishing at the beach, and they’ll even work well on the flats in areas without much stone or coral.
They are also perfect for kayak fishing as the open design will keep your feet breezy, and once wet, they don’t hold moisture, so your feet won’t have to sit in damp fishing shoes all day long.
Support
The one thing holding these shoes back is a lack of ankle support which is handy when you’re wading in rocky rivers but being fishing sandals, ankle support isn’t to be expected.
Specs
- Type: Open Shoe Fishing Sandals
- Sizes: 5-13
- Material: EVAIR – EVA material
- Drainage: Yes
Pros
- Lightweight for freedom of movement
- Grippy so you don’t slip
- Drain quickly
- Waterproof and dry quickly
- Comfy to wear
- Shock absorbing to protect your heels
- The inner sole is removable
- Solid and durable build
Cons
- No ankle support
Best Water Shoes For Fishing
Columbia Men Drainmaker IV Water Shoe
The Columbia Men Drainmaker IV Water Shoe is designed for all water sports from fishing to trail running through streams.
Columbia Men Drainmaker IV Water Shoe
The Columbia Men Drainmaker Iv Water Shoe is designed for all water sports from fishing to trail running through streams.
Design
These Columbia water shoes look a bit like a pair of normal training shoes; you can consider them as fishing sneakers. It has a lacing system from the outside but they are specially designed to ensure they give you maximum support, comfort, and grip on wet surfaces that are easy to slip on, like algae-covered rocks.
Features
The Columbia Drainmaker Iv Water Shoe features a synthetic mesh upper that is quick-drying combined with a Techlite footbed and rubber Omni grip outsole.
The synthetic upper keeps your feet protected from any scrapes, while the footbed is cushioned for maximum comfort and shock absorption.
Water Drain
The footbed on the Columbia Water Shoes is also equipped with holes that allow water to drain out of the shoe quickly, so you don’t have to bounce around on a soggy footbed all day long.
Traction
The Omni grip sole on the Columbia Water Shoe is a multi-terrain traction system.
The Omni grip design features specific treads and compounds to ensure a non-slip grip on surfaces like snow, ice, wet rocks, and more.
With its high traction rubber sole, you can be sure you stay on your feet when wearing these Columbia Water Shoes.
Comfort
These Columbia water shoes are incredibly comfortable to wear too. They’re light on your feet, fit well, and hold tight with the lacing system.
You feel like you could run for miles in them, or walk up the river bank stalking fish for days.
These Columbia shoes are the perfect fishing shoes for wet wading when summertime fishing, or for use on boats and when you’re kayak fishing.
Add On
You could also order a larger pair of Columbia Water Shoes to use with your waders when fishing on rivers but you would miss out on the much-needed ankle support.
Those slippery rocks are easy to slip on no matter how grippy the fishing shoe is, and you can easily turn your ankle over.
Size
The one thing holding the Columbia water shoes back is that they are quite narrow in the footbox.
If you have wider feet, you’re likely to experience a lot of pressure and rubbing that makes using them for extended periods quite uncomfortable.
Specs
- Type: Water sports
- Sizes: 7-15
- Material: Synthetic upper and a non-marking wet traction rubber outsole
- Drainage: Yes
Pros
- Durable and well made
- Light on your feet
- Provide good protection from rocks
- Grippy Omni grip sole, even on slippery rocks
- Mesh and drainage holes to remove water quickly
- Quick-drying once wet
- Super comfortable to wear
- Full lacing system for a tight fit
Cons
- A little narrow for wide feet
Crocs Men Swiftwater Wave Sandal Flat
The entire shoe is water-resistant making them quick-drying, and they’re well out together for durability.
Crocs Men Swiftwater Wave Sandal Flat
Crocs Men Swiftwater Wave Sandal Flat fishing sandals are like a normal pair of Crocs (we all know the brand) but they feature full heel coverage to keep them secure on your feet as you wander around in the water.
These fishing shoes feature a combination of quick-dry Croslite foam on the footbed with a maltite rubbery upper.
The entire shoe is water-resistant making them quick-drying, and they’re well out together for durability.
Footbed
The foamy footbed provides good shock absorption and it’s water-resistant so you won’t have to worry about it getting waterlogged and smelly, and you can walk around squelch free once you’re done wading around in the water.
The maltite upper on these shoes covers your entire foot, protecting it from scraping anything in the water.
The upper of these shoes is also littered with little holes that make sure the water drains quickly out of them.
Outsole
The outsole of these shoes is textured with a non-slip grip, but it’s not that grippy compared to other fishing shoes as the traction is shallow.
You’ll be fine on most wet surfaces but you are likely to slip on algae as there isn’t enough bite to keep you on your feet.
Comfort
Wearing these shoes is a bit like walking on air.
They are light and comfortable to wear but they are not adjustable, so picking the right size is a must.
Luckily these shoes are true to size, and if you have owned a pair of Crocs before, match that size and should be fine.
Specs
- Type: Fishing Sandals
- Sizes: 4-13
- Material: Croslite foam and maltite
- Drainage: Yes
Pros
- Light and don’t absorb water
- Durable and well made
- Good grip on slippery surfaces
- Drain and dry quickly
- Comfortable to wear
- Snug fit and good protection
- Quick-drying
Cons
- Not adjustable to fit
Top Pick
Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe
Made for wading in colder or areas with sharp rocks and coral, like on the flats.
Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe
The Hodgman Neoprene Wade shoe is made for wading in colder or areas with sharp rocks and coral, like on the flats.
You can also use these wading shoes in combination with fins on a float tube, but they are not the best for any dry fishing like being on a boat or kayak as your feet will overheat.
Build
These fishing shoes are simply neoprene boots but with some extra durability.
They’re made from 3.5mm neoprene with a rubber sole and foot box, plus a durable YKK zipper.
The 3.5 mm on neoprene will keep your feet warm while being active, and since it covers your whole foot and ankles protects you from any coral cuts or sharp stones.
Sole
The sole is thick, so you can walk anywhere knowing your feet are protected from the likes of stonefish or sea urchins.
The outsole on these fishing shoes is also covered in non-slip traction to ensure you don’t slip on anything you come across.
The rubber also comes over the outsole and around the footbox to protect your toes.
If you have ever walked the flats, you’ll know how often your toes find a rock you haven’t seen, and having some prediction for them is a must.
Zipper
The YKK zipper sits in the middle of these fishing shoes, is easy to open and close, plus there is a pull on the heel so you can always take them off with ease.
Once on, this pair of shoes hug your feet nicely and provide great mobility.
They are comfortable fishing shoes to wear and won’t hold you back when you’re wading anywhere.
Zipper
The only thing to be aware of with these shoes is that the zipper can come undone while you’re walking, letting sand into your shoes which can become uncomfortable.
Also, being made from neoprene, they are not quick-drying and will take a while to dry out. Plus, you should give them a rinse in fresh water after each use in saltwater to ensure they last a long time.
Specs
- Type: Neoprene Boot
- Sizes: 9-14
- Material: Neoprene and rubber outsole
- Drainage: No
Pros
- Full protective for wading in sharp areas
- Stitched well with a durable YKK zipper
- Keep your feet warm in cold water
- Non-slip grippy sole for stability
- Comfortable and fit well
- Easy to take on and off
- Rubber toe box for toe protection
Cons
- The zipper can fall letting sand and water in
- Not quick drying
Best Boat Shoes For Fishing
Rugged Shark Bill Dance Pro Boat Shoe
Made to give you balance on boat decks without leaving any marks for the crew to scrub off later, something they will thank you for.
Rugged Shark Bill Dance Pro Boat Shoe
The Rugged Shark Bill Dance Pro Boat Shoe is made to give you balance on boat decks without leaving any marks for the crew to scrub off later, something they will thank you for.
The boat shoes feature a water-resistant leather and mesh upper with a rubber outsole and a cushioned and breathable footbed.
They are well put together and super durable for a life at sea.
Features
The water-resistant leather upper on these boat shoes provides full coverage for your feet protecting them from any scapes that are likely to happen when there is a large swell and the boat is moving around a lot.
Drainage
It also ensures that no water is absorbed so the shoes are quick drying.
Where the leather meets the sole you’ll find large mesh areas for drainage, so if you dip your feet in the water, it’ll drain right out leaving you with squelch-free boat shoes.
Sole
The rubber soles on these boat fishing shoes has a shark grip with multiple different types of traction that give you balance and ensure you stay on your feet while walking on boat decks, even in rough weather.
They are also non-marking to ensure you leave the deck clean.
Comfort
The cushioned footbed on these shoes ensures maximum comfort.
They cradle your feet and provide you with excellent shock absorption protecting both your aches and heels.
Overall, these deck shoes feature everything you need to keep your feet dry, protected, cool, and comfortable while you’re out on the water but they do need a bit of breaking in, to begin with.
Specs
- Type: Boat shoe
- Sizes: 9-13
- Material: Leather with rubber soles
- Drainage: Yes
Pros
- Good drainage removes water quickly
- Keep feet cool and comfy
- Gripp and non-marking on boat decks
- Durable and long-lasting build
- Cushioned footbed for shock absorption
- Lightweight and easy to move around in
- Dry quickly
Cons
- Need some breaking in
Best Offshore Fishing Shoes
HUK Rubber Rogue Wave Boots
Designed to keep your feet warm, dry, and protected while you’re out fishing in cold seas.
HUK Rubber Rogue Wave Boots
The HUK Rubber Rogue Wave Fishing Boots are perfect for use in cold places like an Alaskan fishing boat.
These fishing shoes are designed to keep your feet dry, warm, and protected while you’re out fishing in cold seas.
Build
This pair of shoes features a neoprene and rubber upper with a thick, non-slip rubber outsole.
These shoes are well put together and will survive a life at sea or clambering on rocks without any issues.
Materials
The neoprene and rubber upper do two things.
The neoprene keeps your feet warm and cushioned while the rubber ensures your feet stay dry and are protected from anything you might stub them on while you’re fishing.
These shoes do stay dry to a point, but when submerged some water will get in, luckily the neoprene mesh lets the water out but it’s not a quick-dry fabric so it may take a few hours until the shoes are fully dry again.
Grip
This pair of shoes features a grippy sole so you don’t slip on anything while you’re fishing.
Each lug in the sole is made to grab in all directions, so when the swell is rocking the boat, you’re sure to stay on your feet.
The sole also has mesh micro channel openings in it.
These breathable mesh channels let water out quickly if any does get in, so you can wear this shoe without a saggy footbed.
Fit
Getting this shoe on is easy. They are like slip on shoes. There is no lacing system, but there are pulls at the top to help you pull them on and slip them off.
Once on, they are comfortable and supportive, but they are quite narrow so if you have wide feet, go one size up to make sure they fit well.
Maintenance
Another great thing about these shoes is how easy they are to clean.
Fishing on a boat often means you’ll get some blood spatter from your catch, and to clean it off this fishing shoe, a wipe with a damp cloth is all that is needed.
Specs
- Type: Deck boots
- Sizes: 8-14
- Material: Neoprene and rubber
- Drainage: Yes
Pros
- Waterproof to keep your feet dry
- Durable materials for harsh boat work
- Protect your feet from all weather conditions
- Keep your feet warm
- Comfortable and snug fit
- If water gets in, it drains out quickly
- Grippy on wet surfaces
- Non-marking sole
Cons
- Sizes run small and narrow, go a size up
Best Shoes For Kayak Fishing
Merrell Men All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoes
Features a sandal design crossed with a running shoe for comfort and support. Ideal fishing water shoe for wet wading on rivers in the summertime.
Merrell Men All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoes
The Merrell Men All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoes are made for a fisherman or a runner or fisherman who runs.
This shoe features a sandal design crossed with a running shoe for comfort and support.
It’s an ideal fishing water shoe for wet wading on rivers in the summertime, kayak fishing, and wearing on boats in warm weather.
Features
This good fishing shoe features a waxy waterproof leather upper with a thick sole made out of rubber that is covered in lugs for grip.
You’ll also notice that instead of having a mesh drainage feature, this fishing shoe has wide open holes in the upper that will allow water to drain out of it quickly.
Coverage
The waxy waterproof leather upper provides good foot coverage for protection from scrapes and means these shoes won’t absorb any water and get damp.
This feature will stop the shoes from smelling, as they will dry out quickly avoiding that horrid damp smell.
Sole
The sole of these shoes is a Vibram outsole.
It’s thick, supportive for comfort, and has 3mm lungs so you can grip on any slippery surfaces.
The lugs are also hollow to help keep the weight of the shoes down so you can stay light on your feet.
Midsole
These shoes also come with a Unify midsole, and since they are also designed for running, this mid-sole is made for comfort while on an intense fishing trip where there is a lot of walking to do.
The midsole cushions your feet but also has some bounce to it for efficiency, keeping you moving while hiking.
Price Range
The only drawbacks to these shoes are that they are quite expensive, and they are not so grippy on algae-covered surfaces, which you’re likely to encounter when fly fishing on rivers or walking on rocks by the seashore. Also although it looks like hiking shoes, these are not meant to be worn for long distance treks.
Specs
- Type: Sandal Water Shoe
- Sizes:7-15
- Material: Waxy waterproof leather
- Drainage: Yes
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Quick-dry waterproof materials
- Easy to take on and off
- Good drainage feature
- Big lugs for grip on slippery surfaces
- Comfortable and supportive
Cons
- A bit slippery on wet rocks
- Quite expensive
Sperry Men’s Sperry Sea Kite Sport Moc Boat Shoe
Features a non-marking sole so that when walking around on a boat you don’t leave a trail of markings on the surfaces that need scrubbing off later.
Sperry Men’s Sperry Sea Kite Sport Moc Boat Shoe
The Sperry Sea Kite Sport Moc Boat Shoes by Sperry Men are made for life on a boat.
They feature a non-marking sole so that when walking around on a boat you don’t leave a trail of markings on the surfaces that need scrubbing off later.
Build
These shoes feature a water-resistant leather and cool breathable mesh upper
The leather ensures they don’t become waterlogged and protects your feet while the mesh upper feature allows your feet to breathe and stay cool during warm weather or on hot fishing days.
The mesh upper also acts as a drainage feature, letting water out quickly.
Sole
The sole on these Sea Kite shoes are Sperry Top-Sider soles and are full of features to ensure you get all the grip you need when walking around on deck.
These non-marking soles are covered in traction that grips in all directions so you can be sure to stay on your feet, even when the seas get rough.
Midsole
The midsole of these Sea Kite shoes features cushioning for excellent comfort and shock absorption and makes these shoes a delight to wear.
The only issue is that the midsole has no drainage of water-resistant features, so it stays wet as the water can only escape through the mesh upper.
Fit
When it comes to fit, this pair of fishing shoes is one of the best thanks to the sizing features. Not only do the shoes come in all sizes from 7-13, but they also come in wider sizes too.
So if you’re a fisherman with dier feet than most, these shoes have got you covered.
Specs
- Type: Boat shoe
- Sizes: 7-13
- Material: Leather and rubber sole
- Drainage: Yes
Pros
- Includes wide sizes
- Mesh upper drains water out quickly
- Mesh lining is quick-drying once they get wet
- Excellent grip on wet surfaces
- Durable and long-lasting
- Comfortable and supportive
- Non-marking soles for boat use
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Sole doesn’t dry fast
What are fishing shoes?
If you’re new to fishing, you might be wondering how fishing footwear is any different from normal footwear.
Well, fishing footwear can look the same as a normal pair of shoes, and part of each pair is designed for a life on the water.
Features
Fishing shoes can come with mesh uppers and holes for drainage, be waterproof or water-resistant and they all provide foot protection and have excellent grip on wet surfaces.
Each part of every best fishing shoe is somehow designed and manufactured to help anglers in their quest to catch fish.
Check out the Columbia Drainmaker IV
Things to consider when buying a fishing shoe
What type of fishing will you be doing and where?
The first part of finding the right shoe for you is picking a shoe that matches your environment.
For example, you’re not likely to use the same shoe when flats fishing in the Bahamas as you would when walking the frozen beaches of nova scotia are you.
So what are the types of shoes and where are they best suited for?
What Type Of Fishing Shoe Are There?
Neoprene Boots
Neoprene boots are one of the most versatile kinds of fishing shoes.
They are good as wet wading shoes, they keep you warm, protect you, and they’re grippy too.
They are perfect for wet wading mountain rivers in the summertime, walking the flats with, and wearing while you’re pushing a float tube around with your flippers.
Rubber Shell
Rubber shelled versions with thick soles are the perfect shoe for fishing offshore in cold places.
They’re warm, waterproof, and keep your toes safe from any possible accidents that could happen out at sea.
Sandal
An open sandal style fishing shoe is open and very much like a pair of Crocs brand shoes. They’re tough, waterproof, offer good protection, and they drain water quickly.
You can use them when kayak fishing, walking beaches, rocky edges, wet wading, and even with waders, although they are missing some ankle support.
NOTE
They aren’t great for walking in the ocean as small bits of sand and gravel will easily get lodged inside them making them uncomfortable to wear.
Boat Shoe
A boat shoe is made for gripping on decks, even in rough seas, while not leaving any marks to clean up afterward.
Boating shoes are smart looking, made of leather for foot protection, and come with mesh edges for drainage.
TIP
They are ideal as a boating shoe but you might not want to wear them on days when you’re filleting 30 tuna and the deck is covered in blood, as they won’t look so smart any longer.
Water Shoe
A water shoe is like a running shoe but made for getting wet.
They lace up, have great cushioning and shock absorption, and are made for trail running as well as fishing.
Mesh
A large part of them will often consist of mesh for drainage, and sometimes the whole upper is made of mesh for this reason. Full mesh fishing shoes allow for more circulation which helps keep your feet cool and helps shoes dry faster.
Aside from mesh, they will also include holes in the sole so water can get out quickly.
TIP
They are one of the best fishing shoes for wet wading on mountains in the summer, and for covering a lot of ground quickly.
What Kind of Foot Protection Will I Need?
The whole point of wearing shoes is for protection, otherwise, I’d be barefoot the entire time.
Make sure the shoe you choose has enough protection for where you’re going to fish.
Reefs
If you’re walking on reefs you want full coverage, as you’ll end up steeping in holes and getting cuts that coral will infect within a few hours.
The same goes when you’re fishing off barnacle-covered rocks.
Freshwater
When wading in freshwater rivers, minimal coverage is fine and sandal type wading shoes are great as they are light and drain quickly.
NOTE
Be sure to think about what the shoes are going to encounter and if they will provide adequate foot protection, as you can’t fish without them.
Why Grip is Important
Watery places are a slippery world.
I have never felt anything as slippery as algae-covered rocks, have you?
Not even ice compares to these as their shape makes them harder to manage.
Every brand tries to ensure their shoes have excellent grip on all wet surfaces, but sometimes this just isn’t possible.
TIP
Check the sole of the shoe to make sure it’s rubber and textured with good traction so you’re sure the brand is doing its best to keep you from slipping.
Drainage
I’m sure we’re all in agreement that if a shoe is meant to get wet, it should drain well.
Not every brand or type of angling shoe is made to be wet, but the ones that are should let the water out as fast as it comes in.
TIP
Look for gaps in the sides, mesh parts, and holes through the sole when checking the shoes will drain well, as without good drainage you’ll end up walking around in soggy shoes.
Water-resistance & Durability
The more waterproof or water-resistant material a fishing shoe is made out of the better. Water-resistant materials won’t absorb any or as much water as others.
This means the shoe won’t end up being soggy, squelchy, or heavy because it’s filled with water.
TIP
Water-resistant materials also tend to survive longer when put in contact with water often, and if you’re looking for long-lasting durability it’s best to pick shoes with water-resistant materials like rubber, leather, neoprene, and mesh.
Quick Drying
Having shoes that dry quickly once wet is a godsend.
No one likes walking around in wet shoes, so if they dry fast, that’s a huge bonus.
The quickest drying fishing shoes are sandal types. They are often waterproof so you can dry them in 2 minutes by wiping them with a towel.
TIP
In other types of shoes look for mesh materials, and water-resistant features to confirm the shoes are quick dry.
Checking Fit & Comfort
Things change underwater, and that includes the fit of your shoes.
Neoprene boots get tighter, water shoes looser, and rubber sandals stay the same but your foot is more slippy.
Fit
When buying footwear for fishing, you should think about the material and how it’s going to behave underwater.
Do you need your shoes to be tight-fitting, a little loose, or just right once they are in the water?
TIP
Getting the right fit equates to maximum comfort, and if you’re not comfortable you’re not going to enjoy your fishing as much.
FAQ
Are Crocs Good For Fishing?
I know a few pro guides who swear by Crocs and you have probably noticed there are some in the review.
Normal crocs are ok but the heel clasp often slips off when hopping from rock to rock.
The Crocs swiftwater shoes in the review have a heel that is not going anywhere.
Usage
Crocs are great for wet wading, wading with waders, and wearing around the campsite and on route to the fishing grounds.
They are light, durable, grippy, and a great fishing shoe but only when worn with some kind of neoprene sock or waders.
Without a sock, the sand, gravel, and grit are going to get caught in them and make it uncomfortable.
Summing Up
Thanks for reading my article about the best fishing footwear, I hope you found it useful and have found the right fishing shoes for you.
Remember, it’s all about foot comfort, foot protection, and matching the types of fishing shoe with where you’re planning on fishing.
If you haven’t quite decided which of them are the right fishing shoes for you, here are the shoes best for me to help you make your decision.
Best Water Shoes For Fishing
Best Shoes For Fly Fishing
Best Water Shoes For Fishing
I’d take Columbia Drainmaker Iv shoes when the fishing trip entails a lot of walking and in a warm environment, like summer in the mountains.
The shoe provides great foot comfort, and foot protection while the mesh upper ensures each foot stays cool and ensures any water is quickly drained out.
The sole also ensures each foot has great grip and is cushioned from impacts, which is especially important when you’re walking around on rocks all day.
Top Pick
For an all-around shoe, the Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe is the best.
You can take these shoe fishing almost anywhere and it covers more types of fishing than any other shoe in the review.
The shoe is warm, protective, portable, and has great foot comfort.
Bring them on any fishing trip. They are perfect for the flats, surf fishing, kayak fishing, and wet wading.
Best Shoes For Fly Fishing
The shoes best for fly fishing are the Shimano Evair shoe.
These are durable, light, waterproof shoes that have good foot comfort, and are perfect for wading in rivers with or without waders.
Putting on this shoe and taking off your wading boots will make you feel light on your toes, give you good drainage, and more than enough foot protection and grip to clamber around the rocks and woods.
Don’t Slip!
Thanks again for reading about the shoes best for fishing, I hope you enjoyed it.
Please share it with your fishy friends, after all everyone needs the best fishing shoes around.
If you found the article helpful, you should take a look at some of our other articles as we cover pretty much all types of fishing equipment you could imagine needing.
But if you want more articles related to fishing accessories, try this Best Fishing Watch article or this Best Sunglasses For Fishing article.
