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Fishing involves walking, wading, and standing on wet and slippery surfaces. The water shoes you wear for fishing should give you a sure footing and allow water to drain easily. To make it easy to find the perfect pair of shoes for fishing, we have reviewed the 10 best fishing shoes on the market right now.
When making our picks, we paid attention to the traction, drainage, support, comfort, and durability. The pairs we feature in our reviews offer excellent traction and grip on water, mud, sand, gravel, rocks, and wet decks. Further down this page, we also have some tips on how to pick the best fishing sandals or boots for your fishing style.
OUR TOP PICK
Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Good support and traction on all angling surfaces
- Good water draining system and quick drying
- Water-resistant leather uppers with odor resistant
- Breathability and comfort are superb
- Rugged shoes for long-lasting service
Best Use: All Types of Fishing
Sizes: 6.5 to 15
EDITORS CHOICE
Neo-Sport Premium Neoprene Men & Women Wetsuit
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Provides thermal protection to keep feet warm
- Rugged rubber sole offers good traction on slippery surfaces
- 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm thermal thicknesses to choose from
- High top keeps out pebbles and debris out of the boots
- Waterproof shoes with puncture resistant soles
Best Use: Wading, Boat, Kayak and Float Tube Fly Fishing
Sizes: 4 to 16
BEST VALUE
Aleader Men’s Mesh Slip-on
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Great breathability, water drainage, and quick drying
- Great traction on wet and slippery surfaces
- Lightweight midsole with excellent bounce-back
- Very lightweight and incredibly comfortable
- Wide assortment of colors to choose from
- Affordable water shoes and great value
Best Use: Boat, Kayak, and Float Tube Fishing
Size: 7 to 14
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Contours to feet and very comfortable for fishing
- Compression molded EVA midsole for comfort
- Rubber outsole has excellent traction on water and boats
- Excellent water drainage and breathability
- Abrasion-resistant toe guard protects your toes
- Water resistant leather uppers and odor resistant lining
Best Use: Boat, Kayak and Wade Fishing
Sizes: 7 to 14
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- 3.5mm thick neoprene for warmth and comfort
- Solid traction on sand, gravel, and mud
- Cuff at the top for keeping out sand and gravel
- High quality boots with excellent durability
Best Use: Flats, Float Tube, River and Creek Fishing
Sizes: 8 to 14
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Non-marking, razor-siped rubber outsoles for a sure grip
- Multidirectional lug pattern provides superior traction
- Quick-drying uppers and lining with natural odor control
- EVA midsole cushioning and foot beds with arch support
- Metatarsal ridges and bungee lace for a natural and secure fit
Best Use: Boats, River Banks
Sizes: 7 to 17
The Reel Shot Shimano Evair Waterproof Marine
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Provides excellent cushioning and foot support
- Ergonomic arch for a fatigue-free experience
- 100% waterproof with a removable inner sole
- Lightweight molded EVA sole for shock absorption
- Sure and non-marking grip on deck surfaces
Best Use: Boat Fishing, Shore Fishing
Size: 5 to 8
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Surefooted grip on wet and slippery decks
- Non-skid and non-marking outsoles with razor siping
- Water-resistant uppers with mesh for drainage and airflow
- EVA midsoles provide excellent cushioning and foot support
- Stain-resistant shoes you can wear cleaning fish
Best Use: Boat Fishing
Sizes: 6 to 11
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Versatile multi-functional shoes
- Good traction on a boat deck, slippery rocks, and sand
- Thick toe cap for protection and durability
- Thick soles and raised arch support
- Excellent at keeping out sand and small debris
- East draining through the mesh, shoes dry quickly
Best Use: Boat, Shore and Surf Fishing
Sizes: 8 to 15
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Sure footed grip on boats and in and around water
- Good at keeping sand out when surf and shore fishing
- Offers support and cushioning on rocks
- Lightweight, flexible and breathable
- Mesh uppers and outsoles offer excellent drainage
Best Use: Boat, Kayak, Surf, and Shore Fishing
Sizes: 7 to 14
How To Choose Fishing Shoes – Buying Guide
Durability
Fishing shoes should hold up well to being worn for prolonged durations in water and exposed to harsh outdoor elements. Soles that are stitched last longer than those that are glued. The shoe tongue should be well attached to the side of the shoe to ensure that sand particles and other debris don’t get inside and wear out the shoe.
The best fishing shoes and boots have quality stitching that doesn’t disintegrate quickly. The toe area is a stress point and should be made tough and rugged to resist impacts. Rugged marine shoes made to withstand harsh marine environments make durable saltwater fishing boat shoes.
Traction and Grip
Whether you will be fishing from the shore, wading in the water, or fishing from a boat, canoe, kayak, or float tube, you will be stepping on wet, slippery, and other unstable surfaces. The best fishing shoes should offer great traction and a stable, non-slip grip.
The best fishing boots feature a rubber sole, as it is grippy on most surfaces. A sturdy rubber sole is also great for trekking and hiking to get to your fishing spot. The exterior sole should be textured and patterned to maximize grip. Superior traction on slippery surfaces is also provided by cleated or studded soles.
Comfort and Ankle Support
Good fishing shoes should keep your feet comfortable, allowing you to enjoy your fishing excursions and fish for as long as you want. For warm weather or summer fishing, a well-ventilated pair of shoes for fishing is essential for comfort. If you’re fishing in cold water, you need waterproof and insulated fishing boots to keep your feet dry, warm, and comfortable.
Lightweight wins when it comes to fishing shoes. The lighter the shoe, the less tired your feet are going to get. You can fish for as long as you want without being dragged down by fatigue. When drenched, lightweight footwear won’t get too heavy.
A fishing shoe should also offer adequate ankle support. This is very important for balance and stability, as fishing terrain can be very unstable. Ankle support is especially important when wading in the water and walking on muddy and slippery surfaces. Shoes for angling should have sufficient padding to provide support and cushioning. Shoes with arch support provide comfort for higher arches.
Design and Purpose
Fishing shoes come in all kinds of styles. There are water shoes, shoes for the boat, boots, sandals, slip-on, and athletic sneaker styles. Go for a style that suits how you fish and offers the comfort, protection, and performance you need. It also doesn’t hurt to have a stylish, good looking pair of fishing shoes.
Fly Fishing calls for wading boots. Surf fishing requires a lightweight and breathable pair of fishing shoes. Fishing shoes for boat, kayak, canoe and float tube fishing are lightweight, drain easily, offer good grip on wet and slippery deck surfaces, and have non-marking soles that won’t scuff deck surfaces. Insulated ice fishing shoes are a must-have to keep your feet dry, and prevent frostbite.
Related Review: Non Slip Shoes
Material
The type of material fishing shoes are made of is very important. Most shoes for a boat are made of leather, which is treated to repel water and stay dry. Mesh is great for wading, warm weather, boat, and kayak fishing as it lets water drain easily, dries quickly and is lightweight and breathable. Canvas is rugged, dries quickly, and protects your feet from the sun and other outdoor elements.
Neoprene is waterproof and insulated and makes for the best fishing boots for keeping feet dry and warm when you have to stand immobile in cold water for a prolonged duration. Rubber is the best outsole material for fishing shoes because it provides a good grip on most of the unstable surfaces an angler steps on when fishing.
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Water Draining System
When angling, getting wet is unavoidable and water will flow inside your shoes. The best shoes for fishing should let the water drain easily do they dry quickly. To ensure that you don’t end up with shoes that get soggy and drag you down, check that the pair you buy has a breathable mesh upper and venting in the soles so the water that gets in can flow out just as easily.
Related Review: Kayak Shoes
Maintenance
Finally, be sure to check the maintenance requirements for the pair of fishing shoes you’re considering. Maintenance is essential to keep the shoes in good condition, prevent offensive odors from developing, and get long service from the shoes.
For most pairs, a basic maintenance routine is sufficient. You only need to shake the shoes to get rid of any sand, debris or loose dirt inside then, clean the shoes using warm water, a gentle liquid soap and a brush to scrub away stubborn dirt. Rinse using fresh water and hang to dry. Most shoes for fishing are also machine washable on gentle cycle.
FAQs
Q: Are Crocs Good For Fishing?
Yes, crocs are great water shoes and have the qualities the best shoes for fishing should have. They are lightweight, comfortable to wear, and water drains easily through the port holes. Make sure the pair of crocs you choose to wear while fishing has good traction on the kind of surfaces you will be stepping on.
Q: What Shoes Should I Wear For Offshore Fishing?
You should wear non-marking marine shoes with a stable grip on deck surfaces. The shoes should also have a cushioned midsole to provide comfort and support especially when conditions are rough. The best shoes for boating offshore should also be well-ventilated to allow your feet to breathe.
Related Reviews: Water Shoes & Water Shoes For Kids
Q: What Shoes Should You Wear On A Boat?
When on a boat, you should wear shoes with non-marking outsoles. Shoes for boats should also have a good grip on both dry and wet deck surfaces. You can wear deck boots, sneakers, sandals, bass pro boat shoes, or crocs, as long as they’re non-slip and won’t scuff or scratch the deck.
Q: Do You Wear Socks With Fishing Shoes?
This depends on what type of fishing shoes you’re wearing. Most fishing shoes for warm weather conditions aren’t designed to be worn with socks. However, you can wear warm socks underneath your neoprene fishing boots when fishing in cold conditions.
Q: What Kind Of Shoes Do You Wear Fishing?
Depending on the kind of conditions you will be fishing in, you can wear sandals, sneakers, boat shoes, crocs, flip-flops, or wading boots for fly fishing. As long as the shoes have a grippy rubber sole, drain water well, have a snug fit and feel comfortable to wear for prolonged durations, you should be great.
Globo Surf Overview
Safe, comfortable, and enjoyable fishing are impossible without a good pair of fishing shoes. The best fishing shoes offer good traction and ankle support, great comfort, breathability, and are quick drying. The best fishing boots for cold weather fishing also offer waterproof and thermal protection.
With a good pair of top-rated fishing boots, shoes, or sandals depending on your fishing conditions, you will have safe and comfortable experiences out on the water. There will be no aches, pains, slips, or soggy feet. This is why it is totally worth it to invest in a pair of fishing shoes!
More Fishing Apparel Reviews:
- Fishing Pants
- Fishing Shorts
- Fishing Boots
- Waders For Women
- Hip Waders
- Boonie Hats
- Fishing Gloves
- Fishing Vests
- Fishing Jackets
More Shoes Reviews
What is your favorite pair of fishing shoes? Have you used any of the pairs in our list above for fishing? What was your experience? Let us know in the comment box below