When kayaking in whitewater, you need some gear for your safety and comfort. A helmet to protect your head and a personal flotation device to keep you afloat is essential. But what about your feet?
How will you keep them safe, warm, and comfy while paddling in rapids? Wearing shoes is probably the best way to protect your feet when whitewater kayaking. But not every footwear is appropriate for this water sport.
What Shoes To Wear Whitewater Kayaking?
When whitewater kayaking, you should wear shoes that will stay on if you capsize, protect your feet from sharp rocks, and can get wet. Water shoes, outdoor sandals with a heel strap, and neoprene booties are generally the best options for kayaking in rivers.
But anything that provides protection and you don’t mind getting soaked can work. For example, an old pair of sneakers should do the job. However, it won’t be as comfortable, safe, and convenient as water shoes designed for whitewater kayaking.
What you wear while paddling in rapids will also depend on the type of kayaking you do, the boat you have, the water temperature, and the weather. So you must choose the right shoes for your situation.
Do You Need Shoes To Kayak In Whitewater?
You generally need shoes when whitewater kayaking to keep your feet safe, warm, and comfortable. If you have to swim or walk on the side of the river, you want something to protect your foot from sharp rocks and other debris. Wearing shoes can also help you get a better grip.
That will give you more control over your kayak and avoid you from slipping on wet rocks and other slippery surfaces. Shoes can also keep your feet warm in cold water and be more comfy in your boat. With that said, it’s possible to kayak in whitewater without footwear.
I used to do it all the time, and I never had serious injuries. Kayaking barefoot is actually fun and more convenient sometimes. But after some cuts and scratches on your feet, you realize wearing shoes is generally better and safer. Without proper footwear, you might get hurt, cold, or not enjoy your experience on the water as much.
Best Shoes For Whitewater Kayaking!
Now that you know you should wear shoes while kayaking, it’s time to find the best ones. As I already told you, you need something that will protect your feet, keep them warm, won’t fall off, and can go in the water. So let’s take a look at the 5 best whitewater kayaking shoes!
Best Overall Whitewater Kayaking Shoes: NRS Kicker Wetshoes
If you’re looking for the perfect footwear to kayak in whitewater, the NRS Kicker Wetshoes might be it. They are more like low-profile neoprene booties than shoes, but that’s what I prefer for paddling. The plastic shim and rubber sole provide good protection and traction.
The NRS Kickers are warm enough to sit in a wet kayak but not too much that it’s uncomfortable in hot weather. They are also easy to put on and off with a hook-and-loop attachment strap on the top to keep them from slipping off.
Pros
- Warm Neoprene Construction With Titanium Adhesive.
- Excellent Traction With 3 mm Patterned Rubber Sole.
- Additional Protection With 2 mm Plastic Shim.
- Reinforced Toe & Heel For Durability.
- Best Value For The Money.
- Adjustment Strap For Secure Fit.
Cons
- Might Run Big & Not Stay On.
- Might Be Too Warm For Really Hot Weather.
Best Versatile Shoes For Kayaking: Columbia Drainmaker IV
If you’re looking for the ultimate water shoes for your outdoor adventures, the Columbia Drainmaker IV might be the perfect option. Made from quick-drying material and with vents in the midsole to drain water, it’s the ideal river shoe. Whether it’s to kayak or hike, the Drainmakers are great for outdoor lovers.
The sole provides a high-traction grip to avoid you from slipping on wet rocks on the side of the river. With supportive cushioning and breathable material, it’s also very comfortable. So the Drainmaker IV water shoes are all-around outdoor footwear that would be excellent for whitewater kayaking.
Pros
- Versatile Water Shoes For Outdoor Adventures.
- Quick Drying Materials & Design.
- Good Performance In Wet Conditions.
- High-Traction Grip.
- Water Draining & Breathable Sole.
- Supportive Cushioning For All-Day Comfort.
Cons
- Not Specifically Made For Whitewater Kayaking.
- Not Ideal For Cold Water.
Best Shoes For Kayaking In Cold Water: NRS Paddle Wetshoes
If you plan to whitewater kayak during the winter or in cold water, you need something to keep your feet warm. The NRS Paddle Wetshoes is an excellent kayaking footwear solution for colder conditions. It will allow your feet to stay warm and comfortable even when the temperature of the air and water is low.
The boot goes over the ankle, has a tick insole, and is made from materials with thermal-conductive properties for optimal warmth. The sole provides good traction to keep you safe on slippery terrains.
There’s also some plastic over the boots for added protection. So the NRS Paddle Wetshoes are perfect for kayaking in rapids when the temperature or water is cold. Besides warm booties, you should also consider getting a wetsuit or drysuit, gloves, and maybe even a hood.
Pros
- Warm Over The Ankle Neoprene Construction.
- High-Traction Sole For Solid Footing On Wet Surfaces.
- Provides Additional Protection.
- Zipper For Easy On & Off.
- Reinforced Toe & Heel For Durability.
- Adjustment Strap For Secure Fit.
Cons
- Velcro Doesn’t Stick Very Well.
- The Ankle Might Be Tight.
Best Whitewater Kayaking Shoes In Warm Weather: Keen Newport H2 Sandals
For warmer conditions, you will need shoes that allow your feet to stay cool. Sandals are ideal in hot weather for breathability, but you have to find something that will stay on and provide enough protection for whitewater kayaking. That’s why the Keen Newport H2 Water Sandals would be a good option.
They have a heel strap and a quick lace bungee system to ensure they don’t come off. The closed-toe construction and durable polyester webbing can protect your feet on the river. The razor-siped sole also provides solid footing to keep you from falling on wet rocks.
Many people used the Keen Newport Sandals for kayaking and had a really good experience. Waterproof, comfortable, and protective, they are excellent shoes for outdoor adventures from hiking to paddling down rapids.
Pros
- Excellent & Reliable Traction.
- Complete Toe Protection.
- Quick Lace Bungee For Easy & Secure Fit.
- Surprisingly Comfortable.
- Durable Construction.
- Made From Waterproof & Quick Dry Materials.
Cons
- Doesn’t Protect The Feet Completely.
- Not Ideal For Cold Water.
Best Kayak Shoes For Playboaters: NRS Freestyle Wetshoes
If you have a playboat and it’s a tight fit, you don’t have much space for your feet. So you will need something that’s relatively thin and flexible. The NRS Freestyle Wetshoes are ideal for kayakers that want to keep their feet safe and comfy while doing tricks and playing in whitewater.
Lightweight and flexible, those neoprene booties are perfect for fitting into small boats. They are also thick enough to provide warmth and protection. The thin textured rubber outsole will give you a good grip without being too stiff.
So the NRS Freestyle Wetshoes are almost like thick water socks with additional protection that will keep your feet warm and safe while whitewater kayaking. It’s my favorite type of shoes because they are very comfortable and it feels more natural, almost like being barefoot. Playboaters will love them.
Pros
- Warm Neoprene Construction.
- Thin & Flexible Enough To Fit Tight Boats.
- Extremely Comfortable.
- Lightweight & Non-Bulky Design.
- Pull Tabs For Easy On & Off.
- Reinforced Toe & Heel For Durability.
Cons
- Thin Sole.
- Not Optimal Protection.
So, What Shoes Should You Choose For Whitewater Kayaking?
The best whitewater kayaking shoes will depend on the water temperature, weather, details of your paddling trip, and your preferences. Whether it’s cold or hot is a major factor to consider. Then, you should also choose footwear appropriate for the environment and type of kayaking you do.
For example, you won’t need the same shoes for cruising down a slow river on a sunny day as for going down big rapids in the winter. If and where you plan to walk will also influence what you should have on your feet. If you often do portage, choose an option with a good sole that provides a lot of protection and traction.
Overall, you should wear something that will protect your feet, keep them warm but not too much, be comfortable, stay on, and provide solid footing. My recommendations are a great place to start. Whatever type of paddler you are, one of the shoes above should be appropriate for your whitewater kayaking adventures.
Last Thoughts About Kayaking Shoes!
Finally, having the right shoes when kayaking in whitewater is important to keep your feet safe and comfy. You should find footwear that provides excellent protection, traction, and temperature control. My recommendation for most paddlers would be the NRS Kicker Wetshoes.
But all the options mentioned in this article can be great for different types of whitewater kayaking trips. So please consider the temperature, river conditions, and your personal needs to choose the most appropriate footwear.
I hurt my feet too many times kayaking barefoot, so I wouldn’t recommend you do it. Wearing shoes will make your experience on the water so much more enjoyable and safe. Now it’s time to find the right ones for your paddling adventures.
Let’s Protect Those Feet!
