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Last updated: 11 Apr 2019

9 Best Fishing Shoes (Review) in 2019

best fishing shoes

Sperry Sea Kite Sport Moc

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best fishing shoes

Columbia Drainmaker III Water Shoe

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best fishing shoes

Aleader Mesh Slip On Water Shoe

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Show contents
Jordan Carter
Your guide to this review today is by product expert Jordan Carter
Published 11:05 am
Contents
  • The Best Fishing Shoe
  • 1 Sperry Sea Kite Sport Moc Fishing Shoes
  • 2 Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve Water Fishing Shoe
  • 3 Columbia PFG Bahama Vent Slip-Ons (Fishing Shoes)
  • 4 Aleader Mesh Slip On Water Fishing Shoes
  • 5 Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe
  • 6 Adidas Outdoor Climacool Boat Lace Hiking Shoe
  • 7 Columbia Drainmaker III Water Shoe
  • 8 SHIMANO EVAIR Marine Fishing Shoe
  • 9 SoftScience The Fin Boot Boating/Fishing Boots

So you’ve got your rod, you’ve got your tackle box and all its essentials, you’ve got your cooler, and you’ve even got your stereotypical – but always necessary – fishing hat. But what about your fishing shoes? You might think you can get by fine with your average, everyday boots, but this means you miss out on breathability, traction, and comfort. Regular shoes also don’t have the draining and crying capabilities that the best fishing shoes do, and for this reason (among others) it’s essential that you invest in a pair to further improve your day out on the lake and ensure it goes swimmingly. We’re always looking to help our readers out, so we’ve put together a list of great fishing shoes for you to choose from, so why not cast a line and see what bites?

The Best Fishing Shoe

1
Sperry Sea Kite Sport Moc Fishing Shoes

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sperry sea kite sport moc
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sperry sea kite sport moc
sperry sea kite sport moc
sperry sea kite sport moc
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The Sperry Sea Kite Sport Moc is a pair of fishing shoes that tops our list by a wide margin. The water-resistant shoe is crafted using 100% leather, which ensures your feet are protected well from water breaching the upper. Should any water get in, though, the mesh panels help to encourage dryness, as well as give you the breathability to make wearing them all day a breeze.

Furthermore, with the comfortable EVA midsole, you’ll want to wear them all day and should you need to remove them, they’re easy to slip off (and then back on again) like no one you’ve ever worn before. Finally, the outsole uses Wave-Siping rubber, which ensures excellent traction over all kinds of terrain imaginable. The design is smart and stylish, making them the perfect companion for fishing on dry land or on the side of a boat way out into the ocean. Check out our reviews of the best fishing backpacks for more great products like this.

Key Features:

Water-resistant materials

Mesh panels allow for breathability and dryness

Comfortable EVA Midsole

Wave-Siping rubber sole provides traction

Specification:
  • BrandSperry
  • ModelSea Kite Sport Moc
  • Weight2 pounds

2
Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve Water Fishing Shoe

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merrell all out blaze sieve water shoe
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Waterproof fishing shoes are pretty much as given, and are expected by anybody wanting to add to their fishing gear wardrobe, but there are different kinds of waterproofness. In the case of the Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoe, you get a combination of leather (upper) with tough rubber toe-casing to deliver a reliable shoe that keeps your feet dry, while the insole offers excellent comfort, especially for those times where you’ll wait all day to catch a line.

These water shoes are also incredibly versatile (perhaps the most versatile fishing shoe of all time). This is obvious at first glance, but it’s only after wearing them in a variety of environments that you realize just how effective they are no matter where you are. The reliable outsole provides brilliant traction on any kind of terrain you find yourself, allowing for a seamless transition from aquatics to dense jungle just like that. (Imagine we clicked our fingers there…)

Key Features:

Waxy leather upper

Unify midsole ensures comfort

Quick drying construction

Versatile shoe design for both watersports and hiking

Specification:
  • BrandMerrell
  • ModelJ65243
  • Weight12 ounces

3
Columbia PFG Bahama Vent Slip-Ons (Fishing Shoes)

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columbia pfg bahama vent slip-ons
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You’d expect most water shoes for men to come with a flash of style, but these Columbia PFG Bahama Vent Slip-Ons are on another level of cool. Due to the canvas and leather mixed upper, they’re designed in a way that, at first glance, could cause you to mistake them for any other kind of casual summer or boat shoe. It’s only when you look a little closer that you see that they’re actually much more than that.

They’re the first product we’ve shown you so far that come with water drainage air vents, which help to keep your feet bone dry, and the Techlite midsole provides superior cushioning, which you could argue makes them the most comfortable shoe we’ve selected. As for the outsole, they come with Omni-Grip razor traction which should fill you with confidence even before you slipped them on for the very first time, and we’re sure that won’t be the last. Be sure to combine these with some of the best Columbia jackets from our list.

Key Features:

Lightweight and drainable with air vents

Techlite midsole with superior cushioning

Omni-Grip razor traction

Canvas and leather mixed upper

Specification:
  • BrandColumbia
  • Model1673141
  • Weight4 pounds

4
Aleader Mesh Slip On Water Fishing Shoes

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aleader mesh slip on water shoe
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aleader mesh slip on water shoe
aleader mesh slip on water shoe
aleader mesh slip on water shoe
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We do love to identify excellent value and when it comes to water shoes, the Aleader Mesh Slip-On Water Shoe is the best value shoe out there. Take a look at the price and remember it, because when we’re finished you might think that was all a dream, and need to check it again. It boasts a breathable and durable mesh upper which ensures long-life, as well as fast drying, which is further enhanced by the water drain outsole.

Along with this, the ComforDry sockliner helps to create a cooler (temperature-wise, but also style, we guess) in-shoe environment, which may be something you don’t normally care about, but after trying this, will be something you never miss out on again. The style might not be for everybody, but if you’re on the fence, maybe it’s time to just dive right in, you never know you might come to love them just as much (if not more) than your own children. Our handy guide to fishing watches features more great products like this.

Key Features:

Breathable and durable air mesh upper

Water drain outsole

ComforDry sockliner provides cushioning and dryness

Solyte midsole is lightweight

Specification:
  • BrandAleader

5
Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe

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hodgman neoprene wade shoe
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If you’re looking for fishing waders that protect as much of the foot, ankle and lower leg as possible – within getting ridiculous – then the Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe is the product you’ve been looking for. Constructed using thick (but not too thick) material, you’re readily protected against the current and prepared for whatever the rushing waters throw at you.

The shoe also has adjustable ankle cuffs, which can be loosened to encourage breathability when you’re not navigating the depths below but also tightened to prevent debris getting stuck, which we all know it a total drag. As for stability, the non-slip and no-marking soles give you the traction you need for all kinds of environments and helps to protect the bottoms of your feet and your toes from aches, pains, and, of course, blisters. All of this is completed with a sturdy zipper, that is destined to survive frequent removal, zipping up, and resist the perils of rusting when exposed to water. They make a perfect gift for fishermen.

Key Features:

Neoprene upper construction

Adjustable ankle cuffs

Non-slip, non-marking soles offer traction

Sturdy YKK zipper

Specification:
  • BrandHodgman
  • Model1337597-P

6
Adidas Outdoor Climacool Boat Lace Hiking Shoe

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adidas outdoor climacool boat lace hiking shoe
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When you think of fishing boat shoes, Adidas might not be the first, second, or even hundredth brand that come to mind (although, we admire your boat shoe knowledge, if you can think of 100 different companies). Either way, their Outdoor Climacool Boat Lace Hiking Shoe is an excellent almost-hybrid shoe for lovers of the great outdoors, wet or not.

The patented and famous Climacool open mesh is perhaps the stand out star here, but it’s not the only thing that catches your attention. While this provides breathability, you’ll also love the drainage capabilities that help maintain dryness, even when you’re standing knee-deep in water. Furthermore, Adidas have you back (or should we say, sole?) when it comes to traction, providing a non-marking shoe base for traxion (registered trademark), and stability. As a bonus, the stretchable heel ensures the perfect fit for anyone of any foot size, making it not just a great for its purpose, but a great hiking shoe for versatility, too.

Key Features:

Climacool open mesh enhances breathability

EVA Tongue top provides comfort

Stretchable heel insert offers an optimal fit for most foot shapes

Non-marking outsole ensures traction and stability

Specification:
  • Brandadidas outdoo
  • ModelClimacool Boat Lace-M
  • Weight4 pounds

7
Columbia Drainmaker III Water Shoe

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columbia drainmaker iii water shoe
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columbia drainmaker iii water shoe
columbia drainmaker iii water shoe
columbia drainmaker iii water shoe
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Our premium choice and top selection of the best fishing water shoes is the Columbia Drainmaker III. For starters, we love the name Drainmaker, but cool names never kept your feet dry, so we’ll try to focus as much as we can on the construction and how well it holds up in action. To begin: the open mesh rubber ensures both dryness and breathability, with the outsole vents providing the perfect solution for soggy shoes.

In addition to this, the design features a protective toe bumper, which may not sound like much at first, but when you consider the amount of debris and unseen surfaces, you could encounter could end up saving you some hassle. The single pull lacing is also convenient as well as helping to ensure support, stability and control when wading through rivers. You can wear them at the lake, at the beach, or on a boat, and you’ll be sure to have the best results every single time, as long as you can afford them. For more great footwear, check out our guide to the best Muck boots.

Key Features:

Open mesh rubber to promote dryness and breathability

Protective toe bumper

Single pull lacing for convenience

Heel pull tab and padded collar

Specification:
  • BrandColumbia
  • ModelDRAINMAKER III-M
  • Weight4 pounds

8
SHIMANO EVAIR Marine Fishing Shoe

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shimano evair marine fishing shoe
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This SHIMANO EVAIR Marine Fishing Shoe is really closer to hiking sandals, but whatever, we don’t want to get bogged down in semantics. Instead, well just try to convince you that despite having a bad reputation (mainly due to socks ‘n’ sandals rocking dads who abandoned style once they hit their 50s), they’re actually an incredibly sound and useful investment. They’re ultra-lightweight and are crafted using a one-piece mold, making them incredibly ergonomic to ensure your comfort. Of course, being sandals they’re not waterproof, but the gaps will allow water to drain with ease and dry your feet quickly.

They’re also incredibly versatile and would serve you well whether you’re fishing, kayaking, boating, surfing, or jet skiing, which could be the thing that helps you make your decision. If you’re somebody who loves to try out as many awesome activities as possible, you want a shoe that will support you through everything you do, and it wouldn’t be ridiculous to consider this is the kind of shoe to do just that. Be sure to combine this with a cool fishing shirt from our list.

Key Features:

Ultra-lightweight EVA material

Multi-application shoe including fishing, boating, kayaking

Ergonomic arch and one-piece mold

Shock absorption design with a removable insole

Specification:
  • BrandSHIMANO

9
SoftScience The Fin Boot Boating/Fishing Boots

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softscience the fin boot boating/fishing boots
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As we reel in the final product, we present to you this pair of fishing boots. Christened The Fin Boot (which is super cool), this pair is lightweight and enhanced with neoprene materials that give you the flexibility that is sometimes missing with ankle-high shoes. Despite this flexibility, they also provide ideal support and protect you from rolling your ankle on tricky terrain, while the top web strap will keep the inside free of debris.

Of course, you can’t always keep the water out, so The Fin includes Forefoot flow, that encourages water to disperse from the bottom of the shoe rapidly. Not only is this a sweet little feature, but it’ll also make sure you dry off quicker than ever, without you needing to do any work, so you can focus on your final catch, and let the SoftScience Fin Boot keep you dry. Find more great footwear like this by checking out our guide to the best rain boots.

Key Features:

Lightweight, cushioned, and stable

Neoprene material with mesh upper

Forefoot flow drains water rapidly

Top web strap to prevent debris

Specification:
  • BrandSoftScience

Fishing Shoes Buying Guide

Features To Look For In Fishing Shoes

Before you splash (ha) your cash on a sweet new pair of fishing shoes, make sure you understand what the key features to look for to make sure you buy the perfect pair for you.

Material - Considering you’ll be hanging around close to or in water for most of the time you’re wearing your fishing shoes (unless you just really like the look of them on you and want to wear them around the house), it’s pretty darn important that they are made from the right materials.

These materials need to be waterproof and quick drying so that you’re not weighed down by any water that clings to them. One of the more popular materials is neoprene, which a synthetic rubber used in a variety of water sports clothing and is an excellent insulator while also being highly flexible, which gives you more freedom of movement when wearing such a material.

Some fishing shoes will also employ leather as it is more durable than other materials and is waterproof, however, it is also heavier, which might not be something you want and could cause discomfort if you’re carrying the shoes around with you in a waterproof backpack.

Grip  - Proper grip is essential for any kind of fishing shoe as you will be dealing with potentially dangerous terrain and surfaces. This can be anything from slippery boats to unpredictable mud. The best fishing waders will have sufficient grip for all kinds of terrains and surfaces, and so if you can afford them, make sure you don’t miss out.

Comfort  - No matter what you wear, you want to be comfortable. Considering you’ll likely wear your fishing shoes all day, you need them to be as comfortable as possible. There are many aspects of comfort that fishing shoes strive to provide you, including breathability, water draining, and general fit. The insole is perhaps the most important aspect that determines how comfortable your shoes are, but you also need to consider the outer sole as well as the materials and any air vents that allow for optimum breathability for your feet. There’s also the drying factor which helps the shoes dry off quicker and prevents sogginess.

Water Draining Features - Wet shoes and feet are often an unavoidable side-effect of fishing, you’re in or around water all day, so it’s likely that you’ll experience a splash or even full-on submersion at some point. However, just because your shoes and feet will get wet doesn’t mean they have to stay wet.

Water drainage features are an excellent trade-off if full waterproofing isn’t possible, and shoes with these features will have small holes around the shoe close to the outsole to help water flush out. These holes also allow air to circulate through your shoes, so they will dry quicker, too.

Versatility - It would be nice if you had a catch-all shoe for every activity you did, but we all know that’s a little bit of a pipe dream (for now, anyway). For the time being, you'll have to make do with fishing shoes that may be able to function as acceptable shoes for other watersports and activities. If you do a lot of these, then finding a versatile fishing shoe makes sense, but if you’re only using the shoe for fishing and tend to stay away from bodies of water at any other time, versatility is not as important.

best fishing shoes

Fishing Shoe FAQ

Q: Why do I need Fishing Shoes?

A: We get why you might be wondering this, surely a pair of slides or flip-flops (or even bare feet) will suffice, right? Wrong! Fishing shoes aren’t just some ploy by Big Rod to make you spend more money, they’re designed to provide your safety, comfort, convenience, and durability that other types of shoes just can’t achieve.

If you’re fishing, you’re likely to be pretty close to the water, and we all know that soggy shoes and socks are up there as one of the worst sensations possible. Fishing shoes prevent this and frequently have drainage holes that allow water to escape. Even if they don’t have this, they will still have water-resistant material that does its best to stave off the water as much as it can.

Q: What type of fishing shoes should I buy?

A: The type of fishing shoes you buy entirely depends on the type of fishing you do, the environment in which you fish, as well as the time of year that you do the most fishing. Those of you who enjoy sitting back and relax beside a lake on dry land and wait for something to bite will probably get on fine with any kind of fishing shoe, from drainage sandals to more heavy-duty and waterproof boots. However, if you’re closer to somewhere boggy, or spend the majority of your time fishing actually in the water, then longer waterproof boots will be much more comfortable and effective.

Conversely, if you do your fishing out in the open ocean, then fishing sandals are the best bet as these will allow water to drain as soon as it gets inside of them. Some shoes will even have a slope insole, which further encourages the water to flush its way out and keep your feet dry.

Q: What should the bottom part of the fishing shoes be made of?

A: The bottom part of the shoe - mostly referred to as the outsole - will need to be made of something that is durable and provides the stability and traction necessary to navigate slippery surfaces such as boat decks, river bottoms, and rocks. Many fishing shoes use molded rubber as well as non-slip materials that ensure safety on all kinds of treacherous surfaces from rocky, to muddy, to slippery, to those surfaces that look safe from a distance but crumble beneath you as soon as you take your first step.

If a fishing shoe doesn’t have a rubber sole or even the necessary traction grip, then do not buy it as it will only end up with you getting injured, which we don’t want, and you certainly don’t, either.

Q: Can fishing shoes be used outside of the water or the boat?

A: Like most types of shoes, there’s not too much danger in wearing fishing shoes even when you’re not on the boat, in water or fishing and many of these shoes are quite versatile, but only when it comes to water sports and low-impact activities. It isn’t recommended to wear your fishing shoes for activities such as running or hiking as the different terrains could negatively affect the traction of the sole, which could cause you problems when you encounter slippery surfaces when actually fishing.

Luckily, fishing shoes and boots are designed to not be bulky as well as extremely lightweight, so if you are going on a hike and want to take your fishing shoes along with you, it won’t take up too much room in your backpack, nor should it weigh you down too much, if at all.

Sources:

  1. 10 Basics For Your Fishing Tackle Box - The Art of Manliness
  2. 10 Best Fishing Shoes and Buying Guide - Fishin Things
  3. 7 Tips to Guide You to the Best Fishing Boots and Shoes - Bass Pro Shops
  4. Neoprene - Wikipedia
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