Paddle boarding is always a fun and fantastic way to connect with nature and unwind on water. Whether you are completely new or a seasoned enthusiast, the right pair of the best shoes for paddle boarding can surely enhance your paddleboarding experience. In this guide, we will go through some of the best shoes that are good for paddle boarding.
These water shoes are a really good choice as they come with all the important features for paddle boarding. We have also discussed their pros and cons to make it easier for you. Read also: Are Relife Shoes Waterproof?
Our Top 3 Picks
Best Overall: Racqua Water Shoes
Best for Women: Vibram FiveFingers KSO
Best Budget-Friendly: SIMARI Water Shoes
How to choose the best shoes for paddle boarding
Grip
The grip is one of the most important and basic factors to consider when choosing the best shoes for paddle boarding. Shoes with a grippy sole are so important to maintain your balance while paddleboarding. So you should consider water shoes with good grip.
Comfort
You might spend more time when paddleboarding so going with shoes that offer good comfort is a good idea. You should select shoes that have good cushioning to prevent discomfort and soreness during long sessions of paddleboarding.
Drainage
You should choose water shoes with drainage features as it is essential to allow water escape. It stops water shoes from being soggy and heavy. This feature also keeps your feet dry and comfortable during paddleboarding.
Protection
While paddleboarding you may encounter rocks, debris or any sharp objects, so choosing water shoes with a sturdy sole is a good idea. It reduces the risk of injury while paddleboarding
Secure Fit
You should choose shoes with a secure closure system such as buckles straps and laces. This feature keeps your shoes firmly in place and prevents them from coming off.
These are the best shoes for paddle boarding
| Ranking | Shoes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Racqua Water Shoes | Current Price |
| 2. | NRS Kinetic Water Shoes | Current Price |
| 3. | Vibram FiveFingers KSO | Current Price |
| 4. | SIMARI Water Shoes | Current Price |
| 5. | Sixspace Water Shoes | Current Price |
1. Racqua Water Shoes
Pros
- Excellent traction for wet surfaces.
- Protects feet from sharp objects and hot surfaces.
- Versatile.
- Lightweight.
- Comfortable.
- Made of quick-drying material.
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty hiking.
- Limited arch support
The Racqua Water Shoes are a really good choice for the best shoes for paddle boarding. These shoes are lightweight and comfortable. The lightweight design of the shoes lets you move comfortably in and out of the water.
The quick-drying material of shoes not only helps keep the feet comfortable but also allows for easy cleaning. Overall, the Racqua Water Shoes are a really great choice if you are looking for reliable and versatile shoes.
2. NRS Kinetic Water Shoes
Pros
- Durable build.
- Comfortable fit.
- Good arch support.
- Quick-drying material.
- Drainage ports to allow water to escape.
Cons
- Not budget-friendly.
- Limited colour option.
The next choice of the best shoes for paddle boarding we have is the NRS Kinetic Water Shoes. These are also a good choice for you as they come with a durable build and comfortable fit. The high-quality materials used in their construction ensure these shoes will last long.
They are also comfortable and come with good arch support. One of the unique features of these shoes is they have drainage ports that allow water to escape. They also have good arch support and decent cushioning which make them even more comfortable.
3. Vibram FiveFingers KSO
Pros
- Excellent grip.
- Lightweight design.
- Versatile for a wide range of activities.
- Comfortable.
Cons
- Might not be suitable for extremely cold or wet conditions.
- Limited protection from sharp rough objects.
The Vibram FiveFingers KSO shoes have excellent grip and lightweight design which make them a good choice for the best paddle boarding shoes. They also are durable and comfortable. They might not be budget-friendly for you but these shoes are a good choice to go with.
4. SIMARI Water Shoes
Pros
- Quick-drying and breathable materials.
- Lightweight.
- Comfortable.
- Affordable.
- Wide range of colour and style options.
Cons
- Not durable.
- Limited arch support.
The SIMARI Water Shoes are not only comfortable and lightweight but also cheap. If you don’t want to spend much money then these shoes could be a great deal for you. They come with a wide range of colour and style options.
Being cheap they have some limitations like they don’t have limited arch support and don’t look durable. But they are still a good choice for the paddle boarding shoes.
5. Sixspace Water Shoes
Pros
- Lightweight and Comfortable design.
- Quick-drying and breathable materials.
- Good traction on slippery surfaces.
- Cheap.
- Wide range of colour and style options.
Cons
- Limited arch support.
- Not suitable for intensive hiking or running.
- Don’t look so durable.
The Sixspace Water Shoes are another good choice if you don’t want to spend much. These water shoes are cheap, lightweight and comfortable. They have good traction and breathable material. They also have a wide range of styles and colour options to choose from.
FAQs about the best shoes for paddle boarding
What shoes should I wear while paddleboarding?
You should wear water shoes that have good grip while paddleboarding. You can also do it barefoot but you must avoid bulky sneakers.
Should you wear shoes when paddle boarding?
It isn’t necessary to wear shoes when paddleboarding but wearing water shoes with good grip is always a good choice for more comfort and protection.
Can you wear socks on the paddleboard?
Yes, you can wear socks for more comfort if you are wearing water shoes.
