Mark Greene
The experience you have on your fishing adventure largely depends on your equipment. It is there not only to help you catch the biggest fish, but also keep you safe and protected from severe weather. The best fishing shoes are there to protect your feet and enable you to fish regardless of the wet conditions.
Here, we are investigating the most reliable fishing shoes money can buy in 2020. We want to help you pick the right model for you, which is why we also prepared a short buying guide.
The Best Fishing Shoes
   1. Our Pick: Sperry Men’s Sea Kite Sport Moc
BEST CHOICE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Athletic and versatile design
- No fatigue when wearing it for long
- Comfortable to wear
PROS
- Completely made of leather
- Lightweight, but durable
- Resistant to water
- Do not require much breaking in
CONS
- The dye may fade after a while
- They may be wider than expected
DETAILS
Sperry made shoes that are 100% leather and have an attractive design. They seem athletic, but they will also fit your fishing clothes and equipment.
You may expect that the leather is firm at first, but the truth is you do need much time to break in these shoes. The exterior is water resistant, which makes the shoes suitable for various weather conditions.
Overall, the shoes are lightweight, but they are also quite durable. The only drawback is that the dye may fade after a while in some cases. Additionally, they are a bit wider than you might expect but should feel comfortable despite that.
        2. Premium Pick: Columbia Men’s Drainmaker IV Water Shoe
  PREMIUM PICK
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- A versatile shoe for wet or dry conditions
- Wet grip outsole for maximum traction
- Classic design with impeccable comfort
PROS
- Durable build for all types of terrain
- Open mesh and synthetic upper for breathability
- Superior cushioning with a high energy return
- Air-flow and water drainable midsole ports
CONS
- They may be a bit narrow
- Can lead to blisters without socks
DETAILS
At first glance, these may look like classic sporty shoes. However, the choice and quality of materials are what makes them reliable for your fishing trips. The preferred material used is textile, and the shoes have a rubber sole.
The cushioning level is great, and that is what secures optimal comfort. It is also what makes the shoe adequate for use on rough terrains. Whether you stick to your boat deck or head out to find the best position to cast your bait, you can rely on these shoes.
Make sure to wear socks with this shoe as you may be risking blisters otherwise, but that is a pretty common case with this type of shoes. You may feel that they are a bit narrow, but you should have any issues after breaking them in for a while. The important thing is that they have a high level of traction, so you do not have to worry about slipping.
       3. Best Value: ALEADER Men’s Mesh Slip on Water Shoes
  BEST VALUE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Various color combinations
- Comfortable to wear for long
- Slip-on shoe
PROS
- The rubber sole makes them comfortable
- Attractive design
- Solid traction in wet conditions
- Very breathable material
CONS
- Might not be suitable for those with high arches or instep
- The holes in the bottom collect rocks
DETAILS
The shows may fall into the affordable category, but their design is modern, and that makes them look classy. The rubber sole and high-quality fabric make them comfortable. Even if you wear them all day long, you shouldn’t feel any fatigue. However, if you feel like something is poking you, it may be the rocks that got stuck in the holes in the bottom of the shoe.
The material is of fairly solid quality and very breathable. The shoes provide solid traction in wet conditions, which anglers will appreciate the most. Although they dry quickly compared to regular shoes, you shouldn’t expect wonders from them.
Since they use the slip-on technique, you can easily put the shoes on, but if you have high arches or instep, you may need some time to get used to how they fit.
4. Uminder Mens Water Shoes Breathable Lightweight Beach River Walking Shoe
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Breathable shoe
- Easy to put on
- Versatility
PROS
- A slip-on shoe
- Drains water well
- Non-slippery sole
- Unique color combinations
CONS
- The sole is a bit thin
- They may cause fatigue after using them for long
DETAILS
The first thing that you notice about these shoes is their intriguing design. Although one of the three dark colors dominates, they have light patterns at the bottom that make the design unique.
The shoe utilizes a slip on technique, which means you should waste more than a second to put it on properly. The fit seems optimal, and the footwear feels quite comfortable. However, the shoes may cause fatigue if you wear them for hours, especially on rough terrains. The reason for that is a relatively thin sole that makes you feel every rock and bump you come across.
The good news is that the sole is not slippery, and the shoe drains water well. The material is breathable, and you can use the shoe in many different outdoor activities.
5. Zhuanglin Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Quick drying
- Sporty design
- No danger of blisters
PROS
- Breathable material
- Admirable cushioning
- They can drain water well
- A flexible shoe
CONS
- The bottom could be more protective
- They are a bit slippery
DETAILS
If comfort is a thing you care about the most, you may find these shoes to be an excellent choice. The rubber sole and breathable fabric material will keep your feet dry and protected from sweat and bacteria. When it comes to comfort, the cushioning is impressive, and there should only be minimal fatigue even if you wear them the entire day.
The shoes are lightweight and quite durable, but the bottom could be more protective. Aside from rocks that can get stuck into holes, thorns may also get through, which means you need to be careful where you step when walking off the road or standard path.
The design of the shoe is modern and sporty, and it will fit all those anglers with contemporary equipment. They can be a bit slippery, but they can do a good job in draining water.
6. SoftScience The Fin H2O Men’s Boating/Fishing Shoes
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- A generous fit
- Quick drying
- Comfortable to wear
PROS
- A mixture of fabric and synthetic
- Spacious shoe to promote foot circulation
- A lightweight product
- Washable insole
CONS
- The sole may be a bit raised for some users
- The sizing is different compared to standard
DETAILS
SoftScience is a reputable company on the market of quick-drying shoes, and they haven’t disappointed with these either. Furthermore, the mixture of fabric and synthetic makes them into a fairly durable product that can be a long-term investment.
The shoes have a generous fit, which means the sizing may vary compared to the standard shoe sizing chart. The idea is to get a shoe that will be snug but still promote foot blood flow and your overall health.
The outsole is slip-resistant, and it does a good job in preventing you from slipping on a wet surface. The sole, however, is a bit raised, which some users may not like. The entire product is quick drying, and the insole is washable.
7. RAX Men’s Quick Drying Slip-Resistent Aqua Water Hiking Shoes
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Quick lace system
- Great choice for the summer
- An all-around shoe
PROS
- A versatile shoe for everyday use
- Breathable material and comfortable to wear
- Midsole improves stability
- They can drain water quickly
CONS
- The traction could be better
- They are not that durable
DETAILS
These shoes are officially for hiking through water, which essentially qualifies them for fishing. What we like about them is their design. They look like a sporty shoe for everyday use, and there is no reason why you shouldn’t wear them outside of your fishing expeditions.
When you do head fishing, you will be glad to know that the shoes are comfortable and made of breathable material. The midsole provides the necessary stability for uneven terrains. While there is some level of slip prevention, the traction in wet conditions could be better. The good thing is that they drain the water quickly.
The shoe features a quick lace system, which allows you to adjust the laces in a matter of seconds.
8. Mishansha Mens Womens Water Shoes
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Unisex shoes
- Easy to put on
- Drainage holes
PROS
- Drainage holes ensure quick drying
- Suitable for both men and women
- A lightweight and comfortable model
- Quick adjustment thanks to the elastic band
CONS
- Can get slippery in wet conditions
- The laces are of questionable quality
DETAILS
Here is an interesting take on water and fishing shoes as this manufacturer designs the same shoes for both men and women. The only difference is in size, but when it comes to design, they look modern and can be a great choice for a contemporary man.
The material is lightweight but fairly durable. The only questionable component is the laces with limited durability, especially if you are a saltwater angler. Apart from that, the shoes are strong and comfortable to wear. You can also adjust them to fit your feet thanks to the elastic band on the front.
They can get a bit slippery in wet conditions, but the good news is that they drain the water well and get dry quickly.
9. Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Easy to put on
- Non-slippery
- Cuff adjustment
PROS
- A durable shoe
- Protects the shoe from debris entering it
- Excellent grip in weather conditions
- Rubber sole promotes stability
CONS
- Sand may cause problems for the zipper
- Might lead to fatigue when using them for hours
DETAILS
If you are looking for shoes that will be the perfect companion for outdoor fishing while your legs are constantly in the water, these may be the right option. The upper is made of 3.5 mm neoprene while the outsole and toe protection are of rubber.
The shoes are easy to put on, and you will feel stable walking around in them. However, you may feel fatigue if you spend the entire day using them. The design of the shoe will protect it from debris, rocks, and other compounds that can enter. However, the sand may find its way to the zipper and make it difficult to open.
Do not worry if the weather conditions are wet or severe. These shoes are quite durable and offer excellent traction on wet surfaces.
10. Huk Men’s Rogue Wave Water Shoes
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Various color combinations
- Almost like boots
- Waterproof
PROS
- Attractive design
- A durable shoe
- High traction level
- Water-resistant
CONS
- The sizing runs a bit small
- They don’t come in black
DETAILS
These are that deep that they are just short of becoming boots. However, some anglers will love that depending on the conditions where they fish. If you are heading somewhere where you expect severe weather, you can’t go wrong with choosing these shoes.
They feature a combination of rubber and neoprene, and they seem quite durable, which makes them a long-term investment. They do the two important things right – they are water resistant, and they offer a high traction level, which means that they are not slippery. However, it would help if you kept in mind to choose the right size as they may run a bit small.
When it comes to aesthetics, it is a nice-looking shoe that has several different combinations. It may be a bit odd that black is not among the featured colors, but the chances are you will find the combination you love among the available colors.
A Simple Guide on Choosing the Best Fishing Shoes
Fishing shoes present a long-term investment, and they are not that cheap, which is why you want to make a smart purchase. Here is how to pick a model that will be the ideal fit.
Water Resistance and Drainage
It doesn’t matter whether it will be raining or not because the chances are that your shoes will get in touch with water. That is why you need to ensure that they are water-resistant and quick drying. The fact that they can drain the water well will be particularly helpful if you are going on fishing trips that last for several days.
Grip
The second most important thing to consider is the traction level on wet surfaces. In other words, you want to ensure that your shoe is not slippery as that would be dangerous and may lead to injuries.
Other Features to Consider
Here are some other things to keep in mind if you want to make a wise choice when purchasing fishing shoes:
- Comfort – after all, the crucial thing is that you will comfortable wearing your shoes.
- Style – do you like how your shoes look? That may give you the boost of confidence needed to make that catch of the day!
- Price – it is not our intention the burst your bubble, but you should also consider your budget when buying fishing shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I buy fishing shoes?
A: Apart from the obvious answer that you should have fishing shoes if you are going fishing, there are multiple reasons why you should purchase them. For starters, they will keep you safe because they are not slippery. Furthermore, they will keep your socks (relatively) and shoes dry, which is important as you do not want them filled with water.
Q: Can I use fishing shoes every day?
A: If your question is whether you can wear fishing shoes as your everyday footwear that is entirely up to you. If you like how your shoe looks and you feel comfortable wearing it, you can wear them wherever you go. However, keep in mind that will probably affect the durability of your footwear to some extent.
Conclusion
Did our guide help you in deciding which the best fishing shoes are? The truth is that there are many excellent models on the market. That is why you should keep in mind what you read in our guide and take a look at the reviews to find the ideal unit.
