by Sean Curtis

Created on: July 08, 2007   Last Updated: September 30, 2008

There are a number of different features to consider when purchasing kayak shoes. First and foremost, do they protect your feet? Second, will you be safe in them? And third, are they comfortable?

PROTECTION. A good kayak shoe should protect your foot. It should provide good coverage and shield your skin from cuts, scrapes, and other dangers. Both in and out of the kayak there are numerous dangers, and a good kayak shoe is built to combat these dangers. The shoe material should be tough and durable so it can withstand accidents and the elements, but also allow you to move easily.

SAFETY. Sole and traction are very important in a good kayak shoe. When you get out of your kayak you want to be able to walk without cutting your feet on sharp rocks or slipping on a wet surface. The sole of the kayak shoe should be sturdy and have good grip. You also want to avoid kayak shoes with too many straps, zippers, buckles, laces, etc. These can easily get caught on something inside the kayak, which could be dangerous if you find yourself upside down in the water and trying to exit the kayak.

COMFORT. Comfort is also very important. The longer your kayak trips are, the more important this feature becomes. If you're going to spend hours in your kayak shoes, you want to make sure they fit well and stay snug to your feet. You also want a shoe that dries off fast and is no problem to walk in for easy entrance and exit of the water.

All that being said, here are some suggestions:

-Tevas: many novices wear popular sandals Tevas. The problem is that their soles don't have a lot of grip and they have many straps that can get caught inside your kayak. They run from $40 to $80.
-Crocs: Crocs dry quickly and have nice, thick soles, but they are a bit bulky and don't stay on your feet as well as a form-fitted kayak shoe. They run about $25.
-NRS: NRS makes several shoes that work very well for kayaking. They run about $45.
-Okespor: Okespor makes a windsurfing shoe that many kayakers use. They run about $45 as well.

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