Shoes are never a paddle boarder’s first thought when it comes to accessories. Regardless of how much or how little thought you’ve given them, they are something to give serious consideration to. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why you should consider investing in some paddle board shoes. Beyond that, we’ll showcase some of the best shoes for paddle boarding available on the market right now! So let’s not waste any time. Let’s dive in!

Why You Should Consider Shoes for Paddle Boarding

Your stance on paddle board shoes might be challenging to change, but this is how I see it. Paddle boarding shoes provide certain levels of comfort, protection, and advantage to paddle boarding. This is not always the case, of course, but in general, there is some truth to the ability of SUP shoes to make paddle boarding a bit better.

More experienced paddle boarders might wholeheartedly disagree with this assessment as they’ll argue that without shoes, you’ve got better control over balance and mobility. That’s fine, that’s a preference, and there’s nothing wrong with that whatsoever! However, here are some of the benefits of owning some paddle boarding shoes that do deserve some mentioning.

1. Shoes reduce the chances of slipping and falling off of your SUP.
2. Shoes protect your feet from the risks of sunburn.
3. Shoes keep your feet warm in the freezing cold winters, something I’m sure even advocates of bare feet would agree with!
4. Shoes protect your feet from sharp foreign objects on the ground such as rocks, broken glass, and more.
5. Shoes provide a cushion for your feet, preserving them from the beach to board, and even better, when the sand is hot, you won’t be complaining like your bare feet friends.

The 4 Best Shoes for Paddle Boarding

There are so many options when it comes to shoes for paddle boarding and I’m not going to overload you with all of them! However, here are four shoes I think are worth mentioning!

SEEKWAY Water Shoes

>> Check current price on Amazon

Seekway Water Shoes are lightweight shoes that offer a compressible and elastic build with rubber soles for anti-slip resistance. As a result, your feet will be well protected on land and firmly planted on your SUP when out on the water.

These are minimalistic shoes, but you’ve still got a ton of design options, and with the right size, you’re going to have something really comfortable. Furthermore, you’ll have shoes that are breathable and quick to dry! These are some of the best shoes on the market, and it’s easy to see why.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Quick-dry
• Slip-on
• Anti-slip
• 45 color and design options

Cons

• No drainage holes

Body Glove Men’s Dynamo Ribcage Water Shoe

The Body Glove Men’s Dynamo Ribcage Water Shoe is designed to be enjoyed both on and off the water! It’s the only shoe on this list remarkably similar to a pair of sneakers, and it’s made with a stretchy knit upper and molded TPU lace. As a result, the shoes are highly comfortable while offering exceptional protection for your feet.

The shoes are slip-on, but the laces can be used to adjust how tight they fit on your feet. The Dynamo Ribcage also features Body Gloves integrated drainage system. The BG drainage system allows for cooling, draining, and faster drying.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Integrated drainage system

Cons

• Availability can be a pain

SIMARI Water Shoes

>> Check current price on Amazon

Simari Water Shoes are really giving you options when it comes to design as it offers over 40 options in terms of color and patterns! But, how are they as SUP shoes? Honestly? Pretty damn good. These polyester-heavy shoes are well equipped to take on the waters as your shoes of choice, and it’s thanks to a wide array of options Simari made to ensure these are worth your money.

The shoes themselves are lightweight, with rubber soles, cushioning for your toes, and the ability to quickly drain water. Beyond these stellar features, the Water Shoes are breathable thanks to the mesh material included in the shoes. The shoes have a stretchable upper and elastic lace which makes wearing the Simari Water Shoes easy!

Pros

• Lightweight
• Stretchable upper
• Drainage holes
• Quick-dry material
• Countless design options, 44 to be exact

Cons

• Shoe sizes can run small, meaning you’ll need to be careful when purchasing. For example, if you see a size 9, assume it’s a size 8.

NRS Kinetic Water Shoes

>> Check current price on Amazon

Functionality is at the core of these unisex slip-on kinetic water shoes. Made with a 3mm neoprene body design, these stylish shoes offer warmth and are perfect for colder temperatures. The fit is snug, and its slip-on design has toe reinforcement. Above all, these shoes are durable and ready to tackle some intense paddle boarding adventures with you. The sole is made of textured rubber and is lightweight for ultimate foot protection and enhanced mobility.

The NRS Kinetic Water Shoes are perfect for keeping your feet comfortable, warm, and all for an extremely affordable price.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Stretchy bands
• Thick rubber sole
• Slip-on
• Affordable

Cons

• No drainage holes
• No additional design options

Personal Pick

My personal pick is the Simari Water Shoes, hands down. While I enjoy everything involved in all these available options, the Simari really ticks all the boxes for me. They have drainage holes, are comfortable, and have endless color and design options while appealing to various sizes! I just don’t think you can go wrong with these shoes, as long as you heed the warning about the sizes running a bit smaller than your actual size.

Buyers Guide

Here are some of the things you need to consider when looking for shoes for your paddle boarding adventures! These features should play a role in your decision-making process to ensure you get shoes that fit your needs.

Traction

Traction should be a given when searching for new shoes for SUP. You don’t want your shoes to be the reason you keep falling off your paddle board. Instead, you want them to be one of the things keeping you firmly attached! When you’ve got good traction, you’ve got a better grip and control of your SUPs movement.

Fit

Well-fitted shoes are a must. The last thing you want is to constantly be fiddling with your shoes, ensuring they stay on, or feeling the uncomfortable pinch of shoes that are too tight. This can negatively affect your paddle boarding experience. Still, beyond that, it can create challenging scenarios in which you cannot effectively paddle board.

Slip-on, Laces, or Straps

Personal preference is slip-on shoes. For starters, they’re convenient. Second, get shoes that are the right fit for you. Shoes the fit means you shouldn’t experience much difficulty in terms of keeping them on at all times, regardless of the situation.

With laces, there is always the potential for issues with undone laces while out at sea. This is fine until it isn’t. Accidentally tripping yourself or having to retie the laces at the worst moments are just an example of why laces are the less favored choice. Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with straps. I just think these shoes are usually the least appealing in terms of aesthetics.

Breathability

You’ll be spending a long time out on the water, so you want shoes that do the job while giving your feet room to breathe. This is especially important considering the likeness of coming into contact with water, considering you’re wearing them out on the water! In addition, breathability means your shoes and feet will dry easier, making it less likely that they’ll irritate your skin. Shoes featuring mesh are usually the most breathable so keep that in mind.

Drainage/Waterproof

Once again, you’re out on the water. The chances are your feet and shoes are going to get wet. Wearing shoes that are waterlogged are going to be incredibly uncomfortable. It also makes the shoes heavier and mobility more difficult. Look for shoes that put an emphasis on draining via additional draining holes or more effective systems. Additionally, you can find shoes that are waterproof to avoid encountering this issue in the first place. Avoid shoes made of cotton at all costs as these absorb water and do a terrible job of assisting in draining.

Weight

You don’t want shoes that weigh too much, as this could cause unnecessary issues when you’re out on the water paddle boarding. Anything that restricts or makes your mobility difficult isn’t the type of product you want to have with you when paddle boarding. As soon as that’s the case, the shoes are a hinderance more than an assist.

Construction

You want to find shoes that are not only well constructed but are also durable. You’re going to be using these shoes often, which means you need to have shoes that are there for the long haul. Additionally, you want certain features to exist in your chosen pair of shoes. For example, padding for comfortability, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, flexible soles, and more.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, everything you need to know about shoes for paddle boarding, so what are you waiting for? Even if you don’t plan to always wear them, these are one of the worthwhile investments to make in case you need them and when they’re necessary. Shoes can enhance your paddling experience and make it easier, more comfortable, and somewhat safer.

Let us know in the comments which shoes you landed on and how they’re working out for you. Also, if you know your friend could maybe use the assist of some SUP shoes, then send this article over to them. Good luck and happy paddle boarding.