There are a lot of considerations to think about when kayaking. The shape of the boat, the type of material for your paddle, what helmet to use, the all-weather clothing outfits and how you carry your kayaking gear—all these things make a difference in how you get kayaking.
But one thing that is often overlooked is your footwear. If you’re bent over in an awkward position with wet socks and shoes for hours at a time, it’s going to be uncomfortable at best and unbearable at worst.
So, before you head out on your kayak trip, it’s a good outfit ideas to think about what shoes to wear kayaking. Here are some tips on choosing the right shoes and socks for your feet.
Shoes: Barefoot or Shoes?
The first thing you need to consider when deciding what shoes to wear kayaking is whether you’re going to wear a pair of shoes while in the boat. Some people feel more confident with their feet being covered, while others can’t imagine anything more uncomfortable than keeping their feet enclosed in dry socks and closed-toe shoes for hours on end.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to wear closed shoes, consider the pros and cons of both options and go from there.
Pros of Barefoot Kayaking
The first pro is safety. Most people who paddle barefoot will tell you that having no shoes on allows them to feel the boat beneath their feet. This helps you to make it easier to keep your footing when you’re in rough waters, allowing you to react quickly should something unexpected happen.
The next pro is comfort. Your feet can breathe, and there’s no pressure from walking around all day with a pair of shoes on.
Cons of Barefoot Kayaking
If you’re out in the water and have an injury to your foot, it’s going to be open to the water and the bacteria in it. This can lead to infection.
The other con is that you could always cut yourself on a rock or on some other sharp object, which could also cause an infection. You also can’t wear non-waterproof shoes when you’re kayaking, so make sure to choose your footwear carefully if you decide against wearing bare feet.
Pros of Wearing Shoes
When you have shoes on, they take the strain off your feet. If you’re in a boat in rough water, your feet feel less of the impact because the shoes are taking some of the weight.
Shoes also protect against scratches and cuts from sharp objects along the shoreline when you’re kayaking. Of course, there is always the possibility that a shoe will be lost overboard or will come loose from its foot straps while out on paddling. This is why it’s important to choose shoes that are very dependable and easy to fit on and off.
Shoes To Wear Kayaking
The right combination of both bare and shoe footwear is the key when you’re out on the water for long periods of time. If your feet are tired, you won’t be able to move as well. If you’re wearing shoes when you get back to the boat, they’ll be wet, heavy and uncomfortable. So finding the right combination can help you enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Pros of Clothes Shoes
The first pro is that it keeps your feet warm and dry, which some people find more comfortable than going barefoot. On a long kayaking trip, you might find it easier to stay in your wet shoes than take them off at the end of the day.
Cons of Clothes Shoes
They tend to be really heavy and clunky, and they’re usually not very stylish compared to other footwear styles. You also have to worry about getting something that’s washable, which can be difficult if you’re out on the water for several days.
What Socks To Wear Kayaking
For all-day kayaking, wet socks might not be a bad idea in some situations. You certainly can paddle with them if you need to go somewhere, but after that, they become a hindrance that may lead to blisters if left on too long. It’s important to make sure your feet are protected, and one way to do this is to use socks made of synthetic materials.
These kinds of socks keep your feet dry and warm even when they’re raining, which is what you want when you’re out on the water for long periods. They also are more conducive to being in shoes. On the other hand, if you prefer to go barefoot, cotton socks are going to be your best bet.
Cotton keeps the heat in and doesn’t cause blisters from friction against your feet. You’ll also want a pair of ankle-length socks that go all the way up over your calves.
Socks: What’s good about them?
When it comes to socks for kayaking, it’s important to choose the right yarn that will feel good on your skin and won’t cause discomfort while over-extending your calf muscles. You also want to pick socks that will cushion your feet and keep them from rubbing against each other. Finally, you’ll want the socks to be breathable so they won’t retain too much moisture and cause you to feel uncomfortable.
Obviously, the best option is going barefoot or wearing very thin rubber socks (like those that are used to prevent blisters on tennis shoes). But if you absolutely must wear shoes or some type of boot, the following are a few tips for choosing the right pair:
Stuff Socks In Your Shoe
If you’re wearing a shoe with a sock-stuffed liner, this might work best for your needs. The liner will absorb most of the moisture, which will prevent it from soaking through the rest of your shoe and coming into contact with your feet.
Overstock
These are some of the best socks for kayaking because they have an extra layer that goes over your foot and keeps it dry from any moisture that might be coming up through the bottom of your shoe. They’re also great if you want to wear closed shoes and keep your feet warm.
Wool Socks
If you have no choice but to wear a pair of tennis shoes, using wool socks will help you keep your feet warm. Make sure to choose socks with a thin layer to absorb water when riding in a kayak for too long.
Pros of Socks
The main advantage of socks is that they’re lightweight, and you can wear them with just about any comfortable pair of shoes or boots. They also come in various styles, so you can choose ones that match your outfit and colour scheme.
Cons of Socks
If you’re wearing a thick pair of shoes, the moisture might soak through the sock into your foot and cause friction problems. Also, beware of choosing socks that weigh too much because they will be hot on your feet. If they are not breathable enough, then this is even more problematic.
What are the best kayaking shoes compose of?
The best kayaking shoes are made of 100% nylon materials.
These shoes should be very lightweight and strong enough to resist punctures. They should also be wide at the toe box, without any extra folds or creases that will allow the water to drip into the shoe.
And finally, they should have just enough space at the end of your shoe to stuff a pair of dry socks inside them if you choose not to go barefoot while kayaking.
Kayaking Shoes And Boots Conclusion
The best kayaking footwear is something that you can wear on many different occasions and styles for different types of water sports activities. These shoes should be water-resistant and sand and mudproof. They should be from a manufacturer that is known to make quality products, or they will most likely disappoint you.
The best kayaking shoes will not only last a long time but also will make your kayaking experience more enjoyable and safer as well. You will be able to concentrate on your kayaking and not your feet or the terrain beneath them.
You need to consider many different factors when deciding on what type of footwear you will need for water sports activities. These factors include but are not limited to:
- The primary use of the footwear,
- What type of water sports activity you will be using them for,
- The fit and comfort level you need,
- How much use or wear they will get, and
- Your budget.
Once these factors have been considered, it is time to begin your research.
The first place to start is with the materials or the footbed. The type of footbed chosen will determine how well the boot will perform, how comfortable it will be and if it will last you for a long time.
Boot manufacturers use different types of materials for their boots or have them manufactured by a 3rd party. These 3rd party companies specialize in producing certain materials used by footwear manufacturers to meet their particular needs, and then there are also the companies that do everything in-house.
Do my shoes need to be waterproof for kayaking?
This is a question many potential buyers ask. The answer, however, is not as simple as it may seem. You could make the mistake of purchasing a waterproof shoe that actually isn’t waterproof at all or getting one and thinking it will prevent you from getting wet when in fact, it will not keep your feet dry at all.
To be sure you are buying a waterproof shoe that can keep your feet dry while kayaking, you need to spend some time researching the different types of footwear available to purchase. You will find some brands of boots that are waterproof, while others are not. There is a waterproof membrane that is sewn into the boot. However, it can wear out over time, and the manufacturer may no longer be able to replace it.
You might be wondering why a shoe would need to be waterproof? This makes sense when you consider the number of rainy days we experience during one year or how many times you might accidentally drop your kayak in the water. You have to remember that most kayaking shoes and boots will not keep your feet dry all of the time, and you should always have a pair of dry socks on hand.
To decide whether or not you really need waterproof shoes, you should check out your local weather forecasts for the rest of the year and, in particular, the amount of rain that is forecast. If there are many rainy days, or if you live in an area where it rains throughout much of the year, then you will want to consider a pair of waterproof kayaking boots.
If your feet keep getting wet from rain or moisture that leaks into your boots, then this can lead to blisters, cold toes and even develop mould and mildew within a short period of time. Another idea in line is to use cycling gloves for kayaking. Go ahead and read this article – Can You Use Cycling Gloves for Kayaking? Tips and Tricks to Make Kayaking Fun & Enjoyable.