9 Best Shoes for Paddleboarding in 2024
Whether you’re a casual paddler or a pro, having the right paddleboarding shoes can be essential for safety, comfort, and performance. Here’s a look at some of the paddleboarding footwear options out there.
In this article, we’ll explore the best shoes for paddleboarding to help you make an informed decision. From slip-resistant soles to good drainage and grip, I have got you covered with my top picks.
So without further ado let’s check out my recommendations for the best paddleboarding shoes.
The Best Shoes for Paddleboarding
Wondering which paddleboarding shoes you should buy? Here are the best ones to choose between…
1. VIFUUR Water Sports Shoes
VIFUUR is a respected name in the world of water leisure products and offers a superior range of great paddleboarding shoes. Featuring a premium rubber sole, these shoes are easy to slip on and off and keep your feet protected from any sharp objects. They are also equipped with a smooth neck design to eliminate any discomfort or chafing during wear.
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ViFUUR are versatile water shoes for paddleboarding and can also be used for other activities such as kayaking and windsurfing. There’s a wide selection of exciting designs available so you can choose the one that best suits your style.
Pros:
- Breathable
- Anti-slip
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Take a while to dry.
2. WateLves Water Shoes
Ready to make a splash with your next water adventure? Look no further than WateLves, the must-have water shoes of the season! With spandex upper and polyester materials, they’re both breathable and easy to slip on and off.
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No more worrying about your shoes not fitting right, as WateLves is designed to fit your feet like a glove through repeated cycles of wetting and drying. The best part? Its ultra-lightweight and flexible design will make you feel like you’re walking on clouds. If you don’t want to compromise on protection and comfort then WateLves won’t disappoint you.
These would make a great gift for the paddleboarder in your life, even if said paddleboarder is you.
Pros:
- Anti slip outsole
- Compressible for easy packing
- Ergonomically molded
Cons:
- Not ideal for long sessions
3. Cressi Neoprene Sole Boots
Cressi Neoprene Sole Boots offer the perfect balance between warmth and elasticity, giving you the comfort you need to tackle any water adventure with confidence. The sole is made with long-lasting materials, ensuring that you won’t slip on wet or smooth surfaces, while the rubber heel and toe cap provide added safety.
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Whether you’re out for a paddleboard session or simply enjoying some fun in the water, Cressi has got your back with its superior protection with these paddleboarding boots. With their extra comfort features, these are the best water shoes for paddleboarding designed for a day full of water adventure. If you’re constantly on and off your board, they’ll definitely make paddleboarding easier!
Pros:
- Ultra-durable
- Elastic neoprene extra convenience
- Good for long sessions
Cons:
- Not suitable for the winter season
READ MORE: The Best Life Jackets for Paddleboarding
4. NORTIV 8 Women’s Quick Dry Water Shoes
Nortiv 8 offer some of the best shoes for paddleboarding for women. The rubber outsole features a unique pattern for maximum traction on slippery surfaces, making it the perfect shoe for paddleboarding.
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The high-quality, lightweight elastic upper will fit like a second skin, providing the comfort of barefoot wear. And, with its quick-drying, breathable fabric, you’ll never have to worry about soggy paddleboarding footwear again. The sole, with its 10 drainage holes, ensures proper water flow for a healthier shoe environment. Whether you’re out for a paddleboard session or simply exploring the great outdoors, these water shoes will make the perfect companion.
Pros:
- Adjustable bungee laces
- Shock absorbent
- Easy pull strap
Cons:
- Heels a bit high which may not suit everyone
5. Aleader Women’s Water Shoes
Aleader Water Shoes feature a breathable air mesh upper that promotes airflow, keeping your feet dry and cool even on the hottest of days. The water drain outsole quickly dries any excess water, ensuring maximum mobility.
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The ComforDry sock liners provide optimal cushioning performance for added comfort, while the adjustable laces allow for a customizable fit. The back strap is conveniently designed for easy on and off. The Solyte midsole offers excellent bounce back and durability, making this pair of shoes a smart investment for your outdoor activities.
Pros:
- Superior breathability and quick drying
- EVA/RB sole
- Ultra lightweight
Cons:
- Rocks or small things sometimes get stuck due to big holes.
6. Body Glove Men’s 3T Barefoot Cinch Water Shoe
The minimalist design of these Body Glove water shoes offers a barefoot feel and is ideal for activities such as walking or hiking. The low-profile outsole features an ultra-grip design, providing excellent traction and stability.
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The 3-toe pocket system enhances performance while reducing the risk of injury. The elastic shock lace and adjustable strap allow for easy and secure adjustments, ensuring a comfortable fit during water adventures. Additionally, the ergonomic design promotes natural stability and posture, making them excellent shoes for paddleboarding.
Pros:
- Skin-friendly feel
- Easy slip-on entry
- Improves air circulation
Cons:
- Not ideal for long paddleboarding sessions
7. Astral Hiyak Outdoor Minimalist Boots
These water shoes feature razor siping that gives you a rock-solid grip and sole-to-surface contact. And, no need to worry about wet socks, as the quick-dry canvas upper reinforced with ballistic nylon will keep you dry and comfortable.
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Besides, these shoes are designed to help you balance and move around easily. They have a flat surface for your feet to stand on and a big toe box so your toes can wiggle and stretch. And, the rubber on the bottom is extra sticky, so you can have even more grip.
If your next paddleboarding adventure involves rock climbing and lots of time on land too, then these are great paddleboarding shoes to consider. They’d also be a good option for shoes for paddleboarding if you’re going paddleboarding in winter.
Pros:
- Abrasion resistant
- Balanced feel
- Offers conforming stability
Cons:
- Fairly expensive
8. HIITAVE Men Barefoot Water Shoes
These HIITAVE water shoes are designed to offer you optimal comfort and convenience as they are super easy to put on and take off thanks to the easy slip-on design. These paddleboarding shoes are made with comfortable fabric that will feel great on your feet.
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Besides, there are plenty of drain holes at the bottom that let the water flow out easily, keeping your feet cool and happy. The lightweight and flexible design of these shoes make them an excellent choice for paddleboarding. Plus, they are made with quick-drying materials, so your feet won’t be soaking wet for long.
Pros:
- The adjustable shock lace system
- Flexible and convenient
- Zero heel lift
Cons:
- No major cons
9. Racqua Water Shoes
Last but not least – Racqua Water Shoes are another excellent option for people looking for paddleboarding shoes. These water shoes are super comfy and you can move around in them easily. They are also lightweight, so you won’t feel weighed down like traditional bulky shoes.
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Moreover, the wide-toe design provides a barefoot feel while still offering protection. The special rubber sole provides good traction for walking or hiking, and it won’t slip on slippery surfaces.
The non-slip rubber sole provides robust support and protection from gravel and stone. The quick-drying fabric is soft and breathable, making it an ideal shoe for paddleboarding. And, the elastic laces make it easy to adjust the shoes quickly while you’re on the go.
Pros:
- Non-slip soft sole
- Ergonomically molded
- Ideal for any activity
Cons:
- Wide-toe design may not be suitable for people with narrow feet.
How to choose the best paddleboarding shoes
Having the right gear for paddleboarding is essential to ensure that you have an amazing experience. That’s why when you are searching for the best shoes for paddleboarding, there are a few important factors you need to consider. Here are some of these key factors to make it easier for you to find the right pair of shoes for your upcoming paddleboarding adventure.
Paddleboarding shoes material
The most important consideration is the material paddleboarding shoes are made with. You should look for shoes that are made with quick-drying material like spandex or polyester. Shoes made with these materials are not only comfortable but also keep your feet dry while you are out on the water.
Paddleboarding shoes comfort
Comfort is an essential factor for all kinds of sports. The same is true for water activities. Ideally, shoes made with soft and breathable material would be great for paddleboarding. They will keep your feet cool and dry. Besides, if you don’t have narrow feet, you should choose shoes with a wide toe box as they offer your feet more room to breathe.
Paddleboarding shoes drainage
Having shoes that can drain the water out is really important when you’re paddleboarding. That way, your feet won’t be soaking wet and you’ll be more comfortable. Therefore, you should buy shoes that have special holes or ways for the water to escape.
Paddleboarding shoes lacing system
Look for shoes that have a good lacing system to ensure your shoes stay on your feet while you are out on the water. Shoes that come with an easy-to-use way to tighten or loosen the laces are the best. Some shoes even come with a special type of lacing system that’s called an elastic bungee cord. This type of lacing is super fast and easy to adjust. Racqua Water Shoes feature the same lacing system.
Paddleboarding shoes durability
The paddleboarding shoes you buy should be able to handle the wear and tear of water activities. You want your shoes to last many seasons, don’t you? Hence, look for shoes that are made with durable materials like ballistic nylon so that they last for a long time.
Paddleboarding shoes style
What style suits you is a matter of personal preference, but it is still an important factor to consider. You should always buy shoes that complement your personality and make you feel confident and comfortable while you are paddle boarding.
The best shoes for paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is an exciting and fun sport. Having the right pair of shoes will only make your experience even better. Share the list with your friends who you think might be in need of a new pair of shoes. Also, let me know in the comments which shoes you choose for yourself.