The 10 Best Fishing Shoes In 2023
There was a time when you planned to spend some time fishing, and your choices for footwear were limited to few leather options.
Luckily today footwear has come a long way since then, and a lot of manufacturers are making specially designed fishing shoes to provide you an ultimate fishing experience.
10 Best Fishing Shoe Reviews
#1. Columbia Men’s Drainmaker III- Best available shoe in market
The latest in addition to Drainmaker series, the Drainmaker III is built to drain and dry quickly and has become the first choice of people involved in water activity.
The shoe features large drainage ports through the heel and midsole area, which lets it drain water faster than its predecessors thus keeping the feet dry and well ventilated.
The shoe can be used for various other activities besides fishing such as hiking and as standard jogging shoe.
The Drainmaker III is made from an ultralight synthetic material, weighing a mere 311gm and features a protective TPU toe cap providing extra protection from underwater rocks.
The shoe upper is made from a synthetic shell with combined open mesh that maximizes ventilation and provides better performance.
The Techlite insoles are made of a lower durometer EVA which is perforated and removable and provides better comfort. The insole allows water to quickly pass through them to the drain ports located on midsoles and bottom of the shoe.
The Techlite midsole provides superior cushioning and better shock absorption. Also, these midsoles are drainable, letting water pass through the drain port.
The Large pull loops at heels help you get in and out of shoe especially when it is wet. The Techlite rubber outer sole with Omnigrip technology features medial and lateral flex grooves as well as groove rear braking section to assist while going down a slope.
The sole is inspired by performance tires and features hundreds of tiny razor sipes which improves traction on wet surfaces. These soles won’t give up on any surface and provide excellent grip.
Pros
- Well ventilated.
- Water draining ports
- Superior cushioning
- Ultralight
- Ultimate comfort and shock absorbency.
- Provides the best traction.
- Multipurpose shoes.
Cons
- Size mismatch issue
#2. Columbia Men’s Bahama Vent PFG Slip-On Boat Shoes
Bahama Vent PFG Slip-On boat shoe is another yet another top of the line product delivered by the company.
It is specifically engineered for people remain in proximity of water.
The shoe becomes an excellent choice for those who love fishing or want to spend some time with friends and family at the beach.
The material used in the shoe is of supreme quality thus making the shoe much more durable.
The shoe is designed in such a way that encourages airflow and facilitates water evacuation and is thus able to keep your feet dry.
The shoes upper is made from a combination of leather and canvas making it much more durable and comfortable besides providing it with an appealing look.
Also, the slip-on design allows you to get in and out of shoe quickly without any hassle. The removable insoles are perforated and are made from lower durometer EVA.
It provides better cushioning and water evacuation, thus providing you comfort which lasts all day. The shoe offers best arch support in the class.
The Techlite midsoles have ports to facilitate the ventilation and to drain off water that gets in. Also, the midsoles provide high energy returns along with superior quality cushioning.
And when it comes to traction the Nonmarking Omni-Grip rubber outsole with razor-siping raises the bar up to another level. It delivers exceptional grip regardless of the surface weather dry or wet. The shoe is lightweight and weighs over just a 442gm.
Another reason for you to check these shoes is that they are incredibly versatile and come in a lot of color combination and design.
Pros
- Well ventilated
- Superior cushioning
- Lightweight
- Water draining ports
- Ultimate traction
- Stylist
Cons
- Narrow fit design
#3. Sperry Top-Sider Men’s Voyager Boating Shoe
Going by its name Sperry Top-Sider Voyager is versatile and is designed for adventure sports.
If you want nothing but the high-class fishing shoe, then you should always look for Voyager.
Also, it would be an excellent addition to your fishing collection and would be the perfect companion for water adventure. The Voyager is athletic, comfortable and completely waterproof.
The shoe features a stylish canvas upper made from a synthetic mesh. The upper is fast drying which drains water right away. It also employs Sperry Water Bloc which is a breathable waterproof membrane that keeps water outside and lets air.
The shoe is entirely waterproof and keeps your feet dry and provides comfort as long as you wear them. The shoe employs fixed lacing with built-in stretch with easy slip-on styling. The adjustable bungee lets you in and out of the shoe with ease.
The arch support is excellent and provides you with nice balance even on uneven surfaces. The shoe employs removable compression molded EVA footbed for better cushioning and utmost comfort.
The midsole is equipped with Sperry’s patented ASV Technology and can absorb shocks and vibration up to 30%, so you don’t have worry much while jumping from rock to rock.
This protects your ankle from various underwater hazards or while in tough surroundings. The shoe also employs an Adaptive Wave-Siping nonmarking outer sole which is rubber made and provides better traction even in most terrible conditions.
The unique gripping pattern on the sole makes it ideal for boats. Thus with Voyager on your feet, you would not hesitate to go into the slippery areas. The shoe is made from best quality fabric making them highly durable and can be used year round.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Arch support
- Shock Absorbency
- Excellent Traction
- Comfortable
- Durable
Cons
- Slightly raised Heels
- Narrow fit design
#4. Rugged Shark Men’s Tidalwave Boat Shoe
Going down the list, we have Tidalwave from Rugged Shark which is a perfect example of company’s top quality product.
It is one those kind of shoe that works well on the water and off too, so if you are looking for such a shoe, it may be designed for you.
Also, it can be used for activities other than fishing such as camping and trekking. The shoes are ultralight and weigh a mere 340gm and feel great.
Tidalwave is a composite shoe and made with leather, rubber, and synthetic mesh. Being a composite, it is much more durable than its counterparts.
The shoes upper is constructed with premium pull-up full grain leather along with mesh inserts which help drain water that gets in.
The shoe is easy to wear and is designed with a 360-degree nautical lacing which provides a perfect firm fit along with a three –eye lace up front closure. Also, the shoe features moc stitched toes which provide long-lasting durability.
The shoe has smooth lining and EVA insoles which along with compression molded EVA midsoles provide superior cushioning support and better balance. Because of these, the shock absorbency has dramatically improved.
The arch support and extra padding are the features which make it perfect for on and off the water. The outsole is made of slip-resistant nonmarking rubber and employs a traction system known as Hexagrip which has been developed by Rugged Shark itself.
The traction is superb on the shoes and makes ideal for using any surface. These shoes will give you a comfortable time outdoor and also look much more stylish at a pretty much affordable price.
Pros
- Full grain leather finish
- Moc Stitched Toe
- 360-degree nautical lacing
- Hexagrip Slip resistant sole
Cons
- Regular maintenance required
- No Water draining ports
#5. Sperry Top-Sider Men’s A/O Boat Shoe
This is another top quality product from Sperry’s Top-Sider; A/O boat shoe is classic as well as so much stylish that one often confuses it with the usual pair of casual loafer shoes.
But don’t go by the looks it far away from being just stylish and is perfect for lounging around on the deck or other water activity.
The show features hand sewn upper which is made from genuine soft leather and provides comfort all day long. The all leather upper provides with years of wear on regular use. Also, the shoe has hand sewn Tru-moccasin toe for extra comfort.
The shoe is slip-on in design and lets you in and out if shoe pretty easily. Along with rust resistant eyelets and 360-degree lacing system provides a secure and firm fit.
The molded ortho like EVA heel cup in the shoe gives you a fantastic experience while hopping around as it absorbs lots shocks.
The outsole is nonmarking rubber made provided with razor cut Wave-Siping technology for ultimate traction on wet as well as dry surfaces. The material used in making the shoe is of the best quality, and entire shoe is handmade.
The shoe is ultralight and weighs only a mere 311gm. At first, the shoe will be a tight fit but will loosen up as you wear them. The shoe is affordable, and lots of different color variants are available as per your need.
Pros
- All leather upper
- Moccasin stitched toe
- Shock Absorbing EVA Heel Cup
- Ultimate traction
- 360-degree lacing system
Cons
- Needs to be broken in
- No airflow system
#6. Sebago Men’s Docksides Boat Shoe
These shoes are carefully designed to perform at its best in any environment. They may look like modern loafers but are made from the same process which was used decades ago thus you get the ultimate quality product.
The shoe upper is made from Unlined, Full Grain leather with a slip-on design allowing you get in and out easily. The entire shoe is hand sewn and features Blucher Moccasin-toe stitching.
Thus the shoe provides you with high durability and ultimate quality.
The shoe comes with rawhide laces and 360-degree lacing system thus giving firm fit in rough conditions. The insole is made from soft molded EVA foam which provides extra cushioning and provides comfort.
The outsole is made from rubber which is slip resistant and Non-Marking and provides good traction under extreme conditions.
The shoe is available in different widths as per your requirement. This classic leather shoe is available in the various color to meet your style. Also, you can use this shoe as casual shoes for work or other activities.
Pros
- Classic leather looks
- Custom handsewn
- Stylish
- Available in different Size and colors
- Nice traction
Cons
- No airflow system
- Needs to be broken in
- No Water draining ports
- No arch support
#7. Teva Men’s M Evo Water Shoe
The Teva Men’s M Evo water shoes are specially designed for people who love adventure sports.
The shoe was designed keeping performance in mind, during different weather conditions.
It is a composite shoe made up of different materials such as leather, synthetic, and textile. The shoe is lightweight as it is made from lightweight synthetic foam and you would hardly feel it on feet.
The shoe’s upper is designed from abrasion resistant leather and synthetic mesh with water drainage channels and does not absorb any amount of water. The lining is well ventilated and dries quickly.
The shoe features logo accented contrast overlays and lace-up closure for a firm fit. Midsoles of the shoe employ encapsulated ShockPad technology and are made from molded IMEVA which also provides better cushioning and high comfort through the day.
They absorb shock much more easily and quickly as compared to other shoes and give enough arch support to maintain proper balance on uneven surfaces too.
The outsole is made from spider rubber and offers much better traction. The shoes are known for their durability around the globe as they are made from top quality materials.
These shoes give you a sporty look and can be used for other activities besides fishing and water sports. This would be an excellent choice for you over the cheap fishing shoes which won’t last long if you don’t mind paying a bit extra for a quality product.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Better shock absorbency
- Stylish
Cons
- Small tongue
- Narrow fit
- Limited color option
#8. Aleader Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
Now we have the most affordable fishing shoe of a list and its none other than Aleader Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes.
If you are looking functionality and style only this is the shoe; you must try on.
The entire shoe has employed mesh design not to leave the soles which make a bold statement and giving it a futuristic look.
The shoe was designed to improve airflow and reduce drying time, and because of such unique design, you get high breathability and water drains much quickly as compared to any other shoe thus keeping feet dry.
The shoe is made from synthetic mesh, whose pores are much wider than any other shoe.
Because of such design and solute midsoles, the shoes are incredibly lightweight and don’t even feel on the feet.
The comforDry sock liner and arch support insole provide better cushioning and comfort all day long along with a drier shoe environment.
The outsoles are rubber made and provide an excellent grip on wet and slippery surfaces.
The shoe features a three-eye lace-up front closure for firm fit. This is the best fishing shoe available in the market at this price range.
Pros
- Quick drying
- Lightweight
- Highly ventilated
Cons
- Small tongue
- Not multipurpose
#9. Dockers Men’s Castaway Boat Shoe
Dockers are one of the best brands today in the market and have been known to make quality and stylish products.
And the Castaway Boat is a perfect example of their craftsmanship. The shoe is like just some of the pretty shoes on the list and looks more like a casual loafer.
But is one of the finest boat shoes which can be used for water activities as well as a casual shoe for parties or work.
The shoe is made from a combination of leather and rubber, the soft nubuck and full grain leather are used for designing the shoe. As a result, the upper feels very smooth and comfortable.
The shoe features hand-sewn moccasin construction, leather lining and lace accents along the collar which gives it a classic look.
The shoe is slip-on in design and along with the 360-degree rust-resistant eyelet lacing it provides the firm fit. The padded tongues along with triple density cushioned footbed provide extra comfort and great balance.
The heel is at comfortable height and measures 0.75 inches high.
The outsole is made from siped rubber and is very flexible thus providing a firm on slippery surfaces. And after all this, the shoe is lightweight and weighs 396 gm.
The shoe is very much durable and would last years if proper care is taken.
Thus the shoe features all the characteristics of a nice boat shoe and is equally stylish in design. On the whole, it’s a shoe with the perfect blend of looks and comfort and offers full value for money.
Pros
- Classic looks
- Comfortable
- Custom hand sewn
- Multiple color option
Cons
- No airflow ports
- No water draining ports
- No arch support
#10. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Bowman Boat Shoe
Last but not least we have Bowman from Tommy Hilfiger, a brand which is known for its products which are of great quality and looks.
Bowman is yet another example masterpiece which the company has developed.
The materials used in making it does not only decide the quality of a product but also how the product feels and looks and Bowman is certainly a quality product as it gives you a classic look and feels very comfortable.
The upper is made from high-quality leather which retains its shape and color after long use.
The shoe features Moccasin stitched toe along leather lining which gives it a classic look. The shoe is designed as a slip-on model but has lace-up closure with metal eyelets and a 360-degree lacing system which provides the firm fit.
The shoe keeps you very close to the ground as its heel is only 0.5 inches high. Also, the shoe features a handmade rubber sole which provides significant traction even in wet conditions. As compared to other shoes it breaks in very rapidly and is very comfortable to wear.
The bowman boat shoe is designed to feel great whenever they are worn. The shoes are highly durable and go pretty well with casual outfits and can be worn on any occasion. These shoes are available in multiple colors to match your style needs.
Pros
- Feels Comfortable
- 360-degree lacing
- Durable
- Breaks in easily
- Classic looks
Cons
- No arch support
- Slight stitching issue
- No airflow system
Why do you need fishing shoes?
I am going to ask you a few questions.
Have you ever slipped and fell on a slippery dock multiple times? Or have you ever slipped on a wet fiberglass boat? Have you felt uncomfortable in regular shoes while fishing?
I can say that you have experienced these situations multiple times and these incidents can be avoided by wearing proper fishing shoes. Besides providing excellent grip on slippery surfaces, these shoes keep your feet dry and provide well ventilation and are much comfortable.
What Should Look?
The key to finding the right shoe is to identify your fishing needs and then accordingly to select the shoe with the right set of features. Since the fishing environment is wet so, you would need a shoe which can provide following features.
Ankle Support
A good pair of fishing shoes provides better support and best balance. Ankle support in a fishing shoe cannot be overlooked at any cost as the slight pain in your ankle can ruin your entire day and all the fun.
Fishing surfaces are unstable and thus can cause you to lose balance often, but with proper ankle support from your shoe, it can be avoided. Also, severe pain in ankle because of uneven surfaces can be avoided.
Sole type
Sole of these shoes are designed specially to prevent slipping and falling in wet conditions. Rubber soles are used as they change their shape according to the base and provide excellent traction. But the sole varies from environment to environment.
Flat rubber sole: Ideal for fishing from boats and angling these soles provide excellent traction and are lightweight.
Felt sole: These soles are equipped with a thick layer felt which provides better grip on the rocky areas. Moreover felt can be replaced over time.
Cleated/Studded soles: They provide the best traction possible as they have metal spikes built into soles. These spikes provide excellent grip under most treacherous conditions.
Materials
Different parts of fishing shoes are made from different materials such rubber, felt, synthetic materials and leather in different composition for different purposes.
Sole: These are made of rubber, felt and other materials as they are needed to provide high traction for better grip.
Body: The body of the shoe is to be made with suitable quality water repellent materials. Rubber and synthetic leather are better options as they do not absorb water so that you won’t be dragging a ton of entire weight day.
Laces: The laces must also be made of similar water-resistant materials but also demand high tensile strength as they are under constant pressure. Cotton laces won’t work here as they absorb a lot of water. Nylon laces are most preferred.
Durability
When you are going to invest your hard earned money into a shoe which you will wear twice or thrice in a month, then strength is required.
Look for the shoes which have soles stitched with the body as they are much more durable as compared to just glued ones. Also, the shoe tongue should have been sewn directly into the side of the shoe.
Other factors
Water is draining ports: If the shoe which chosen by you is not 100% water resistant, then it must have a high number of pores to let air in and water out, to make your feet dry quickly.
Price: while choosing your fishing shoe always keep in mind that how often you are going to use them and then invest accordingly.
Style: Depending upon your choice select either lace-tied or slip-on design, lace shoes require you to tie them, but they do not fall whereas slip-on is convenient to wear but may fall off.
Final Verdict
Whenever I am fishing or involved in water sports, I love to have as much style as I like comfort. I have several pairs of from above list and depending on the requirements of activity I choose the shoe which serves the purpose.
While fishing the shoe must have good breathability along with quick drying ability and needs to be somewhat rugged so that they can withstand the harsh environment.
The Drainmaker III and Voyager serve the purpose for me. But if you are a big fan of loafers they any of the boat shoes on the list will be more than sufficient to meet all your needs.
The Team That Worked On This Review
Elena
Senior Editor
Eric
Web Researcher
Kathy
Writer
Albert
Writer
