The best shoe for paddle boarding is a thin, grippy, quick-draining water shoe like the Astral Loyak: it protects your feet at rocky launches but still lets you feel the board. In cold water, switch to a neoprene bootie like the NRS Kicker, and if you only need something for hot sand and sharp shells, a $10 aqua sock does the job.
Plenty of people paddle barefoot, and on a warm day with a sandy launch that’s fine. Shoes earn their place on rocky or muddy shores, on oyster beds and broken shells, on hot sand and parking lots, and in cold water.
We haven’t tested these shoes hands-on. We picked them using independent testing (OutdoorGearLab and Paddling Magazine), manufacturer specs, owner reviews, and whether they’re in stock now. Two of the seven picks in the 2021 version of this list are no longer available on Amazon, so we replaced them.
Our picks at a glance
- Best overall: Astral Loyak, the water shoe testers keep picking for grip and drainage.
- Best for cold water: NRS Kicker Wetshoe, a 3mm neoprene bootie.
- Best cheap water shoe with a real sole: Hiitave Water Shoes, for men and women.
- Best budget aqua socks: VIFUUR or Barerun, around $10.
- Best cushioned budget shoe: Zhuanglin Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes.
A minimalist water shoe with sticky rubber
Astral Loyak
The Loyak is a low-profile sneaker built for paddling. It has a thin, flexible rubber sole for grip and board feel, a zero-drop footbed, a roomy toe box and lots of drainage. There’s also the Loyak AC, a lighter version with an even more breathable mesh upper.
OutdoorGearLab named the Loyak AC (men’s) and Loyak (women’s) Editors’ Choice water shoes. Its testers praised the traction on wet rock, the drainage and the snug, comfortable fit. They also found the mesh doesn’t hold up as well as tougher shoes, and it isn’t warm. Paddling Magazine also rates the Loyak highly for grip and comfort.
Who it suits: paddlers who want one shoe for the launch, the board and the walk back, in warm to mild water.
| Spec | Astral Loyak |
|---|---|
| Type | Minimalist water shoe |
| Drop | 0 mm |
| Sole | Thin, grippy rubber |
| Drainage | Mesh upper with drain ports |
| Weight (AC version) | About 6.9 oz per shoe |
| Price | Around $110–120 at the time of writing |
Pros
- Excellent grip on wet surfaces
- Drains and dries fast
- Thin sole keeps feel for the board
- Looks fine as an everyday shoe
Cons
- Expensive for a water shoe
- Mesh wears faster than heavier shoes
- Not warm in cold water
Verdict
The water shoe to buy if you paddle a lot.
A warm neoprene bootie for cold water
NRS Kicker Wetshoe
When the water is cold, warmth matters more than airflow. The Kicker is a 3mm neoprene bootie with a 3mm patterned rubber sole and a 2mm plastic shim to protect against sharp rocks. NRS says it’s designed for rafters and stand up paddlers.
It has a roomy toe box, a hook-and-loop strap across the foot, and reinforced toe and heel. NRS makes the neoprene from limestone and recycled tires rather than petroleum.
Who it suits: spring, fall and winter paddlers, and anyone paddling cold lakes or northern coasts. Pair it with the right wetsuit; our wetsuit check helps.
| Spec | NRS Kicker |
|---|---|
| Upper | 3mm neoprene |
| Sole | 3mm patterned rubber, 2mm plastic shim |
| Insole | 3mm neoprene |
| Closure | Hook-and-loop strap |
| Sizes | Men’s 7–14 (women go one size down) |
| Weight | About 1.7 lb per pair |
| Price | Around $75 at the time of writing |
Pros
- Keeps feet warm in cold water
- Protective sole for rocky launches
- Made for paddlers
Cons
- Too warm for summer
- Slower to dry than mesh shoes
- Stock by size was patchy on Amazon when we checked
Verdict
The bootie to get if you paddle outside summer.
Cheap, barefoot-style shoes with a real outsole
Hiitave Water Shoes
Hiitave’s water shoes are a budget take on the minimalist water shoe. They have a quick-drying breathable upper, a low-profile rubber outsole for grip, and an adjustable closure so they stay on in mud. They come in men’s and women’s versions.
They’re not as refined as the Loyak, but they cost a fraction of the price and give much more protection than a sock.
Who it suits: casual paddlers who launch from rocky or shelly shores and want proper soles without spending much.
| Spec | Hiitave Water Shoes |
|---|---|
| Type | Barefoot-style water shoe |
| Upper | Quick-dry breathable mesh |
| Sole | Rubber |
| Closure | Adjustable |
| Versions | Men’s and women’s |
| Price | Around $30–40 at the time of writing |
Pros
- Real rubber sole for the price
- Stays on in mud and water
- Light and quick to dry
Cons
- No independent testing that we could find
- Less proven than big-brand shoes over time
Verdict
A good cheap water shoe for most casual paddlers.
The $10 option for sand, shells and SUP yoga
VIFUUR and Barerun aqua socks
These are stretchy fabric “aqua socks” with a thin rubber sole. They slip on, dry quickly and pack flat. They keep hot sand, small shells and sharp gravel off your feet, and they’re thin enough that you’ll barely notice them on the board, which also makes them handy for SUP yoga.
VIFUUR and Barerun look and work much the same. VIFUUR’s listing has well over 100,000 owner ratings.
Who it suits: beach paddlers, families buying for kids, and anyone who wants cheap foot protection.
| Spec | VIFUUR / Barerun |
|---|---|
| Type | Aqua sock |
| Upper | Stretch fabric |
| Sole | Thin rubber |
| Closure | Slip-on |
| Price | Around $10 at the time of writing |
Pros
- Very cheap
- Light, packable and quick-drying
- Excellent board feel
Cons
- Thin sole won’t stop sharp rocks or oyster shells
- Not warm
- Wear out faster than real shoes
Verdict
Cheap protection for sandy beaches and warm water.
A cushioned, sneaker-style water shoe
Zhuanglin Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
Zhuanglin’s shoe looks more like a light running shoe. It has a breathable mesh upper, a cushioned EVA sole and drainage that the maker says empties water in seconds. It’s comfortable for the walk from the parking lot and the hike to a hidden launch.
Who it suits: paddlers who walk a long way to the water, or who want more cushioning than a minimalist shoe.
| Spec | Zhuanglin Aqua Water Shoes |
|---|---|
| Type | Sneaker-style water shoe |
| Upper | Breathable mesh |
| Sole | Anti-slip EVA |
| Closure | Pull-on |
| Price | Around $17 at the time of writing |
Pros
- More cushioning than aqua socks
- Drains quickly
- Very cheap
Cons
- Thicker sole means less feel for the board
- EVA soles don’t grip wet rock as well as rubber
Verdict
A comfy budget shoe for long walks to the launch.
