When packing up for an outing and including kayaking of course, one tends to forget the necessity of proper shoes. A boat and paddles are a must-have but at least choosing the right shoes to wear will improve your convenience and safety to some extent. This is particularly true when kayaking near areas, in which there are steep inclines as well as reversing currents possible.

Kayaking shoes can be used to avoid the abrasive effect of rocks and other sharp objects when coming off the water or carrying gear. They can also protect from cold and wet for feet to feel warm in chilly water sometimes. The following factors should, therefore, be borne in mind as you start searching for the appropriate shoes for kayaking:

Personal Style

One thing is your personal style of paddling when you are in the kayak and this is relevant when choosing kayaking gear. There are four types of kayakers; recreational, sport, touring, and sea or surf and your chosen lifestyle determines your style. With regard to the risk taking propensity, some individuals are less indulgent concerning the hazards inherent in such a sport and undertake only manageable risks while others are rather reckless and ready to face any obstacles they encounter. As to the footwear it is also important to have a safe and comfortable type according to chosen style. Of course, staying away and keeping ones feet dry might look like the right thing to do but it’s not always safe to do so. It can become painful when launching or retrieving a boat since slippery landings and trails are dangerous for wet feet but treacherous for dry feet. Hence, selection of shoes should be made with regard to sufficient holding capacity of the sole besides requiring it to possess fine traction characteristics irrespective of the state of wetness. This will make sure that while you are out there whitewater kayaking you are safe and not stressed at all.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting footwear for kayaking:

• Good grip and traction on wet surfaces
• Comfortable and supportive fit
• Quick-drying material
• Protection from rocks and debris
• Breathable material to prevent overheating

By considering your personal style and the factors above, you can select the best footwear for your kayaking adventures.

Waterproof Shoes

Well, as for water activity like kayaking you might consider that wearing a pair of water-proof shoes are the best. But this may not always prove to be right. Although waterproof shoes are perfect for stopping water from getting in they also do not let the moisture out when doing long kayaking tours.

However, if you intend to stay in the kayak for hours at a time especially in summer, it might be advisable to do without waterproof shoes. As for footwear, avoid the ones that are worn out and chooses shoes that can breathe and dry fast. This will not only help the feet remain comfortable, but would also help in avoiding  foot smell.

Maybe, choose shoes with holes for air circulation and materials used in manufacturing the shoes include neoprene, mesh etc which has a short drying time. Each type of shoe can either aid in getting the best out of your kayaking experience or be a cause of discomfort or even pain.

Consider the Temperature

It is therefore desirable to think about the temperature while organizing a kayaking trip. It is usually changeable, and cold in the early morning and in the evenings in the Southwest region. If you’re planning your kayak in winter, you may want to wear a boots that are water resistant and with natural insulation to help keep feet warm. On the other hand, during hot, warm or warm, climatically, perhaps you would prefer some kind of sandals for your feet. Sandals are also worn by the kayak, as they allow water to drain quickly so that the foot retain summer comfort during warm weather.

Traction

When it comes to distance, using appropriate traction while going on kayak tours is important when choosing footwear. The issue of safety is of paramount importance when selecting a type of shoe with sufficient grip. In any case, you should choose shoes with enough grip on the sole and prefer primarily rubber. The type of shoes that ought to be worn during launching or pulling out of the boat from the landing should not slip. Furthermore, you feel somewhat more assured that you won’t fall if you have to traverse trails and rocks. In any level of expertise for kayaking, it is required to select the outfits that have correct cleats for your shoes.

Terrain

It is important to consider the geography you expect to experience when you are out for your kayaking adventure. If you are planning to kayak through relatively smoothly with properly marked pathways, then you can wear any type of shoes that you might feel most comfortable in. Although sometimes you will need to climb through rocks or if you are likely to push the boat through shallow waters, you need shoes that do not slip and are sturdy. With regard to footwear, the rougher the overland, the sturdier the shoes has to be.

During your kayaking trip in the winter if you think you will trek some distance then it is advisable to wear waterproof shoes. This will help you avoid having moist feet and anyone with a sensitive skin knows that moisture is an enemy of comfort. First and foremost factor that you should consider is the kind of shoe to wear when you are going for kayaking.

Sandals

As for shoes, the shoe that is most commonly used while kayaing is sandals. They are portable, easily maneuverable and suitable for use especially during hot summer periods. Sandals do not have laces which makes them comfortable to wear and do not retain water after wash. If you want to find perfect sandal for kayaking, try to select sandals that have no much materials on them and don’t use plastic buckles. This will help you to have a comfort at the feet while you are on the waters. Never compromise on safety, when buying sandals it is important that they have a good grip especially when wearing them in water.

Moccasins

Moccasins are also worn by people who are involved in kayaking because they’re the best when it comes to keeping the feet warm and dry. They have been worn by water enthusiasts or more specifically boaters since 1917 and according to some, they are the most practical kayaking shoes. Moccasins are insulative, which goes a long way in ensuring that your feet stay warm. Modern moccasins are even designed to be worn with a detachable rubber overlay that ensures your feet will not get wet. In conclusion, moccasins can be considered as comfortable and safe shoes for the kayakers.

Overshoes

Overshoes are also comfortable and can offer an additional form of protection while the safety shoes are on. These rubber footwear can be worn over sandals or sneakers, and varieties in height ranging from up to the ankle height and above. Select the appropriate height and size of the shoes to wear in order to get a comfortable and safe kayaking experience.

Socks

Socks come in handy because with any type of shoe, they can immensely improve your level of comfort. Specifically if you’re planning on doing some kayaking, it becomes rather important to ensure that your feet are warm and dry no matter the weather.

The woolen socks are very appropriate for the use during kayaking. They wear well in most situations and will protect your feet in wet and cold as well as in hot, sunny and dry weather. Wool socks are very absorbent and there is usually little sweat build up, or indeed any smell after several days, so perfect if you are going kayaking for several days and cannot easily wash your clothes on the go.

Another good option is socks that are made of waterproof as well as wind resistant fabric including Gore-Tex. These socks are most appropriate for all those people who seek to have warm and comfortable feet. Regardless of the time you choose for a kayaking in Nevada, wear several pairs of socks with you.

It is advisable to carry some woolen and Goretex socks so that you don’t feel the cold when kayaking.

Rubber Boots

So when it comes to protecting your feet from rain and winds rubber boots are the ways to go. Here you find an insulating and waterproof boots which will be useful when the weather is wet. Though they may not be the most stylish shoes especially in the hot season you will cover your head during the rainy season. Rubber boots can also be a useful when in the process of portaging or carrying your boat to or from the area where the canoe is going to be used. It is recommended to have with you a pair of rubber boots for your next outing.

Running and Hiking Shoes

If you are not willing to go for the kayaking shoes you can start with the running and hiking shoes. The clothes are also light and good for the summer seasons. But one must understand that they cannot endure soaking in water for a very long time as the parts will come apart.

Consider the following when choosing running or hiking shoes for kayaking:

• Look for shoes with good grip and traction to prevent slipping on wet surfaces.
• Choose shoes with a secure fit to prevent them from slipping off your feet.
• Avoid shoes with excessive padding, as they can become waterlogged and heavy.