Best Fishing Shoes: A Review of the top Five Pair
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Introduction
When it comes to finding the right fishing shoes there is a lot to consider. I know, I know, they are just shoes, but anyone that is also a hunter or general outdoorsman here knows that shoes are important, and fishing shoes are no exception to that rule.
Fishing shoes are meant to keep your feet as dry as possible, comfortable as possible, and allow as much airflow as possible.
These are some of the key components that this article will cover.
At the start of this article there is a summary table, if you just want to get the highlights that is a great place to start. After that there will be a break down of all the best fishing shoes in detail.
Then at the end of the article there are details describing how you should choose the best pair of shoes for fishing and key components to look for.
I hope this article can help you, thanks for reading.
Comparison Table
Table could not be displayed.#1 Columbia Mens Drain Maker: Best Overall
Overall, these are great fishing shoes. This lineup of shoes has a great reputation for good grip on the bottom. This means that these are fantastic for rock fishing. These shoes also have a solid toe protector, so if you happen to stub your toe on those rocks while you are fishing then it shouldn’t beat your toe up too much.
This is a very lightweight shoe that breathes easily. All of this is great because it means that they will dry super quick for your next day of use, and it also means that they won’t get super stinky like some other fishing shoes out there after they get wet.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
Columbia Mens Drain Maker: Best Overall Fishing Shoes
If you are looking for a fishing shoe that can also be a hiking shoe then these Columbia shoes are worth looking into. They are comfortable, breathable, lightweight, and they dry super quick.
The only drawback to these shoes is the price. When you slap the Columbia name on a pair of shoes the price tag will typically go up, as it does with any reputable brand.
#2 Merrell Mens All Out Blaze: Most Versatile
When it comes to good fishing shoes, you want them to be versatile so you can wear them fishing, hiking, casually, and for fitness. These shoes are exactly that. The look of the shoe makes it so you aren’t embarrassed by them so you can wear them casually. Also, they are comfortable and strong enough to be worn as a trail shoe, while breathable and light enough to be worn as a fishing shoe.
That is why these are the most versatile shoes on this list, they are so dynamic and have so many great features that they can be used for so many things. This is nice because then you aren’t spending a good amount of money on a pair of shoes that have just one purpose.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
Merrell All out Mens Fishing Shoe: Most Versatile
When it comes to versatility, these shoes are the definition of it. You can use these shoes to hike, fish, run, hike, whatever you want to do with them, you can likely do.
These fishing shoes are strong, supportive, comfortable, and extremely breathable. The Merrell name has been around for a long time in the shoe world, and they are known for their durability.
The only trouble with this shoe is that sand will get in them fairly easily, the mesh doesn’t do much to keep sand out.
Overall, you won’t be disappointed in these shoes.
#3 Shimano Fishing Shoe: Best Value
The Shimano fishing shoe is a unique take on fishing shoes. These shoes have an open concept, meaning there isn’t mesh between the solid components of the shoe, it is just open. These shoes are made of a foam like material that is extremely comfortable and 100% waterproof, meaning they won’t stick after being wet.
The insole is 100% waterproof and is removable to decrease the time it takes for these shoes to dry.
Because of what the shoe is made of, they are ultra lightweight, coming in at 9oz per shoe. Surprisingly that have a lot of support throughout the shoe, especially in the arch, so you can fish for a long time without sore feet the next day.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
Shimano Fishing Shoe: Best Value
This is a great fishing shoe. It can be used in many other ways too. It is one of the only durable fishihng shoes with an open croc like concept, but it isn’t a croc I promise.
This shoe is extremely comfortable, waterproof, breathable, and sturdy. The foam like material is unique and very comfortable. You can also remove the sole from the rest of the shoe (which is a one piece) and the shoe will dry a lot quicker.
The price and qualities of this shoe are what make it the best value fishing shoe.
#4 Duck and Fish Mens Wading Shoe: Most Rugged
So, these boots are actually designed for wading and getting water in them. They have a strong exterior, but using these shoes means you should probably be using some wading pants with them, if you are going to be immersing your feet into the water with these fishing shoes on.
These are some of the only shoes on this list with high ankle support, which comes in handy when you are out on the rocks and run the risk of spraining your ankle.
Another cool thing about these fishing shoes is that they have a hardened toe cap, which once again is a great feature to have when moving around on the rocks and in the water itself.
These shoes are made for wading, but they would also make great rock/shore fishing shoes cause of their design.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
Duck and Fish Mens Wading/Fishing shoes: Most Rugged
Overall this is a great pair of boots for fishing. They are a lot different then the other shoes on this list, as they are primarily designed for wading, but I have used my wading boots and pants many times for shore/rock fishing.
The great thing about these boots is that they provide good ankle and toe support to a level that no other pair of shoes on this list does, this is why these are the most rugged fishing shoes on this list.
#5 Body Glove Barefoot Fishing Shoe: Most Comfortable
This rod has an aeroglass component to it similarly to the Ugly Stick rod mentioned above. When it comes to the quality of spinning rods, it doesn’t get much better in terms of quality per money spent then this rod.
This rod is one of the cheapest rods out there in terms of the price, but the quality and ability of this rod is exceptional. One of my personal favorite things about this spinning rod is the fact that the guides are aluminum oxide, meaning the line will slide nicely through them making for very efficient and smooth casts and retrievals every single time. If you are looking for a rod that is a great price and great quality, then it really doesn’t get much better than the Shimano Solara Spinning Rod.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
Body Glove Barefoot water/fishing shoes: Most comfortable
Alright, when it comes to fishing shoes I will be the first to say, the Body Glove brand doesn’t come to my mind initially. These shoes are great quality though and they definitely have their place in the fishing shoe world.
These shoes are perfectly designed for small pebble or sand beaches/shores, meaning if you are into river fishing or sea fishing where you are mostly on the shore then these are a great option for you.
These shoes are super comfortable and allow for easy movement in the sand and small rocks.
Overall, these are the most comfortable fishing shoes on this list.
Choosing your fishing shoes
Material
Mesh is the most common material when it comes to fishing shoes. This material is great because it allows breathability, flexibility, and is easy to dry which is so key when it comes to shoes getting wet. When it comes to finding the ideal fishing shoe for you, mesh should be one if not the main material that the shoes are made of.
Leather is another common material that these kinds of shoes are made of. The good thing about leather is its strength. It will help keep the shoe durable and strong. This is a great type of material to have as the structural material around your foot, with the mesh in-between the sections of leather.
Neoprene is another material that you will often find in this kind of shoes. It is a synthetic type of rubber, making it flexible and strong, and most importantly in this situation neoprene is waterproof. This is also a great structural material to be used in conjunction with mesh.
Grip
This means the grip of the sole. This is so important to consider, especially when considering the type of fishing you will be doing. If you will be out on the rocks or walking in the river bed itself then you absolutely need to make sure the shoes have a great grip to their sole.
Most of the soles are going to be a combination of rubber and felt. The rubber gives the sole strength, while the felt gives the sole the ability to grab onto objects. The design of the grip is also extremely important. Many of the shoes designed for water have a fairly aggressive style to their grip to help avoid slipping on the rocks, in the boat, or really wherever you are walking with water.
Support
This refers to the support in all areas of the shoe, but ultimately the insole and the ankle are important areas for you to think about first.
If you are anything like me, when you are fishing you don’t want to just do it real quick and leave. Fishing can take some time, so if you are out standing for atleast a few hours you want your feet to be comfortable and avoid next day soreness in your arch especially. Make sure the shoes you choose have good arch support.
Also, look for good support in the toes and heel area, since these places are where you will apply a lot of pressure throughout the day.
If you are looking for some great shoes for fishing, then you should consider the support of the shoe.
Comfort
Obviously any shoe you buy you want them to be comfortable, and when you are looking for a good pair of shoes that can get wet when fishing then comfort is something you should not be sacrificing.
Versatility
You likely don’t want shoes that serve just one purpose right? Why not buy shoes that can be used for fishing, hiking, and boating? The more uses the better in my opinion, but be careful because if the shoe claims it can do everything well, then it likely won’t do anything super great. Focus on the shoe being made for fishing primarily, but adding those other components in can be useful.
Durability
When we buy any type of fishing gear, we definitely want the product to last right? It is the worst when we buy somethignt that we use 3-5 times and it breaks in some way. Durability has a lot to do with purchasing a good pair of wet shoes, especially if you plan on fishing on rocks or other rough terrain.
Make sure your fishing gear will last.
Types of Fishing shoes
Mesh
This is the most common kind of shoe for fishing, and with good reason.
As I mentioned above, mesh is key to the overall function of shoes that are designed to get wet. You will see mesh incorporated into almost all types of fishing shoes (with a few exceptions).
Waders
These are typically boot style shoes, that’s because wader or wading shoes/boots are designed for wading, so you need good support if you are going to be cruising around in the river where you can’t see what you are stepping on.
Deck
These kinds of wet/fishing shoes have a more casual look to them, but with an aggressive grip and sole on the bottom. This kind of shoe is designed for the deck of a boat, hence the more casual design to them.
Clogs
This is the “croc” looking shoe. Kind of like the shimano shoes above, this is meant for total waterproofing. This is a great design, but is best used in warmer climates.
Water Shoes
This kind of shoe is like the Body glove shoe mentioned above. They are what you think of when you think of shoes in the pool or at the beach. They are almost completely mesh with a rubber bottom, not the most rugged design but a great shoe for more sandy type terrains.
Related FAQ’s
Can you wear water shoes all day?
It used to be that water/fishing shoes were designed to only be used while in the water, but now a days these shoes are great for all kinds of activities.
Many of these types of shoes have enough support and are stylish enough that the angler can wear them all day.
Are fishing shoes worth it?
Absolutely! Both fishing and water shoes are well worth the money. They keep your feet protected in the water and their air dry design prevents a lot of issues like athletes feet.
Should water/fishing shoes be tight or loose?
Similar to gloves , shoes shouldn’t be too tight, as they won’t allow air circulation, but also should be slipping off because that can create friction points and cause blisters as well as cause injury if they shoes are slipping around too much.
Should you wear socks with water/fishing shoes?
Typically no, you shouldn’t wear socks with your water/fishing shoes. This is because the shoes are designed to keep your feet as dry as possible, if you put on cotton socks that just hold the water in them then you are fighting against the natural purpose of fishing/water shoes.
What should I wear for fishing?
This question is dependent on what type of fishing you are doing. The kind of shoe needs to match the activity, as well as the rest of your clothes. Fly fishing gear is much different then fishing from the beach or shore.
What are the top brands of fishing shoes?
If I had to name the top 3 brands of fishing shoes I would say, Columbia, Merrill, and shimano are the top 3 brands for sure.
Do I really need fishing shoes?
This is a very common question, and most of the time the answer will be yes. If you like to hang out on the shore of a small mountain lake, then you likely don’t need fishing shoes, but if you are on a beach, in a river, or a rocky shore near water then you will definitely want a good pair of fishing shoes.
What kind of sole should be on my fishing shoe?
Most fishing shoes have soles that are made of rubber and/or a combination of rubber and felt. This is important because the rubber creates a flexible and durable sole for your shoe, while the felt if added creates a great grip system for grabbing onto those rocks and tough surfaces to walk on.
What are the best shoes for rock fishing?
The Merrell shoes mentioned above are a fantastic option when it comes to rock fishing, also the Shimano shoes are a good choice. These are the go to shoes for rock fishing because they have great support, are made of a strong material, and also have great grip and overall versatility.
What kind of shoes do you wear fishing?
Ultimately the answer to this question depends on what kind of fishing you are planning on doing, but the list of 5 shoes above is a great list. The only one that is questionable and would really only be used in sandy/beach pebble type of fishing is going to be the body glove shoes.
Conclusion
When you are looking for a great pair of fishing shoes there are a lot of things to consider. This article has covered the typical types of shoes, the best fishing shoes, and a lot of related questions. I hope this article has been helpful for you and can ultimately make you an informed buyer of your next pair of fishing shoes.
Good luck fishing
Sean
