When it comes to boating, having the right footwear is crucial for both comfort and safety. High-quality boat shoes are a must-have, offering functionality and style. Whether you're an avid angler or simply enjoy leisurely moments on the water, finding the perfect pair is essential. In this article, we present a roundup of the best boat shoes in various categories, from waterproof options to those designed for men and women. Discover the top picks, including the Grundens Sea Knit for overall excellence and the Hey Dude Men's Wally for those on a budget.
Best Overall: Grundens Sea Knit
Key Features
- Sizes: 8 to 13 Men’s
- Thick, EVA foam sole
- Seamless, nylon knit upper
- Non-marking sole
Why It Made The Cut
Grundens Sea Knit is the top choice for best boat shoe due to its unique appearance, superior shock absorption, and stretchy upper that provides excellent support.
Pros
- Cool colors
- Comfortable footbed
- Quick drying
- Easy to put on and take off
Cons
Product Description
When I first laid eyes on the bright blue shoes with thick black soles of Grundens Sea Knit boat shoe, I couldn't help but laugh. They looked unlike any boat shoes I had ever seen. However, once I put them on, they instantly became my new favorite. Beyond their eye-catching appearance, these shoes are designed to provide the utmost comfort. The seamless, knit upper stretches to perfectly hug my feet while providing necessary support. The material is highly breathable and dries quickly. My favorite feature is the thick EVA soles, which effectively absorb shock and protect my back and legs from vibrations while I navigate my boat. These shoes are so comfortable that I often choose to wear them when running errands or strolling around town with my family.
Best Waterproof: Sperry Cutwater
Key Features
- Waterproof rubber upper
- Stretchy neoprene collar
- Molded foam midsole
- Non-marking sole
- Size up if you’re a half size
Why It Made The Cut
The Sperry Cutwater deck boot is the best waterproof boat shoe, prioritizing both comfort and convenience.
Pros
- Soft rubber upper
- Razor-siped outsole
- Hydrophobic material
Cons
Product Description
Every angler needs a pair of ankle-high deck boots. These versatile rubber boots from Sperry are perfect for tough days on the water, boat maintenance, and working around the yard. The Cutwater deck boot takes a fresh approach to traditional boat shoes. I appreciate the shallow channels and razor-siped outsole that provide excellent traction on the deck without tracking dirt onto the boat. The reinforced heel offers enhanced support, while the thin and stretchy rubber toe ensures flexibility. Additionally, the neoprene collar not only keeps water out but also allows for easy removal of the boots at the end of the day. My only minor complaint is that the finger loops are a bit small, which can make it slightly challenging to pull on the boots with larger fingers.
Best Breathable: Astral Loyak AC
Key Features
- Hydrophobic canvas upper
- EVA foam midsole
- Low profile
- Non-marking outsole
- Mesh tongue and vamp
- Lugged soles
Why It Made The Cut
The Astral Loyak AC is an all-terrain boat shoe that seamlessly transitions from the dock to the water to the trail.
Pros
- Super light
- Thin sole
- Quick dry
Cons
Product Description
Astral's Loyak AC is my go-to shoe for kayak fishing and spending afternoons with my family on the sandbar. These boat shoes excel in wading, walking on sandy surfaces, and stand-up fishing on my kayak. My favorite feature is the thin rubber sole, which allows me to feel the deck beneath my feet, improving balance and grip while standing and fishing in my kayak. The Loyak AC features a mesh tongue and vamp with drainage holes in the toe and heel for quick water expulsion and fast drying. The sturdy canvas uppers protect my feet and repel water. The shoe's level footbed and wide toe box ensure a natural foot position, resembling walking barefoot in the sand. The wide footbed has one minor disadvantage—the insole tends to pop out when I take off the shoes, but overall, it's a minor inconvenience.
Best Athletic: Under Armour Micro G Kilchis
Key Features
- Weight: 9 ounces
- Rubber outsole
- Drainage ports
- Micro G foam midsoles
- Non-marking outsoles
Why It Made The Cut
The Under Armour Micro G Kilchis combines the appearance of a running shoe with the performance of a boat shoe, staying true to Under Armour's sporty roots.
Pros
- Contoured footbed
- Welded upper
- Reasonable price
Cons
Product Description
Leave it to the sporting-goods giant Under Armour to design a boat shoe that looks like a running shoe. The Micro G Kilchis fishing shoe from Under Armour packs impressive features at an affordable price. The water-resistant mesh uppers are highly breathable and dry quickly. The non-marking outer sole keeps the boat deck clean, while the channels aid in water removal. Internal channels lead to drainage ports, keeping the inside of the shoe dry. Under Armour incorporated the soft and contoured Micro G midsole into the Kilchis for superior comfort and support. While the Kilchis may resemble a classic jogging shoe, it possesses all the qualities of an exceptional boat shoe.
Best for Men: Columbia Dorado CVO PFG Shoe
Why It Made the Cut
These stylish Columbia Dorado CVO PFG Shoes are the perfect choice for all-day wear, featuring stain-resistant fabric and added support.
Key Features
- Sizes: 7-15
- Colors: Oxford Tan, Black
- Sole Design: Omni grip sole with razor siping
Pros
- Stylish design
- Water and stain-resistant
- EVA lower foam for extra cushioning
Cons
Columbia offers a wide variety of boat shoes, but the Dorado CVO PFG shoe stands out among the rest. Part of Columbia's Performance Fishing Gear line, this shoe is specifically designed with fishing in mind. The soles feature Blood'n Guts technology, which repels blood, water, and dirt to keep the shoes looking clean. The shoe itself boasts a stylish design reminiscent of street shoes, but it is constructed with quick-drying material. In fact, they are even suitable for wet wading as they dry quickly. The outsole has a razor siping design, increasing surface area contact to improve grip. Despite being a flat shoe, the insole support is surprisingly impressive. Even after spending several days poling a skiff, my feet and back feel remarkably strong.
Best for Women: Columbia PFG Tamiami Shoe
Why It Made the Cut
The Columbia PFG Tamiami Shoe is a sneaker-style boat shoe designed specifically for women, offering excellent ventilation and sticky soles.
Key Features
- Sizes: 5-12
- Colors: Titanium, Grey Ice, White
- Sole Design: Omni grip sole with razor siping
Pros
- Great ventilation
- Stain-resistant
- Comfortable insoles
Cons
When it comes to finding boat shoes specifically tailored for women, options are often limited. However, Columbia has developed several options, including the Tamiami shoe designed exclusively for women. This shoe offers all the features commonly seen in Columbia boat shoes, such as the Omni grip sole, Blood'n Guts stain resistance, and ample ventilation. It is available in multiple colors catering to women anglers and comes in sizes 5-12, including half sizes. These shoes are designed to get wet and dry quickly. The drain ports in the sole facilitate rapid water removal and promote air circulation, ensuring fast drying. Even without socks, these shoes provide incredible comfort and are ready for any water-related activity.
Best for Fishing: Huk Rogue Waves
Why It Made the Cut
The Huk Rogue Waves are fully waterproof, non-slip deck boots that excel in any season or conditions.
Key Features
- Sizes: 7-14
- Colors: Grey, Blue, White, Mossy Oak Bottomland
- Sole Design: GripX Wet Traction
Pros
- 100% Waterproof
- Extremely comfortable
- Various color options
Cons
The Huk Rogue Waves are my ultimate choice for long days on the water. These slip-on deck boots provide ample support while remaining easy to slip on and off. The thin neoprene lining inside the boots keeps my feet dry and warm, even in cold weather. They keep my feet completely dry, even on the wettest boat deck, and offer excellent traction. These boots are fully waterproof and can be submerged without allowing a single drop through. In fact, I have even used them for turkey hunting and found them to be surprisingly effective. The only downside is that they can become a bit too warm on hot summer days.
Best Budget: Hey Dude Men’s Wally
Why It Made the Cut
The Hey Dude Men's Wally boat shoes are an excellent choice for those on a budget. These boat shoes offer a traditional style and are affordably priced. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes, ensuring there is an option for everyone. Comfort is a priority with these shoes, as they are designed to provide a comfortable fit.
Key Features
- Sizes: Available in sizes 8 to 15
- Colors: Natural Blue, Steel, Ice grey, Natural white, Slate, and more
- Sole Design: Manmade Sole
Pros
- Affordable price for boat shoes
- Wide variety of sizes and colors to choose from
- Flexible sole and toe box for added comfort
Cons
- May lose some traction when wet
The Hey Dude Men's Wally boat shoe offers a traditional boat shoe style at a budget-friendly price. Unlike traditional boat shoes that are made entirely of leather and can be uncomfortable, these shoes utilize modern materials to provide affordability and comfort. The cloth-lined interior helps to keep your feet dry and comfortable, and the memory foam insole adds extra cushioning. The only drawback is that the sole may lose traction when wet. These shoes are best suited for pleasure boaters or casual sailors who prioritize comfort over heavy-duty functionality.
When choosing the best boat shoes, it is important to consider certain factors. The comfortability of the shoes is crucial, especially for long days spent on the water. Boat shoes should provide support and be breathable to ensure dry and comfortable feet, even when worn without socks. Additionally, waterproofness is a key feature to look for. Some shoes are completely waterproof, while others are designed to dry quickly. Both options have their advantages, depending on personal preference and intended use. The type of sole is also important, as it should offer good traction to prevent slipping on wet surfaces. Non-marking soles are also beneficial to protect boat surfaces.
With its affordability, comfort, and classic design, the Hey Dude Men's Wally boat shoe is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly choice without compromising on style or comfort.
In conclusion, when it comes to high-quality boat shoes, there is a wide range of options available. Whether you're looking for comfort, durability, or specific features like waterproof or breathability, there is a boat shoe on this list that will suit your needs. From the Grundens Sea Knit, which is the best overall pick, to the Hey Dude Men's Wally, which is a great budget option, you can find a shoe that meets your criteria without compromising on style or performance. So, gear up and get ready to set sail with confidence, knowing that you've got the best boat shoes on your feet.
