What's the Best Footwear for Kayaking or Canoeing?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- Get 15% off at Outdoorplay! Use code 'PaddleTV15' to get 15% of your next purchase at bit.ly/41iqxMu
Footwear in this video:
NRS Boundary Boot: bit.ly/3Lb8Clo
NRS Kicker Wetshoe: bit.ly/3H6Sjna
NRS Paddle Wetshoe: bit.ly/3V3cYhx
Astral PFD Sandal: bit.ly/41EiFVc
Gear I have tested and recommend:
Portable Kayaks:
Pakayak pakayak.com/?uap_ref=ken
Sea Eagle 385ft
Sea Eagle 393rl bit.ly/3KZxUBA
Sea Eagle 380x bit.ly/37jRbxP
Star Raven Pro: bit.ly/3LlfP2i
NRS Pike: bit.ly/3KZNBsy
Aquaglide Chelan 120: bit.ly/3N6Czo0
Aquaglide Cirrus 110: bit.ly/3LpTlxb
Aquaglide Deschutes 130: bit.ly/40yXWkG
Advanced Elements - Expedition Elite: bit.ly/3LpTlxb
Paddles:
Aqua-bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece (rec/touring) bit.ly/43KLWQb
Aqua-Bound Manta Ray Hybrid 2-piece (Rec/Touring bit.ly/41VdlND
Aqua-bound Shred (whitewater) bit.ly/3L9h04E
PFDs:
NRS Chinook PFD (fishing) bit.ly/3AaGAzS
NRS Zen PFD (whitewater) bit.ly/3odrMxK
NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec) bit.ly/41yCpK0
Dry Gear / Layers:
NRS Flux Dry Top bit.ly/41EvCyC
NRS Riptide Splash Jacket bit.ly/3L9awmd
NRS Axiom Dry Suit bit.ly/3A6RdUj
Shirts:
NRS Silkweight Long-Sleeve Shirt - Mens bit.ly/3KOMegb
NRS Guide Short Sleeve Shirt bit.ly/41jskkf
Pants:
NRS Benny Board Shorts bit.ly/41fyAtm
Footwear:
NRS Boundary Boot: bit.ly/3Lb8Clo
NRS Kicker Wetshoe: bit.ly/3H6Sjna
NRS Paddle Wetshoe: bit.ly/3V3cYhx
Astral PFD Sandal bit.ly/41EiFVc
Sunglasses: Wiley X Outdoor Sun Glasses bit.ly/3NtJQKR
Other Paddling Gear:
NRS WRSI Current Helmet bit.ly/3L90rpz
NRS Drylander Shock Cord Sprayskirt bit.ly/41g8C9l
Surf Ears Ear Plugs bit.ly/3AbMl1y
GoPro Hero 11 Black amzn.to/3ZWVXHN
Rapid Pure Purifier amzn.to/3iuIo1C
Zoleo Satellite Communicator amzn.to/3kv0hOt
NOTE: These are affiliate links in which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, but it is a great way to show your support.
Special thanks to my Global Partners for supporting my mission of helping get people on the water and creating life-long outdoor participants.
Outdoorplay: www.outdoorplay.com/
NRS: www.nrs.com/
Wiley X: www.wileyx.com/
Check out our full Paddling Gear Guide here: in4adventure.com/paddling-buy...
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For canoeing, growing up I just wore... sneakers with socks. But I was not the one putting in and taking out, or really needed to be out of the canoe. Then as an adult I went with a classic water shoe that looks like a hiking boot or sneaker, but without socks. These work great for walking around but I found that since my pants ride up when sitting down, my ankles would always get burned from the sun. This would not be an issue kayaking though. So now I wear a rull waterproof boot with a high top which goes up my leg (like the Boundary Boot you show). And those go under my pants, not over them. It also allows for nice ankle support since my foot tends to be bent to the side by the very nature of how my legs and feet are in the canoe. And I always warn folks about the sole, and while many water shoes have nice "drainage" there, that can also allow sticks or other objects to reach the bottom of your foot. So I would avoid them. It's about more than just if you are canoeing or kayaking, but what TYPE of canoeing or kayaking as well.
I actually like a firmer sole to spread out the pressure from my foot pegs. Otherwise my feet can get a little numb. Maybe I need to move the pegs a notch further away…
Another concern with "fit" is can your feet fit inside your cockpit with your choice of shoe.
I wear a size 13, and I have to get very form fitting footwear to fit under the deck without risking entrapment.
I like the protection of Keen sandals, but they get stuck under the deck of my sit-in kayaks. Astrals were too bulky too.
Xero made a nice 'shandal' that worked we;;, but they quit making them.
Staying on in mud is another big concern.
Over the years, I have tried several of the boot and shoe options discussed. Currently, for kayaking in cool, but not frigid water, I use an OPTION NOT MENTIONED: namely, combining a NEOPRENE SOCK INSIDE A CLOSED TOE SANDAL. I use a neoprene sock by Level Six; the water shoes with closed toe are by Keen. This sock and sandal combination protects my feet from dirt and rock at all times and provides warmth. Meanwhile, I have excellent traction with the water shoes. (I have purchased quite a few items from Outdoorplay. Thank you!)
For kayak fishing and for pulling in/out of the water a heavy kayak, I have found that I like shoes with a more substantial sole and drain well, which most of the kayak shoes don't do. Also when you are fishing in colder water, I often wear NRS Freefall dry pants, Sidewinder bibs, or drysuit with built in socks and the Boundry boots are too high and don't drain well, the Astral Rassler, Brewer, and TR1 Merge are great for dry pants, bibs, or drysuits. The Astral water shoes drain extremely well, have more substantial soles (except Hiyak, but more than most of the NRS booties), and are good in the kayak and for peddling my kayak, but get them 2 sizes larger than normal for this purpose. I wear always wear sealskin socks underneath dry sock or also in warmer weather without dry pants as they are extremely comfortable and warm if needed.
Great info! Thanks for sharing!
In cold water/weather, I wear the NRS over the ankle neoprene booty. If I have my dry suit on, these are the boots I wear with a pair of gortex socks. They are big enough for a pair of wool socks for additional warmth if needed. In warmer water/weather to hot, I wear the NRS kicker shoe, again with gortex socks. I have worn both the booty and kicker with my wetsuit as well. For me it is all about what the ambient air temperature and water temperature are. I err on the side of dressing warmer rather than risking immersion and getting cold or playing with hypothermia. That goes to learning how to kayak in the Pacific Northwest’s lakes, rivers, and Puget Sound. I don’t think I have ever had cold feet when paddling. To keep the smell down I have a boot dryer that I use and they dry out well with minimal smell. If they do get smelly, I wash them in a wetsuit/neoprene soap that is formulated to clean and get rid of the odor. So far so good.
I wore out my Solomon Amphibians. They aren't available anymore. I liked how they drained easily, and they were fine in muddy, muskeg portages. Now I'd like to find a suitable replacement.
I sea kayak here in Newfoundland. In the winter spring, I wear the NRS Paddle wet shoe. In the summer/fall, I wear the Astral Hyack. I've been using these for years, and love this setup.
One thing I didn’t hear you mention re: size/fit is that your summer shoe is probably going to be a size (or 2 or 3) smaller than your winter one that will go over a dry suit +/- a protective layer (sock).
Keen Newport H2 are great closed toe sandals for warm weather paddling. NRS ATB are my go to in cold water.
I always wear my NRS Boundry Boots when I kayak. Keeps my feet dry, and I can get out and walk in the woods too! (mine are the old style boot)
I use a boot dryer to get them ready for the next day.
Many times the next day for me is a after a night of backcountry camping. Do you have an idea's of how to get them dry in the backcountry?
I have made many of the same points for years good video thanks. I live in Florida some there is cold just not crazy cold or for months, I like the Astrald Brewer and Hijak when it cools down
You recommended the NRS Boundary boots some time ago, and I immediately bought them. No regrets at all. They are perfect for cold conditions, are warm, durable, and have a good grip when portaging. They are definitely waterproof, even if you get water inside from above. The water stays inside the shoes all day long and squishes and squashes with every step until you drain them ;-)). I wear neoprene socks in them, too, which helps a lot. Never had cold feet. I also have a middle high and short neoprene shoe for warmer conditions. If I paddle several days in a row, I take two pairs of neoprene socks with me. One pair I wear inside my neoprene shoes, while the other is drying. It is a bit warm in Summer, but better than slipping into wet shoes. Unfortunately, the shoes often take two to three days to dry. The socks dry in a day. I am considering buying one of the Astral shoes for shorter trips, as you can keep wearing them before, during and after paddling. I never wear sandals. I can't stand all the rocks, sand and pebbles they collect. They also don't give you the stability needed for portaging.
Glad to hear you're enjoying the squish factor in wet booties! :) I think you'll really like the water shoes (like Astral's) for the warmer conditions. I'm a convert.
I love those Astrals. I wear minimalist shoes most of the time, so I bought those shoes for regular wear. However, I really love them around the water. They are some of the grippiest shoes I have found when wet. I can swim easily in them and they offer just the right amount of protection.
Nice video, thank you. One one the things I need to keep in mind with my kayak shoes is the exterior size of the shoe. My kayak is relatively low volume and the isn't room for bulky shoes inside my kayak. BTW I have a sit inside Petrel Play kayak. Thanks again.
I use extre in-sole with neoprene boots. Otherwise, portaging or just walking on gravel bars/shores is a torture. Even with thick alpaca socks...
Nice roundup, with lots of useful points and tips!
The NRS boots do look like the ones to have. For the summer, a combination of the Astral shoes and the sandals is ideal - such as, for instance, the Cheyenne by Head.
After much research I decided to get the Astral Loyak’s for summertime kayak fishing. REI had no selection in my size so I ordered online. What a received was nothing short of offensive for the price. The stitching was loose everywhere, the ends unsecured and just hanging off of the shoe, even the stitching around the soles! One of those heavy sole stitches was a such a big loop that would actually be dangerous as it would certainly get caught on something, I immediately returned them. I realize they wouldn’t be in business if they were all like that but where’s the quality control?
Way down under in kiwiland I just use very basic neoprene beach shoes. Get them slightly on the small side and they hold my feet well so I can actually run in them, even though I'm not meant to run. They conform to rocks and foot pegs so great in the yak. I have a couple of pair so I can rotate them over winter when drying wont be very good. They just work for me.
I just bought those Astral Loyak shoes, glad to hear they're recommended
Great points for a great subject. I wear various high tops to keep abrasive sand out. Maybe booties or even water socks inside open toe sandals (for coral; never slips off). Sometimes high top volleyb shoes for climbing down steep seawall to launch. Most unusual is Whitin water sock shoes which has very thick yet flexible sole and thick high elastic sock (amazon). Flexibility will let you frog-kick to reboard a kayak.
Those NRS boundary boots are the best if it’s cold or inclement. My feet love them!
I've only paddled a kayak once, but done a lot of canoeing, 95% flat water so maybe not a typical paddler. My experience is that I almost always can get in and out of the canoe without getting my feet wet by choosing a good place. So, I pick my footwear based mostly on what other activities I expect to do. Most trips include at least some hiking so it's usually sneakers or some light hiking shoes.
Totally agree that boots and shoes with soles made for walking and protection your feet from rocks etc are uncomfortable in a canoe. What I do is bringing a couple of plastic shopping bags and a small foam pad. Take off the shoes before going into the canoe or just after depending on conditions. Then put the shoes in one bag for protection against splasher or rain. The foam pad goes in the bottom to protect my feet form cold water.
That's often enough, and if not then I use socks and/or a bag to keep my feet warm and dry. Tried GoreTex socks too and they work fine but can easily get too warm and is more difficult to get in and out of than just using a largish bag.
Lately, getting older, less flexible and heavier it's often more difficult than it used to getting in and out of the canoe without getting my feet wet and I've been considering wet shoes and other options. Thanks for the video and info!
I also use LL Bean boots that can be made waterproof with an oil based treatment on the leather upper. They are better to walk in on land and provide flexibility and some warmth with wood socks.
I use Adidas Terrex Hydro Lace canyoneering boots. They will keep your feet warm and their grip on wet rocks is nothing short of amazing. In a whitewater swim they can be your best piece of gear. They do have stiff soles but I like the support.
I have the NRS Boundary boots and use them in late fall and through winter, one thing people need to know when ordering a pair is they size to the same size shoe you wear every day. I ordered a size 12 and they're a little big on me but not so much that they interfere with my duties as a guide, actually they are great when wearing socks with them being a little bigger. I have a pair of closed toe TEVA water shoes but they are falling apart on me after less than a year, I'm going to be looking at the NRS shoes.
I just bought the NRS Kickers and so far I'm impressed with them. I bought a pair of TEVA water shoes last summer and they are falling apart already after about 5 months of use, hopefully the Kickers will last a long time and work better with my kayak foot pegs and being a river guide in NE Florida and the brackish water.
Hello from Guyana Ken. I've been a viewer a few years now. Here in Guyana, we have 2 rain and 2 summer seasons. Sun exposure is a big issue for me. I like the Astral shoes, but ankle coverage is important to me. Any recommendations? I bought a HUK boat shoe, which is basically a rubber boot that ends just above the ankle.
CROCS 🐊
Pls do the video on how you dry your shoes. Or even how you put away all your gear after a paddle.
I've been paddling for over 30 years and I've tried all the new foot ware fads but I always seem to come back to neoprene booties. They work the best! Sorry Astral!
Well after dropping kayaks on my toes a few times I started using off shore safety boots. (Rock Fall RF4500 Titanium Waterproof Composite Safety Boot) I find padding works better for me with a hard sole. They never last that long but my toes do !!!
Interesting! Thanks for sharing.
What about the arch support of the NRS expedition shoes. Once I wore water shoes with no arch support and my feet were killing me.
I don't know of any water shoes that have good arch support. I would assume that you'd need to get an arch support insert, as you do for most shoes.
I just ordered the Body Glove 3T Cinch for an all around water/kayak shoe. I'm excited to see how they are. I was wondering if a good way to help shoe smell/bacteria is a soak in vinegar water? Or would that just make them smell like you're wearing bags of chips on your feet?
Here's an article with some information. It's 10 years old, but still relevant. Happy stinking! www.nrs.com/learn/clean-deodorize-neoprene-wetshoes
@@PaddleTV you actually went through the trouble of digging up a link for me. That seriously awesome sauce. Great point about the enzyme soak. I added that to my cart. Thank you man. Above and beyond
I’m probably awful, but I tend to take my shoes off when I am in the kayak. I tend to wear crocs and then take them off once I’m in the boat- but I’m mostly doing warm weather paddling.
I wear the Crocs Swiftwater Sandal when I kayak.
Well if you flip that yak you'll wish you had them on. Don't say it won't happen. Ask people that have been flipped.
@@jerrys576 why do I need shoes on in a lake? I do say that about life jackets, but shoes?
@@chrismcduffie4888 likewise. They have the toe protection and drain water really easily, and the sole’s,grip is good when portaging 👍
Ken, anything you can recommend for a kayak fisherman who will exit the kayak to wade fish at times?? I'm thinking something that offers adequate protection, but drains quickly for kayak re-entry as well. Thanks. love your channel.
Thanks Bob. Unless the water is cold, I would use a water shoe like the Astral Loyal. If the water was colder, I would use a neoprene boot of some type.
I’m new to kayaking but I bought a pair of crocs.
i would consider one of the new lightweight wading shoes from a fly fishing company like Simms or Orvis.
Wool socks are the most important footwear. They keep the pebbles and sand away from the skin and keep the stink down.
After destroying Astral's Rassler, Brewer, and Loyak, an instructor-trainer turned me on to the Altama Marine Assault Shoe. They fit true, have a firm and grippy sole, offer great protection, can be found for half the cost of my beloved Astrals, and are nearly indestructible.
I just got my first Dry Pants ( NRS Free fall Pant with booties) and NRS Paddle Wetshoes for cold water paddling. I wear a size 9 1/2 shoe and bought a size 11 to accommodate the bootie. The bootie is 2 to 3 inches bigger than my foot. When I slip my foot with bootie into the paddling shoe it forces my toes against the bootie which then feels very uncomfortable. I have experimented with putting the booties into the Wetshoe first and then putting my foot into the bootie already in the Wetshoe. This seems to work better but I can still have crinkled and bunched up bootie on the bottom or side of my foot which still feels uncomfortable. Is there some trick to this? Please help!
:) This is a common challenge. What I do, is put by foot heel as far back into the bootie as I can, so there's a bunch of extra material at the toes. I then fold the extra material at the toes over (lightly) and put the wet shoe on. I then wiggle my toes and slide my foot forward in the bootie to 'free' the folded material around the toes so that my toes don't feel constricted. It's hard to explain... but the trick is putting the wet shot on with her heel in the back of the bootie, so that your toes don't get jammed.
Something that won't make you drown like bricks on your feet. Just a simple light shoe where water runs out of it and you can take off easily. Works for me.
The astral loyak water shoe is that the mesh shoe?? or cavas??
It's the canvas shoe.
The biggest challenge for me is shoes that won't soak my feet on day trips. You need shoes to protect you from glass, iron etc. But in winter, your feet have to stay warm enough for at least 4 to 8 hours. I haven't discovered them yet. Even with 8 degrees Celcius, you will get cold feet after 5 hours. But in summer, your constant wet feet will give you other problems.
The tall boots called Chotas/ NRS boundary boot, waterproof and flexible, buy em bigger to put a wool or fleece sock. Spray regularly with waterproofer for longer life. Don't tuck in your pants, as water drips down into the boot.
I bought a pair of crocs for kayaking.
Thanks Ken.... I've just ordered a pair of Gul All Purpose Lace 5mm Wetsuit Boots BLACK RED after watching this vid. Drinking and watching youtube shouldn't be allowed !!
Ha! Maybe it should be encouraged?
@@PaddleTV You were right !!! They are much better !!
Honestly is almost like Crocs were made for warm weather kayaking.
This is good. Just say it out-right: wear a closed water shoe. Rocks, sand, spiders, sticker bushes, sticks, poison ivy, snakes, bugs. Straps get caught. Snapping turtles/ crabs think toes are food.
Finally picked up the NRS Boundary boots and used them for a kayak camp this past weekend... (th-cam.com/video/LMZq74uMivU/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared) I LOVE THEM!!! Thanks for the tip and they work great for the marshy areas in which I have to launch and recover in Florida and South Georgia. 😁
Great to hear! :)
Flip flops are the worst. Iv seen them slip up all the way around peoples ankles in the mud. Never barefoot, lots of bad stuff thrives in the hot summer months in the river. A open cut on your foot in river water could cost you your leg, or possibly your life.
noise 😓