Although fishing shoes aren’t often mentioned in the angling community, if you have ever had to deal with cold feet, wet feet, or lost your footing due to a fall, you will know how important it is to have the right footwear for fishing.
Are you looking for new fishing shoes?
We would love to assist you! We have you covered, no matter where you fish or what your climate is. Below are reviews of our top fishing footwear options:
A glance will show you the best fishing shoes
- HUK Rubber Waterproof Rogue Wave Mid BootsThe Best Fishing Ankle Boots for Three Seasons
- XTRATUF Performance Series 6″ Men’s Full Rubber Ankle Deck BootsThe Best Fishing Ankle Boots for Cool Weather
- Sperry H2O Skiff SneakerBest Boat Shoes For Fishing
- Columbia Drainmaker 4 Water Shoe
- Crocs Classic ClogBest Slip-On Fishing Boot
- Crocs Swiftwater Wave SandalBest Sandal for Fishing
- Grundens Deck Boss SandalThe Best Flip Flop Fishing
The Best Fishing Shoes
HUK Rubber Waterproof Rogue Wave Mid Boots – The Best Fishing Ankle Boots for Three Seasons
Fishing can be a dangerous business. There are many things to consider, from fish flinging on the deck to a cast net full of slime, blood, and other unidentifiable muck. You might also need a pair of mesh fabric sneakers to keep your feet happy in colder weather.
HUK has your back with the Rogue Wave mid boot. You can be sure your feet are dry with the rubber and neoprene uppers coated in a DWR (essentially, a water-repellent film). These are waterproof and can be cleaned with a few drops of dish detergent and a hose at the end.
You’ll be able to clean up your mess quickly if you have ever seen your feet covered in blood from tuna or a big red.
These boots are made by HUK and will last for years. They can withstand anything, even long hikes. These boots will last years if you use them for fishing. They can withstand salt and the sun without a problem.
The HUK Rogue Wave boots can be used in wet or cool conditions. Although they aren’t insulated these boots will keep your feet dry and warm throughout all three seasons. For hot weather, I would recommend white, and I would skip the waterproof mid-boot if you are working on a crab or shrimp boat.
These boots are flat-soled and grippy so you can count on traction. They should also provide firm footing on any liquid other than blood or slime.
I recommend ordering one size larger if you have thicker socks or wider feet.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Comfortable
- It is easy to clean
- Great grip
- Beautiful color options
- Three seasons are covered by this warm coat
Cons
- For wide feet, the sizing can be restrictive. Order up
XTRATUF Performance Series 6″ Men’s Full Rubber Ankle Deck Boots – The Best Fishing Ankle Boots for Cool Weather
Although you may not be familiar with the XTRATUF name, if you are a commercial fisherman from Alaska, there is a good chance you are. XTRATUF boots are an ankle-high option for hardworking professionals who know all the intricacies of angling.
These professionals rely on XTRATUF.
These boots combine rubber and neoprene to provide waterproof protection and warmth. XTRATUF’s boots are ideal for cooler weather and winter conditions. The boots have a breathable liner and a rubber exterior that limits sweating.
These boots will make your feet sweltering in warm weather.
They are super easy to clean and can be washed with a hose and detergent if needed.
These boots have super soft, grippy soles. Although they are often criticized for being too short, many customers love them and use them as street shoes. These boots provide great traction and are ideal for boat decks. The sole compound is soft because hard rubber can slip.
You can expect to use your boots for many years if you keep them for their intended purpose.
XTRATUF deck boots are great for fishermen who prefer to fish in cooler waters. If you are half-size, order up.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Comfortable
- It is easy to clean
- Great grip
- Beautiful color options
- Winter: Warm enough
Cons
- It’s way too hot for hot weather
Sperry H2O Skiff Sneaker – Best Boat Shoes For Fishing
Sperry is a trusted brand in boat shoes. However, for fishing, I would choose something like the H2O sneaker. They are built for water and can withstand a lot of abuse without batting an eye.
The H2O Skiff’s uppers are water-resistant, made with hydrophobic materials. They shed water just like a duck dog. Sperry is adamant that Mother Nature loves those words and has designed a perforated footbed that drains water quickly from the feet to help with this.
They dry quickly so that even if you do get squished or take a quick dip in the water while launching, your feet won’t be wet for the rest of the day. This is a huge deal and I highly recommend them.
These sneakers are lightweight and comfortable. The sizing is also accurate. These shoes are great for cooler temperatures. I would recommend the HUK to anyone who is looking to wear them. But, when it’s hot and the mercury is rising these will keep your feet cool.
Sperry has decades of experience in wet-deck traction and these shoes are well-suited for slippery and steep launches.
The downside?
If they become really filthy, these shoes are not the easiest to clean. They can’t be machine washed, and Sperry won’t allow it. A soak in soapy water with a brush is a better choice, but the mesh will attract slime, blood, and scales.
The Sperry is a great choice if you like sneaker-style fishing shoes. However, it’s important to take care not to make a mess.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Quick-drying
- Great grip
- Very cool for summer
Cons
- It is difficult to thoroughly clean
Columbia Drainmaker 4 Water Shoe
Water shoes are not all created equal. Among the many models of waterproof footwear, some models are designed to protect your feet against underwater hazards.
Columbia’s Drainmaker 4, which I would not recommend for streetwear or hiking, is a great choice as an angling shoe.
These water shoes are great for those who like sneakers. The rubberized sole provides great traction on pitching decks and wet surfaces thanks to its rubberized upper. These shoes, like the Sperrys, were made to be wet and dry quickly.
They won’t be as easy to clean as the Sperrys, especially if you make them very funky. They will eventually smell, so unless you are a very meticulous angler, it might be worth looking for footwear that is easier to clean.
These shoes are comfortable and offer excellent comfort.
Durability is good, especially when you consider that these shoes are not meant for running, hiking, or walking but for watersports such as angling.
The Sperrys may not be enough for you. Give the Columbia Drainmaker 4 another chance. You’ll be glad you did.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Quick-drying
- Great grip
- Very cool for summer
Cons
- It is difficult to thoroughly clean
Crocs Classic Clog – The Best Slip-On For Fishing
Croc’s classic Croc clog is a must-have for anglers.
Let’s start with the obvious. They’re light, comfortable, and easy to clean. They won’t be damaged by water, and slime and blood can easily be cleaned up with a little detergent.
This is 90% of what makes a great fishing shoe!
You have a great choice for warm-weather angling.
The classic Croc has poor traction. My Crocs can slip on wet tiles and other slippery surfaces when they have worn down the sole. Although I doubt that you will have the same issue on concrete boat launches or wet decks, I recommend replacing them whenever necessary.
Some people find their feet shifting inside the Croc when they get wet. If you don’t pay attention, this can lead to problems.
A light color is best for angling in heat; hot sun and dark plastic don’t mix well!
Pros
- It’s affordable!
- Comfortable
- It is extremely easy to clean
- Good grip
- Very cool for summer
Cons
- When the tread wears or your feet become wet, traction can be affected.
Crocs Swiftwater Wave SandalBest Sandal for Fishing
You don’t like the Croc clog but you like the idea.
Crocs have your back with the Swiftwater Wave sandal.
The Swiftwater Wave sandal is basically a full-heel-strap version of a clog, but with a modified sole. It’s a great option for angling, especially when it comes to lighter colors. These sandals are as comfortable to wear and clean as the Croc and as resistant to salt and water damage. They’re a great option for warm-weather fishing.
Swiftwater Wave’s sole and footbed are flatter than those of the Croc. This gives it a more comfortable feel and a better foot position. These sandals don’t have a beefy underfoot and are not designed for hiking, rock-running, or kayaking. They’re best suited for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
The grip is great, but there are the same limitations as for the standard clog.
Pros
- It’s affordable!
- Comfortable
- It is extremely easy to clean
- Good grip
- Very cool for summer
Cons
- When the tread wears or your feet become wet, traction can be affected.
Grundens Deck Boss Sandal – The Best Flip Flop Fishing
Grundens Deck Boss, a great choice if you like flip-flops!
Flip flops are a must-have for fishermen like me. They can’t stand hot and clammy feet. Grundens is a top performer if you ask them.
The Deck Boss is equipped with a high-traction rubber sole, which is designed for use on wet boat decks. The footbed is not what you would expect. It is a closed-cell PE/EVA proprietary footbed that is essentially soft thermoplastic and is designed for marine applications.
This is a fact I agree with. These flip flops can be very comfortable, provided you apply sunscreen to your feet. You shouldn’t even attempt to get a foot rash.
Flip flops can be walked on with grip. This means that the point of most failure is when there is traction between your foot (or the footbed). Flip flops won’t protect your feet or the footbed from blood and slime so angling can be dangerous.
For easy cleaning, I wouldn’t place the Deck Boss next to the HUK or Croc options. However, it is probably a little better than the Sperry.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Quick-drying
- Excellent grip for flip-flops
- Cool for summer
Cons
- It is difficult to thoroughly clean
- You won’t be able to keep your feet clean.
- Sunscreen is a must!
What to Look for When Buying Shoes for Fishing
Durability
Your footwear will take a beating while fishing. Shoes are not designed to withstand the elements of sun, salt, and water.
I seek fishing shoes that are as tough and durable as a good steak.
- Seam durabilityAny seams must be joined securely, using either strong adhesives or tough stitching. It doesn’t really matter how strong the shoe is: if one major seam fails, that’s it.
- Sole durability your fishing shoes should have tough soles. They must withstand hazards such as rocks, sharp hooks, and broken glass, but they also need to withstand the elements. The soles of your gear should be considered if you want to get years of use out of it. The soles should be secured with either adhesive or durable stitching.
- Material durability your footwear must be durable enough to withstand salt, sun, and water. Avoid leather and other synthetic materials. Instead, choose synthetics made for extreme conditions and wet wear.
Washability
Although this may not be on your first list, after a few days with fish flinging on your shoes, leaving a stinking mess in your shoes of slime, scales, and blood, you will reconsider.
What is the worst thing that could happen to your shoes?
Do yourself a favor by choosing footwear that is easy to clean.
Traction
A must-have is solid, all-weather grip
Imagine losing your feet in this fight!
It’s a great way to end a day of fishing before it gets started.
Consider a slip with your sharp fillet knife in your hand, a fall onto the splintered piling, or a trip that puts you on a railing.
Shoes that can grip wet surfaces and provide traction under all conditions are recommended.
Comfort and fit
You won’t wear the shoe if it doesn’t fit!
Because good fishing shoes should be comfortable on your feet, I also reported on the sizing information.
Last Thoughts
It is important to choose the right angling footwear. This can mean the difference between a great experience and a long, painful journey to the ER.
We hope that we have helped you to make the right choice for you. As always, we would love to hear from you.
Leave a comment below
