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Boat shoes have always been synonymous with holey, dirty, and stinky for me. My first boat shoes were a pair of mismatched Converse Allstars. After a summer of hard fishing, those shoes could walk on their own. Now, the competition to create the ultimate boat shoe has produced next level footwear that is comfortable and quick-drying; a far cry from holey, dirty and stinky. Check out my picks for the best boat shoes, your feet will thank you.
- Best Boat Shoe Overall: Columbia Castback TC
- Best Boat Shoe for Women: XtraTuf Women’s Sharkbyte 2.0 Eco
- Best Budget Boat Shoe: Magellan Outdoors Tidewater
- Best Short Deck Boot: AFTCO Ankle Deck Boot
- Best Lightweight Deck Boot: Gill Hydro Short Boot
- Best New Deck Boot: Under Armour Shoreman Deck Boot
- Best Tall Deck Boot: Grundens Crewman Deck Boot
- Best Deck Boot for Women: Huk Women’s Rogue Wave
- Best Hybrid Wading Shoe: Simms Pursuit
- Best All-Terrain Water Shoe: Astral Hiyak
How I Tested the Best Boat Shoes
I’m lucky to have a perfect boat shoe test course in my backyard. Fishing out of Virginia Beach, I can test deck boots from the fall drum run to winter striper run. Mid-Atlantic heat and humidity put deck shoes through the gauntlet. For the ultimate test of boots, I fish for bluefin tuna in late February. Pounding offshore in my center console or creeping into the backwaters in my kayak present diverse obstacles for boat shoes. But slippery decks and saltwater are only half the course, the best boat shoes also need to look good and wear well on land. From washing up the boat to trips to the garden store and evenings at the dockside cafe, the best boat shoes are at home on land and at sea.
Best Boat Shoes: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Columbia Castback TC
Ric Burnley
Key Features
- Omni-Grip sole
- Omni-Max traction
- Stain-Shield upper
Pros
- Stain resistant
- Stable foot bed
- Shock absorption
Cons
- Reduced stability
- No drain holes
For the past few years I’ve been wearing boat shoes with thick EVA soles. After a long day on the water, my back profits from the foam’s shock absorbing qualities. This summer, I’m wearing Columbia’s new Castback TC with an extra thick EVA foam sole. Foam is great at absorbing energy, but it’s not great at support. To improve support and balance, the Castback uses a molded foot bed and cupped heel bed to secure the foot. The responsive foam is assisted by small domes on the bottom of the shoe that increase flexibility and shock absorption.
To improve traction, the sole is reinforced with a layer of scalloped and sipped rubber designed to displace water and stick to wet surfaces. Each summer, my boat shoes die a slow death bleached by salt and sun and stained with fish blood. The Castback TC’s stain resistant upper ensures these shoes will last several seasons. My favorite feature, the back of the shoe is designed to fold down turning the sneakers into a pair of slip-ons.
Best Boat Shoe for Women: XtraTuf Women’s Sharkbyte 2.0 Eco
Ric Burnley
Key Features
- DWR water repellent
- EVA Sole
- Recycled upper
Pros
- Women-specific design
- 30 percent lighter than similar shoes
- Breathable mesh
Cons
- Not available in lace-ups
- Limited color choices
For generations, Alaskan watermen have worn XtraTuf boots to battle the elements. Today, XtraTuf takes their heavy-duty design and materials to lightweight boat shoes. Now, they’re adding ecologically responsible materials to completely modernize the XtraTuf line. The new Sharkbyte 2.0 Eco boat shoes combine XtraTuf’s latest tech and trendy looks for a performance boat shoe that looks cool on land, too.
The slip-on shoes are convenient for wearing around the house or a full day of hard fishing. The Biolite EVA outsole is environmentally friendly and 30-percent lighter than other Sharkbyte models. The upper is made of Repreve Our Ocean material recycled from ocean-bound plastic bottles. To reduce pollution and increase performance, the latest generation of eco-friendly materials hold their own with traditional performance fabrics. The Sharkbyte 2.0 look like a sports shoe with the traction and durability famous at XtraTuf.
Best Budget Boat Shoe: Magellan Outdoors Tidewater
Ric Burnley
Key Features
- EVA Soles
- Perforated footbed
- Knit upper
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Rigid heel for extra support
- Draw-string laces
Cons
- Soles not non-marking
When a new feature trickles down to products with a lower price tag, I know the trend has really gained traction. That’s the case with the Magellan Outdoors Tidewater boat shoe. The same knit upper and EVA sole found on high-end boat shoes are now available at a more affordable price. I fell in love with the knit upper shoe a couple years ago. The soft, one-piece textile is smooth against the skin and fits snugly for added support. But the material isn’t stain resistant, so my expensive knit shoes were quickly ruined.
This summer, I picked up a pair of Magellan Outdoors Tidewater shoes for the dirty work. They are nearly as comfortable as the expensive model and just as durable. The Tidewater shoe is the lightest in my review while still maintaining support and shock absorption. To drain the shoe, the sole has large ports. I can wear the Tidewater on the kayak or the boat. Since the shoe drains water and dries quickly, I also wear the Tidewater when I’m scrubbing the boat after a long day of fishing. Best of all, the Tidewater boat shoe costs less than half the price of similar boat shoes, so I can wear comfortable knit shoes wherever I’m fishing.
Best Ankle Boot: AFTCO Ankle Deck Fishing Boot
Ric Burnley
Key Features
- Neoprene lining
- Double pull tabs
- Antimicrobial insole
Pros
- Molded insole
- Waterproof
Cons
- Bulky
- Close-spaced tread captures dirt
From fall through spring, I live in my low-profile deck boots. The short collar offers greater range of movement than tall boots and the full-rubber lower keeps my feet dry. I’m not alone, pro guides and tournament anglers who live with wet feet are wearing ankle boots year round. Foot funk is the biggest problem when wearing rubber boots in the summer. To set themselves ahead of the competition, AFTCO’s deck boots have a breathable, quick-drying insole that keeps the inside dry. In the competitive deck boot race, AFTCOs Ankle Deck Boots won the Best Footwear category at the 2023 ICAST fishing tackle trade show.
After each trip, I remove the insole to dry and air out the boots. The outside of the boot is reinforced at the heel and toe for extra protection and the molded, antimicrobial footbed provides solid support for hard fishing. My favorite feature is the reinforced, welded, extra large finger loops to pull on the boots and the thick, molded heel kick to easily remove the boots. The tight-packed hexagonal tread pattern is super sticky on a slick deck, but a little difficult to kick off dirt and grit when I get on the boat.
Best Lightweight Deck Boot: Gill Hydro Short Boot
Ric Burnley
Key Features
- Removable insole
- Neoprene ankle padding
- Neoprene liner
Pros
- Thermal support
- Lower collar
- 100-percent natural rubber upper
Cons
- Only available in one color
- Heavy
Just another deck boot isn’t just another deck boot when it comes from Gill. The quality of Gill’s outerwear and footwear continues with their short deck boot. With a shorter collar than other ankle boots, the Gill Hydro Short Boot provides even more mobility while keeping my feet warm and dry. The 100-percent natural rubber upper is soft and supportive to move with my feet.
I like the large neoprene ankle pads that reduce friction and increase flexibility. The Hydro Short Boot is my choice for winter footwear. The neoprenes liner provides a layer of insulation and support. At the end of the day, I pull out the removable insoles to air out the boots.
Best New Deck Boot: Under Armour Shoreman Deck Boot
Key Features
- Waterproof neoprene booty
- Certified slip-resistant sole
- Compression molded midsole
Pros
- Double pull loops
- Reinforced toe cap
- Molded heel cup
Cons
- No removable insole
Last summer I wore a pair of Under Armour Micro G boat shoes on almost every fishing trip. From pounding through waves to perching on the bow looking for cobia, the versatile water sneakers offered comfort and support in a lightweight and durable package. This spring, when the water and air temperature are below 70 degrees, I’ll wear the Under Armour Shoreman Deck ankle boot to keep my feet warm and dry without adding weight or restricting movement.
The lightweight Shoreman Deck Boots are formed out of multi-layered polyurethane uppers, a neoprene liner, and ankle pad to improve comfort and increase warmth. I can even wear them without socks. The Shoreman uses a compression molded and charged midsole for springy comfort and performance. The EVA sole absorbs shock while the responsive material flexes and bends with each step.
The sole features an increased surface area and three types of tread for improved traction and ground feel. The cupped heel keeps these slide-on boots from slipping off. My favorite feature is the large pull loops in the front and back of the collar. Sometimes it takes two hands to pull on deck boots. The Shoremans will be available later this year, 2024.
Best Tall Deck Boot: Grundens Crewman Deck Boot
Ric Burnley
Key Features
- Lugged outsole
- Removable orthopedic sock liner
- Integrated boot band
Pros
- 100 percent waterproof
- Reinforced wear points
- Poured polyurethane midsole
Cons
- Expensive
Each winter, I pull on my big boy pants and tall boots for bluefin tuna season on the Outer Banks. Cold temperatures, high winds, rough seas, and giant 800 pound fish call for serious anglers and serious gear. Don’t show up without 130-class rods, 300 pound test monofilament, and the best outerwear available. This year, my bluefin kit will include Grundens’ Crewman Tall Boot.
The angry ocean off the fabled Outer Banks requires a full-size boot. When the boat is backing down on a big bluefin and the deck is awash in sea water, I need a high boot to keep my feet dry. Grunden further keeps water out with an integrated boot band that seals the legs of my Grunden bibs to the top of the boot. The outside of the boot is waterproof rubber with reinforced patches at critical wear points. Inside, the boot has a removable orthopedic sockliner that helps the boot dry and provides padding and support.
The poured polyurethane midsole further cushions and supports with excellent vibration reduction for all day comfort. The crowning jewel is under the shoe. The lugged outsole is designed by Michelin with proprietary rubber compounds for optimal grip and durability. When I walk onto the boat on a wet, cold, and windy February morning, the reliable performance and comfort of Grunden’s Creman Tall Boot keeps me confident I’ll be ready for battle with the biggest tuna in the world.
Best Deck Boot for Women: Huk Women’s Rogue Wave
Huk
Key Features
- Slip-resistant sole
- Neoprene and rubber upper
- Reinforced pull straps
Pros
- Breathable mesh liner
- Micro channel traction
- EVA Footbed
Cons
- Not available in half sizes
A lightweight deck boot balances waterproof protection with breathable comfort. To keep feet dry, the Rogue Wave’s rubber outer is reinforced in high-wear areas, but flexible where the boot needs to move. On the inside, a mesh liner allows moisture and heat to leave the boot so feet stay dry from the inside, too. Standing all day on a boat deck is tough on my feet. The Rouge Wave uses an eight-millimeter thick EVA foam molded foot bed for cushioning and support. Boat shoe soles come in many patterns; I like a micro channeled sole to maintain optimal traction on a wet, slimy boat deck. The razor-thin perforations in the sole displaces water while maintaining maximum contact with a slippery surface.
Best Hybrid Wading Shoe: Simms Pursuit
Ric Burnley
Key Features
- Mesh Upper
- TPU reinforced in high-wear areas
- Quick lace with drawstring
Pros
- Easy on and off
- Barefoot compatible
- Slip resistant siped sole
Cons
- Looks funny at the grocery store
When I’m kayak fishing, I spend as much time with my feet in the water as in the kayak. I need a boat shoe that is as good at sticking to slimy rocks as holding onto a slippery boat deck. Simms new Pursuit wet shoe is a hybrid boat shoe and wet-wading boot. The mesh upper and drain ports move water through the shoe so when I lift my feet into the kayak, the water drains out without puddling inside the shoe.
To improve balance while I’m standing in the kayak, I like a shoe with a thin sole that puts me in contact with the deck. The Pursuit shoes are narrow to fit inside the kayak cockpit with reinforced TPU rubber patches to protect my feet from sharp rocks and shells. The neoprene and mesh upper and molded insole are focused on barefoot comfort. The tread pattern is widely spaced to release mud and dirt before I get into the boat while the razor sipped to maintain traction on wet surfaces.
Best All-Terrain Water Shoe: Astral Hiyak
Astral
Key Features
- Super sticky rubber
- Hidden laces
- Wide toe box
Pros
- Level footbed
- Soft midsole and outsole for ground feel
Cons
- Expensive
A few years ago, I quit wearing wading boots with my waders. When I’m surf fishing or kayak fishing, I prefer a paddling bootie for low-profile and lightweight wading footwear. Unlike heavy wading boots, the booties are light and low profile. They don’t offer as much protection as wading boots, but for sand, mud, and the occasional oyster shell or barnacle, wading boots offer enough protection.
Astral Hiyaks are my pick for wader boots because I can just as easily wear them without waders. Astral worked overtime to develop a shoe with extraordinary ground feel. The thin, pliant sole grips rocks and connects with the boat deck to increase balance and stability. The soft sole also conforms with the ground surface to improve contact and traction. Whether I’m wearing waders or wet wading, I can use the Astral Hiyak for all four seasons.
How to Choose the Best Boat Shoes
Shoe, Boot, or Bootie?
The first decision when choosing the best boat shoes is matching the shoe to the fishing conditions. In the heat of summer, a pair of light, breathable, cushy water sneakers are cool and comfortable with enough protection to keep feet safe. If you spend time wading or kayak fishing, a hybrid bootie with drain holes and mesh upper efficiently transitions from dry land to the water to the boat deck.
For cool weather and tough fishing conditions, a deck boot keeps feet warm and dry. In recent years, ankle boots have become popular for offering protection without increasing weight or reducing mobility. When the conditions get real ugly, nothing beats a pair of full-size, calf-high boots to prevent water from entering and heat escaping.
Water Management
For water shoes and booties, water should exit the shoe quickly without pooling or soaking into the material. Most importantly, to prevent foot fungus, the shoe should dry quickly and completely between fishing trips. I like a shoe with a removable insole to further hasten drying and reduce the formation of stinky and itchy bacteria.
Shock Absorption
At my age, my back is worn out from years of rough seas. I look for a shoe with a cushy midsole that absorbs the thousand shocks passing through my feet on a typical day fishing. The difference between the right and wrong boat shoe is evident at the end of the day. Happy feet are the foundation of a happy angler.
Slip Resistance
Whether I’m perched on the tuna tower of a sportfishing boat or pulling my kayak over slippery rocks and sharp oyster shells, slip resistant soles that push water out and increase surface area keep my feet planted.
Price
Of course price is an important consideration. High performance boat shoes aren’t cheap. Weather resistant, waterproof, slip resistant, shock absorption, antibacterial, and stabilization are a lot of features to pack into a pair of shoes. The good news is high-tech designs and materials are trickling down to lower-priced boat shoes. Now you can get a comfortable and capable pair of boat shoes at a reasonable price. But if you’re serious about hard core fishing, no price is too great for safe and happy feet.
FAQs
Boat shoes are more than an old pair of sneakers or a funky pair of flip-flops. To understand what shoes are best to wear on a boat, look at the requirements for safety and comfort. Boat shoes have super-sticky soles with traction and channels to move water from underneath the shoe, so more rubber connects with the deck. Since the boat is always rolling and rocking, shock absorption is another important quality. Soft rubber and spongy foam insole and outsole reduce vibration to protect the angler.
Finally, boat shoes have to manage moisture. In cold, wet conditions, a pair of rubber boots are the only thing that will keep feet dry. When the weather is warm, I wear boat shoes with breathable, water-repellent uppers and a sole with drain holes. Not only does this keep my feet dry on the water, but it allows the shoes to dry faster between trips. Dry shoes are more comfortable, and they reduce the chance of spawning stinky foot fungus.
After a long day on the water in the wrong shoes, my back is screaming, my legs ache, and my feet stink. Without a doubt, the best boat shoes are worth it. My small boat is always rocking and rolling. I can’t count the times boat shoes saved my feet from sharp objects and blunt force trauma. Boat shoes are necessary to protect my feet from damage. The right boat shoes reduce shock so that I can fish without pain. Taking a couple waves over the side and landing a few fish turns my boat deck into a slimy skating rink. I won’t go fishing without grippy boat shoes to keep my feet on the ground.
The boat shoes in this review range from $30 to $180. The best boat shoes use premium materials and the most advanced construction for a shoe that dries quickly, provides reliable traction and responsive cushioning.
Final Thoughts
The best boat shoes are worth their weight in gold. Not only do boat shoes make fishing more comfortable, it makes the sport more safe. In the past, the best way to have dry and funk-free feet was a pair of flip flops, but they don’t offer protection or support. And don’t get me started on the infamously funky white boots. Today’s best boat shoes use the latest technology and most advanced materials to improve comfort and safety. In the winter I wear high-top boots. In the shoulder seasons, I’m in ankle boots. And in the summer, my feet are cool and dry in the best boat shoes. But you’ll never again catch me in a pair of flip flops.
- Best Boat Shoe Overall: Columbia Castback TC
- Best Boat Shoe for Women: XtraTuf Women’s Sharkbyte 2.0 Eco
- Best Budget Boat Shoe: Magellan Outdoors Tidewater
- Best Short Deck Boot: AFTCO Ankle Deck Boot
- Best Lightweight Deck Boot: Gill Hydro Short Boot
- Best New Deck Boot: Under Armour Shoreman Deck Boot
- Best Tall Deck Boot: Grundens Crewman Deck Boot
- Best Deck Boot for Women: Huk Women’s Rogue Wave
- Best Hybrid Wading Shoe: Simms Pursuit
- Best All-Terrain Water Shoe: Astral Hiyak
