Do I need water shoes to paddleboard?

Selection of water shoes for SUP
15 March 2021
Do I need water shoes to paddleboard?

The term ‘water shoes’ can be used to describe a number of different types of footwear, but essentially they are all designed to be worn near or while on the water. However, it should be stressed that — when it comes to paddle boarding — they are not essential. However, there will be situations when wearing shoes will make a lot of sense, depending on who you are, where you are paddling and the type of paddling you plan to engage in.

Paddler standing barefoot on SUP deck

Water shoes are a preference

Many paddleboarders opt to ride their boards barefoot. The feeling of being ‘at one with the board’ factors into their sense of control, and responsiveness when turning and maintaining balance. This viewpoint is broadly upheld among SUP racers, surfers, and yoga practitioners: paddlers for whom subtle, quick shifts in stance and positioning can be critical.

That’s not to say that going barefoot is a requirement – even for those activities. For paddlers who need foot support, possibly due to injury, reasons of hygiene, or painful long-term conditions like plantar fasciitis, the benefits of wearing water shoes will outweigh any perceived negatives.

Another common rejection of water shoes is the fact that most SUPs come with deck grip textures that are sufficient to prevent slippage. While this is true, the design of some water shoes can genuinely increase friction between you and the board, but it’ll largely be down to whether or not you feel you need it to be comfortable and confident.

Why wear water shoes at all?

Ultimately, water shoes are a great option if you need added reassurance and protection. This shouldn’t be underestimated, especially if you are new to paddleboarding.

Water shoes offer good insulation

It’s great to go barefoot when the weather and the water are tolerable. But in the UK, especially during the winter, the prospect can be less appealing. Neoprene boots provide the feet with excellent protection from the cold, and when worn correctly will also keep your feet dry.

Feet can burn

At the opposite end of the scale is the need to reduce the chances of UV exposure causing painful sunburn on exposed feet. Judging the strength of the sun’s rays can be difficult when you’re on the float and a breeze is blowing. A pair of water shoes can make the difference if you burn easily.

Stepping on rocks and underwater hazards can hurt

One of the main reasons cited for wearing shoes on a paddleboard is to prevent injury when stepping into the water. This is especially true when paddling in rivers with a rocky bed or in a patch of open sea with sharp terrain or spiny wildlife, such as oyster shells. It may also offer protection against unwelcome surprises, such as stepping on a sea urchin.

You may need to walk

If you need to disembark from your board while touring, travel overland to negotiate an obstacle, or just plan on setting up camp overnight, water shoes could make the difference between blisters and shredded soles, and injury-free adventure.

As an added bonus, water shoes with covered toes and heel protection will also provide that extra bit of resistance against painful accidents on the board — e.g. stubbing your toe on one of the D-rings.

Paddler standing near water on beach holding SUP board

Water shoe construction

Water shoes are designed primarily for warmth, or versatility (such as hiking out of the water), with other design choices added for specific utility, comfort, and appearance.

Neoprene is used in water shoes for the same reasons its used for wetsuits: it’s insulating, lightweight, fast-drying, breathable, and water resistant.

‘Mesh’-style water shoes are designed with aeration and drainage in mind. The lattice structure of the upper material will not stop your feet from getting wet, but they will expel water and dry quickly, which is great if you plan to be mobile off the board.

What you should never do is wear regular street shoes, as these will absorb water when submerged. In addition to being uncomfortable, soggy, slippery shoes can seriously impair balance and grip. They will also add weight to your body, if you fall in the water.

Standard footwear will also have soles inappropriate for board use. In addition to not offering grip, debris and stones will also get caught in the treads, leading to dings, scratches, and gouges you really don’t want on your deck.

Types of water shoes

Neoprene boots

Sometimes referred to as ‘booties’, their chief utility is in offering insulation and protection from sharp surfaces. They come in a high cut style, which will provide an almost seamless extension to a wetsuit, or in a low-cut design more suited to warmer weather. Some will also have a ‘split-toe’ design that can potentially offer better overall movement on a board.

Wetsuit boots made for surfing will have a more flexible sole, in comparison to those designed for diving. For SUP, a flexible-soled boot will be better for maintaining deck traction.

Neoprene boots usually offer good protective coverage for the feet, along with heel support. Provided they fit well, this can help to prevent blisters and sores.

Deck shoes

Unlike neoprene boots, deck shoes are not really designed to go into water. While they do offer good grip, these low-cut flat-soled shoes may use a treated upper or mesh to either repel water or let it drain freely. They’re quick drying, but definitely not the type of shoe you’d want to wear if you plan to jump in the water and have a swim. They also tend to lack arch support.

Water-sport shoes

By far the most ‘technical’ water shoes, often designed to resemble or make use of design principles established by athletic shoes. If you’re looking for performance, these are the type to go for. Excellent grip, with enough protection and flexibility in the sole to be worn on land for extended periods, they’re durable and easy to wear while submerged.

Most use a thin, flexible sole for easy, quick movement, and are quick drying. Some advanced designs resemble ‘foot gloves’, with individual toe sections to provide an ‘almost’ barefoot feeling. However, they also come at much higher prices than some of the alternatives.

Paddler standing on SUP board wearing neoprene boots and wetsuit while holding SUP paddle

Water sandals

Unlike typical flip flops or beach sandals, water sandals have a robust, ruggedised sole with hiking boot-style treads designed for superior grip. Unlike other water shoes (and like sandals) they are not closed-toe. Much of the foot will be exposed, making these a good summer water shoe. However, they won’t be as good as some other water shoes for extended durations out of the water. The lack of support may make fatigue set in much sooner.

Aqua/water socks

You’ll feel like you’ve got the freedom to move in water socks. These quick-drying low-cut neoprene ‘slip ons’ are designed to be flexible and thin. While generally lacking protective soles, they’ll keep your feet warm, and work well when submerged. However, don’t expect these to be very comfortable when you step back on to the beach or riverside.        

Qualities to look for in a water shoe

The most important consideration when choosing a water shoe is that your foot doesn’t have much room to move inside. Provided it fits snuggly, the chances of you slipping, losing your balance, or picking up an abrasion injury are much reduced.

Experienced paddlers, or those who just feel barefoot is a superior experience, will stress the need for a thin sole — the thinner the better. This suggestion may be used interchangeably with the idea of a flexible sole. For movement around the board and feeling sure-footed on deck, being able to shift on the board by feeling your positioning is important.

Make sure, especially after use, that water shoes have been given sufficient time to air and dry. A wet shoe is the perfect breeding ground for micro-organisms that cause odour, or worse still infections. Quick drying, anti-microbial coatings will help. We recommend washing them down in fresh water, especially after use in salt water, will also prolong the life of the material.

Quality paddling footwear from Two Bare Feet

Looking for durable water shoes that offer excellent coverage and protection? Our neoprene boots are the perfect complement to a full body wetsuit, giving your feet the warmth they need in those cold winter waters. Our high cut boots sport reinforced heel and toe segments, a protective sole and adjustable strap to keep top-side water ingress at bay.

We also offer wetsuit socks, suited to use with diving fins, and water sport shoes for all-round adventure in and out of the water.

Also looking for more ideas to enhance your paddling experience? Check out our blog, where we cover a range of other paddling-related apparel topics, including what to wear on an excursion and how to choose the best wetsuit for your trips to colder waters.