Stones at the entry point, a better stand on the paddle board or simply cold temperatures can be reasons why you want to buy shoes for paddle boarding.
One thing should be mentioned. Paddle boarding shoes in that sense don’t really exist. When it comes to footwear, paddle boarders fall back on the equipment of older water sports. Regular sailing, swimming, and beach shoes are great.
For paddle boarding, you often don’t need a lot of gear. Swimming trunks, a t-shirt and sunscreen are all you need. For white water SUP or surfing, you definitely need shoes as additional protective gear.
The right clothing also differs depending on the season. In spring and fall, SUP socks, thin neoprene shoes (approx. 3mm) or waterproof trekking shoes are suitable – due to the temperature.
In summer you don’t really need shoes. If you want to wear some, barefoot sports shoes or normal water sports shoes are suitable. For paddle boarding in winter you definitely need thick neoprene shoes (about 7mm).
Table of Contents
Best Shoes for Paddle Boarders
- 😎 BPS BOOTS ARE BETTER! – Sadly 💯ALL Neoprene...
- 💪COSY AND FUNCTIONAL - Made from stretchy (but...
- 👍ANTI-SLIP RUBBER SOLES - Constructed with a...
- 📧HERE TO HELP - Should you need assistance or have...
- Cressi is a REAL diving, snorkeling and swimming...
- Built in sole to provide extra comfort.
- Super elastic Neoprene to provide comfort.
- Thickness of boot provides toughness while maintaining...
- 【SKIN-FRIENDLY 3MM NEOPRENE SOCKS】 OMGear neoprene...
- 【HIGH CUT DESIGN NEOPRENE SNORKEL SOCKS】High cut...
- 【REINFORCED AND ANTI-SLIP SOLE】Reinforced and...
- 【FLATLOCK STITCHING】OMGear beach water socks sewn...
- 【Fine Workmanship for Multi-purpose】This pair of...
- 【Sand Proof for Beach Activities】Treated with...
- 【Keep Warm for Water Sports 】Due to the CAPAS...
- 【Anti-Slip for Your Reassured Use】Applied with SUV...
- WADING BOOT with TRACTION – 5mm Neoprene shell...
- DURABLE PROTECTION – Reinforced toe and heel cap...
- COMFORT – EVA midsole and athletic outsole provides...
- KEEPS THE GRIT OUT – Snug fit 5mm Neoprene upper,...
Guide: Which Shoes Are Suitable for Paddle Boarding?
- Non-slip sole: Typically, water sports shoes are made for wet slippery surfaces. They give you good grip even when your board is wet due to special non-slip coatings.
- Thickness: Paddle boarding shoes vary in thickness depending on their intended use. In the summer, they should protect your feet from injury and be non-slip, but have a comfortable lightweight construction. Shoes for winter, on the other hand, should be 5-7 mm thick to keep your feet properly warm.
- Height: While summer shoes often only reach the ankle, shoes for winter should have a high shaft. This way they can be worn optimally with a dry suit and do not leave a piece of skin exposed.
- Profile: Shoes with a profile are not at all suitable. Small stones can get stuck in the profile and damage your board. Inflatable boards nowadays have very robust covers that do not break so quickly, but sharp stones are still a danger to your board.
- Weight: Particularly heavy shoes are also not a good idea. They are uncomfortable when paddle boarding. If you ever fall into the water, it is also more difficult to get back on the board.
Conclusion
Paddle boarding shoes are practical and necessary for different purposes. If you want to protect your feet when entering the water or falling off the board, lightweight shoes can be helpful.
In winter, however, SUP shoes are a must, along with a dry suit, to protect your feet from the freezing cold. High shoes that are 7mm thick are best for this purpose.