When the sun is shining bright, and the temperature is high enough, wet wading becomes an angler’s favorite pastime. The river twinkles with sunlight, and a summery breeze flows in your hair. You put on your best wet wading shoes and take a dip. Those thick neoprene waders will now rest in the closet, while a loose tank top and camo shorts become your staples for fly fishing.
Why wet wading shoes are important? The best wet wading shoes will help you keep a steady foot while you wade through slippery wet rocks or fast water currents. River wading shoes are adaptable to water and provide traction in slick conditions.
If you are a woman, you can skip to best wading shoes for women
But with so many wet wading shoes available in the market, how will you know which one is good for you? Well, this best fishing shoes guide will help you decide.
After testing numerous wading shoes in various streams and rivers, Astral Water Shoes tops the list of best wet wading shoes for fly fishing.
Best Wet Wading Shoes: Quick Overview
- Astral Water Shoes – Best Wet Wading Shoes
- SOBASO Water Shoes – Best Water Shoes For Fly Fishing
- Merrell Blaze Sieve Water Shoes – Best Wading Sandals
- SIMARI Water Shoes – Best Under Budget
- Simms Tributary Felt Sole Fishing Boots – Best Fishing Boots
- KEEN Men’s Voyageur – Best Leather Shoes
- Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe – Best Flats Wading Shoes
- 8 Fans Men’s Fishing Hunting Wading Shoes – Best Value
Following best wading shoes guidelines, we reviewed tons of water shoes for wading from various brands. And based on customer satisfaction, performance, and usability of each product, we have listed the 13 best shoes for wet wading below.

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13 Best Wet Wading Shoes
Good quality wet wading shoes are water adaptable, anti-corrosive, breathable, and fast-drying. Best wet wading shoes provide good traction underwater and are not slippery on slick rocks.
Now detailed reviews of wet wading shoes:
1. Astral Water Shoes – Overall Best Wet Wading Shoes

The Astral Water Shoes have been expertly crafted to provide superior traction and support. First off, the rubber sole with a flex grip provides the highest friction and excellent balance on slippery smooth surfaces like boat docks and racks. And the Polygiene treated liner is designed to eliminate odor and holes.
I particularly loved how these wet wading shoes kept the rocks out of my feet, and the lightweight feel that made them perfect for wet wading. The only downside is that it might be a bit narrow for some people, but you can always size up for comfort.
The balanced feel of the shoe is another highlight. The wider toe box lets your feet and toes spread out for stability, making it lightweight enough to feel like you’re actually barefoot. You can use these water shoes both with and without socks but they are more comfortable with light socks on.
Overall, I highly recommend the Astral water shoes to anyone looking for best wet wading shoes for fly fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, or more. These shoes are designed to perform well across different surfaces and are built to last, making your wet wading experience much more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Comfortable and Lightweight
- Traps no odor or water
- Fast-drying
- Superior traction
- Eco-friendly material
- Might be a bit narrow for some people
2. Merrell Blaze Sieve Water Shoes – Best Wading Sandals
These wet wading shoes cum sandals by Merrel are phenomenal water shoes. I love the fact that they are very sandals-like allowing breathability and constant drain of water. They are considerably lightweight too. The high-quality Vibram rubber outsole means they will always have your back while you wade through slick rocks.
Then they are pretty durable, made 100% from leather. My pair has been going strong for almost three years now. Also, the flexible body of the shoe allows easy movement of your feet as you twist and turn while climbing rocks. The sizing is perfect and true to what they mention in the charts.
Overall, an excellent shoe for wet wading. But the same cannot be said for dry terrain hiking. The shoes have medium arches and are not recommended for long hikes. I had to stop several times in between my hike in Utah. Otherwise one of the best sandals for wet wading.
- Breathable and lightweight
- Drain water swiftly
- Very durable
- Easy on and off
- Allow flexibility of the feet
- Medium arch support
3. KEEN Men’s Voyageur Shoes – Best Leather Shoes
Voyageur leather wet wading shoe by Keen is also a terrific choice for anglers. They have a rubber sole with all those grooves and shafts necessary for giving you a good grip on water.
My favorite feature in these wading shoes for fishing is the flexibility of the sole that lets you hop around on stones with ease. The ventilation in the upper of these river-wading shoes traps no water or odor. The leather material is also water-repellant and which makes them, fast-drying. Insoles are EVA that takes the shape of your foot, providing the comfiest fit.
This wet wading shoe has moderate arch support, otherwise one of the best wet wading shoes.
- Rubber soles for traction
- Breathable upper body
- Traps no odor or water
- Fast-drying
- Comfortable insoles
- Best for hiking
- Moderate arch support
4. SIMARI Water Shoes – Best Under Budget
I wore these shoes on my trip to Hawaii. Not technically wet wading, but they were exceptional on the beach. I wore them specifically to test if they could keep the beach sand out. And to my relief, they did!
Outstanding grip while walking too. I haven’t yet tried these wet wading shoes on slippery rocks, but from my experience with them, I can guarantee that they will give excellent traction. They are lightweight, comfortable, and incredible saltwater wading shoes. And on top, they come with a minimal price. They are the best fishing shoes on a budget, undoubtedly!
The sole of these wading shoes for fly fishing is quite stretchable but thinner than I would have liked. The sole won’t be good enough to give the necessary support for walking very long distances.
- Mesh suitable to keep sand out
- Give a good grip on slippery surfaces
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Affordable price
- Provides the best traction on rocky beaches
- Suitable for hiking
- More ankle support would have been great
5. SOBASO Water Shoes – Best Water Shoes For Fly Fishing
These next water wading shoes on our list by Sobaso have a special place in my heart. They have always been very supportive whenever I took them on a fly fishing trip with me. The ventilation in these shoes is very impressive. The upper part has an open mesh that traps no sweat or odor and keeps your feet fresh.
What I love the most about Saboso wading shoes for fishing is that they have just the right amount of water drainage channels. A common trend in water shoes is that the manufacturers give several openings in the top and bottom of the shoe for draining water fast. What happens is that the water drains out, and the sand gets trapped within the footwear. The shoes start to feel like you are walking on a sandy beach barefoot, forcing you to stop every few miles and clean the footwear again and again.
The Sobaso wet wading shoes are the best fly fishing shoes because they do not have a hole in their bottom, keeping the sand out and the sole clean from the inside while walking. Also, their material is quick-drying and lightweight. The rubber outsole provides a solid grip in almost every slippery condition I have tested these in.
As far as sizing is concerned, I’d suggest you go half a size down since these are a bit wider than the standard shoe size.
- Well-ventilated
- The right amount of water drainage channels
- Quick-drying and lightweight
- Rubber soles give superb traction
- Not perfect for the beach
6. Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe – Best Flats Wading Shoes
Hodgman is a trusted name when it comes to wet wading gear. Their flats neoprene wading shoes are suitable for cooler temperatures. They provide the necessary traction due to their rubber outsole and are much more insulated than a wet wading shoe because of the neoprene lining.
Also, they are considerably lightweight. The zipper on the top is more straightforward to operate than the conventional laces. You can easily slide your feet in and out of them because of neoprene. And despite being quite minimalistic, they still offer subtle toe protection.
The cuff around the ankle helps customize the fit of the ankle collar. You can tighten or loosen it until it fits you perfectly. Moreover, this flat wading shoe is quite durable and lasts you many years of wet wading. Hence our best wading shoes.
But, these flats wading shoes run a little large, so order accordingly. However, sizing is a bit dodgy. You’ll have to keep in consideration whether you plan on wearing these flat shoes barefoot or with socks.
- Good traction
- Insulation for use in cooler temperatures
- Good toe and ankle protection
- Adjustable ankle cuff
- Durable
- Best for surf fishing and wet wading
- Size runs large
7. Simms Tributary Felt Sole Fishing Boots – Best Wading Boots
If you want heavy-duty traction, I suggest you go for proper one of the best wading boots, that too with felt soles. The Simms tributary boots are ideal for wet wading because of the extreme grip they provide. The felt sole is thick and holds sandy shores very well.
Apart from the traction, Simms Tributary is very good at protecting your feet from injuries. There are rigid upper and reinforced toes and heel caps that won’t let your feet stomp on a rough-edged rock. Furthermore, the neoprene inner enables you to slide your feet in and out of them very smoothly.
The Simms wet wading shoes are best for anyone who takes traction very seriously. But they may not be an ideal pick for someone who doesn’t want a considerable weight on their feet. These fly fishing wet wading boots look bulky and weigh quite a lot compared to other low-key water shoes.
- Heavy-duty traction
- Thick felt soles grip sand very efficiently
- Rugged upper for protection against injuries
- Neoprene lining for easy on and off
- best shoes for fly fishing – traction wise
- Might be a little bulky for some people
8. 8 Fans Fishing Hunting Wading Shoes – Best Value
A common proverb for hiking; “an ounce on the feet, is a pound on the back.”
If you are a fan of the extreme safety a wading boot brings and want to save yourself from the potential backache, you are sure to like the 8 Fans fishing boots. You get the lightweight of water boots with the protection of a wading boot.
The oxford upper and reinforced heel and toe caps are tough enough to withstand rugged and sharp-edged objects underwater. The boot has interior cushioning. It gives excellent ankle support, a feature you won’t find in any wet wading sandals. The rubber soles are also very good at providing a good grip on the slippery wet rocks.
The only downside is that the drying time is prolonged because of all the cushioning for comfort. You’ll have to wait at least 48 hours before they are entirely dried so that you can take them for another wet wading trip in another river.
- Lightweight yet protective
- Ankle support
- Interior cushioning
- Rubber soles for good grip
- Best for wet wading
- It takes a long time to dry completely
9. DOUSSPRT Men’s Water Shoes – Best Lightweight
If you want the best fly fishing shoes that are lightest in weight and on your pocket, let me introduce you to the Doussprt men’s water shoes. With minimal weight, they are the most comfortable shoes to wear while wading.
The entire shoe has numerous holes and openings for ventilation and drainage. The upper mesh allows air to pass through and keep your feet odor-free. The hole in the sole gets rid of water as soon as it gets in. The sole’s design also grips well on slippery rocks. The elastic laces are easy to use and can customize your shoe size according to your preference.
The only problem I had with these water-wading shoes is with their liners. They wear out very fast.
- Very lightweight
- Ventilates air and water
- Gives good traction
- Affordable
- Liners wear out quick
10. Zhuanglin Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes – Best Breathable
Whether hiking around a water body, fly fishing, or wet wading, a comfy and lightweight water shoe is essential for having a good experience, precisely what the Zhuanglin water shoes do.
These wet wading shoes have very little weight and are very comfortable to wear. Plus, they are incredibly breathable. The upper body is all-mesh, while the bottom also has openings for easy water drainage. This feature also makes them super-fast drying. The soles are rubber and give lovely traction on rocky slopes. The shoes also have interior lining and cushioning to keep your feet relaxed.
But mesh means little barrier against sand getting into the shoes. These fishing water shoes are not suitable for a beach or a river shore that has sand or fine pebbles. Nevertheless, these water shoes for wading are the most breathable option on the market.
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Extremely breathable all-mesh upper
- Drain holes in the bottom
- Rubber soles for traction
- Good water boots
- Sand gets in them
11. Water Shoes Mens Womens Quick Dry Barefoot Swim Diving Shoes – Most Comfortable Surf Shoes
The molded “toes” look on the outsole of these wet wading shoes gives it a stylish look. Sure to steal many compliments for you, this cute pair of shoes not only looks great but also performs well.
The rubber sole grips the rocks beautifully. They are great for muddy areas too. The sole is tough enough to protect from any sharp objects you may step on underwater. Plus, the shoelaces adjust to the width of your foot very efficiently. The upper is breathable and flexible. It gives you the necessary elasticity for enjoying any kind of water activity.
The upper body of the shoe has a soft fabric that is very breathable. These fly fishing wet wading shoes also take little time to dry, and you can easily dump them in your car trunk or put them in your backpack to have an outdoor shoe readily available at all times. Additionally, they are durable and come in many attractive colors.
The arch support, however, is a letdown for me. After a day of wet wading and walking long distances in them, my feet were hurting pretty bad.
- Stylish design
- Good grip on rocks and in mud
- Protection against sharp objects
- Very comfy
- check sizing carefully
12. Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc Water Shoe – Best Arch Support
I have flat feet and rarely find comfortable shoe to take a long walk. With half of my life spent trying on shoes that would soothe my painful arches, I can vouch for these best fly fishing shoes by Merrell.
Their arch support is beyond amazing. Buying the right size may be a little tricky with these, but the comfort these fly fishing wet wading sandals bring to anyone with problematic feet is unimaginable. The EVA insoles are thin and flexible and have the proper contours to support your arch. The heel is articulated and has a strap at the back to ensure a good fit.
There are huge holes in the upper cover of the shoe, so no water gets trapped in them. Also, the rubber material is hydrophobic and very fast-drying. I have worn these shoes for wet wading and when I’m home, running small errands, or sometimes for casual days at work. They are super lightweight and easy to carry around with you.
- Very comfortable
- Good arch support with EVA insole
- Rubber outsole
- Retain no water and fast-drying
- Lightweight
- Sizing is tricky, i’d prefer to buy 1 size smaller
13. AFT AFFINEST Mens Womens Water Shoes – For Short Hikes
Our last entry in the list of wet wading shoes is the Aft Affinest water shoes. They are breathable, quick-drying, and give a good grip. The fabric mesh upper retains no water while keeping the sand out. At the same time, the rubber outsole is good enough to stand steady on wet and slippery stones.
There is ample toe protection due to the thickened rubber at the toe region. The sole is also shock-absorbent. While the arch support is not their strongest suit, these wet wading shoes are still comfortable if you wear them for shorter intervals. The elastic laces are also easy to operate.
- Mesh upper retains no water or sand
- Good traction
- Ample toe protection
- Ergonomic elastic laces
- Quick to dry
- Not comfortable enough for longer intervals
Buying Guide For Wet Wading Shoes:
You need to keep in mind a few essential features while shopping for the best wet wading shoes.
Water Adaptability
You cannot just dive in the water while wearing your sneakers and then complain about them getting ruined. The best wet wading boots are capable of surviving the wear and tear caused by water. They are abrasion-resistant, anti-corrosive, hydrophobic, and thus fast-drying, to name a few.
If you want to spend considerable time with your feet underwater, you should prepare for it beforehand i.e invest in a good wading shoe and use a wading staff. Because water flow is pretty ruthless to wet wading gear, but a durable wading shoe won’t just fall apart after a few hours in water.
Water Drainage Ports
No one wants to walk around with a bucket full of water dragging down their feet. An excellent wet wading shoe has channels in the sole area to let out the accumulated water. These channels allow instant water drainage as soon as you step out of the river. Plus, they also help in getting rid of the sand and gravel that goes in.
Traction Under Water
Traction is one of the most important considerations while shopping for boots for wading in water. You don’t want to slip and end up lying flat on slippery rocks in gushing water. That is why should know wading safety guidelines. Evaluate the conditions where you plan on fishing and choose your wet wading boot carefully.
FAQs
With a water temperature ranging from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, it is better to wet wade while wearing neoprene socks or flats wade shoes like the Hodgman wade shoe. And, you can add a wading jacket when wet wading in winter.
In my experience, I’ve found the Merrell Blaze Sieve Water Sandals one of the comfiest wet wading sandals. KEEN Men’s Voyageur is another great option for fly fishing shoes.
The most essential wet wading gear includes:
> Best wet wading shoes
> Best wading socks
> Comfortable shirts, wet wading pants, and undergarments
> Best fly fishing sunglasses
> Sunscreen with high enough SPF
> Fly fishing chest bag
> Lots of excitement!
Conclusion
You can ditch the heavy and insulated waders during summers, but what you cannot wade without is a pair of your best wet wading shoes for fishing. They will be the solid ground beneath your feet and give a better wading experience.
The market is full of products, each claiming to be better than the other. After loads of testing and trying out, I think the Astral Water Shoes and Simms Men’s Challenger Air Vent Shoe are the best shoes for wade fishing. They give superior traction, are tough as hell, and will last you decades without losing their integrity. My favorite feature is their ability to keep the sand out.
So go out and buy your pair and live this summer wading through the mightiest rivers.
Check out Other Wading Guides:
- Best Wading Boots
- Best Women’s Wading Boots
- The Best Wading Pants
- Best Waders For Women
- Best Saltwater Wading Boots
- The Best Lightweight Wading Boots
- 9 Best Wading Boots For Slippery Rocks
- 10 Best Budget Wading Boots
- 10 Best Insoles For Wading Boots
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