Chaco Women’s ZX2
If you’ve been on a paddle board then you probably know how important it is to keep stable while you’re paddling. It helps your paddling, your control and your ease of getting in and out of the water. That’s why we’ve come up with the best shoes for paddle boarding, so you can safe safe and have the best time you can.
Grip plays a big part when we’re thinking about the best shoes for paddle boarding but there are some other features that we looked for too. They needed to be ready to get wet, a lot, they needed to be comfortable so you can wear them all day and they needed to work good while you’re out paddling.
While you’re at it check out some of our other paddle boarding pages like The Best Paddle Board for Beginners and The Stand Up Paddle Board Core Workout.
We looked at a lot of different options for water shoes and found a few different options that will work great the next time you’re out on the water. Click on any of the links below to jump to our favorite in that category.
Categories
Men’s Sandals |
Men’s Shoes |
Women’s Sandals |
Women’s Shoes |
Best Shoes For Paddle Boarding Shoot Out
Men’s Sandals – Winner
Chaco Men’s Z1
Chaco Men’s Z1
Okay, so maybe we’re huge Chaco fans here but if they’re the best out there it just makes sense to recommend them. We’ve been using Chaco Sandals for years now for a couple reasons, first they work really well and second they just flat out last. Durable and functional, yeah they’re going to make the list.
One thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that since Chaco builds products that last your sandals will require a break in period. The first few times you wear them they may rub your feet, you might even think they’re uncomfortable but be persistent and your Chacos will repay you in full. With more and more wears you’ll see the sandals form to your feet and take on a personalized fit and become really comfy.
Z1 Highlights
UPPER:
- Polyester webbing upper wraps the foot securely and then through the midsole for a customized fit. Webbing comes in a variety ofdifferent colors.
- Adjustable and durable high-tensile webbing heel risers so your heel stays in place
- Injection-molded buckle straps you down
MIDSOLE:
- LUVSEAT midsole cradles the foot and provides all day comfort
- Antimicrobial application means that even after paddling all day you still have odor protection
- Vegan-friendly construction
OUTSOLE:
- Non-marking ChacoGrip rubber compound so you can keep your board looking nice
- 3.5mm lug depth for better grip getting in and out of the water
There are a few reasons why we really like the Chaco Z1 for the best shoes for paddle boarding in the Men’s Sandal category. The first being that when you get the Z1 you don’t just have a sandal for paddle boarding you’ve got a sandal for hiking, walking the dog, or headed down to the bar. These really are a versatile, go-anywhere sandal that are built to last.
Another reason they work so well for paddle boarding is Chaco’s Strap Adjuster system. The webbing is threaded through the sole of the sandals and can be dialed in for a customized fit no matter your foot shape. This secure fitting means that while you’re paddling you’ll have the confidence that your feet will stay where you need them. Check out the strap adjustment guide to learn more.
At Home in the Water
Need to jump in? No problem with full wrap strap. Even if you fall overboard your Z1’s will stay on your feet meaning you just have to worry about getting back on your board.
Purpose built for wet condition with ChacoGrip means you’ll have an easy time getting on and off and getting in and out of the water. Sand and other debris won’t hinder you much either, with the open design getting rid of things that wash under your feet is super easy.
CHACOGRIP
- Upgraded rubber compound
- New tread designs
- Optimized for wet traction
With all of these great features the Chaco Men’s Z1 was the surefire winner of our Best Shoes for Paddle Boarding in the Men’s – Sandals category.
Where to Buy
Amazon.com |
$70-$105 |
Moosejaw.com |
$104.95 |
Men’s Shoes – Winner
Under Armour Kilchis
Our winner in the shoe division was the Kilchis from Under Armour. These awesome water shoes are lightweight, fast-drying, and are designed for grip on wet smooth surfaces.
Kilchis Highlights
- Breathable, quick-drying uppers with synthetic overlays give you protection against abrasions
- Contoured midsoles and footbeds with textile top sheets mean you get ultra fast drainage
- J-Step nonmarking rubber outsoles for traction on smooth, wet surfaces just like your paddle board
- Bungee tension lacing system give you easy on and off
- AllSeasonGear technology helps keep your feet cool when you’re out on the water in the sun
Just like the Z1’s up above the Kilchis are not only a great shoe for paddle boarding but they’ll work well when you’re off your board too which is especially relevant when you’re looking for a shoe that does more than just go in the water.
With their street style and watery features the Kilchis from Under Amour were our choice for the Best Shoes for Paddle Boarding in the Men’s Shoe category.
Where to Buy
Amazon.com |
$69.95 |
Moosejaw.com |
$69.95 |
Women’s Sandals – Winner
Chaco Women’s ZX2
Chaco Women’s ZX2
Combine stylish good looks with super capable features and you’ve go the Women’s ZX2 from Chaco. These sporty sandals are ready to go and will give you all the traction you need for your next trip out on the water.
ZX2 Highlights
- Double-strapped polyester webbing upper wraps around the foot and through the midsole for a customized fit
- Toe loop for secure paddling
- Adjustable and durable webbed heel risers
- Injection-molded buckle for staying secure in your sandals
MIDSOLE:
- Women’s specific LUVSEAT midsole is anatomically designed just for the ladies
- Antimicrobial treatment for odor control even after a full day paddle sesh
- Vegan-friendly construction
OUTSOLE:
- Non-marking ChacoGrip rubber compound keeps your board and your floor looking nice
- 3mm lug depth
Utility and Style
Like their counterpart above the ZX2 are as at home as much on the trail and downtown as they are in the water. If you’re interested in a sandal that works on a lot of different levels then this one is for you.
Like all Chacos these will take a few times to break in until they’re really comfortable but once you do you’ll be hooked. A tip we like to use is to wear them in the shower, not only will it clean them off after a day at the beach but the webbing will conform to your foot shape giving you a customized fit.
The thing that really separates these from a traditional flip flop is the addition of the heel strap. When you’re in the water flip flops can easily come off but with these and the Z1’s above the added security of the heel strap will keep your sandals on so you can navigate in the water.
Where to Buy
Amazon.com |
$65-$105 |
Moosejaw.com |
$104.95 |
Women’s Shoe – Winner
Adidas Women’s ClimaCool Boat Sleek
Adidas Women’s ClimaCool Boat Sleek
The ClimaCool Boat Sleek’s from Adidas were our top choice for the best shoes for paddle boarding in the Women’s Shoe division. These awesome water shoes have form, function and style all rolled up into one great shoe for the next time you’re out on the water.
The stretchable heel cup provides tons of comfort so your feet will stay happy all day on the water and the inclusion of ClimaCool all over the upper means you’ve got tons of ventilation and quick drying ability.
ClimaCool Boat Sleek Highlights
- Super lightweight at 4.8 ounces (size 7)
- Climacool gives you 360° cooling for the whole foot
- Total air mesh upper for tons breathability
- Comfortable textile lining keeps your feet happy while paddling
- Stretchable heel insert gives you a securing conforming fit
- Sleek shape and designed specifically for women
- Non-marking rubber outsole keeps your board or boat deck looking nice
Style and Versatily
We’ve definitely got a theme going on, we like shoes that aren’t just one sided. The Women’s ClimaCool Boat Sleek is a shoe that can do more than just be a good paddle boarding shoe. Headed to the beach, the bar, or just for a walk downtown these shoes will give you all you need. Yep, they were a shoe in (get it?) for the best shoes for paddle boarding.
Where to Buy
Amazon.com |
$35.98 – $79.99 |
Moosejaw.com |
$59.95 |
Well there you have it! These 4 options represent some of the best options out there if you’re planning on hitting the water with your board this summer or the next beach party for that matter. These shoes and sandals are versatile enough to go about anywhere and keep you rock solid when you’re paddling.
See you out there!
