Fishing Shoes for Performance and Comfort

For a variety of reasons, ankle deck boots are some of the most popular fishing shoes. Courtesy Frogg Toggs

First and foremost, fishing footwear must provide sure traction on damp surfaces. Wet decks can be treacherous, and a fall on a pitching vessel can easily end in a trip to the hospital. Even if you don’t end up on the floor, losing your footing can cost you a fish, turning a hook-set into a fight with gravity. Shoes should also be comfortable. As the old saying goes, “If your feet aren’t happy, you won’t be happy.”

What are the Best Fishing Shoes?

That depends on how you’ll be fishing. Deck boots or boat shoes such as Sperry Top-Siders used to be the only purpose-built shoes for fishing from boats, but those days are in the rearview mirror. Now you can also get ankle-high deck boots, fishing sneakers, slip-ons and even high-tech flip-flops. The best fishing shoes for you depends on the weather and the style of fishing you’ll be doing. Non-marking soles (to keep the captain happy) and excellent traction come standard in all of today’s fishing shoes. Wherever you are, however you fish, there’s a perfect pair of shoes for you.

Deck boots or deck shoes such as Top-Siders used to be the only purpose-built fishing footwear, but those days are in the rearview mirror. Now you can also get ankle-high boots, go-anywhere sneakers, slip-ons and even high-tech flip-flops. Wherever you are, however you’re fishing, there’s a perfect pair of shoes for you.

Deck Boots

Tall deck boots are all but standard issue on fishing vessels in the Northeast from October to May, and they see a lot of duty in the Pacific Northwest. The calf-high height keeps pant legs dry and helps fight against cold weather.

Excellent traction, durability, foot protection and comfort for long days on the deck in extreme weather conditions are what hard-core fishermen demand from deck boots. Here are a few newer models that answer the call.

Pelagic Expedition 12 Deck Boots: The neoprene shell keeps you warm in the toughest conditions. Jon Whittle BUY NOW Pelagic Expedition 12-inch Deck Boot

Pelagic’s Expedition boot trades the weight of rubber for stretchy neoprene uppers that keep anglers warm, comfortable and dry. It’s the recreational angler’s version of a hard-core deck boot. If you’re looking for a full rubber boot, check out Pelagic’s Longshore 12-inch boot.

XTRATUF’s 15-inch Legacy deck boot is a commercial boot, offering warmth and protection to hard-working fishermen. Courtesy XTRATUF BUY NOW XTRATUF 15-Inch Legacy

Xtratuf may be the oldest brand in the game, having crafted deck boots for Alaskan fishermen for 60-plus years. The Legacy continues this tradition, as do ­many of the company’s excellent offerings. This is a commercial-grade boot built for hard-working fishermen.

Ankle Deck Boots

Ankle-high deck boots are trending in the world of fishing footwear. Anglers enjoy the easy slip-on, slip-off ­nature of this style, with the lower cut providing waterproof protection that straddles the seasons. Most deck boots are constructed of vulcanized rubber with a soft inner lining and a neoprene cuff at the ankle to protect your feet and keep them comfortable.

Designed for traction, they are a good choice for fishing from boat decks, jetties, piers, docks and pretty much any situation where you’re not wading in water more than ankle deep. They are great fishing shoes. The one drawback with ankle deck boots is you might get an uncomfortable boot full of water while launching a kayak or walking into the surf to extend a cast.

With most of the major fishing brands entering the ankle-boot market over the last few years, this style of fishing boots has become very popular. The following are some great options.

Simms Challenger Slip-Ons are an inch shorter than most ankle boots, making them easy to slip on and off. Jon Whittle BUY NOW Simms Challenger Slip-On

With a cuff height of 5 inches, this boot from Simms is a little shorter than most ankle boots, which come to 6 inches. It has a grid fleece lining that is warm and comfy but retains breathability. Fishermen are finding these boots do double duty as around around-the-yard beaters.

XTRATUF’s Tailgate boots come in the colors of your favorite college and NFL teams. Jon Whittle BUY NOW XTRATUF Tailgate Ankle Deck Boot

Seeing the popularity of deck boots on and off the water, XTRATUF released its high-performing deck boots in the colors of your favorite college and NFL football teams. For warmer climates, they are available with an odor-controlling liner that wicks moisture with a cooling effect. They are available with a fleece lining for cold weather on the boat or at a tailgate party.

Columbia PFG Pro Sport boots are a hybrid between a deck boot and an athletic shoe. Jon Whittle BUY NOW Columbia PFG Pro Sport

Available this spring, Columbia is entering the deck boot market with something a little different. They made a hybrid of a traditional deck boot and an athletic shoe. The uppers are a deck boot, the insole and outsole have arch contours and adaptive cushioning like a running shoe.

Frogg Toggs HydroGrip boots feature an athletic-shoe-style midsole for comfort and performance. Courtesy Frogg Toggs BUY NOW Frogg Toggs HydroGrip Deck Boot

Frogg Toggs saw the need for an athletic fit in their new ankle deck boot and answered with a supportive, athletic midsole for better stance and reduced fatigue on a rolling deck. The slop-free, athletic fit provides stability on uneven surfaces. An anti-microbial treatment will keep your feet from stinking.

Huk’s Women’s Rogue Wave comes in styles and sizes for women. Jon Whittle BUY NOW Huk Women’s Rogue Wave

Here’s one for the ladies. Huk took all the benefits of its excellent men’s ankle boots and made them in women’s sizes and styles. They’re great boat boots, and they’re also a comfortable, stylish option for rainy days. If your tastes are more masculine, take a look at the top-selling Men’s Rogue Wave.

Boat Shoes

Sperry Top-Siders used to be the only choice for a capable slip-on deck shoe, but a number of makers have stepped up with designs that meld the functionality of a deck shoe with the comfort and looks of an athletic shoe. These are fishing shoes with the heart of a comfortable

These boat sneakers are versatile, as they provide excellent footing, balance and support on the boat or on a hiking trail. They’re light and comfortable like a running shoe, and with stain and water repellent properties as well as drains to let water out, these fishing shoes are a good option when you’re likely to get wet, bloody and slimy

Columbia Castback TC PFG: Midsoles absorb impact and are designed to improve balance. Jon Whittle BUY NOW Columbia Men’s Castback TC PFG

With the eye of an angler, Columbia put a lot of thought into the design of this fishing shoe. It offers superb comfort, with a midsole engineered to absorb impact and provide balance. The list of thoughtful angler-centric features is impressive.

Frogg Toggs Hydrogrip are fishing shoes designed for tournament anglers. Frogg Toggs BUY NOW Frogg Toggs HydroGrip athletic boat shoe

The HydroGrip fishing sneaker was designed for tournament anglers who spend long days on the water regardless of conditions. It combines all the benefits of a deck shoe with the comfort of an athletic shoe.

Wet-Wading Boots

If your style of fishing involves a wet exit onto the flats, then consider one of the next-generation wading boots designed to protect feet from underwater hazards. They also drain ­quickly and dry fast and provide excellent traction in wet, rocky areas.

Simms Flyweight Wading Shoe provides comfort and protection for wading mud, sand or grass flats. Courtesy Simms BUY NOW Simms Flyweight Access

TheSimms Flyweight Access wet wading shoe provides athletic-shoe comfort and support, with a built-in gaiter to keep rocks out. Vibram Idrogrip Flex soles stay stuck no matter how wet it gets, but they won’t mark up the deck of your skiff.

Flip-Flops on a Fishing Boat?

You can absolutely wear flip-flops on a fishing boat, but we wouldn’t recommend those dime-store flops that blow out. The open design of a good pair of sandals lets feet breathe, helping you keep cool on the hottest days, and they dry quickly.

several brands have introduced performance sandals specifically made for fishing. They’re sure-­footed, with high-tech outsoles for traction. The insoles are also designed to grip, so you don’t slip out of your flops.

Grundens Fish Finder Sandals: Feature SeaDek built into your shoe, not just on your boat. Jon Whittle BUY NOW Grundens Fish Finder Sandals

Grundens has designed feature an anatomically molded footbed topped with SeaDeck for comfort and so that they stick to your feet.

AFTCO Deck Sandals are flip-flops designed for the casting deck. Courtesy AFTCO AFTCO Deck Sandals

With durability, comfort and style, AFTCO’s Deck Sandals are slip-resistant for better footing on wet decks.

Durable and providing excellent traction, XTRATUF built its Auna sandals for anglers. Courtesy XTRATUF BUY NOW XTRATUF Auna sandals

Solid enough that you can accidentally step on a gafftopsail cat without getting a spine in your foot, these sandals offer excellent traction on a boat deck.

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