Kayak Shoes & Footwear

Footwear is one of the most overlooked pieces of kayaking gear — until your heels are bruised, your booties are full of mud, or you’re banging your toes across a rocky portage. Whether you're paddling whitewater, racing Coast to Coast, or exploring estuaries at low tide, the right shoes keep you protected and stable from the put-in to the take-out.

The Palm Rock Shoe is our go-to for just about everything. It’s supportive, secure, and flexible enough to feel your rudder pedals while still offering real protection during a swim or short hike. The forefoot strap prevents them from being sucked off your feet by thick mud or strong river currents. If you're heading into serious whitewater or a West Coast walk-in, the Palm Gradient is made for steep, rugged terrain and quick rescues when it counts. For cold water days, slide on a pair of Palm Index neoprene socks under your shoes to instantly boost warmth.

Multisport paddlers sometimes go minimal on footwear – or skip it altogether – but that’s a mistake. Thin footwear (like surfing booties) don’t offer enough protection or grip for swims and portages, and barefoot paddling leaves you completely unsupported and at risk of injury. Your feet may not be doing much while you paddle, but your heels are under pressure all day long. A good pair of shoes makes a big difference.

So whether you're after neoprene kayak boots, performance-focused kayak shoes, or paddling socks for cold water comfort, this is the footwear that holds up to real conditions.