Sandals vs. Water Shoes for Stand-Up Paddleboarding: The Hard Truth
The Short Answer
For stand-up paddleboarding, water shoes are almost always the better choice, provided you are paddling in water with any debris or sharp rocks. I learned this the hard way on a late-summer SUP tour on Lake Crescent in Washington state. The air temperature was a comfortable 75 degrees, but the water was a chilly 58 degrees with a rocky shoreline. I brought my usual Teva Hurricane XLT2 sandals because I was worried about the heat. By hour three, a small piece of glass from a broken bottle near the launch site had sliced through the synthetic strap of my sandal and dug right into my heel. The pain was immediate and sharp. I had to bail on the fun and hike out to shore to replace my footwear with a pair of Keen Newport H2 Sandals I had in my dry bag. That experience taught me that sandals are acceptable for calm, sandy bays, but water shoes are the only safe option for rocky coves, river mouths, or anywhere with hidden marine debris.
Sandals like the Keen Newport H2 offer a decent middle ground for warm summer days, but they lack the necessary protection against submerged obstacles. Water shoes, such as the NRS Kicker Remix or the Merrell Waterpro Maipo 2, are designed specifically to withstand impacts from sharp objects while keeping your feet warm enough for cold-water paddling. If you are paddling in tropical waters like Hawaii where the bottom is soft sand, sandals might suffice, but the moment you encounter a submerged shell or a sharp coral edge, your feet become vulnerable. I have seen paddlers cut their feet open on broken shells in the Caribbean while wearing open-toed sandals, and the injury can be severe enough to stop a trip instantly.
The Key Factors to Understand
The primary difference between these two footwear types comes down to protection versus breathability. Water shoes prioritize impact protection and warmth. I tested the Astral Brewess 2.0 Water Shoe during a three-day expedition along the Oregon coast in October. The water temperature was hovering around 52 degrees Fahrenheit, and the wind was gusting up to 20 mph with choppy 2-foot waves. The Brewess kept my feet dry and insulated me from the cold, rocky bottom of the river mouth where I was launching. The synthetic upper material prevented water from rushing in, which was crucial when I had to walk through surf to get to the boat. However, the trade-off is that they are less breathable than sandals, meaning your feet can get hot and sweaty if you are paddling on a very hot day.
Sandals, on the other hand, prioritize drainage and ventilation. The Chaco Z1 Classic is a popular choice for its Y-shaped strap system, which provides a secure fit but allows water to drain through the mesh easily. I used the Chaco Z1 Classic for a flat-water SUP session on a mountain reservoir in the Pacific Northwest during July. The water was warm, around 68 degrees, and the bottom was sandy with a few scattered pebbles. The sandals performed well here, allowing my feet to cool down and stay comfortable. The issue arises when you encounter debris. The open-toe design leaves the toes and heels exposed to sharp objects. I once slipped off a rock on a SUP tour in California while wearing sandals, and my toes scraped against a jagged piece of concrete. The sandal strap held my foot in place, but the lack of sole protection made the cut quite painful.
Another critical factor is the sole thickness. Water shoes generally have a thicker, more protective rubber sole, whereas sandals often have a thin, flexible sole. This makes a big difference when stepping off a SUP into deep water. If you are wading into a river, a thicker sole in a water shoe will protect your feet from submerged logs, rocks, and sharp debris. I tested the Merrell Waterpro Maipo 2 on a river run where the current was strong and the riverbed was full of slippery rocks. The Maipo 2 had a grippy sole that helped me maintain traction on wet rocks, and the upper material was tough enough to resist abrasion from the rocks. In contrast, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 has a thinner sole that can feel like walking on thin skin when you step on a sharp rock.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
The most common mistake I see paddlers make is choosing footwear based on where they plan to wear it on land rather than in the water. Many people buy sandals because they look good for walking to the car or wearing at the beach, but then find them useless when they hit the water with rocks. I once saw a group of friends on a SUP trip who all wore sandals because they wanted to walk on the beach after the trip. They ignored the fact that the shoreline was lined with broken shells and sharp rocks. One of them cut his foot open within the first 10 minutes of paddling. The lesson is to prioritize foot protection over style or ease of walking on dry land.
Another mistake is underestimating the importance of drainage. Sandals are excellent at draining water, which is good if you are paddling in warm water and want your feet to dry quickly. However, if you are paddling in cold water, water will rush into your sandals and stay there, making your feet cold and uncomfortable. I tested the Keen Newport H2 sandals on a cold-water swim in the Pacific Northwest in December. The water was around 45 degrees, and the sandals filled up with water immediately. My feet got cold very quickly, and the sandals did not provide enough insulation to keep my feet warm. In contrast, the NRS Kicker Remix Wetshoe is designed to keep water out to some degree, which is essential for cold-water paddling.
Buyers also often forget to consider the fit. Sandals can be loose and slip off when you are paddling, which is dangerous if you fall off your SUP. Water shoes should fit snugly to prevent them from slipping off in the water. I tested the Astral Brewess 2.0 Water Shoe and found that it fits very snugly, which is great for paddling. However, if you buy a size too large, the shoe can slip off your foot when you are paddling in choppy water. I once wore a water shoe that was too loose on a river run, and it slipped off when I jumped off the SUP to swim. I had to stop the trip to retrieve it, which was frustrating.
Our Recommendations by Budget and Use Case
Budget Pick: Teva Hurricane XLT2
The Teva Hurricane XLT2 is a solid choice for warm, flat-water paddling on sandy bottoms. I tested this on a SUP tour in a warm bay in Florida during the summer. The water was around 80 degrees, and the bottom was soft sand with a few scattered shells. The sandals performed well in these conditions, keeping my feet cool and comfortable. However, they are not suitable for rocky shores or cold water. If you are paddling in water with any debris, or if the water temperature drops below 60 degrees, you should avoid this sandal. The sole is thin and offers little protection against sharp rocks. It is also not waterproof, so water will rush into your feet if you fall in. This is a good option for casual paddlers who only paddle in warm, sandy bays.
Mid-Range Pick: Keen Newport H2 Sandal
The Keen Newport H2 is a better all-around option for paddlers who want a bit more protection than a standard sandal but still want the drainage of a sandal. I tested this on a SUP trip along the coast of Oregon in September. The water was around 55 degrees, and the bottom was rocky with some submerged debris. The Keen Newport H2 held up well, protecting my feet from small rocks and debris. The synthetic upper material was tough and resisted abrasion. However, the fit can be tricky, and you need to ensure you get the right size. If you are between sizes, you might find the shoe too tight or too loose. It is also not as insulated as a dedicated water shoe, so your feet might get cold in colder water. This is a good choice for paddlers who want a versatile shoe that can handle a mix of sandy and rocky bottoms.
High-End Pick: NRS Kicker Remix Wetshoe
The NRS Kicker Remix is a top-tier water shoe for paddlers who need serious protection and warmth. I tested this on a multi-day kayak and SUP expedition in the Pacific Northwest during the winter. The water was around 48 degrees, and the bottom was rocky and slippery. The Kicker Remix kept my feet warm and protected my toes from sharp rocks. The synthetic upper material was tough and resisted abrasion from the rocks. The fit is snug and secure, which is essential for paddling in choppy water. However, the price is higher than other options, and the shoe is not as breathable as sandals. If you are paddling in cold water or on rocky bottoms, this is the best choice. It is also a good option for paddlers who want a shoe that can handle rough conditions.
Best for Cold Water: Astral Brewess 2.0 Water Shoe
The Astral Brewess 2.0 is a specialized water shoe designed for cold-water paddling. I tested this on a three-day kayak trip along the Oregon coast in October when the water was around 52 degrees. The Brewess kept my feet warm and dry, even when I had to walk through surf to get to the boat. The synthetic upper material was tough and resisted abrasion from the rocks. The fit is snug and secure, which is essential for paddling in choppy water. However, the shoe is not as breathable as sandals, and your feet might get hot and sweaty if you are paddling in warm water. It is also not suitable for warm water paddling, as the shoe is too hot and restrictive. This is a great choice for paddlers who need protection in cold water or on rocky bottoms.
Best for Warm Water: Merrell Waterpro Maipo 2
The Merrell Waterpro Maipo 2 is a versatile water shoe that works well in both warm and cool water. I tested this on a SUP trip in Hawaii during the summer. The water was around 82 degrees, and the bottom was sandy with a few scattered shells. The Maipo 2 kept my feet comfortable and protected my toes from small rocks and shells. The synthetic upper material was tough and resisted abrasion from the shells. The fit is snug and secure, which is essential for paddling in choppy water. However, the shoe is not as breathable as sandals, and your feet might get hot and sweaty if you are paddling in very warm water. It is also not as insulated as a dedicated cold-water shoe, so your feet might get cold in colder water. This is a good choice for paddlers who want a shoe that can handle a mix of conditions.
Best for River Running: Chaco Z1 Classic
The Chaco Z1 Classic is a popular choice for river paddling because of its durable construction and secure fit. I tested this on a river run in the Pacific Northwest during the summer. The water was around 60 degrees, and the current was strong. The Chaco Z1 Classic held up well, protecting my feet from
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