I have tried a ton of different water shoes for my needs of fishing, kayaking, and just general outdoor wear. The problem I have had is that no one shoe has impressed me and each have had there very real flaws. Sandals are cool and dry quick, but did not protect my foot from sharp rocks when wading or kayaking....they also left a funky tan line on my feet from the openings...LOL. I have tried other cheap types of water shoes, and they worked ok, but still they were not the most comfortable, and began falling apart after a few wears. Other shoes have been comfortable, but let rocks and sand into the shoe, which need to be emptied constantly. Overall like I said, I have been through alot of shoes...so I gave these Columbia Drainmakers a try, and they have been everything the other shoes have not been IMO. I know alot of other anglers out there have the same issues with water shoes as I have in the past, so I just wanted to share.
In no way am I sponsored or paid to review these shoes, heck I paid full price in the spring, and now they are discounted for the end of the year....I did get another pair though at the discounted price. Overall I have just been extremely pleased with these shoes.
Anyone else here wear them, or have another highly recommended show they wear on or in the water?

I have owned too many Columbia shoes and they all end the same. Drain well, but still trap pebbles and sand that get in them. I prefer not to spend $50+ on a pair of water shoes. Now I just wear my Crocs or Speedo Mens Hybrid Watercross Water Shoe that I can get at Walmart.

+1 on Columbia drainmaker 1v

If you're interested in Comfort, I would recommend SoftScience. They aren't the best looking shoes, but they will make your back and knee's feel good at the end of a long day on a boat ( just read the reviews )

https://www.softscience.com/mens/mens-fin-3.html


I also have drainmakers, Shimano, Simms, etc..

- JD

I used to just wear Crocs as well, but they were very slippery when wading in the water

crocs

keep a pair of old dive boots handy if I'll be wading.

Barefoot.

Crazy....I would be scared to death to run around barefoot in the rivers....LOL