Fish With Function and Style With These Best Fishing Boots
Fishing boots may look like any other pair of boots at first glance, but they’re actually designed to be both stylish and functional, looking great on their own while also fitting nicely inside waders and larger boots. They’re very durable, too, and a good pair of fishing boots will last you years on end without fail.
Whether you’re looking to get a new pair of boots or replace your old ones, these fishing boots picked by our excellent reviewing team will be great to wear during fishing trips. You could even wear them on trips to the mall and more and no one would bat an eye due to how stylish they look. Here are our favorite fishing boots of 2024!
Our Top Picks
The Finest Fishing Boot Models of 2024 in Detail
Best Overall
Being perfectly usable without larger boots or waders, you can wear these shoes in some water and have them work completely fine. They’re designed to be best worn by themselves, as the rubber sole makes for a very sturdy wading experience. It’ll keep you stable and in good form as you move about, and you’ll be less likely to slip and fall into the water by accident.
Despite being made for water and the like, it is worth noting that the shoes are not as resistant to salt water as they are to freshwater. You’ll need to thoroughly clean and rinse the boots after use in saltwater as it can actually corrode and damage the shoes over time if left unchecked. But other than that, these shoes are great for wearing when you just want to get into the water, and they look pretty stylish, too.
Pros
- Durable and stylish boots
- Rubber sole keeps your feet planted
- Neoprene lining to make the boots easy to put on or take off
Cons
- Needs heavy care when used in saltwater
Best for Wading
Our next pair of boots features a design that looks more like a pair of socks or fancy sports sneakers. In truth, these are wading boots, and they offer a sturdy walking experience over surfaces of all kinds. The small and simple form may make it seem flimsy, but it’s actually very sturdy in the sense that it can handle riverbeds, rocks, dirt, and mud. What’s more, the thin nature of these wading boots makes them fit larger boots found in chest waders.
The boots are available in many different sizes, and they have Gen I and Gen II versions if you care about this brand’s specific designs. One interesting feature that’s worth mentioning is the fact that the boots have a hydrophobic lining. This prevents water from sticking onto the boots and minimizes the chances of spreading invasive water species from one body of water to another.
Pros
- Comes in many different sizes
- Flexible and versatile
- Can be worn inside larger wader boots
Cons
- Can feel a little flimsy for some wearers
Tallest Boots
While fancy modern fishing boots look nice and aesthetic, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the traditional and classic designs of old. These fishing boots feature a timeless design that keeps your feet dry inside. The boots may not prevent water from entering the boots after a certain height, but if you’re just standing by the shoreline or sitting in a boat, then these boots will serve you just fine.
The colors and designs of the boots are also worth noting. You have a total of three different “colors” to choose from, though they’re almost nearly identical to one another unless you look very closely. You’ve also got a lot of size options, so there’s bound to be one that fits you. Overall, if you’re a fan of the classic boot design and the color, then these should be right up your alley.
Pros
- Classic and timeless boot design
- Great for use in boats or by the shore
- Made out of durable neoprene
Cons
- No real variance in color
Best General Purpose
If you’ve been looking for a pair of general outdoor boots that you could bring to just about any outdoor excursion, then this pair by 8 Fans is what you need. It’s marketed not only for fishing and wading but also for hunting, and these bad boys can take you anywhere your heart or gut desires. The design of these boots gives off this rugged and heavy-duty feel while also offering great mobility and versatility.
Despite the thick rubber sole, this pair of boots is surprisingly light. You can move your feet fairly easily, and this really comes in handy when you’re shifting your feet about in the water. The heel and toe of the shoes have been reinforced, keeping your feet safe. Though it only comes in one color, you can pick from a variety of sizes, so consider picking this up as your default outdoor shoes if you don’t have any yet.
Pros
- Very versatile for outdoor use
- Lightweight and easy to move around in
- Reinforced heel and toe
Cons
- Only comes in one color
Most Stylish
These shoes are probably the closest you can get to designer-level fishing shoes. In fact, you wouldn’t even know these shoes are meant for fishing unless you looked at the label. These shoes may certainly look the part, but can they hold up against other fishing shoes? The answer is yes, and it’s all thanks to its functional and sleek design.
The shoe contains straps that make it very easy to put on and take off. What’s more, you’ve also got an EVA footbed that makes your feet dry no matter how damp the weather conditions get. The shoes are also waterproof, so unless you really dip your feet into some water, you won’t feel a thing. Like designer shoes, these wave shoes come in a few designs and colorways, so you can customize your look.
Pros
- Stylish and modern look
- Easy to put on and take off
- Comes in many different colors and designs
Cons
- Not the most durable pair of fishing shoes
Buying Guide: Fishing Boots
Fishing shoes are the only item protecting your feet from getting soaked and soggy. This guide will cover the basics regarding fishing boots.
Fishing and Fishing Boots: What’s the Point?
Fishing is an activity that largely relies on tools and not clothing. You throw out a line with some bait or tackle, wait for a bit and reel the fish in. Where in the equation do shoes and boots fit in? The answer is simple: throughout the entire process. From the moment you step onto the shoreline to the minute you leave for the day, your feet are exposed to the elements and very vulnerable to water.
Fishing boots are there to help accommodate for situations when your feet get wet, either intentionally or by accident. They’re made to withstand the harsh nature of the wild, and they can even be used for other outdoor excursions if need be. In essence, they’re made for fishing, and this reason alone is why many people wear them, if not for anything else.
Perks of Fishing Boots
Durability
Depending on where and how you fish, you may need to walk a bit into the body of water that you’re fishing in. And unless the water’s super clear or shallow, you may not necessarily see where you’re stepping on. Fear of dangerous creatures lurking beneath the murk aside, it’s also possible for you to slip on a rock or some mud without you realizing it, and you need to have solid footing if you want to prevent yourself from falling in and getting drenched.
Fishing boots are helpful because they usually have a thick rubber sole that helps anchor your feet in place. That way, no matter what terrain you’re standing on, you’ll feel like you’re in control. You could even use them in forests and other places with rough terrain and find similar success simply due to how thick and tough the rubber soles of fishing shoes are.
Waterproof
This may seem like a given due to the fact that you’re fishing next to a body of water, but it’s a welcome feature nonetheless. Waterproof shoes allow you to get a little dirty as you wade in the water. Note that depending on the design of the shoe or boot, you may still end up getting your feet wet, so be sure to check online for any details regarding the product or try it out for yourself at home by dipping it in a tub or bath for testing.
The waterproof nature of the shoe is mainly for the quality of life purposes and comfort. After all, even if you’re out there with the expectation of getting a little wet, getting soggy and wet feet isn’t really all that fun.
Great look
While fishing shoes of old may have just been functional and nothing more, the fishing shoes of today look far more stylish and modern, even taking up more stylish names to keep up in the form of “wave shoes.” They could very well pass for sports shoes or designer shoes, and depending on what clothes you pair with them, they can look stunning.
This added level of design and fashion in fishing boots and shoes means that you can look great on any fishing trip. You could take photos and share them on social media or just feel good about yourself because you’ve got a stylish set of shoes.
What To Look for in Fishing Boots
The right size
At the end of the day, no matter how stylish the boots are, no matter how feature-packed they may be, no matter how high-quality the materials are, they won’t matter at all if you can’t actually wear the boots. It’s always a good idea to prioritize finding the right size first and foremost, as that way, you can narrow down your options to things that you actually can wear from the get-go.
When measuring your foot size for this purpose, we recommend doing so towards the end of the day, preferably right after you’ve arrived home. At this point, your feet will have been slightly larger than they were in the morning from all the walking and moving you did throughout the day. This is the largest possible size your feet will likely be in, so even if your feet swell from exhaustion, you can find a pair that’s comfortable.
The ideal comfort
Designs are cool and all, but what really matters in fishing boots is comfort. You’re going to be wearing these boots for hours on end, likely for an entire day even, and this means you won’t be able to take them off until you arrive home or if you just want to take a quick break. The shoes must be comfortable enough that they won’t cause discomfort when worn.
There are a few things that affect the overall comfort of a shoe, and while size does play a role, so do the shape of the shoe and the materials used. This can be a lengthy process, but you’ll be able to find your ideal preferences eventually, and once you do, you can settle on a pair that you can feel comfortable wearing all day.
How We Chose the Best Fishing Boots
We choose fishing boots based on a few factors, including the design of the shoe, durability, stability, and waterproofing.
People Also Asked
Are fishing boots only meant for fishing?
Not necessarily. You can use fishing boots for regular outdoor activities if you wanted to.
Do fishing boots look ugly?
These days, fishing boots and shoes have improved significantly design-wise, and many can even pass for modern casual shoes.
Are fishing boots necessary?
You don’t need a pair of fishing boots to fish effectively, but they offer a safer and more comfortable experience when fishing for long periods of time.