Rafting on whitewater is fun and adventurous, especially with the best rafting shoes. Whether it is the first trip under the guidance of an instructor or a typical summer adventure, covering your feet adds to the thrilling experience. Besides, a complete outfit with the proper footwear provides maximum protection.
Although it is a tradition for most hikers to select life jackets and helmets (to prevent sunburns) as their top picks, carefully selecting the best shoes for rafting destinations is also necessary. This is because you will get wet, even when careful not to fall out. As a result, you will need shoes to protect yourself from water colds. To this end, we will help you minimize water chills and the sunburn effect on whitewater trips. In this article, you will find the shoes that will work just for you and ensure hitch-free rafting. Wearing shoes may be your last thought if you want to feel water sensations while rafting. It is fun, but the idea is out of the box. You need the best shoes for white water rafting; the goal is safety and comfort.
5 Types Of Water Rafting Shoes
Water Shoes
Find the perfect pairs of shoes no more to raft; Water shoes are the top picks for rafting on whitewater. As the name suggests, the shoes come in a design typically meant for in and out-water activities. For the short and long term, the shoes are versatile for men and women.
Water shoes are handy in white water with their snug fit feature and lightweight soles. For water adventurers, the rafting shoes help keep your feet from getting bogged down with extra weight from water inflow. Simply put, they drain and dry quickly when wet.
While the mesh fabrics enable easy airflow, their soles are suitable for different landscapes. They are also easy to find in shoe stores, and there are no special rules to wearing them. For your next trip, wear them and head out in your other water gears. It is that simple.
Sports Sandals
Sports sandals are ideal to use for summer trips such as vacations or casual events. In every case, selecting water sandals as one of your preferred rafting shoes is never out of place. The shoe's design is suitable for use on the water and reuse on different trips.
While most women's footwear becomes heavy and tilts to damage from minimal contact with water, water sandals are not. The lightweight sandals don't get bogged down from water inflow and at an excess rate. Even better, you can find pairs that swiftly dry from water splashes.
You may consider bringing water socks as additional leg protection on water trips. But with women's rafting sandals, it is needless. You will only get your feet smelly. Preferably, find ankle strap sandals that firmly hold the shoes on your foot for a seamless rafting experience.
Trail Running Shoes
Want the all-weather shoes for rafting? Running shoes are the perfect pair. These shoes help create balance in warm water that tops off from excessive summer heat. And while maintaining moderate body temperature in cold water splashes, they are suitable white water rafting shoes for winter.
When it comes to pairs of men's and women's running shoes, you will find an adequate cushion for water adventures. Their shoelaces on the upper part, combined with soft insoles, enable users to tie them tightly and maintain a firm grip. Even better, the shoe's soft footbed provides an all-time safety to a great extent.
Forget the typical one-off shoes. Running shoes can outlive annual cycles; summer and winter. Thanks to their resistance to slipping, they are durable to use simultaneously on water trips.
Hiking Shoes
Hiking shoes are one of the ideal rafting shoes to use if you are unfamiliar with intense water trips. Due to reasons that whitewater can include small rocky stones on complex terrain, you can leverage these shoes for hitch-free rafts movement. Their easy-to-use design perfectly fits trainees and frequent rafters who want the best of adventures.
They are also ideal for consecutive rafting with their flexible rubber sole and cushioned footbed. And if you are concerned about your leg safety, hiking shoes provide the utmost comfort combined with confidence.
Tennis Shoes
You may not, but include tennis shoes in shoes to bring on whitewater. Don't get your collections wrong. They can be your go-to if it is a one-off water trip, as they aren't lasting enough for consecutive use. However, an advantage is that the shoes are easy to find and convenient to use on wet legs.
Tennis heels can help to maintain grips when the water waves bring you overboard. With their cushioned sole, you can keep your legs in the best form. And with a breathable upper, the shoes are handy during hot weather in summer.
If you want to bring fashion styles on board to whitewater, you can find your preferred hues from different tennis colors. Pair them with your favorite bathing suits for a sleek style on rafts after bathing.
What are the Essential Features to Find in the Best Rafting Shoes for You?
Weight
You wouldn't want to feel heavy on rafts and limit the fun of whitewater adventures. Do you? To ensure you have the best shoes, find lightweight shoes to keep you in the best form. Herein, shoes with heavy foams may not be necessary. Simply find flexible footwear that is adequate for your legs to purchase at the shoe store.
Water Protection
No matter how careful you are, you cannot rule out the chances of getting water splashes on rafts. Hence, it becomes necessary to protect your feet to avoid water logs as they may not be healthy for your legs.
In most cases, water and waterproof shoes are the best footwear to enlist as the top picks. However, the goal is to make protection a priority for whichever shoes you want to pick. Rafting shoes should be lightweight and flexible to move with your feet. So, you can move around without getting tired for hours.
Durability
Rafting can take hours, depending on how intense the trip can be. Whether it does or otherwise, there is no need to risk the fun in old shoes.
Having shoes that are not durable and strong enough can end your trip halfway. But selecting shoes that can take you far, even in rough terrain, is essential for a hitch-free water trip.
When it comes to rafting, one of the essential gears is your footwear. Your rafting experience will be improved by rafting shoes, which will let you thoroughly enjoy the adventure. There are several factors; you should keep in mind while buying rafting shoes.
Material
The material of the shoe should be durable with quick-drying and breathability features. You should avoid buying shoes made of non-breathable or leather material because they take longer to dry and eventually cause discomfort, which may distract you from your adventure.
Traction
Traction is one of the main features you can never ignore while buying rafting shoes. There will be a lot of places while rafting where you need excellent traction to move without fear of slipping. Try to find shoes with rubber soles or specialized water soles to provide traction so you can confidently move.
Protection
Choose shoes that provide reasonable protection for your feet, Open and closed-toe shoes are available in the market, and you can select according to the level of possible danger. These shoes will protect you from cuts, bruises, and other injuries.
Fit
Your shoes should be perfectly fit and comfortable for long hours of wear. Consider features like a cushioned insole, arch support, and adjustable straps while selecting rafting shoes. This will eliminate the risk of bruises, discomfort, or decreased performance.
Water resistance
Look for footwear with drainage holes so that water can drain. This will lessen the probability of the shoes getting heavy due to waterlogging.
Shoes to Avoid Wearing for Rafting
Rafting shoes are not regular; they are mainly created to endure the specific needs of water activities. Their primary focus is comfortable, protected feet from potential hazards and rugged riverbeds. So, avoid other shoes that can cause discomfort and do not provide adequate protection. Some of the shoes that you should avoid when getting ready for rafting are:
Flip Flops
Flip-flops are easy to wear but do not provide essential protection and expose your feet to any possible injury.
Heels and Dress Shoes
Heels or dress shoes are highly impractical to wear while rafting; the heels may get stuck in stones and lack traction, which causes wounds from slipping or ankle injuries.
Canvas Shoes
Many of you thought you could use trainers or canvas sneakers for rafting because they can protect your feet and are slip resistant, but you're mistaken. They have no drainage system for water, which results in uncomfortable feet, and they are more likely to carry infections.
Heavy Hiking Boots
These shoes provide excellent traction and ankle support but become heavier when you wear them for a long time in the water. You should go for some lightweight rafting shoes instead.
What to Do After Rafting?
After your thrilling rafting journey, it's necessary to properly care of your rafting shoes to extend their lifespan and ensure that they are ready for your next water-based activity. Here are a few steps you should follow after rafting:
Rinse and clean
First, remove all the visible dirt and debris with clean water. Then use mild detergent and scrub the shoes properly, including the straps. Then again, wash it with clean water.
Air Dry
After washing, the next step is to dry the shoes. The moisture in the shoes can cause mold and other infections that will cause damage to your shoes and feet. Dry your rafting shoes at room temperature and keep them away from sunlight while drying.
Inspect thoroughly
Now it's time for a complete inspection; check every shoe strap or damage. If the damage is minor and fixable, then fix it if not then replace it with new shoes if necessary.
Store properly
Once the shoes pass all the checking points, store them in the proper shoe bag at room temperature. You can also place some paper under the straps to maintain their shape.
Following the above steps will ensure that your shoes will last longer with proper care and protection. So, next time you plan your upcoming adventure, your shoes will not hinder your fun.
Conclusion
Rafting is an outdoor thrilling water activity that involves navigating rapidly on turbulent water in an inflatable raft. This unforgettable journey has thrilling and enjoyable experiences that challenge your skills and abilities but also comes with potential hazards. Choosing the correct equipment is crucial to preparing for a successful and safe rafting trip. And one of the most important gear parts is the proper footwear for rafting. Perfect footwear is essential because it will shield you from trash, sharp objects, and other things that could damage you, whether you are an experienced professional searching for more excitement and enjoyment or a novice adventurer embarking on your first trip.