Back in 2011, Outside Magazine featured our KEEN McKenzie vented hiking shoes as an ideal wet-wading shoe when fly fishing. Since then, fly fishing reviewers have included KEEN shoes and sandals in their lists of top wet-wading options because of their grip, water-resistant materials, and toe protection.
There are wet-wading shoes you wear only while fly fishing. And then there are shoes you can wear everywhere outside, including while fly fishing. We prefer the latter. We call it "hybrid" versatility, and here are the hybrid shoes and sandals fly fishers love today:
The Wading Kit named KEEN Voyageur shoes as "the best comfortable fly fishing wet-wading shoes." Author Oliver James says, "My favorite feature in these wading shoes for fishing is the flexibility of the sole that lets you hop around on stones with ease." He also highlights the luggy rubber outsole "with all those grooves and shafts necessary for giving you a good grip on water." Voyageur is available in men's and women's sizing.
Anchor Fly included Newport H2 sandals as one of its top 5 wet-wading shoes for fishing. Author Wes Mangum says, "You can count on them to hold up through hiking and wading on the hottest of summer days. If you’re looking for something to throw on and hit the trails in search of small blue lines, the Newport H2s are a great hybrid sandal that can serve as wet wading shoes."
Tenkara Angler and Hatch Magazine also give a nod to the Newport. Chris Hunt at Hatch says, "After just a few steps in these sandals, my perspective on summer footwear changed. Forever." Newport is available in men's, women's and kids' sizing, and Field and Stream recently named the Newport H2 the best fishing shoe for kids. Take the whole fam!
Trailspace named our men's SOLR sandal one of its top sport sandals. While not fly-fishing specific, they did call out its grippy-when-wet sole. "It's clear the SOLR is a top-notch water sandal. The sole has very good grip on rain-slicked rocks and river beds," says reviewer Andrew F. "The smaller openings, sealed ankle, and close/stretchy fit limit the ability of rocks and grit to get under your feet, yet the openings on both sides are large enough to drain quickly when you get out of the water."
