{"id":20330,"date":"2020-04-20T18:03:30","date_gmt":"2020-04-20T18:03:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/?p=20330"},"modified":"2021-06-17T09:30:08","modified_gmt":"2021-06-17T09:30:08","slug":"fishing-footwear-basics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/fishing-footwear-basics\/","title":{"rendered":"Fishing Footwear Basics: Keeping Your Feet Neat and Safe"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve ever stepped on a hook with just bare feet before, you surely understand how important the fishing footwear basics! Our feet are the foundation of our body.<\/p>\n

They touch the ground whenever we are standing, walking, running or fishing, and are the extension of our legs, which allow us mobility and action.<\/p>\n

Damaging or hurting our feet will not only negatively affect our fishing, but also affect our day to day activities.<\/p>\n

Usually, footwear is the least of your worries when going out fishing, but more so when fishing on a boat.<\/p>\n

Barefoot is usually the default option for everyone here in the tropics and is wonderful for the hot and humid climate, but terrible for foot safety from sharps and for overall comfort.<\/p>\n

There are so many different shoes for different fishing applications. There are heavy duty deck boots for cold weather fishing that offers users insulation, grip and protection, then minimalist slip on sandals that only provide grip and sole protection.<\/p>\n

There are boat specific shoes that are grippy and water resistant and won\u2019t damage a boat\u2019s gelcoat, and there are wading specific boots for long mountain hikes or wading vast ocean flats.<\/p>\n

So many shoes and so many options, but they have all have similar goals. For anglers to be able to fish for a longer period safely and comfortably.<\/p>\n

Like in any other sport, with the proper footwear, you\u2019ll be able to focus more on the work and actions required to perform well rather than bother yourself with blisters, foot and knee pain among other issues that prevent you from performing at your best.<\/p>\n

Like with any equipment that you plan to add to your arsenal, fishing footwear also has their pros and cons.<\/p>\n

What Works<\/h2>\n

Traction<\/strong> \u2013 No matter what type of shoe or boot you have or plan to purchase, they will all have non-slip soles for their specific design and application.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll get tractor tread type stainless steel attachments for wading boots, off-road vehicle quality rubber for hiking boots, and some type of non-slip soft rubber outsole for boat and deck shoes.<\/p>\n

No matter where or how you fish, having a grippy hold on the platform you are standing or walking on can only improve your overall fishing experience.<\/p>\n

Protection from sharps<\/strong> \u2013 Whether wading saltwater flats, mountain streams or fishing from boats, there will always be sharp objects that find their way to unprotected parts of your body.<\/p>\n

And with your full body weight resting on your feet, expect through-skin penetration and massive discomfort when there is nothing between your foot and whatever sharp object you manage to step on.<\/p>\n

Apart from having a thick slab of rubber for sole protection, other shoes also offer protection from the top, albeit some may provide only the minimal protection to attain lighter weights and improved airflow and comfort.<\/p>\n

Neoprene or mesh tops are widely used for the shoes\u2019 uppers which are both comfortable and light, but only offers minimal protection from really big and spiny hooks and fish.<\/p>\n

They do a great job of protecting your feet from harmful UV rays though. The more robust wading boots for both saltwater and freshwater are more bullet proof and can prevent unwanted penetration from all angles.<\/p>\n

Cushion<\/strong> \u2013 Any prolonged movement while standing on your feet while barefoot is bad news for your knees, back, and legs.<\/p>\n

Unknowingly, your body will adapt to even the slightest discomfort your feet are going through, and your posture, agility, quickness and performance will eventually break down.<\/p>\n

Shoes with ample cushioning will provide shock absorption, protecting your ankle and knee joints along with your back, avoiding unnecessary discomfort and allowing you to perform at your best.<\/p>\n

Stability<\/strong> \u2013 Low profile shoes that are built only below the ankle provides minimal support but is still better than nothing.<\/p>\n

More substantial shoes like wading boots provide superior ankle stability, preventing ankle injuries and sprains when walking on unstable surfaces like loose rock, corals, and sand.<\/p>\n

Confidence<\/strong> \u2013 With all of the advantages listed above, you\u2019ll find yourself moving around the boat, the flats or the river more confidently and comfortably, allowing your body and mind to focus on the job at hand, which is trying to get this spooky and near invisible fish to take your lure!<\/p>\n

No matter what style of fishing or what destination you plan to fish in, wearing foot protection will make your overall fishing experience better.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What Doesn\u2019t Work<\/h2>\n

Cleaning<\/strong> \u2013 any additional clothing means more stuff that needs cleaning at the end of the day\u2019s fishing. And shoes are not the easiest and most fun to clean.<\/p>\n

Different materials require different methods of cleaning and drying. Leather uppers, synthetic or real repel water and offer premium feel and comfort and absorb almost no water, making it the fastest to dry, but leather must be maintained well for it to last a longer time.<\/p>\n

Mesh and neoprene uppers absorb less water and are quick drying but also prevent sand and other small particles from draining out, so they\u2019ll still need a good rinse.<\/p>\n

Wading boots prevent particles to get in, but still need thorough drying after a day\u2019s fishing or else risk the unavoidable \u2018wet-dog\u2019 smell for the rest of the week.<\/p>\n

Whatever material your shoes are made of, if not dried well, will harbor bacteria buildup and will produce a smell that will bother not just you but all of the people within a 5-meter radius.<\/p>\n

Foot discrepancy<\/strong> \u2013 Different people have different foot shapes and will have very different views on style and comfort. Tall arches, flat feet, toe length, bunions and calluses, current and previous injuries, etc.<\/p>\n

So much discrepancies among feet means that not all shoes are practical to buy off the internet. It is almost impossible to discern whether a pair is good for you just by basing your research on the descriptions and specifications placed on websites.<\/p>\n

There will be amazing shoes for me but will suck for others due to varying body and build types as well as feet differences and personal preference.<\/p>\n

A physical fit and feel in a store is best as always, and to others that don\u2019t have this privilege, a gamble is in need and you\u2019ll have to rely on the return policies for online purchases if your shoes don\u2019t pair well with your feet and your planned fishing application.<\/p>\n

While we\u2019re in the discussion of footwear, let\u2019s have a look at last year\u2019s best footwear winners from international fishing shows and reviews held before the covid pandemic took hold.<\/p>\n

These shoes mentioned here are not a must have or the best for everyone. These are just listed for you to have an idea on what features are best for your personal fishing needs.<\/p>\n

Links to their websites are included in the description for you to have a better look at what other footwear they have available that may be more suited to your preference.<\/p>\n

ICAST 2019 \u2013 Best of Category (Footwear)<\/h2>\n

Frog Toggs Skipper\u00a0<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"FEATURES:<\/strong><\/p>\n