The Best Fishing Shoes

Whether you’re in search of the perfect catch or you simply enjoy the thrill of boating with friends, you need proper footwear if you’re going fishing. The selection of fishing shoes is vast and can be challenging if you’re not sure where to start or how best to level up on your current fishing shoes. Our experts at the Tough Mother Outdoor Guide have rounded up a list of the best shoes to wear fishing, from casual boat-to-bar slip-ons to tough shoes that will help you navigate slippery decks, rocks, docks, and even fish guts.

What to look for in fishing shoes
Before diving into our selection of the best footwear for fishing, it’s helpful to have an idea of what to look for. Traction is obviously a priority, but depending upon your planned activity, you’ll also want to consider features like good venting and waterproofing/water-resistance, as well as quick-drying and moisture-wicking materials. So be sure to look for shoes that include technologies like Omni-Grip™ for advanced traction and Omni-Shield Blood ’N Guts™ for water- and stain-resistance and easy washing.

The performance PFG Castback TC Shoe combines the traction of Omni-Grip with the cushioning and enhanced stability of Columbia’s Omni-MAX technology. Lacing allows for a custom-fit snugness compared to slip-ons, while the collapsible heel allows for quick and easy slide-on comfort The premium materials and design elements make this stylish, comfortable shoe an ideal choice for boat-to-bar.

If you prefer the ease and comfort of a slip-on shoe, the PFG Boatside Breathe Shoe is another option that can take you from boat deck to cocktail lounge in style. After a long day on the water, your feet will appreciate the thick foam cushioned midsole and breathable mesh upper. The shoe comes in several styles and colors to suit your style.

If flip-flops are your idea of true foot comfort and freedom, Columbia's Tidal Ray is the choice for you. This isn’t just any flip-flop. The quick-drying EVA comfort midsole provides more support than your standard flip-flop, and the lightweight rubber outsole is specifically designed to give you plenty of traction wherever you’re fishing, boating, or walking along the beach.

When your fishing excursion takes you off the banks and into the water, the PFG Tamiami fishing shoes are the shoes you’ll want to have on your feet. These fishing shoes offer the best in water-resistance and lightweight comfort. The quick-drying upper features Blood ’N Guts water- and stain-resistance technology, while the midsole provides superior cushioning as well as ports for air ventilation and cooling. And the wet-grip outsole will help keep you steady in any wet-weather condition, from summer waves splashing across the boat deck to the rainy days of fall fishing.

If bank fishing is your idea of the perfect day near the water, Columbia's PFG Pro Sport Shoe is an excellent choice and the best fishing shoe for slippery rocks. Featuring Omni-Grip technology with a multi-directional tread pattern, and Blood n’ Guts water and stain resistant treatment. This shoe will keep you standing strong when the going gets slippery on rocks, docks or jetties.

For those offshore days when your line is in the water and the waves are splashing, these are Columbia's best fishing shoes for both wet boat decks and soggy docks. With non-marking Omni-Grip technology and razor siping, you’ll be able to stay steady no matter how much water makes its way onto the deck. The Techlite midsole provides superior cushioning, while the leather and canvas upper features Blood ’N Guts water- and stain-resistant treatment for easy cleanup.

Sometimes finding the right shoe width is even more challenging than finding the right style. The Bonehead Shoe is a great option for folks looking for a wide fishing shoe. Not only is this shoe stylish and lightweight, it provides shock-absorbent cushioning for all-day comfort that will help you avoid blisters and chafing. And Omni-Grip traction technology with razor siping will keep you on sure footing.

The Women’s PFG Tamiami Backcast Shoe offers great traction with non-marking Omni-Grip technology in a snug lace-up style. This shoe is built with sustainability in mind, including recycled materials and eco-friendly construction processes. The TechLite midsole offers superior cushioning to keep your feet comfortable all day long.

Like the Men’s version, the Women’s PFG Boatside Breathe Shoe features a thick foam cushioned Omni-Grip midsole and breathable mesh upper. This shoe is designed for a relaxed fit but has the traction and durability for a day out on the water. You’ll never want to take off these comfy slip-ons.

Nothing says summertime quite like flip-flops and getting out on the water. The fishing inspired PFG Boatside Flip Flops are lightweight but ultra-grippy. The enhanced traction of the Boatside flip flop make them great for the wet deck of a boat or while also being the perfect comfortable flip flop for a day on the beach.

These are Columbia's best fishing shoes to have for those times when you might find yourself fishing in the rain. Built with water-resistant technology and venting ports, these shoes will keep your feet from feeling waterlogged. Omni-Grip technology helps maintain traction when the going gets wet, and the lightweight midsole with stylish breathable upper will keep your feet comfortable from boat-to-bar.

Sometimes the best fishing spots include wet, slippery rocks. The Women’s PFG Pro Sport Shoe is the best fishing shoe to help you safely navigate that terrain. In addition to being stylish, the combination mesh and synthetic upper of this shoe features water- and stain-resistance technology to dry quickly and stay clean longer. Omni-Grip technology with a multi-directional tread pattern helps you maintain firm footing, and superior cushioning and shock-absorbency keeps you feeling comfortable and secure on any slippery surface.

When you’re out on the water, waves have a way of finding the boat deck. The stylish PFG Slackwater Boat Shoe is made with Omni-Grip wet-grip technology to help you stay steady whether you’re standing on a wet boat deck or a slippery dock. The shoe features water- and stain-resistance technology, and the antimicrobial treatment ensure this shoe stands up to even the messiest fishing adventure.

Like its regular-width sister, the Women’s PFG Boatside Shoe - Wide offers superior comfort and traction technology for those who may need a little more room in their shoes. The canvas and suede upper give this shoe a casual look while the Omni-Grip midsole offers superior traction and cushioning.

Grownups aren’t the only ones who need good fishing shoes and this one is the perfect slip-on for young adventurers. Constructed with an Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber outsole and a combination canvas and leather upper, these shoes easily go from sandy beach to boat deck. And the casual slip-on style makes for a quick exit to the best fishing spot.

Like its older sibling, the Little Kids’ Bahama PFG Shoe is made with the same advanced traction technology and kid-sturdy rubber outsole. The combination canvas and leather upper is comfortable for little feet, and the slip-on design makes it easy for both little kids and grownups to keep those tiny feet protected on rough boat decks and splintery docks.