Choosing the right water shoes is always a decision you have to make right while canoeing because, at one point, you’ll have to interact with the water. Luckily, you don’t have to spend over the board as they are cheap water shoes you may opt to use for your canoeing expeditions.
That said, you must choose a water shoe whose upsides outweigh its demerits in regard to suitability for canoeing. Therefore, a common question is are crocs good for canoeing ?
Crocs are good for canoeing because they have a fine grip on your legs. Additionally, crocs feature a strap to strengthen the clasp further, and it’s easy to take them off when necessary.
While this is a glimpse of why you should use crocs, there are other key highlights of the shoe that are worth their use in canoeing. We’ll cover them all here below. Take a look.
Why you should choose crocs for canoeing
There are definitely numerous available shoe options for a canoer, but why should one settle for crocs over the rest? Here are the key reasons.
Crocs feature vent holes
As mentioned earlier, you can not fully keep water from entering your shoes when canoeing, which is why having one with excellent draining features is handy. A croc features vent holes in strategic locations meaning that it’s unlikely to be waterlogged, unlike other closed shoes.
The advantage of the vent holes is that in addition to enhancing drainage, they also facilitate aeration of the feet area. Therefore, you’ll feel comfortable throughout your canoeing expedition. Also, they prevent the repulsive odor that is synonymous with waterlogged shoes.
They are Lightweight
This is especially important for canoers who are on a hiking mission. Crocs weigh approximately 11-16 ounces which is quite light. Thus, they do not add unnecessary weight to your canoe as would other types of shoes.
In addition, suppose you opt to hike on crocs after paddling to your favorite destinations; again, they are a feasible option, thanks to their lightweight design. Lastly, they are also easy to change into when getting into the waters, and you can even leave them out in the canoe, and they won’t sink it an inch!
Crocs have floating properties
Of course, just because crocs can float doesn’t mean they’ll help your vessel float. Well, I’m joking here, but with crocs, you’re sure the shoes will not get lost in case they come off your feet as they’ll float on the water surface.
This feature is because most crocs are made of Croslite, lightweight material with floating properties. Also, you may find crocs made of textile, but these also float effortlessly without a beat.
Crocs for canoeing are versatile
Having a multipurpose shoe option is always a significant plus when you’re going out in the waters; this is just what crocs avail. Thanks to their lightweight feature, you can wear crocs as you head from your house to the boat and use them while in the canoe.
Also, earlier, we highlighted that they are also handy if hiking is part of your canoeing expedition. You can change into these shoes whenever your feet feel sore, or you’re looking for a lightweight option, especially when walking on sandy soil.
Crocs will dry fast
Definitely, anything that is quick drying is an excellent addition to your canoeing trip, and crocs just fits the billing. They are made of non-absorbent material, ensuring they remain dry even after prolonged contact with water.
Besides, the croc vent holes improve the drying of the shoe’s inner parts, as earlier mentioned.
Crocs are generally comfortable
Crocs are some of the common shoes you’ll find campers wearing, and this is primarily because of their comfort. They feature sufficient padding, ensuring they offer the necessary support to your body without crumbling.
Also, the breathability of the shoe, thanks to its design, is handy in preventing sweating of feet which is undesirable for any canoer.
Some crocs downsides for canoers
There’s no doubt about the suitability of crocs as canoeing shoes, but it is not all bliss either, given that they have their fair share of demerits.
Crocs collect a lot of Debris
The vent holes and the open design of most crocs make them vulnerable to collecting rocks and debris. This is a frequent occurrence and may prove annoying, especially when paddling in rocky rivers and or walking in shallow waters.
Luckily as most crocs are made of rubber, the debris issue is one that you can simply solve by washing off the dirt with water. Rubber/ Croslite is easy to clean and also dries almost immediately.
But again, it’s worth mentioning that debris collection is not an annoyance, just unique to crocs. Other water sandals, such as chacos and H2 Newports, are also prone to the problem.
Crocs can be unstable and slippery
As a general rule, crocs are made to be multipurpose shoes and thus have no specific design or feature, improving their feasibility for use as a water shoe. Hence, they pose a danger to the user, especially one who’s operating in waters with slippery rocks.
Slipping and stability are also an issue, especially if the threads of your crocs are worn out. Therefore, you must be wary that the shoes compromise your safety in slippery environments.
But again, this is the exception rather than the rule as they offer more grip than canoeing while barefooted. Also, their other upsides, without a doubt, make this a small problem you can easily solve by being extra careful.
Crocs can be loose
While most crocs will fit well, especially when reinfonced by their straps, they can get quite loose, especially when walking in them on fast-moving waters.
Closed shoes will solve this problem, but most of them will become waterlogged, leaving crocs still as the only option. All you have to do is choose crocs that fit well and strap them tightly to your feet, and you’re good to go.
They are bulky shoes
Most crocs are wide. Thus, some campers claim they are bulky to pack on a canoe. There’s no doubt about this claim as it means they’ll occupy a significant space which you can use for other luggage.
Nonetheless, owing to their lightweight nature, crocs will not add unnecessary weight to your canoe, and this is an upside, especially when you intend to stay just near the water’s surface.
You can easily lose crocs in the water
The floating element of these shoes means they will remain on the surface, which will work to your disadvantage if you’re rowing in a fast-moving current. This is because they’ll be easily carried off.
Luckily, most crocs are cheap, and losing a pair won’t hurt.
You’re at risk of leeches
Do not wear crocs when canoeing in waters renowned for their heavy leeches infestation, such as in Georgia or Arkansas.
The open design of the shoes makes them prone to leeches and other small water animals you don’t want in your shoes.
Crocs are squeaky
The shoes will produce a squeaky noise, especially if there’s water trapped in them. This is a nuisance without a doubt. But, it’s a minor problem that you can overlook as, after all, you won’t be walking on crocs once you’re in the canoe.
Will Crocs Work As Water Shoes?
In principle, crocs will serve you well as water shoes because, as we’ve highlighted above, most of their downsides are features you can overlook.
For more comfort and suitability, choose a croc design that best fits your feet, has threads, and dries easily, and you’re vindicated from the aforementioned demerits.
What Crocs are excellent for Canoeing?
There’s an inexhaustible list of the numerous kinds of crocs you can take for canoeing. But, the following are best suited to this role:
- Crocband full force clog
- Crocs Classic Clog
- Crocs Swiftwater Mesh Sandals
- Crocs Coast Clog
Summary
That’s all for today. As I sign out, the primary message I’m leaving you is that don’t feel hesitant when choosing crocs as your ideal canoeing or even kayaking shoes. They are easy to wear, lightweight, well ventilated, comfortable, and fast drying, among other upsides as elucidated above.
It’s a no-brainer that you have probably seen many canoers wear them despite their apparent downsides that we’ve also captured. They’re also a cheap option; you could easily replace them even if they got lost in the waters.
Adios for now, and all the best on your canoeing trip.