Columbia water shoes

14 Best Columbia Water Shoes, Sandals And Boat Shoes (2024)

Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Nicole

If you love spending time in and around water, you will need proper shoes or sandals that will give you comfort and sure-footedness. Whether you are hiking along rivers, knee deep in lakes picking up your kayak, or fishing on your boat or on the dock, Columbia water shoes, sandals and boat shoes for men and women are some of the best in the industry.

Table of Contents

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How These Reviews Are Organized

In this article, I have reviewed 14 of the best Columbia water shoes for men and women. Some of them are designated as boat shoes and others as water shoes, but most of them would work for all sorts of boating or water activities. They come in many different styles, including closed toe low tops, athletic sneakers, sandals, flips flops and slides. However, all of them offer various degrees of waterproofness, water and stain resistance, quick-drying capabilities, and exceptional traction for wet or slippery conditions. Which one you choose will be a matter of what activities you hope to do in them.

After the reviews, I have included a Buyer’s Guide that mainly focuses on what makes the best boat shoes. If you are interested in learning more about what makes a good water shoe or what kind of water shoe you should select for different kinds of activities, then check out the Buyer’s Guide section of the Keen and Teva water shoes articles outlined below.

Other Options

If you have not found exactly what you are looking for, you may find it here:

8 Best TEVA Water Shoes And Sandals: Cool And Comfy – TEVA is another industry leader in the best water shoes and sandals. This article highlights other water shoes with Teva’s own footwear technology for some excellent choices. It also discusses what features in each shoe you should have for different water activities.

9 Best KEEN Water Shoes And Sandals – Keen produces some exceptional water shoes and sandals for outdoor adventures. They offer excellent traction, secure and adjustable fits, and lots of arch support. Further, many styles include a thick rubber overlay over the toe box to protect your toes which is particularly important for wade fishing with rocky bottoms or any other activity where you may stub your toes.

11 Best Merrell Water Shoes And Sandals – Merrell offers a wide selection of outdoor gear, ranging from clothing to jackets to shoes. As for water shoes, they offer many different kinds of water shoes that would easily support you in enjoying most outdoor activities.

Best Columbia Water Shoes: Boat Shoes For Men

In the first section, I focus solely on the best boat shoes for men. These styles do not currently offer women specific sizing, but they would also work for women’s feet if you can find them in the right size.

Bahama Vent Boat Shoes

boat shoes for men

Bahama Vent Relaxed Boat Shoes

mens boat shoes

Bahama Vent Loco III Boat Shoes

boat shoes for men

Bahama Vent Loco Relaxed III Boat Shoes

mens boat shoes

Key Differences Between Shoes

  • The Bahama Vent and Bahama Vent Loco III have a slip on design whereas the Bahama Vent Relaxed and Bahama Vent Loco Relaxed III have laces. 

Best Features

  • Features a stylish combination of canvas and leather upper.
  • PFG created – Performance Fishing Gear – designed by professional anglers and fishermen.
  • Comes with trade marked “Blood ‘n Guts” water and stain resistant finish.
  • Easy to put and off, slip-on or lace-up design.
  • Vent midsole ports for water drainage.
  • Super comfortable Techlite midsole that absorbs shock and gives excellent cushion.
  • Razor-sipped non-marking outsole that provides superb traction.
  • Toe rocker to help with natural walking motion.
  • Comes in different finishes, colors and styles
  • Great selection of half and full men’s sizes

Cons

  • We could not find any cons for this product.

Activities

  • Suitable for
    • Fishing
    • Sailing or boating
    • Being on docks
    • Travel
    • Casual/All day wear
    • Beach
    • light walks
  • Better options available for:
    • Paddling sports
    • Hiking
    • Swimming

Conclusion

These Columbia water shoes are designed specifically to meet the needs around fishing. They feature a lightweight, self-draining design with superb traction on land or on a boat. In addition, they offer excellent cushion for long days on your feet, and leather and canvas uppers with built in ventilation for breathability and fast-drying comfort.

The Bahama Vent range offer a comfortable fit around the ankle and forefoot that also easily flexes with natural walking movement. The low cut slip-on style, with and without laces, makes them effortless to take on and off. In addition, the uppers in these boat shoes for men are specially coated to repel water and other stains.

The non-marking Omni-grip rubber outsoles feature razor siping for superior gripping power on wet surfaces, making it ideal for activities around boats or docks.

Bahama Vent boat shoes for men are a very good looking pair of shoes that can easily be worn for a day on the boat, followed by an evening out. They would be useful for a day of travel or with their multiple uses, a good choice to pack for any trip.

There are better choices available for hiking or walking over rocks in water. Although they supply a comfortable snug fit, they do not secure your foot enough for uneven or challenging terrain.

Dorado Slip II PFG Boat Shoes

Mens boat shoes

Dorado CVO PFG Boat Shoes

boat shoes for men

Key Differences Between Shoes

  • Dorado CVO boat shoes for men have a bungee style lace system that creates a better fit to the unique shape of your foot. In addition, it evenly distributes the pressure of the laces over the top of the foot. Dorado Slip II mens boat shoes are slip on for quick “on and off” with a looser fit.

Best Features

  • Made from a combination of breathable open mesh and synthetic upper.
  • PFG created – Performance Fishing Gear – designed by professional anglers and fishermen.
  • Omni-Shield and Blood ‘n Guts technology on fabric to repel moisture, avoid stains and dry quickly.
  • Non-marking Omni-Grip sole featuring razor siping for excellent wet grip traction.
  • Techlite EVA midsole for comfort and cushion.
  • Nautical friendly and stylish colors.
  • Available in half and full sizes

Cons

  • Does not have vent midsole ports for water drainage.
  • No toe rocker and flat sole – creates stability but without any design to help with walking or supplying contours to shape to foot for comfort for extended walks.

Activities

  • Suitable for
    • Fishing
    • Sailing or boating
    • Travel
    • Light walking
    • Beach.
  • Better options available for:
    • Paddling sports
    • Swimming
    • Hikes
    • Long walks.

Conclusion

Designed with Omni-Grip rubber outsoles that have superb traction on slippery surfaces, these Columbia water shoes are another great choice if you plan to spend lots of times on boats or docks. They offer many similar features as the Bahama Vent boat shoes for men range like Blood ‘n Guts water and stain resistant treatment that wicks away water, keeps them quick-drying and repels stains. In addition, they are lightweight with EVA midsole for cushion and shock absorption.  

However, if you plan to do a lot of walking or expect to find yourself in puddles of water, the Bahama Vent boat shoes for men or Drainmaker IV water shoes would be better options. They are designed for walking and include venting holes in the midsole for water drainage.

Other than that, these Columbia water shoes are stylish and would transition well from fishing and boating to running errands in town.

Best Columbia Water Shoes For Men And Women

This section focuses on the best Columbia water shoes and boat shoes for men and women, and the features that make them excellent choices for your chosen activities.

Drainmaker IV Water Shoes For Men

boat shoes for men

Drainmaker IV Water Shoes For Women

boat shoes for women

Best Features

  • Water ready breathable combination mesh and synthetic upper that is quick drying. 
  • Lightweight Techlite EVA midsole cushioning that absorbs shock and cushions impact on any surface.
  • Midsole ports enhance airflow and water drainage for enhanced dryness and breathability.
  • Outsole has Omni-Grip advanced multi-terrain traction technology that is non-marking with razor siping.
  • Toe rocker to enhance natural walking gait.
  • Rubber toe bumper for durability.
  • Limited color selection with half sizes.

Cons

  • Upper lace eyelets may come loose.
  • No Omni-Shield or Blood’n Guts Technology to repel stains and water.
  • They are snug fitting. Recommend ordering half size bigger than normal.

Activities

  • Suitable for
    • Sailing or boating
    • Fishing
    • Paddling sports
    • Beach
    • Moderate hikes
    • Long walks/city wear
    • Travel
  • Better options available for:
    • Hiking on challenging terrain.
    • Swimming

Conclusion

Columbia Drainmaker IV water shoes for men and women are designed for excellent performance in both dry or wet conditions.

They are shaped like a traditional sneaker with lacing for an enhanced fit to the shape of your foot. In addition, there is soft cushion around the ankle collar for comfort and your achilles heel is cupped to secure your heel inside the shoes. Accordingly, these Columbia water shoes are ideal for any activity where your foot needs to be secure for safety and comfort, like hiking or walking over uneven surfaces.

The outsole supplies excellent traction for all kinds of terrain and the razor siping ensures superb traction on wet or slippery surfaces, thus offering peace of mind for a day on the boat or dock. If they do get wet, the upper is quick drying and breathable, and the midsoles have drainable ports for water and air flow.

The outsole and midsole are thicker than some other Columbia water shoes. Accordingly, they supply more comfort and under sole support for activities. However, the flip side is that you have more between your feet and the ground, and you have a higher center of gravity. You need to determine whether your intended uses suits this, or whether a thinner sole with closer foot contact to the ground would be better.

These Columbia water shoes provide you with flexibility in your day if you are not sure whether you will only be on dry or wet slippery surfaces. With these shoes, you can do both knowing you will be safe and comfortable.

Low Drag PFG Boat Shoes For Men

mens boat shoes

Low Drag PFG Women’s Boat Shoes

womens boat shoes

Best Features

  • Features a water and stain resistant (Blood’ n Guts Technology) quick-drying combination leather and mesh upper.
  • PFG created – Performance Fishing Gear – designed by professional anglers and fishermen.
  • Razor siping non-marking grooved rubber sole for superb traction on uneven or slippery surfaces.
  • Techlite midsole cushion for shock absorption.
  • Toe and heel rocker.
  • A few color options with half sizes.

Cons

  • No venting holes in midsoles for water drainage or enhanced breathability.

Activities

  • Suitable for
    • Fishing
    • Sailing or boating
    • Moderate hikes
    • Beach
    • Long walks/run errands
    • Travel
  • Better options available for:
    • Challenging hikes
    • Swimming

Conclusion

These Columbia water shoes are similarly designed to the Drainmaker IV without the drainage in the midsole. They are a lightweight sneaker style that offers lacing to secure your foot inside the shoe with ankle and heel support. There is lots of midsole cushion for high energy return for a long day standing or walking. The outsole has excellent traction and razor siping to deal with grip on wet surfaces. In addition, there is lots of breathability and water resistant technologies to keep them dry or quick drying.

Different from the Drainmaker IV boat shoes for men and women, they offer thinner and more flexible midsoles and outsoles towards the toe areas. This allows for more flex and to allow you to shape your foot for better contact over uneven terrain. In addition, they include both a toe and heel rocker to enhance natural walking movement.

However, Low Drag boat shoes lack water drainage ports in the midsole. Accordingly, if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water versus around it, you would be better served with a Columbia water shoe with drainage ports.

Low Drag boat shoes for men and women are good looking and versatile shoes that will keep you active and comfortable while fishing, boating, or walking around town.

Summertide Water Shoes For Men

mens boat shoes

Summertide Water Shoes For Women

womens boat shoes

Best Features

  • Upper and outsole are made from recycled material.
  • Mesh bootie for snugger fit and neoprene collar for added comfort.
  • Synthetic overlays that reinforce and provide structure to the shoe for durability. 
  • Bloom™ Foam midsole with vents for airflow.
  • Outsole tread designed for grip on wet surfaces. 
  • Toe rocker for walking.
  • Comes in several colors and patterns
  • Available in half sizes for both men and women

Cons

  • Does not have Blood’n Guts to repel stains or water.

Activities

  • Suitable for
    • Moderate hikes
    • Long walks
    • Travel
    • Fishing
    • Sailing or boating
  • Better options available for:
    • Swimming 
    • Paddling sports
    • Challenging hikes

Conclusion

If you are looking for Columbia water shoes that are multi-purpose for both land and water activities, then a pair of Summertide water shoes for men and women would be a great choice as they are lightweight and water-friendly.

They are different from other Columbia water shoes in many ways. They are eco-friendly, designed from recycled materials using sustainable construction methods. In addition, they have a neoprene collar around the ankle and a bootie upper construction, both of which create a snugger and more comfortable fit. As for the midsole, they are thicker with new “Bloom” foam for more comfort and shock absorption.

On the flip side, they do not have an extra coating to repel water or stains, or midsole vents designed for water to escape, only for airflow.

All in all, these Columbia water shoes would be best for comfort – for long days on your feet walking and hiking with only limited time in water – and for boating and fishing in calm waters or docks. Their thick outsole, bootie construction and thick midsole supplies a comfortable and secure fit, but also gives you less stability when having closer foot contact to surfaces is better.

PFG Tamiami Boat Shoes For Men

Columbia water shoes

PFG Tamiami Boat Shoes For Women

womens boat shoes

Best Features

  • Mesh upper with synthetic overlays for durability.
  • Blood ‘n Guts water and stain resistant treatment.
  • Midsole ports for ventilation.
  • Lightweight Techlite midsole for superior cushioning.
  • Razor siping non-marking rubber sole for better superb traction on wet surfaces.
  • Comes in limited colors and half sizes.

Activities

  • Suitable for
    • Long walks
    • Travel
    • Fishing
    • Sailing or boating
    • moderate hikes
  • Better options available for:
    • Challenging hikes
    • Swimming 
    • Paddling sports

Conclusion

Breathable, lightweight and stain resistant, these Columbia water shoes are best suited for a day of boating and fishing. The midsole is flexible and has a low toe to heel drop for closer foot contact to surfaces thus making you more stable on wet or choppy waters.

The uppers are fortified with synthetic overlays that give the shoe structure and durability. Like many Columbia water shoes, the outsole is fitted with Omni-grip razor siping rubber for excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces. There is a lightweight midsole with superb cushion and shock absorption. The venting ports supply breathability and assist with air flow and drying.

Best Columbia Sandals For Men And Women

In this section, I discuss Columbia sandals for men and women. These include traditional ones with straps, flip flops and slides, and the pros and cons of each.

Columbia Sandals For Men

Columbia sandals

Columbia Sandals For Women

Columbia sandals

Best Features

  • Hydrophobic webbing and thermoplastic buckles for water resistance.
  • Lightweight TechLite cushion and frame for comfort and support.
  • Non-marking Omni-Grip outsole for traction on wet surfaces.
  • Quick pull strap system for an even and secure fit.
  • Water resistant upper with quick drying lining.
  • Some arch support and contours to shape of shoot.
  • Toe rocker.

Cons

  • No half sizes available.
  • A single system for pulling all straps means you have less options to fit the sandal differently over toes, forefoot and heels.

Activities

  • Suitable for
    • Fishing
    • Boating and sailing
    • Light hiking 
    • Paddling water sports
    • Travel
    • Casual wear
  • Better options available for:
    • Challenging hikes
    • Swimming

Conclusion

These Columbia sandals were designed for active individuals who want to feel comfortable and secure on land, boats and in water. They are made from materials suited for water and are fast drying. They supply excellent comfort and support in the midsole, provide some arch support, and offer contouring to the shape of your feet. Together with the toe rocker, these Columbia water shoes make a day on your feet walking or being active a pleasure.

In addition, like the other Columbia water shoes, they have excellent treads that excel at uneven and slippery surfaces, including water, ensuring sure footedness on all sorts of conditions. There is lots of flex in the outsole and a low profile heel so that your feet can feel connected to the ground. This allows for more grip and stability over rocks and uneven terrain, and during choppy conditions on a boat.

Columbia Flip Flops For Men

Columbia sandals

Columbia Flip Flops For Women

Columbia water shoes

Best Features

  • Lightweight thick Techlite EVA midsole for comfort and shock absorption.
  • Non-marking Omni-Grip rubber sole for traction.
  • Excellent arch support.
  • Toe rocker for enhanced walking.
  • Limited color choices.

Cons

  • No half sizes.
  • The strap may fit tight on wide feet so consider ordering a size higher.

Activities

  • Suitable for:
    • All day/Casual wear
    • Travel
    • Beach
    • Light walks.
  • Better options available for:
    • Swimming 
    • Sailing or boating
    • Water sports
    • Hiking

Conclusion

These Columbia sandals offer fantastic underfoot comfort and traction. The built-in arch support is substantial and the significant toe rocker with the contoured shape means that you can walk and stand for longer with comfort and support.

Like all flip flops, they have limited use for outdoor activities. Can you wear them to do paddles sports, fish or boating? Of course! Should you? Absolutely not. Your foot is not secure so you are susceptible to tripping or twisting your ankle on uneven or slippery surfaces. You do not have any protection for your toes, or on the top of your feet from branches or rocks. There are many other better Columbia water shoe options for fishing, boating, hiking and paddle sports.

However, they are stylish, water resistant and supply excellent comfort. For a day at the beach or running errands, these Columbia sandals would be an excellent choice.

Hood River Slides For Men

Columbia water shoes

Hood River Slides For Women

Columbia sandals

Best Features

  • Soft one piece strap to eliminate rubbing.
  • Thick EVA midsole for ultimate comfort.
  • Contoured footbed.
  • Some traction on outsole.
  • Limited colors.

Cons

  • Half sizes unavailable.
  • No arch support.
  • No Toe rocker

Activities

  • Suitable for
    • Beach
    • Casual/ All-day wear
    • Travel
  • Better options available for:
    • Fishing
    • Paddle sports
    • Swimming
    • Hiking
    • Long walks
    • Sailing or boating

Conclusion

Hood River slides are a nice companion for a day at the beach, after a hard work out, or for running errands. 

These Columbia sandals feature a lightweight upper that is comfortable and quick drying. The footbed also features an EVA midsole that provides ample cushioning and comfort for all day wear. In addition, the outsole offers moderate grip on wet surfaces.

Like the Columbia flip flops, they have limited use with respect to active footwear for boating, fishing, or hiking. Unlike the Columbia flip flops, they lack arch support and a toe rocker so they give limited support to your feet or benefits while walking. However, they are easy and lightweight to pack, soft and comfortable.

Rostra PFG Sport Sandals For Men

Columbia water shoes

Rostra PFG Sport Sandals For Women

Columbia water shoes

Best Features

  • Synthetic waterproof and breathable upper.
  • Two-part midsole with Techlite Eva cushion and frame for comfort and support.
  • Omni-grip non-marking wet traction rubber outsole for good grip.
  • Toe rocker.
  • Limited colors.

Cons

  • No half sizes.
  • No arch support.

Activities

  • Suitable for
    • Casual/All day wear
    • Travel
    • Beach
    • Walks
  • Better options available for:
    • Paddle sports
    • Sailing or boating
    • Fishing
    • Swimming
    • Hiking

Conclusion

These Columbia sandals are a great pair of flip flops for the beach or day of running around town. Their features are very similar to both the Columbia flip flops and the Hood River slides. They offer lots of cushion with a good tread for wet and slippery surfaces.

These Columbia water shoes have a toe rocker and with some contour to the footbed for more comfort while walking or standing. However, it is much less than the Columbia flip flops (described above).

While they have some features that make them suitable for boating, fishing, or water sports (great hobbies for men in their 20s to pick up), there are other Columbia water shoes or sandals that offer more to secure the foot and better traction for uneven and wet conditions.

Buyer’s Guide For The Best Columbia Water Shoes And Sandals

In two previous blogs, 8 Best Teva Water Shoes And Sandals and 9 Best Keen Water Shoes And Sandals, I discuss in detail what makes a great water shoe or sandal, especially if you intend to be active in and around water. In the Teva article, I discuss different activities, such as boating, wade fishing, swimming and hiking, and which shoes work best for them. Similarly, in the Keen article, I highlight some of the key features that you want to find in any water shoe. I would recommend reviewing both as their insights are relevant for Columbia water shoes or sandals.

In this Buyer’s Guide, I am going to focus on what makes a great boat shoe. Columbia boat shoes for men and women are mainly for boating and fishing, but depending on the footwear, may have other attributes that make them good for hiking and other water sports.

What Makes Good Boating Or Fishing Shoes?

Boating offers a challenging dilemma when it comes to footwear. When sailing, the weather can suddenly shift from calm waters to unsettled and choppy. This means that the surface of the boat can go from dry with puddles of water everywhere in a blink of the eye.

Fishing is similarly challenging. If you are on a boat, you face the same weather issues. On a dock, you may also get slippery conditions and need to be able to secure your feet to reel in your fish.

Accordingly, you need boating or fishing shoes that are comfortable and can adapt to changing conditions.

Traction

Without a doubt, the grip on the tread of the shoe is a key feature that you should consider.

Most boating and fishing shoes use rubber on the outsole which does not perform well in wet conditions. To counter this, manufacturers focus their energy on the siping and tread pattern.

Razor siping refers to the process where manufacturers cut thin multi-directional slices along the surface of the rubber outsole to enhance its grip and traction on wet surfaces. In effect, the pattern squeezes out water from the tread just like a tire. This also creates a suction-like effect with each step.

With Columbia water shoes, the best traction includes Omni-Grip with razor siping. Regardless of the manufacturer, for any boating or fishing shoes, they need to have excellent treads designed for grip on wet and slick surfaces.

Material

Another important feature that you should consider is the material from which the water shoe is made. Most boating and fishing shoes are made with a mixture of canvas and leather, although synthetic material such as nylon, rubber or polyester is also very effective. 

While each material has pros and cons, the right material for boating or fishing shoes is one that is comfortable, resists water and is quick drying.

Leather is durable and comfortable. Wth the right care, it is also waterproof. However, leather should not be continuously submerged in water.

Canvas is a breathable material made from cotton. It is quick drying but not waterproof unless coated with water repelling technology similar to Columbia’s “Blood ‘n Guts”. Canvas is also very durable and comfortable on the feet.

Synthetic materials are often the best, as they are naturally water repellant. They are durable and can withstand continuous exposure to water. They normally do not need any care or extra attention for them to be comfortable or waterproof.

That said, any combination of the three materials would work very well as well. You can find good examples of all three in Columbia water shoes and sandals.

Comfort

You want a decent midsole cushion in your boating or fishing shoes to allow you stand and walk all day in comfort and with energy return. Columbia water shoes supply that in every shoe.

You also want an appropriate amount of support. That might only be a closed low cut toe shoe with lots of flexibility for movement or a more secure sneaker style shoe with features such as laces and ankle collar for increased stability. You need to assess the conditions under which you will be boating or fishing and pick the right style.

Waterproof/Water Resistance

A soggy shoe that won’t dry is a nightmare under any circumstances. Having a boating or fishing shoe that is either waterproof, water resistant and/or quick drying is another key feature in any footwear that you choose.

Waterproofing may be a result of the material (synthetics), coatings (creams or sprays for leather or specialized coatings like Columbia’s “Blood ‘n Guts”), or other features meant to increase drainage or breathability.

In the case of Columbia water shoes, several models have ports in the midsoles that are either large and designed for water drainage or smaller and intended for breathability. Either way, they help to speed up drying.

Fasteners

Slip-on boat shoes may be enough support for the type of boating or fishing that you hope to do. However, if you think that you will face a lot of choppy water, may be hiking into an area to boat or fish, or you would like to use your footwear for multiple water sports, then you need to pay attention to whether the shoe can be properly fastened to your feet. This includes laces, buckles, pull tab bungee cord laces, and velcro.

In addition, if you are looking at water sandals, you may want to see if you are given only one point to adjust the fit or several, such as straps around the toes, heels and ankle. Depending on the activity, this could be a significant feature.

Last Word

Columbia water shoes, boat shoes, and sandals offer exceptional features to make your day in or on the water safe, fun and comfortable. What you ultimately choose will depend on your intended activities, style and price. Regardless, what you end up with will be a well-made and thought out product that will perform to a very high standard.

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