By Arina Smith
Water activities are slowly becoming a trend for both young and old. You can choose from a lot of water-related happenings such as fishing, kayaking, paddle sports, and boating, to name a few. While proper gear is essential in any hobby, one must also not forget the importance of having an efficient pair of high-quality footwear. Gone are the barefoot looks or clunky water shoes of the past. In its stead comes the innovative, functional, and stylish aqua shoes.
Benefits of a Pair of Good Aqua Shoes
You can find a lot of these footwear either online or in a physical store. Be forewarned, though, that one shoe does not fit all. There are unique terrains and elements in different aqua-related activities. You cannot use one for the other. So, when you buy for various water-leisure activities, there are a couple of things that you need to consider before purchase.
Support and Traction
Anything that water touches most possibly has a slippery surface. The feeling is like stepping on moist algae or oil on dry land. The wrong footwear can send you to a doctor with a sprained ankle. To avoid slipping emergencies, you need a pair of aqua shoes specially made for traction and support on these surfaces. The outsoles should be a sturdy rubber material for a better grip on wet exteriors.
Foot Protection
The beach and other bodies of water also have small rocks and shells that can hurt your feet. Stepping on any of them can wound or injure the pads of your feet. The heat from the sand can scorch your soles, resulting from limping while walking – not your best form on the seashore. And do not forget the stuff of a swimming child’s nightmare – toothy fishes that can take a swipe at your precious toes. Make sure to shield your whole foot by wearing thick-soled water shoes. Also, one with built-in toe shields is best for avoiding stubbed toes from a watery and rocky terrain.
Comfort
An aqua shoe is flexible. Made of mesh, non-absorbent material, it lets your foot breathe after letting the water drain out from your shoes. It also maintains skin coolness due to its quick-drying property. Your step does not feel waterlogged and heavy. Use a slip-on for the beach or pool.
But if you go for more robust water-leisure activities, choose laced-up or velcro-sealed shoes such as rock, spike fishing, or aquatic safety boots. These types are great when it comes to ground-grip while keeping your feet comfortable from rugged and stony topography. It also keeps the bottom part of your lower extremities safe – foot, ankles, and sometimes part of your leg – from water and other moisture-rich liquids. These are used for both leisure and work and made out of neoprene and metal spikes.
Stylish innovations
Before, people went barefoot when it came to pools and sandy beaches because they did not have any footwear to trot with in the first place. If they did, it came in clumpy materials that flattened both male and female egos. Nowadays, there are models which fit any occasion because it fits style and function.
You remember to buy a new swimsuit, a fishing pole, or a pair of sunglasses before you strut your stuff away at a water-related event. But admittedly, your foot is sometimes one of the most neglected parts of your body when it comes to any marine outing. So pamper your feet and get some footwear for your aquatic needs.
Read also: Getting into the shoemaking business
