When buying canyoning shoes, remember to account for the thickness of the neoprene sock that will be worn underneath.
Criteria to prioritize
- Grip, to keep good traction on wet rock
- Abrasion resistance
- Ankle protection and support: the shoe must fit snugly (plan the size with the neoprene sock) and protect the ankle bone, which is highly exposed to impact in boulder sections
- Lightness: once in the water, it shouldn’t be made of a material that absorbs too much water, which would quickly make it heavy
- A compact shape, with no dangling laces or overhanging heel
For a fairly watertight, loose-fitting shoe (boot type), a water-draining system is recommended. Conversely, in a snug-fitting shoe, a system that facilitates water circulation is more of a downside thermally.
To extend the life of your shoes, you can coat the seams and glued joints with a flexible adherent varnish (polyurethane or polyglut type).
Find the rest of the necessary gear in our complete canyoning equipment guide.
