Palm Paw Shoes review

I have worn a pair of Palm Paw shoes for quite a while, these have always been my go to shoe for kayaking and moderate weather SUP, so an opportunity to try the newer design was always going to be a treat.

So how much can one tell you about a paddling shoe? You would be surprised.

Let’s talk fit. I found the fit of these a touch on the smaller size due to the thermal insulated neoprene. A size 10 was a good fit for me as I’d say my feet range from 9.5-10. The boots feel really supportive and hug the contours of your foot shape, as one hate of mine is a paddling shoe where your foot gets lost. The velcro strap also pulls the bridge of the sole up nicely, which from a SUP point of view gives excellent contact with the board.

The velcro is quick and easy to adjust and well bonded into the rubber sole, so no risk of coming loose or breaking. The design is mid-height and sits just above the ankles. There are two orange webbing loops to pull the shoe both on the front and back of the ankle.

There is plenty of re-enforcement and the heel, toe and top of the foot are really protected, which will prevent rubbing if wearing in a kayak or canoe but will also prevent damage to the neoprene making these boots last longer.

The sole is the selling point for me. Some wetsuit boots and boating shoes can over complicate the sole and go to town on texture but this takes away that feeling of contact you have with your board. The Paw has a simple diamond texture relying on contact rather than exaggerated grip, more like a climbing shoe.

On the paddleboard, I had excellent grip to the EVA deck and felt every move, which is what I want from a shoe. That feeling of bare feet but with the warmth and protection a shoe offers.

Normally when reviewing gear I am looking at the pros and cons, for these the pros are easy. The grippy sole offers plenty of contact with feel, a good quality build and re-enforcement in many places.

I’m struggling with cons, maybe a little warm in the height of summer? However, it’s a little niggle as you could just dip your feet in and fill them up. The price at £39.95 may put some off but you should consider that looked after, you will get 3-4 seasons out of them. Most people would happily pay £10 a year to look after their feet. I think I wore my last Paw shoes for about five seasons!

All in all a great product and one worth the investment. These will be so good for anyone kayaking, canoeing or SUP boarding in all seasons.