Which canyoning shoes to use during the activity is one of the most frequently asked questions. Shoes are an essential piece of equipment for a canyoning descent. In the case of an occasional outing, it is not essential to use special shoes created specifically for this activity, but they must meet specifications that offer grip, protection and comfort.
You have to take into account that you will have to stand with your feet submerged in water for hours and that we will be walking on slippery and articulated terrain where progression is not easy so I suggest you take a pair of comfortable, good walking or sneakers. Absolutely to avoid are rock sandals that are often passed off as canyoning shoes. Also avoid taking shoes that are too old and finished: very often the glue is dry and once wet, the shoes will tend to ‘come apart’ and at the first dive the soles will come off! *** Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) ***
Another shrewdness that can be useful is to remove the insoles in the case of shoes that are too precise. In the torrent, in fact, we put on neoprene socks, which provide indispensable thermal comfort that makes the descent much more pleasant, even on hot days.
Canyoning shoes, pro models
After your first experiences, if you are as passionate about this activity as I am, it is definitely worth investing in a pair of canyoning shoes. There are many different models from various brands such as Five Ten, La Sportiva, Adidas Terrex, Salomon, Bestard, Seland. There is something for everyone!
Here are some key features that canyoning shoes should have:
- Non-slip sole: The sole must have a good grip, preferably rubber, to ensure grip on wet and slippery surfaces such as rocks and moss.
- Water resistance: Shoes should be made of water-resistant materials so that they do not easily deteriorate when wet.
- Quick drainage: It is important that shoes have holes or drainage systems to allow water to drain out quickly, preventing feet from being submerged for a long time.
- Foot protection: Must provide good protection for the toes and sides of the foot against impact and abrasion.
- Ankle support: Although not always necessary, good ankle support can prevent sprains, especially on difficult trails.
- Lightness and comfort: shoes must be light and comfortable to allow agile and fatigue-free movement.
