NRS Kicker Wetshoes Water Shoes Review
Insulated comfort and reliable traction for cold-water adventures and coastal paddling
January 29th, 2026
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Our verdict
The NRS Kicker Wetshoes hit a very practical middle ground for paddlers and water-sport enthusiasts who want footwear that falls between a lightweight wetshoe and a full paddle boot. It’s warmer and more protective than minimalist options, but still low-profile enough to move easily in and out of the water.
We tested the men’s and women’s Kicker across late summer and early fall on river, lake, and coastal outings in the Pacific Northwest. One of its biggest performance wins is the insulation you get from Terraprene (a more sustainable alternative to traditional neoprene), along with dependable traction on slick surfaces and a secure, supportive fit that stays put when soaked. We stayed upright on slick rocks and muddy banks and remained comfortable through long days of repeated wet entries and exits.
People who mostly spend time in warm water or want something ultra-packable may find it overbuilt, but anyone dealing with cool water, rocky launches, or lots of back-and-forth between land and water will appreciate the added structure, insulation, and smart, usable balance it strikes.
men's
Women's
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NRS Kicker Wetshoe Specifications
Price: $75
Weight (per shoe or per pair): 1.25 lbs (women’s); 1.7 lbs (men’s)
Upper materials: Petroleum-free 3mm Terraprene neoprene with titanium adhesive
Drainage design: Ports in the footbed and channels in the outsole
Outsole material and lug pattern: 3mm patterned rubber sole with 2 mm plastic shim
Heel and toe protection: Reinforced rubber overlays
Footbed cushioning: 3mm neoprene insole
Closure system: Hook and loop webbing
Fit notes: Roomy toe box
Vegan-friendly: Yes (NRS lists synthetic materials)
Sizes available: 5-11 (women’s); 5-14 (men’s) (full sizes only)
Best for
Cold-water kayaking, rafting, and packrafting where warmth and foot protection matter
Rocky river launches and slippery shorelines that require grip and light support
Shoulder-season SUP and lake paddling in cool water conditions
Paddlers spending long days in and out of their watercraft with consistently wet feet
Folks who want more warmth and support than a lightweight wetshoe without moving to a full paddle boot
Comparison table
| WATER SHOES | MSRP* | WEIGHT (PER PAIR) | CLOSURE SYSTEM | UPPER MATERIALS | OUTSOLE MATERIALS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRS Kicker Wetshoes Women's Men's |
$75 | 1.25 lbs (women’s), 1.7 lbs (men’s) | Hook and loop webbing | Terraprene neoprene, titanium adhesive | Rubber, plastic |
| NRS Arroyo Wetshoes Women's Men's |
$55 | 1lb (women’s), 1.3lbs (men’s) | A wide opening combined with a stretchy neoprene cuff | Terraprene neoprene | Rubber, plastic |
| NRS Paddle Wetshoe Women's Men's |
$110 | 1.2 lbs (women’s), 1.7 lbs (men’s) | usset-backed entry zipper and hook-and-loop strap | Terraprene neoprene, titanium adhesive | Rubber |
| NRS Kinetic Water Shoes Women's Men's |
$80 | Not listed | Drawcord with barrel lock adjustments | Terraprene neoprene | Rubber |
| Astral Loyak Women's Men's |
$110 | 10.4 oz (women's), 14.8 oz (men's) | Lace-up | EVA | Flex-Grip rubber |
What we liked
Made with Terraprene neoprene, a petroleum-free alternative to traditional neoprene that offers better insulation and buoyancy
Snug but stretchy upper that’s easy to pull on and off, even when wet
Dries faster than thicker paddle boots, thanks to the lower profile build
Noticeably warmer than lightweight wetshoes, making them a solid choice for cool to cold days
Ultra-grippy sole adds reliability on rocky launches and slippery shorelines
Stays securely on the foot when soaked, even during swimming, wading, or kicking
What could be better
Less packable than lightweight wetshoes (and the hook-and-loop strap can snag on swimwear)
Despite the added structure, not designed for long walks or hiking
The thicker neoprene may feel too hot in warmer temps
The color options are very limited
In and out of the water all day—exactly the kind of conditions the Kicker is built for. Photo by Ebony Roberts
How we tested
We tested both the women’s and men’s NRS Kicker Wetshoe on multiple outings over several weeks toward the end of the summer, logging time across rivers, lakes, and coastal environments on British Columbia’s Pacific coast, mostly between Vancouver and Squamish. Testing included paddleboarding, lake days, river floats, rocky beach launches, muddy banks, and repeated wet entries and exits. Water conditions ranged from seasonally warm lake water to colder ocean water, with depths anywhere from ankle-deep wading to full submersion while paddling and swimming.
We also tested the Kicker side by side with its closest relatives, the NRS Arroyo Wetshoe and the NRS Paddle Wetshoe, to better understand where each model shines. Compared to the Arroyo, the Kicker offers more warmth, structure, and underfoot protection on rocky shorelines. Compared to the taller Paddle Wetshoe, it felt lighter and less boot-like while still providing insulation and support.
One thing we paid close attention to was how the Kicker handled transitions from wet to dry terrain. The grippy sole stayed reliable on slick rocks and muddy launches (more on that below), while the shoe remained comfortable enough for short walks on gravel paths, docks, and carrying a paddleboard on hard-packed trails.
Overall, the Kicker proved best for cool to cold water paddling, repeated in-and-out-of-the-water use, and mixed shoreline conditions where warmth, grip, and durability matter more than minimal weight or packability.
We also tested the Kicker alongside the lighter, more minimal NRS Arroyo Wetshoe to see how each performs in different water conditions. Photo by Rowan Oloman
Performance in the field
Fit and comfort
The NRS Kicker Wetshoe fits snugly but comfortably. Both our men’s and women’s testers typically fall between half sizes, and since the Kicker is only available in full sizes, they sized up and found the fit worked well. There’s enough stretch in the neoprene that it doesn’t feel restrictive once on, and in the water the shoes stayed secure, with no slipping or shifting when kicking our feet. The hook-and-loop strap across the top of the foot allows for easy adjustability and helps dial in the fit depending on whether you’re barefoot or wearing socks.
The shoe hugs the foot securely through the midfoot and heel, while the toe box (which has a wider, more squared-off shape) leaves plenty room to move your toes naturally, which is important for balance when wading or scrambling on slick surfaces.
The feel underfoot lands somewhere between barefoot and cushioned. There’s enough structure and padding to take the edge off rocks and uneven ground, but it still feels flexible and low-profile. On dry land, we felt comfortable on short walks carrying our SUPs to the launch spot or along the shoreline, though it’s not designed for extended hiking. We didn’t experience hot spots, rubbing, or pressure points during testing.
Drainage and drying time
The NRS Kicker is designed to remain functional while wet rather than dry instantly. Drainage ports work to release water after submersion, preventing that heavy, sloshy feeling when stepping back onto land. The neoprene upper does retain some moisture, especially compared to thinner wetshoes, but it never felt waterlogged or uncomfortable during use (and in fact, the moisture they do retain helps insulate your feet).
Drying time is moderate–faster than taller paddle boots, slower than minimalist water shoes like the Arroyo. When fully soaked, the Kicker stayed comfortable and warm even while wet, which matters more in cold conditions than quick drying. Performance remained consistent whether the shoe was fully submerged or just damp, with no noticeable loss of support or traction.
Designed to drain efficiently while still trapping warmth in cold water. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Traction and stability
Traction is one of the Kicker’s strengths. The outsole has that pruned, wrinkled look your fingers get after being in the water for a long time—almost mimicking wet skin. It gripped reliably on slick rock, muddy banks, and wet sand, both in and out of the water. We were especially impressed with how confidently it held as we maneuvered paddleboards over wet, algae-covered rocks and into the lake, where footing is usually the sketchiest.
The rubber has a nice tacky feel without feeling soft or gummy, so it stays dependable as you step in and out of the water. Lateral stability is solid for a low-profile wetshoe, especially on uneven riverbeds and rocky shorelines, thanks to the structured sole and stretchy rubber support bands.
The outsole’s almost frog-like texture helps it grip wet surfaces with confidence. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Protection
For a sock-style water shoe, the Kicker offers impressive protection. The reinforced toe and bumper provide enough coverage to guard against accidental kicks into rocks and submerged obstacles. Underfoot, the combination of the thicker rubber sole and the 2mm plastic shim (a thin layer added in the sole that adds underfoot protection) helps block sharp stones and uneven terrain from poking through.
Heel stability is good, with a secure fit that prevents sliding or twisting when stepping awkwardly on rocks. While it’s not meant for long hikes, the Kicker handles mixed terrain like water, gravel, rock, and mud very well for short approaches.
Abrasion-resistant rubber helps protect your feet from rocks and hidden hazards below the surface. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Durability
Durability has been solid throughout testing. The neoprene upper resisted abrasion better than expected. Even on rough shorelines and repeated rocky launches, we haven’t noticed any snagged or torn neoprene. The outsole shows almost no wear to date, and we didn’t see issues with stitching, glue, or delamination after weeks of regular use.
Based on testing, we’d expect the Kicker to last multiple seasons of paddling and shoreline use, especially if it’s allowed to dry properly between outings and isn’t left to bake in the hot sun.
Weight and packability
The Kicker sits in a nice middle ground: lighter and more packable than a full paddle boot, but a bit bulkier than minimalist wetshoes. Given how many different ways we’ve actually used them, that trade-off makes sense, and it ends up feeling like a great value.
They compress reasonably well in a dry bag or gear bin, though they’re not something you’d want to stuff into a small daypack, especially since the hook-and-loop strap can snag on other fabrics. That said, the heel pull tab makes it easy to clip them to the outside of a pack, where they can also hang to dry between activities.
As camp shoes, they work especially well around water-heavy campsites where sandals might not offer enough protection or grip. They’re also a solid travel option for trips that involve cold water or rocky shorelines.
Versatility
The NRS Kicker Wetshoe excels at water-to-shore crossover use. It’s ideal for paddling, rafting, beach launches, and camping near rivers or lakes. While it’s not an everyday shoe, it’s versatile within its lane, being far more capable than lightweight water shoes, and less bulky than tall paddle boots.
For anyone who regularly moves between water, boats, boards, rafts, and uneven shorelines, and wants warmth, grip, and protection without going full boot, the Kicker hits a very usable middle ground.
Late-summer paddling in cool water, where the Kicker’s insulation and grip really stand out. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Features
3 mm Terraprene neoprene
A petroleum-free alternative to neoprene that provides reliable insulation and buoyancy.
Hook-and-loop webbing strap
Wraps securely over the top of the foot without restricting ankle movement or flexibility.
The hook-and-loop strap makes for quick adjustments, though it can catch on swimwear if packed together. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Reinforced toe and heel
Uses thicker rubber in high-impact zones to protect against toe bumps and add structure and stability at the heel.
3 mm patterned rubber outsole
Designed specifically for wet environments, with a textured surface that grips slick rock.
2 mm plastic shim
A thin layer in the sole that adds underfoot protection and helps block sharp rocks.
Stretchy rubber support bands
Integrated into the upper to improve lateral stability.
Heel pull loops
Make the shoes easier to pull on and off and allow them to be clipped to the outside of a pack to dry.
Pull tabs on the heel help get the Kicker on over wet feet. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Vegan materials
NRS lists synthetic materials, with no animal-derived components.
Packable design
Compresses reasonably well in a dry bag or gear bin for paddling, and can be clipped to the outside of a pack when wet.
Built on gender-specific lasts
Designed using different foot molds to better accommodate variation in foot shape and volume.
What is Terraprene neoprene?
Terraprene neoprene is a petroleum-free alternative to traditional neoprene, made from limestone and recycled rubber instead of fossil fuels. Performance-wise, it delivers the same key benefits paddlers want—warmth and buoyancy—by trapping a thin layer of water that your body heats up to keep you warm. Compared to traditional neoprene, Terraprene tends to stay warmer for longer and resists heat loss better over time (thanks to a denser, closed-cell internal structure). It’s also lighter and stretchier, which improves comfort and mobility on the water. Terraprene does tend to cost more than traditional neoprene, but the performance boost along with the sustainability benefits make it a worthwhile upgrade.
A snug, stretchy Terraprene neoprene upper with a hook-and-loop strap keeps the fit secure, even when fully soaked. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Who should buy the NRS Kicker Wetshoe
Buy if you want a sock‑style water shoe that’s warmer, sturdier, and more protective than super‑light options. With thicker neoprene, a tougher sole, and a supportive build, it’s a worthy pick for colder conditions and long days in and out of the water.
Skip if you want a lighter, less insulated shoe that dries faster and feels less boot-like. Also skip if you need the coverage and added insulation of a full boot.
Where to buy
The NRS Kicker Wetshoe water shoes are popular footwear, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
NRS
You can sometimes find more options when purchasing directly from the retailer. Sometimes, purchasing directly from the retailer can make it easier if you need to make a warranty return, such as if there is a defect.
Similar water shoes
There are two other water shoes in the NRS wetshoe lineup that feel similar to the Kicker but are built for different needs: the lightweight, flexible NRS Arroyo Wetshoe and the taller, more protective NRS Paddle Wetshoe.
The Arroyo, shown here in Curaçao, is the more minimal version to the Kicker. Photo by Rowan Oloman
NRS Arroyo Wetshoe
Price: $55
Weight (per shoe or per pair): 1lb (women’s); 1.3lbs (men’s)
Upper materials: 1.5mm Terraprene neoprene
Drainage design: Ports in the footbed and channels in the outsole
Outsole material & lug pattern: 1.8mm patterned rubber sole with 2 mm plastic shim
Footbed cushioning: 2 mm neoprene with recycled nylon
Closure system: A wide opening combined with a stretchy neoprene cuff
The NRS Arroyo Wetshoe is the lighter, simpler, and more flexible sibling to the Kicker. This less-structured shoe uses thinner 1.5mm Terraprene neoprene and a minimal 1.8 mm rubber sole, which keeps it flexible, easy to pack, and comfortable for casual days on the water. One of our testers wore the Arroyo snorkeling and scuba diving in Curaçao and loved how easily they stuffed into a gear sack, with no Velcro straps to snag on swimwear. They also stayed put surprisingly well when soaked, and didn’t slip off when swimming or kicking.
The Arroyo isn’t as warm as the NRS Kicker Wetshoe or the taller NRS Paddleboot, which makes it a better fit for warm-water trips where you want protection without insulation, like summer SUP sessions, travel, snorkeling, and warm-weather paddling. The Kicker is still the better choice for colder water and rocky launches, but for easygoing adventures, the Arroyo is the lighter, more convenient option.
NRS Arroyo Wetshoe
men's
Women's
NRS Paddle Wetshoe
Price: $110
Weight (per pair): 1.2 lbs (women’s); 1.7 lbs (men’s)
Upper materials: Petroleum-free 3mm Terraprene neoprene with titanium adhesive
Drainage design: Ports in the footbed and channels in the outsole
Outsole material & lug pattern: 3mm patterned rubber sole with 2 mm plastic shim
Heel and toe protection: Reinforced rubber overlays
Footbed cushioning: 5mm neoprene insole
Closure system: Gusset-backed entry zipper and hook-and-loop strap
The NRS Paddle Wetshoe is like the older sibling in NRS’s Wetshoe lineup. Where the Arroyo is the lighter version of the Kicker, the Paddle is the taller, warmer, and more supportive counterpart. It’s the one you reach for when you need the most coverage against cold water, the shoreline is rocky, and you know your feet are going to be wet for hours.
Like the Kicker, the Paddle Wetshoe is made from 3mm Terraprene neoprene, but has a warmer 5mm neoprene insole. The lining is also designed to help trap heat and shed water faster so your feet don’t stay soggy. The high-top design is a big plus; your ankles stay protected, and the gusseted zipper makes it surprisingly easy to slip on and off. The adjustable strap across the top helps fine-tune the fit so the boot doesn’t shift, and the naturally shaped toe box allows for plenty of toe-wiggle. They work equally well with bare feet or over drysuit socks (but consider sizing up if you always wear socks).
This is the boot you want for cold-water paddling, surfing in shoulder-season conditions, whitewater days, or any trip that involves wading, carrying gear, or repeated scrambling in and out of the water. Warm, supportive, and far more protective than a regular wetshoe, the Paddle Wetshoe earns its spot as a go-to cold-weather paddling staple.
NRS Paddle Wetshoe
men's
Women's
Price: $80
Weight (per shoe or per pair): Not listed
Upper materials: 3mm Terraprene neoprene with armored patches
Drainage design: Not listed
Outsole material & lug pattern: 1.5mm patterned rubber sole
Footbed cushioning: 3mm neoprene
Closure system: Drawcord with barrel lock adjustments
We haven’t tested the NRS Kinetic Wetshoe yet, but based on the specs it’s a similar 3mm Terraprene water shoe that's flexible and compact. It has a thinner 1.5 mm rubber outsole, trades out the hook-and-eye strap for a secure drawcord closure around the ankle, and features armored patches on the top of the foot for added protection.If you want a lighter, more minimalist water shoe for tight kayaks or paddling, consider the Kinetic as an alternative.
NRS Kinetic Water Shoes
Why you should trust us / About the author
I’ve spent the past decade testing outdoor gear and writing about it for places like The New York Times’ Wirecutter, Outside Magazine, REI Co-op Journal, Forbes’ Vetted, and The Wall Street Journal Buy Side—along with years of in-depth gear coverage here at Treeline. I’ve also written about the best child hiking carriers, best women’s hiking shoes and best men’s hiking shoes for Treeline Review.
Over that time, I’ve talked with many outdoor experts about what actually matters when choosing the right footwear. I've tested water shoes, recovery shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, trail runners and winter boots across every season in the coastal mountains of British Columbia. My goal is always the same: to provide honest, real-world insights so you can find the right gear that suits the way you enjoy the outdoors.
You can see all of Ebony’s Treeline Review stories on her Treeline author page.
