ROCKY NOWAKE Water Shoe: My Honest Take After a Summer of Splashes

Okay, so I’m a journalist, right? That means I’m always knee-deep in something, and often that something involves water. So, a good water shoe is less a luxury and more a necessity. This summer, I decided to give the ROCKY Men’s Rks0646 Water Shoe a whirl, and I’m here to spill the tea.

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First Impressions Matter (and These Made a Good One):

Right out of the box, these shoes just looked ready for action. The bungee system? Genius! Seemed perfect for quickly getting them on and off. Plus, the fact that they’re made with recycled fishing nets? Major bonus points for being eco-conscious!

Putting Them to the Test (aka My Summer Adventures):

I wasn’t gentle with these shoes. Kayaking on the Harpeth, a little fishing here and there – they saw it all. Here’s the lowdown:

• Drainage? Off the Charts! Seriously, the “fully drainable” thing? It’s not just marketing hype. Whether I was clumsily hopping out of my kayak (yes, I still do that) or just got my feet wet wading, the water was GONE. Like, instantly. Sayonara, soggy shoe feeling!
• Grip Like a Gecko: Those slippery boat ramps? Wet rocks? The NOWAKEs laughed in their face. The outsoles gave me serious traction, and I felt super confident, even when hauling gear. Trust me, that’s a big deal when you’re as coordinated as I am (read: not very).
• Comfort… Mostly a Win: That neoprene sock thing they’ve got going on? Felt great at first, like a cozy hug for my feet. Definitely kept the chafing at bay. BUT – and this is a small but – after wearing them all day, especially when they were wet, my feet started to feel a little trapped. My advice? Thin socks are your friend if you’re planning a marathon water adventure.
• Bungee Blues (Sort Of): Okay, the bungee laces are great for quick adjustments. Super convenient. However, I did notice they loosened up a bit when I was really going for it – paddling hard or scrambling over rocks. I had to re-tighten them a couple of times. Not a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind.

A Few Tiny Gripes:

• That neoprene sock, while comfy, can get a little too cozy after a while.
• The bungee laces? Not quite as rock-solid as traditional laces.

The Bottom Line:

Look, if you’re like me and you spend a decent amount of time near water, the ROCKY NOWAKE Water Shoe is a solid investment. The drainage is amazing, the grip is fantastic, and they’re generally pretty darn comfortable. Sure, the bungee system could be a tad more secure, and the neoprene might not be for everyone, but honestly? The good stuff far outweighs the not-so-good. If you’re on the hunt for a versatile, well-made water shoe, give these a serious look. You won’t regret it.

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My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. They’ve earned a permanent spot in my gear bag.