The right shoes make a bigger difference than most people expect on a whitewater rafting trip. Wear water shoes or sport sandals with a secure heel strap. Chacos, Tevas, Keens, or any snug-fitting water shoe will work great.
Don’t have any? We provide water shoes to all whitewater rafting guests, including kids.
You can bring your own river shoes like Chacos, Tevas, Keens or old sneakers. Credit: Wild West Rafting
Why Footwear Matters on the River
River access points like ours on the Yellowstone River have rocky, sloped paths down to the water. Loose or flimsy shoes make those walks uncomfortable at best and a rolled ankle at worst.
Want to go barefoot? Bad idea. Rocky riverbanks and raft floors aren’t kind to bare soles, and the walk to and from the water requires real footwear.
Once you’re in the raft, your feet will get wet. You need shoes that stay on, drain quickly, and grip wet surfaces, both on the rocks and inside the raft.
Best Shoes for Whitewater Rafting
Sport sandals with heel straps like Chacos, Tevas, or Keens are the gold standard. They drain and dry fast, and the heel strap keeps them locked on through rapids or if you jump in for a swim. Most of our repeat guests wear these.
Water shoes are a great all-around choice, especially for kids. They’re lightweight, snug, and protect the whole foot on rocky paths. If you only raft once or twice a year, an inexpensive pair of water shoes is your best bet.
Neoprene booties are ideal for cooler days in May and early June when the Yellowstone River is running cold. We provide these on chilly mornings so your feet stay warm the entire trip.
For a full breakdown of everything else to bring on the river (like clothing, sun protection, what we provide, and what to leave behind) check out our complete list: What to Wear Whitewater Rafting.
What NOT to Wear on the River
- Flip-flops will come off. The river always wins this one.
- Crocs without the heel strap locked down—same problem. If you strap them tight, they can work in a pinch, but they’re not ideal.
- Hiking boots, sneakers, or running shoes get waterlogged and heavy. They’ll weigh your feet down, take forever to dry, and won’t be the same afterward.
- Anything you’d be upset about losing or soaking.
Don’t Own Water Shoes? No Problem.
Use our neoprene water shoes, included with every trip. Credit: Wild West Rafting
We provide neoprene water shoes in the summer and booties on cooler days at no extra charge. Thousands of guests raft with us every season using our gear, so don’t let footwear keep you from booking a trip.
If you’d rather bring your own, pick up water shoes at a few spots on the way:
- Target or Walmart in Bozeman carry inexpensive water shoes, usually in stock from spring through summer. Grab a pair on your way to Gardiner.
- Murdoch’s in Livingston, MT is a local ranch and outdoor supply store on Highway 89 between Bozeman and Gardiner. They carry water shoes and sandals.
Ready to Hit the Rapids?
Now that your feet are sorted, it’s time to get on the water. Our half-day whitewater trips and full-day adventures through Yankee Jim Canyon run from May through September on the Yellowstone River.
Have questions about what to bring? Call our Gardiner office at 406-500-5534. We’ve outfitted thousands of rafters and are happy to help you get ready for your trip.