You can tell right away the Columbia Whipray looks different than your average fishing shoe, and that’s because there is a lot of visible technology that goes into it.
A Tough Non-Absorbent Upper
The entire upper is made of a TPU-coated yarn, which is really durable, it doesn’t absorb any water, and it is protective. The upper is also meshed. You can see right through it. So water and air pass through for breathability. And since it isn’t absorbent, water flows right through. The insole of the Whipray is perforated as well to give the section under your foot that same ability for water and air to flow through.
Cushy And Grippy Soles
The Whipray also uses Columbia’s Omni-MAX cushioning in the sole, which they’ve developed in their trail and running shoes. For the Whipray, they’ve taken the Omni-MAX sole and added ventilation for the fishing crowd. The support structure of the shoe also includes an interesting take on the heel. In order to make the Whipray more comfortable without socks, they’ve moved the heel support to the exterior, which is the blue band you see arching around the back of the shoe.
Going further below the Omni-MAX midsole, the Whipray’s sole features a herringbone traction pattern on the sole, which gives this shoe great grip on docks and boat decks. Ryan Bucci from Columbia says that the herringbone style gives it a windshield wiper type of grip. You’ll also notice a couple of dimples on the sole of the shoe, according to Bucci these are called Columbia’s deflection domes, which help disperse the energy of impacts like heelstrikes, and also aids with stability.
Design Kicks The Stink
One of the last takes on Columbia’s new shoe is that the Whipray is unlikely to stink. Funk and watershoes go hand-in-hand, but there is virtually nothing on the Whipray to absorb water and form a damp petri dish.
The Whipray will be available for 2026, and you can stay tuned for its release at Columbia.
Image: Kayak Angler Staff
