24 Best Water Shoes in 2022
Whether you’re going for a hike, dive, kayaking or merely strolling the beach, it’s no denying the comfort and protection of our footwear makes a difference.
This, amongst other several reasons, is why you need the best pair of water shoes.
Water shoes are basically your feet’s best friend! Whenever you’re close to the water, whether it’s for swimming, playing, snorkeling or scuba diving, you’ll love them! They’re designed to not only protect your feet in and out of the water but also great for comfort to your feet.
Over time, water shoes have evolved from unsightly and heavy designs to sleek, light and more comfortable ones. Water shoes have certainly come a long way to now having a different range of features including thermal protection, water drainage, underfoot traction and of course its superb design! And it’s no denying that with great development comes great confusion but we’re here to help you out.
Depending on your particular activity, whether it be scuba diving, kayaking, trekking, boating or simply a beach stroll, there is definitely a pair of water shoe that fits just right for you!
Choosing the perfect water shoes for you can indeed be confusing which is why we have listed a list of the best water shoes we could find to help you battle the confusion.
The Top 6 Water Shoes in 2022
-
1
Amphibian Hiking Sandals: Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve -
2
Sporty, Comfy, Cool: Adidas Boat Shoe aka Terrex ClimaCool -
3
Coastal Hiking: Merrell Women’s Waterpro Maipo 2 -
4
Affordable Water Sneaker: Wave Runner -
5
Warm, For Watersports: NRS Men’s Kicker Remix -
6
Solid Budget Option: Aleader Xdrain Cruz 1.0
All the Water Shoes We've tested
Over the years, water shoes have evolved in terms of design, material, and even technology. One good example of how far that evolution has progressed is the Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve, a high-end water shoe that is maybe the most versatile one on the market today.
Technically, the Blaze is a pair of water sandals with a closed-toe design that has so much more to offer than your average pair of water shoes.
If you are an active outdoor enthusiast who often explores both on land and water–everything from kayak touring, boating, fishing and hiking to travel–these will interest you. They are in the higher-end category in terms of price, but they will meet or even exceed your expectations.
Because of the Vibram sole, they can be used on different terrains, and worn for longer periods of time without discomfort that you get with (especially) neoprene water shoes.
Specs & Features
- Upper/Lining: Lycra neoprene stretch collar
- Upper/Lining: M Select FRESH
- Upper/Lining: Waxy waterproof nubuck leather fabric upper
- Midsole/Outsole: 3-mm lug depth
- Midsole/Outsole: TC5+Vibram outsole
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
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Good support on challenging terrain
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Quick-dry design
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Easy on the feet
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Comfortable and snug fit
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Antimicrobial technology that keeps feet fresh
Reasons NOT to buy:
Fraying of the leather fabric sooner than we’d like
Where to buy:
From Adidas, an unconventional boat shoe has been making waves. The Terrex Boat S.RDY demonstrates how sailing and boating has become a less elitist hobby. Most boat shoes look like Sperrys, slip-on moccasins with non-marking, rubber soles. Not these.
The Adidas Boat Shoe is also a more sustainably produced water shoe that brings a bit of sport into boating with a spillover into all water sports. In fact, it looks more like beach-walking, kayak-friendly water shoes. But is it a reliable footwear for all water activities or just a non-marking boat shoe with good grip?
We tested these water shoes, putting it through its paces to answer these questions.
Specs & Features
- Lace Closure
- Open Mesh Upper
- ClimaCool
- Traxion Outsole
- Perforated Adidas Drainage System in Midsole and Outsole
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
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ClimaCool technology that keeps the feet cool
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Open mesh uppers that ensure breathability
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Perforated Adidas drainage system that results in quick-dry capabilities
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Lightweight and easy to carry
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Stretchable heel inserts that meet the needs of those enduring plantar fasciitis
Reasons NOT to buy:
A little abrasive without socks
Where to buy:
The Waterpro Maipo 2 is known for its flexibility, lightweight profile, quick-dry properties, strong grip, and versatility.
The Maipo 1 was often praised for its comfortable and snug fit, and performance in amphibious terrain. What upgrades warranted a sequel by Merrell?
Let’s dive in to discover more about it and its features, and if it makes a good choice for hiking!
Specs & Features
- Synthetic Mesh Upper
- Integrated Webbing Lacing
- Synthetic Toe Bumper
- Kinetic Fit Base Removable Contoured Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Insole
- Compression-Molded EVA Midsole
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
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Contoured and padded collars are nice
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Midsoles provide comfortable yet lightweight cushioning
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True to size with full and half sizes, and medium width
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Lace-up closure design with integrated webbings for a snug fit
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M Select FRESH technology with antimicrobial properties
Reasons NOT to buy:
Toes not as well protected as they could be
For hassle-free diving, snorkeling, or kayaking, go for the Wave Runner quick-drying water shoes. Mesh materials around the foot are stretchy and slip-free while the whole shoe is ridiculously light.
The outsole of the shoes is thick and anti-skid, which leads to durability, whereas the drainage hole sole helps to keep your shoes as dry as possible.
We know first-hand how important it is for beginners to feel confident wearing their equipment, and this model of water shoes gives you that much-needed boost. You don’t have to worry about losing your grip when walking on slippery surfaces, and neither do you have to worry about getting blisters.
You will have to order them at least a full size smaller than your normal shoe size.
Specs & Features
- Anti-skid outsole
- Quick-frying mesh
- Lace closures
- Multiple drainage holes
- Slip-resistant
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
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The thick yet flexible rubber sole is grippy
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The shoes are so lightweight you don’t feel them on your feet
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Comfy and easy to put on and take off
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Great value for low price
Reasons NOT to buy:
Pebbles get stuck in the holes of the soles
Very little foot support
Wearing water shoes will save you from cuts and provide comfort over rocks and shells.
Moreover, they improve your traction on wet surfaces. They help prevent you from accidentally slipping off a boat dock, jet ski, and other slippery surfaces.
One of the best pairs you can get today is the NRS Men’s Kicker Remix Wetshoes.
These water shoes have all the basic features you need to enjoy your time in the water without worrying about your feet. Let’s dive in to learn more about them!
Specs & Features
- Available Sizes: 4 to 9 (US)
- 3-mm Terraprene Neoprene Upper
- 3-mm Rubber Sole
- 3-mm Terraprene Neoprene Insole
- 2-mm Plastic Shim
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
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Keeps your feet warm
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Naturally shaped toe boxes for a non-binding and roomy fit
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Good protection over sharp rocks
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Uppers guarded by armor patches for additional protection
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Drawcord with a barrel lock adjustment closure system ensuring a secure and snug fit
Reasons NOT to buy:
Insulation also means water can’t get out
No half sizes available
When you think about water shoes, Zhuanglin may not be a brand that registers in your mind. However, one of its products, the Xdrain Cruz for both women and men has gained favor for its price and performance.
We tested the mens version, which upon inspection is almost exactly like the womens. Our review includes how they held up against easy going use as well as harder abuse.
Ideally, these water shoes are designed for activities like river walking.They mostly appeal to casual users who just need a pair of water shoes for vacation or at the cottage.
Let’s dive in to find out more about them and whether or not they are the perfect water shoes for your outdoor activities!
Specs & Features
- Available Colors: Black, Black/White, Blue, Blue Moon, Dark Grey, Grey, Light Green, Light Grey, Navy, Orange Red, Orange Yellow, Purple, Red, Yellow,
- Breathable Mesh Upper
- Effective Drainage Holes
- Solyte Midsole
- Water Grip Outsole
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
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Crazy superlight
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Breathable mesh uppers that guarantee all-day comfort
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Drainage holes that offer quick-dry capabilities
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Amazingly, sand stays out of the mesh
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Soles with anti-slip design
Reasons NOT to buy:
Rocks easily get stuck in the drainage holes
Where to buy:
The Body Glove 3T Barefoot Cinch water shoe is a mouthful of a name that describes exactly what it is and what it’s for. Its stitching creates 3 toe compartments with a barefoot feel, intended to appeal to surfers and water sports enthusiasts.
With decades of history, there’s a lot of design that has gone into this particular water shoe to attempt to thread the needle between protection and performance. For kayakers, paddle boarders and sailors that need to tread through water, over stony beaches every once in a while, these might hit a sweet spot.
But for runners, especially barefoot athletes, the 3T Barefoots could be the performance panacea to make everything possible. They feel a little like climbing shoes.
Our review details what our test of these Body Glove water shoes can and cannot do for you. We tested the mens water shoe type, but there is also a model available for women that we have but have yet to test.
Specs & Features
- Men’s
- Available Colors: Black/Black, Black/Rio Red, Black/Yellow
- Available Sizes: 8 to 13
- Adjustable Shoelace
- Stretch Fit Upper
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Patented three-toe design that allows for easy slip-on entry and minimizes possibilities of injury
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Reduced sole height that maintains a natural balance
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Easy-to-adjust shocklaces that offer the perfect fit
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Skin-friendly, stretch fabric uppers
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IDS that ensure breathability and quick-dry functionality
Reasons NOT to buy:
Sizes may not be your exact shoe size, so it’s necessary to follow the sizing chart (which works pretty well measuring heel to toe-tip)
Where to buy:
Known for its quality, Crocs Men’s Swiftwater Mesh Water Shoes does not disappoint! This shoe is tough, lightweight and quick-drying which makes it perfect for paddleboarding on the lake, noodling for catfish in the river or searching for agates on shore.
Specs & Features
- 100% Textile
- Synthetic sole
- Mesh upper
- Imported
- Iconic crocs comfort
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
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Comfortable
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Tough and long-lasting
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Dries fast
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Very light to wear
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Impressive fit, cushion and support
Reasons NOT to buy:
The mesh does not really stretch
Sand could get caught between the foot and the inner front straps
Sole seems to be a bit stiffer than traditional Crocs soles
If you’re looking for the perfect water shoe for hikes along the river or any activity involving a splish splash of water, then ALEADER Mesh Slip-on is the best for you!
This shoe is designed with a solyte midsole that provides an exceptionally lightweight feel, excellent bounce-back and durability. Its open-air mesh on the upper and holes on its sole enables it to quickly dry after being soaked in water and is incredibly breathable (which is perfect for humid to hot temperatures). Along with exceptional traction in wet and slippery terrains, you can never go wrong with this pair!
Specs & Features
- Open mesh on upper
- Breathable and durable air mesh
- Solyte Midsole
- Water grain outsole
- ComforDry Sockliner
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Durable and breathable
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Washable
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Inner sole does not slip
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Grips perfectly on feet
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Great protection and sole grip
Reasons NOT to buy:
not really perfect for long walks
the hole on the sole allows rocks and tiny sticks in
rocks can get wedged in it treads
Innovative water shoes that offer protection like no other! Speedo Men’s Surfwalker 3.0 Water Shoe is definitely a game changer on water shoes. This shoe is designed with a four-way stretchable upper that helps in easy on and off and is equipped with mesh panels for ventilation and quick drying. The outsole comes with an S-Trac that gives excellent traction and water management.
Specs & Features
- Maximum breathability
- Quick-dry
- S-trac outsole
- Synthetic Sole
- Four-way Stretchable Upper
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
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Protects feet from rough terrain and blisters
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Snugs and grips excellently
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Comfortable and breathable
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Easy to clean
Reasons NOT to buy:
Make sure you get “your” size as having one that is too big or too small makes lot of difference as it does not have lace for adjustment
Relatively expensive
Not too durable (taking into consideration the price)
Arch support isn’t too good
KEEN Men’s Evofit One Water Sandal is definitely putting up its game. With features that will definitely catch any adventurer’s “keen” eye. Equipped with a moisture-wicking EVOFIT fabric to provide adaptive comfort and breathable protection, acting as a second skin. Keen also features their TPU inserts for targeted stability with a uniquely formulated PU midsole that provides heightened ground-feel for agility across any terrain. With excellent traction, even in and out of the water and lastly its metatomical footbed design that gives this shoe arch support like no other!
Specs & Features
- Evofit fabric for comfort and protection
- Aquagrip Traction
- Heightened ground-feel midsole
- Metatomical Footbed design for excellent arch support
- American-built
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Excellent durability
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Superior comfort
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Excellent arch support
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Sleek reptilian design
Reasons NOT to buy:
Not perfect with water socks (makes it too tight)
Where to buy:
Speedo Men’s Seaside Lace 5.0 Athletic all-purpose water shoe is designed to perform daily activities in the water or on land whilst providing maximum comfort. Made with a breathable mesh and features a lace-up inspired bungee cord closure for a secure fit. It also comes with a rubberized S-Trac outsole which manages water flow and improves traction for a no-slip experience.
Specs & Features
- Synthetic sole
- S-TRAC outsole that offers a no-slip grip
- Lightweight
- Quick-dry design
- Breathable mesh upper enhances airflow
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
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Cool design
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Superior comfort
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Excellent fit
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Lightweight
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Quick-drying
Reasons NOT to buy:
Thin Sole
Sand could get into the shoe
The sneaker-like water shoe that can take you from town to water splash. Best for multi-use, Quicksilver Men’s Amphibian Plus Athletic Water Shoe is designed with well-placed drainage ports that makes it suitable for low level water and creeks. The pair also comes with a rubber pod on its outsole that creates excellent grip and traction added with a quick-dry mesh upper.
Specs & Features
- 100% Textile and Synthetic
- Synthetic sole
- One-piece upper mesh
- Lava anti-odor technology
- Custom mesh liner for comfort and breathability
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Sleek design
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Breathable
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Lightweight
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Great drainage
Reasons NOT to buy:
Should be worn with socks as it has narrow ball foot area
Adidas Outdoor Jawpaw 2 Water Shoe has the performance and style you’d expect from this company. Unfortunately, the price of this water shoe seems out of step with the market.
This slip-on water shoe is actually quite nice in and out of the water. Made with textile and rubber, this shoe comes with a ventilated climacool upper that has easy pull-on tabs, a snug fit and perforations in the midsole and outsole for maximum water drainage. Its genuine rubber outsole gives it an excellent grip and the climacool wins it high marks for summer fun. If you got the cash for it, you’ll enjoy it.
Specs & Features
- Rubber sole
- Breathable
- Quick-drying
- Adidas drainage system for maximum water drainage
- “Climacool” 360-degree cooling
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Snug and fit
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Quick-drying
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Excellent drainage
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Great traction
Reasons NOT to buy:
Some sand gets in through the bottom
A little pricey
Columbia Men’s Drainmaker III Water Shoe is a cool-looking hybrid shoe with a sneaker-like feels but works on both land and water making it a multi-purpose footwear that can cope on both rocky terrains and on water. It is lightweight and breathable and is designed with an open-mesh with a protective toe bumper and single-pull lacing that adds to the shoe’s unique feature.
Specs & Features
- Made of 100% mesh
- Rubber sole
- Protective toe bumper
- Single-pull lacing
- Padded collar
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Comfortable
-
Great water drainage
-
Great traction on slippery rocks
Reasons NOT to buy:
Could take time to dry out
Sand and small rocks could get in the drain holes
Where to buy:
With Nike’s sporting credentials, Nike gives you their Aqua Sock 360 Mens Slippers that provides foot protection while maintaining comfort and durability. Designed to give your feet an airy, sock-like, almost barefoot feel with its two-layer mesh upper with a foam heel and rubber outsole. It also comes with a TPU heel clip, elastic collar, and strategically placed rubber pods on the outsole for flexibility & traction.
Specs & Features
- TPU heel clip
- Elastic Collar
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Rubber pods on the outsole
- True to size fit
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Very comfortable
-
Cool on the feet and lightweight
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Excellent grip even in water
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Great protection
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Snug and sock-like feel
Reasons NOT to buy:
Not too durable
A little expensive
Vibram as being a trusted leader in performance and innovation has introduced their Vibram Men’s Signa Athletic Boating Shoe. This signa is an ultra-thin, flexible and lightweight footwear with its signature five fingers water sport shoe. This shoe is ideal for rowing, surfing, kayaking and any other water sport or water adventures. With its grip and comfort, you’d have your water adventure like no other!
Specs & Features
- Rubber Sole (3 mm)
- 100% Stretch Polyester Mesh
- Drainage holes
- Abrasion resistant stretch polyester mesh upper
- Wave grip outsole
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Very snug and comfortable
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Flexible sole
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High quality
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Excellent drainage
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Great cut and design
Reasons NOT to buy:
Some sand could get inside
Not too durable
A pair to surely enhance your outdoor performance with the versatile Teva Omnium Closed Toe Men’s Water Shoe. Equipped with a quick-drying, breathable upper and gripping Spider Rubber outsole, your feet will be prepared for wet and wild conditions on water or on land. It also comes with a quick-release buckle that aids for an easy on and off use.
Specs & Features
- 100% Synthetic, Mesh
- Closed-toe sandal
- Grosgrain webbing overlays
- Elastic gore stretch
- Multiple drainage ports
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Very comfortable
-
Great arch support
-
Excellent heel grip
-
Really snug and fit
-
Great cushion
Reasons NOT to buy:
Durability could be an issue
Not enough blister protection
Small rocks could get in
Where to buy:
Designed with a quick-dry upper that comes with a webbing brace that provides midfoot support, RYKA Hydro Sport makes it to the top picks for the best water shoes in the market. Made with chlorine resistant material, a removable, perforated nitracel footbed and drainage ports in sole, a sticky rubber for better traction on wet surfaces and a webbed midfoot cage provides medial and lateral support.
Specs & Features
- 100% Synthetic and mesh
- Rubber sole
- Aquatic cross trainer
- Removable, perforated nitracel footbed
- Chlorine resistant
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Great foot support
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Comfortable
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Quick-drying
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Excellent drainage design and system
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Great traction
Reasons NOT to buy:
Shoe laces are conventional and non-elastic
Not too durable with extreme water exposure
Front could be narrow
Be it sidewalk strolling, river trekking, kayaking, or beach strolling, Keen Whisper’s waterproof sandal is the perfect choice for your footwear needs. This waterproof sandal is specially designed with a quick-draw elastic cord lacing system adjusts to a comfortable and secure fit. Its upper features a washable polyester with odor-reducing Aegis Microbe Shield®.
Specs & Features
- Rubber sole
- 100% polyester
- Bungee lace capture system
- Elastic cording
- Hydrophobic mesh lining
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Snug and fit
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Excellent traction
-
Very comfortable
-
Protects your feet from blisters
-
Lightweight
Reasons NOT to buy:
There could be inconsistency in sizing
Where to buy:
Sperry shoes are a well established brand. The Sperry Men’s Flex Deck Water Shoe is a modern take on a boat shoe that looks more sneaker than slip on nautical. The quality and comfort is there. It’s more a question of whether or not the style is to your liking.
It comes with an adjustable bungee lace with a toggle that gives you security and function for easy on/off use. It has a removable compression-molded foam footbed that does a pretty good job on comfort. A molded hydro grip rubber outsole with adaptive wave-sipping disperses water underfoot to reduce slippage on wet or dry surfaces.
Drainage could be better making it not a sports water shoe as much as casual beach footwear. Price is actually quite reasonable too.
Specs & Features
- 100% Synthetic
- Rubber sole
- Quick-dry mesh uppers
- Lightweight and breathable
- Removable eva footbed
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Awesome grip and fits perfectly
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Easy on-off lace system
-
Comfortable
-
Good arch support
-
Great traction
Reasons NOT to buy:
If used for water sports, it'll get worn down
Lightweight and comfortable are boldly offered by Easy USA Womens Aqua Wave Water Shoes. Its design features a paneled mesh upper for drainage and breathability that comes with an extra thick durable rubber sole for rocky terrains and even on river hikes and beach strolls. One highlighted feature is its easy slip-on style and adjustable loop heel.
Specs & Features
- Thick rubber sole
- Slip-on style
- Textured rubber sole
- High level of stability
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Soles grip well
-
Durable
-
Great support
-
Sleek design
-
Good drainage system
Reasons NOT to buy:
There could be inconsistency in sizing
Could be hard to put on and take off
The sand could get in
Flexible and comfortable! CIOR Quick Dry Water Sports is your affordable water shoe with the right quality. Equipped with its unique and top-quality sole with seven holes on each bottom to ensure proper water flow and quick-drying. The rubber soles are made with a comfortable and thick foam arch-support that are flexible yet thick enough to protect your feet from stepping on rocky terrains along with a breathable and smooth fabrics with fine stretch on uppers.
Specs & Features
- Rubber sole
- Quick-dry with drainage holes
- Foot safety
- Exercise of foot muscle
- Thick foam arch-support
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Draining holes in the shoes aids in quick drying
-
Breathable
-
Easy removal
-
Lightweight
Reasons NOT to buy:
Not too durable
Quick-drying and breathable with a single-layer, open air upper mesh paneling. Speedo Hydro Comfort 4.0 has a quick-fit toggle to secure its laces with a pull-tab on heel for easy on and off use. It also comes with a perforated, removable insole, a non-marking rubber outsole and a lightweight midsole with great drainage.
Specs & Features
- Breathable upper
- Synthetic
- Rubber sole
- Quick drying
- Lightweight midsole with side port drainage
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Super versatile
-
Non-slip
-
Excellent drainage
-
Wearing it without socks would be fine
-
Reasonable price
Reasons NOT to buy:
No arch support
Durability could be an issue
Made with lightweight mesh and a midfoot webbing system that integrates with slip on for lightweight breathability and an adaptive, supportive fit, Zhuanglin Women’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes is surely not a disappointment. It comes with a soft cushioning and breathable RB/Eva outsole, an articulated flex grooves offer plush comfort and natural range of motion plus its water grip outsole provides exceptional traction in wet and slippery conditions.
Specs & Features
- Rubber sole
- Made of 90% fabric
- Breathable and durable air mesh upper
- Solyte midsole
- Water Grip outsole
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Very light and breathable
-
Excellent water drainage
-
Extremely comfortable
-
Great foot grip
-
Excellent foot support
Reasons NOT to buy:
The huge holes all over the bottom could jam rocks in the holes
The Dynamo Rapid water shoes by Body Glove present an impressive take on amphibious footwear. They almost trick you into thinking they’re a running shoe.
With so many water shoes on the market, most competing with each other by being cheaper, that often translates into poor quality. Many also promise to be everything for everyone, which is where a water shoe that means to wander further away from the beach rightly does. But not all can cut it.
The Dynamo Rapid model for women and men is Body Glove’s take on a water shoe with a little more substantial sole than their barefoot models.
Let’s dive in to find out more about them and what they have to offer!
Specs & Features
- Men’s
- Available Colorways: Black/Charcoal, Black/Yellow
- Available Sizes: 8 to 13
- Air-Mesh Upper
- High-Frequency Seamless Construction
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Almost feel like running shoes
-
Easy to get on and take off
-
Skin-friendly, stretch fabric uppers that keep the feet cool
-
Collapsible heels that guarantee easy slip-on entry
-
Elastic shocklaces that provide secure fit
Reasons NOT to buy:
Narrow fit
Where to buy:
The Dynamo Vortex River Sandals are an interesting water shoe by Body Glove. They have the drainage and cooling effect of sandals with the protection and utility of a water shoe.
As the name suggests, the Dynamo Vortex River Sandals are ideal for river walking, but their application goes well beyond waterway use as our testing proved.
Check out the review to see what they can do.
Specs & Features
- Available Colorways: Black/Rio Red, Black/Yellow
- Available Sizes: 7 to 13
- Slip-On Design with Multi-Way Attachments
- Phylon Midsole
- Open Design
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Open and amphibious design that offers breathability and versatility
-
Reliable IDS that guarantees quick-dry capabilities
-
Easy slip-on function
-
Ultra-grip rubber outsoles and Phylon midsoles that provide ample protection and support
-
Heel and upper strap give solid support
Reasons NOT to buy:
More practical than pretty
Where to buy:
When you think about water shoes, Zhuanglin may not be a brand that registers in your mind. However, one of its products, Zhuanglin Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes, has really gained popularity lately.
This pair is one of today’s best-selling water shoes, particularly because they are so affordable.
Ideally, these water shoes are designed for activities like river walking.They mostly appeal to beginners who have little to no idea about water shoes or only need such shoes occasionally. If you are a novice outdoor enthusiast, you will likely love what they have to offer.
Let’s dive in to find out more about them and whether or not they are the perfect water shoes for your outdoor activities!
Specs & Features
- Available Colors: Black, Black/White, Blue, Blue Moon, Dark Grey, Grey, Light Green, Light Grey, Navy, Orange Red, Orange Yellow, Purple, Red, Yellow,
- Breathable Mesh Upper
- Effective Drainage Holes
- Solyte Midsole
- Water Grip Outsole
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy:
-
Crazy superlight
-
Breathable mesh uppers that guarantee all-day comfort
-
Unique drainage holes that offer quick-dry capabilities
-
Soles with anti-slip design
-
Spongy sole has good protection and shock absorption
Reasons NOT to buy:
Rocks easily get stuck on the unique drainage holes
Sand in the toggle stoppers worsens fastening laces
Where to buy:
Things to consider before buying a pair of water shoes:
● Material
For your comfort, the water shoes are usually made from skin-friendly materials like rubber, textile and various forms of mesh and leather. While the sole of the shoes tends to include rubber, the upper part is built with mesh, leather and textile. Before purchasing a pair of water shoes you lay your eyes on, make sure that the upper part of the shoes has some sort of breathable mesh or leather material that holds your feet snug but not overly tight. If you are a fan of textile fabric, opt for a pair with a lightweight kind of textile that is waterproof and durable enough to last you through countless contacts with water.
● Fit
Due to the essence of water, your pair of water shoes should fit your feet snug as opposed to loose. The skintight fit ensures your feet don’t wiggle too much in the shoes when you are moving around. Just like any other athletic shoe, water shoes ought to act as your second skin and move with you, thus providing you with much-needed support. It is crucial for water shoes to stay put on your feet so that your feet remain dry for a prolonged period of time and safe from foreign objects. When swimming in the ocean’s wild waters or walking in the muddy riverbeds, you wouldn’t be very glad if they suddenly came off, would you?
● Traction
Slippery surfaces and tractionless shoes don’t work well together neither in theory nor in practice. For you to keep balance and not slip off at any second, your water shoes must have good traction. If anything, traction should be the number one priority on your list of things to consider before purchasing a pair of water shoes. Without traction, you won’t be able to walk along the banks of lakes and rivers, fool around the beach rocks or even swim in the ocean if you are a beginner. So, do yourself a favor and get a pair that has rubber pods built into the soles of the shoes for a good grip and, most importantly, for your peace of mind.
Pro’s and Con’s of Water Shoes:
Pro’s
Foot Protection
Water shoes are designed for activities that involve more active pursuits where a quick change from dry to watery environment happens. They are specially designed to protect your feet from bumps, spikes, sharp rocks and abrasions while making sure the sediments and rocks don’t get in.
Underfoot Traction
Since “water” shoes are obviously designed to be used underwater, manufacturers have considered the importance of sole grips to avoid slipping in sliding surfaces. Having excellent traction aids a lot in friction which in turn helps your feet stay gripped on the ground (where it should be).
Quick Dry
This, amongst other feature, makes water shoes stand out. Its quick-dry feature aids a lot in comfort and durability. Bear in mind that water shoes are not designed to keep your feet dry (you could wear sealed rubber boots for that) but rather, water shoes are specially designed so your feet do not stay wet.
Con’s
Yes, there are con’s to water shoes as other shoes have too.
First, they aren’t as breathable as open sandals are. On hot summer days when you do not necessarily need full-foot protection, you can never go wrong with an open-toe.
Second, they are not built for low temperatures. Water shoes are not designed to provide your feet much insulation thus, on cold temperatures when your feet will be more likely to get wet, you don’t want to go for a pair of water shoes.
Third, water shoes are not built for long day hikes. They’re not that decent on land when you go over long hours of walk.
Frequently asked questions
Water shoes are basically your feet’s best friend! Whenever you’re close to the water, whether it’s for swimming, playing, snorkeling, or scuba diving, you’ll love them! They’re designed to not only protect your feet in and out of the water but also great for comfort to your feet.
If you want the best water shoes, you should check out our full guide here!
However, since you’re asking, here is our Top 5 pick:
Water shoes are designed for a variety of water sports including kayaking, paddle boarding and even swimming in places where the ground is rocky.
If you are planning on mostly swimming in your water shoes, it makes sense to look into the pair that would fit your feet like a glove. This will eliminate the risk of your shoes getting lost in the water or of you contaminating a bacteria that is often present in public swimming pools and hot tubs. It will also help you master your swimming skills better as your feet will be supported at all times.
We recommend these water shoes for swimming:
You might think that water shoes and water socks are essentially the same things, but in reality, they serve different purposes. While water shoes are usually worn when swimming, strolling along the beach, or hiking through wet rocky areas, water socks are mainly used for snorkeling.
Water shoes have a flexible rubber sole and good traction that helps to not slip off a wet and uneven surface when stumbling upon one. They come with a mesh or a leather upper part that is breathable and quickly-drying at the same time.
Water socks, on the other hand, are built from either neoprene or lycra material and are thus ideal for protecting your feet from jellyfish stings and other hazardous accidents when in the wild sea/ocean water.
It’s no news that people tend to size up when purchasing shoes made from non-flexible material. This, however, should not be the case for water shoes. It is advisable to buy water shoes of your exact size for that correct fit. They are made to provide you with good traction on wet and dry surfaces alike, which a loose pair won’t be able to do.
When exposed to the water or your natural sweat kicks in, the loose-fitting water shoes will simply slide off your feet and get lost somewhere on the bottom of the ocean/swimming pool. To avoid these troubles, pick the water shoes that fit tight and you will get a lot of use out of them before it’s time to buy a replacement pair.
Since water shoes are quite versatile, they can be used for walking just as much as for water sports. Besides strolling along the beaches, you are able to wear them for hikes and pair them with socks for extra protection. Water Socks act as a layer between your skin and the shoes that help in preventing the development of a bad odor that can potentially ruin the water shoes.
Apart from odor, wearing water shoes with socks means that no sand or gravel will come close to your feet and thus irritate it. The sole of water shoes is constructed from hardcore materials that allow you to freely walk on slippery rocks and hills without falling over.
Water shoes can be worn in the ocean as much as in the sea or a lake. They act as a barrier between your bare feet and the junk that is often found in the wild waters of the ocean. If you are on a fence of whether you should invest in a pair or not, we would suggest you purchase one. It will get rid of your anxiety about the unknown when you are about to enter the ocean and protect you from unwanted incidents.
A good-quality pair of water shoes will also help you lessen the impact of you jumping in the ocean from a cliff and thus potentially save you from some minor injuries. Moreover, if you are planning on exploring the rich flora and fauna of the ocean, a pair of water shoes makes it easy to do so.
When chosen correctly, water shoes are extremely comfortable and constitute an essential tool in every water sports amateur’s wardrobe.
Not only does the snug-fitting pair of water shoes sit securely on your feet, but it also protects you from the junk that is often found in all kinds of water.
By wearing water shoes, you equip yourself with a stability-inducing accessory that eliminates any health hazards related to slippery surfaces and unpredictable creatures hiding in the water. They allow you to easily move in every water-based environment with zero scares.
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