Water shoes are a very versatile form of footwear. Although they are designed for water-based activities such as kayaking, exploring rock pools at the beach, and scuba-diving, they can also be used for hiking, and even washing the car.
Whatever kind of outdoor activity you enjoy, water shoes provide excellent protection for your feet.
The 8 Best Water Shoes
- Adidas Outdoor Men’s Terrex Boat Water Shoes
- Sperry Men’s Flex Deck Water Shoes
- Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Sandals
- NeoSport Wetsuits Paddle Low Top Boots
- MAINCH Women’s Hiking Water Shoes
- Speedo Women’s Water Shoes (Our Top Pick)
- Stride Rite Made2Play Phibian Water Shoes
- Native Shoes Water Shoes
Our Top Pick for the Best Water Shoes
Our top pick for the best water shoes is the Speedo Women’s Water Shoes.
Speedo has made a range of high-quality water shoes for men, women, and kids. Whatever kind of water-based outdoor activity you enjoy, these water shoes have everything you need: comfort, protection, and support. They are easy-wearing, stylish and more importantly, they are affordable.
Check the price on AmazonStyles of Water Shoes
Water shoes are available in 3 styles: water shoes, water sandals, and water booties:
Water Shoes
Water shoes look similar to a sneaker, with thick rubber soles and mesh fabric that helps to ventilate the shoe. Although these shoes dry quickly in water, they are not designed to be fully submerged in water for too long as the water can make the shoe heavy.
Water Sandals
A water sandal has a “closed-in toe” and mesh-type material that covers most of your feet, with open sections or vents to expel water. Some water sandals are designed for children to look like a rubber sneaker with small perforations in the material to allow water to escape.
Water Booties
Water booties cover your entire foot like a streamlined rubber sock, and they are ideal for diving or snorkeling.
Seven Activities for a Water Shoe
Water shoes can be used for a wide range of outdoor activities.
1. Enjoying a weekend on your boat or yacht. Water shoes protect your feet while you get on and off the boat, while you are rigging the sail, or when you get caught in a squall.
2. Outdoor activities. Water shoes are also ideal for fishing or for walking alongside the pool, while you umpire your local school’s carnival.
3. Underwater adventures. Water booties are ideal for snorkeling or diving. They can protect your feet from sharp rocks or coral that are submerged under the surface of the water.
4. Water Sports. Whether you enjoy whitewater rafting or windsurfing, water sandals can protect you from stubbing your toes and will give you better traction on slippery surfaces.
5. Hiking. Some water sandals have similar tread to hiking shoes, which provide excellent traction for hiking over uneven terrain or climbing over slippery surfaces. The “closed-toe” section protects your toes from sharp objects and other kinds of debris, and the vents expel any water, while also allowing your feet to breathe in hot weather.
6. Protect your Kid’s Feet at the Beach. Protecting your child’s feet while they build sandcastles, play in the water, or explore rock pools is even more important these days. You never know what can be hidden under the sand like toxic needles, broken glass, and sharp shells. Bluebottles or other stinging sea creatures can also lurk in the shallows where kids love to paddle. Water sandals keep them safe while they enjoy the beach.
7. Washing the Car. When we are washing the car, we can also end up getting our feet wet. Of course, you could wear thongs, but water shoes are a good idea as they can dry quickly, and protect your feet in case you drop anything on them or slip.
How to Choose the Best Water Shoes
1. Material
Water shoes are designed from strong, but lightweight mesh, which expels water, and helps to prevent mold build-up. The mesh, like the quick-drying Climacool® open mesh fabric, allows your feet to breathe and can help to prevent any odor.
Water sandals can be made from flexible leather and synthetic uppers, or they can be made from rubber, or EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), which conforms to the shape of your foot.
Water booties are made from Neoprene, which is a very durable and stretchy material that is used to make wetsuits. Neoprene is well known for its insulation and ability to retain body warmth, and it can also protect your feet from cuts and abrasions.
The downside of wearing water booties is that they may absorb and hold water, which can leave your feet feeling heavy when they are fully submerged in water. However, if you love diving or snorkeling, water booties are more streamlined, so they are still an excellent choice.
2. Thick Sole, Traction, and Support
Having a thick sole on your water shoes is very necessary when you are walking over uneven terrain or standing for long periods. Solid tread on your water shoes and sandals gives you good grip and traction on slippery and wet surfaces, such as moss-covered rocks in rock pools.
Water booties have outsoles as well, but they can be quite thin, so they may not offer you very good protection on uneven or rocky surfaces.
Water sandals may provide you good inner sole support such as the UniFly soft foam midsole, which has also been specifically treated with an antimicrobial treatment to reduce any odor-causing bacteria.
3. Lightweight, Drainage, and Ventilation
Most water shoes are very lightweight as they are designed to drain away water efficiently. However, if you are an avid backpacker and do not want to be weighed down with too much weight, look for a lightweight water sandal.
A good water shoe should have proper drainage to prevent long-term water absorption, and the material should dry quickly to prevent painful blisters.
Water sandals have neoprene panels that allow the shoe to breathe and let water escape, while still giving you enough material to protect your feet from scratches.
4. Toe Guard
Water shoes that look similar to hiking shoes have toe guards that are made from thick rubber, which can protect your toes from falling objects or abrasions.
Handy Tips for Water Shoes
- Water sandals can be used for hiking, but they are not designed for medium to heavy-grade hiking. They are only ideal for light-grade hiking trails and the occasional scramble over some rocks. However, they would not last the distance on a longer hike as they lack the full support and padding of a hiking shoe or boot.
- Even though water sandals are breathable and some of them have padding, there is still the possibility of blisters in hot weather, especially if your feet swell. If you want to use your water sandals for a day hike, try to keep your feet as dry as possible, or wear a well-padded waterproof hiking sock.
- Even if your water shoes give you good traction, always use caution on wet, hard, or slippery surfaces.
- Water shoes will fit most feet. However, if you have narrow or extra wide feet (and this applies to children too), consult the shoe size chart provided by the manufacturer before you buy the shoes. This will help you find the best fit and minimize the possibility of blisters.
- If sand gets into your shoes, use a garden hose, or a tap at the beach to rinse out the shoes.
- Most water shoes can be cleaned in a washing machine. However, if they are brightly colored, the color may run, so wash them in cold water. Here are some extra tips to keep your water shoes/sandals in great condition.
8 Best Water Shoes – Reviews
1. Adidas Outdoor Men’s Terrex Boat Water Shoes
These smart-looking Adidas Outdoor Men’s Terrex Boat Water Shoes have a lightweight and quick-drying construction that makes them ideal for fishing, beach activities, or even mowing your lawn. Your feet will have all-day comfort as the quick-drying Climacool® open mesh upper provides 360° ventilation to cool the shoe and wick perspiration away from your skin.
The shoes fit snugly due to the EVA tongue top, and the heel insert stretches to conform to the shape of your foot. When you need to walk over rocky surfaces, the non-marking TRAXION™ rubber outsole pattern gives you an optimal grip on most surfaces.
The Adidas water shoes are available in full and half sizes, from 6.5 to 15, which suits men and women, and you can choose from 2 attractive colors. Although the shoes can be too narrow for some feet, choose half a size up from your normal shoe size to get the best fit.
Pros
- Good quality
- Good construction
- Good grip
- Versatile: Ideal for wet or dry conditions
- Breathable
- Quick-drying
- Stylish
Cons
- Sand is hard to remove
- Outsole can slip on very wet surfaces
- Not ideal for hiking
- Can be narrow on some feet
2. Sperry Men’s Flex Deck Water Shoes
Whether you are officiating a school swimming carnival or chilling out on your spiffy new yacht, the Sperry Men’s Flex Deck Water Shoes offer you an excellent level of comfortability, while also looking great on your feet.
Sperry has drawn upon innovative technological design techniques to craft these durable water shoes. As well as the lightweight, breathable quick-drying mesh that keeps your feet fresh all day, the outsoles are firmly attached to the shoe’s uppers using a vulcanized construction technique, which results in a more solid and reliable shoe.
The compression-molded EVA footbed makes these shoes incredibly comfortable, and the shaft that measures approximately 2.25″ from the arch gives you very good support. If you have high arches or just need some more support, the footbed can be removed and you can use orthopedic insoles.
If you need to walk on wet surfaces, the Molded Hydro Grip™ rubber outsole with Adaptive Wave-Siping™ evenly disperses water under the shoe to help reduce any slippage.
The shoes are very easy to put on and take off due to the bungee laces with toggles, which can also be adjusted to give you a secure fit. You can choose from 3 colors: Grey, Black/Yellow, and Blue. If you have narrow feet or broad feet, choose half a size down or a size up depending on your standard shoe size.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Very comfortable
- Stylish design
- Breathable mesh
- Good support
- Very good grip
- Easy to clean
- Easy to wear
Cons
- Noisy: shoes squeak when you walk
- May not be ideal for people with broad or flat feet
3. Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Sandals
Merrell has designed these sturdy and versatile Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Sandals with the air conditioning comfort of a sandal and the support and stability of a hiking shoe. The result is a resilient water sandal that will look good on your feet and can be used for a wide range of outdoor activities.
If you are planning a jungle adventure in wet and balmy conditions, the flexible leather and synthetic upper allows water to drain away easily, and the neoprene and Lycra collar ensures a snug and comfortable fit for all-day comfort.
For those tougher, uneven hiking trails, the Vibram® TC5+ outsole with hollowed 3mm lugs gives you good support and stability on most surfaces. The UniFly soft foam midsole has been specifically treated with Merrell’s unique M Select Fresh antimicrobial treatment to keep any odor-causing bacteria at bay, so your shoes will smell fresh, even after a long day’s adventure in the sun and surf. The shoes are available for women also, and you can choose from a range of attractive designs.
Be careful when you are choosing a size as these water sandals are slightly bigger than the advertised size, so if possible, choose half a size down from your normal shoe size.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Wide range of attractive designs
- Good ankle protection
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Anti-bacterial treatment
- Breathable
- Quick-drying
- Easy to wear
Cons
- Expensive
- Grip is not very good on smooth surfaces
4. NeoSport Wetsuits Paddle Low Top Boots
Whether you love kayaking, white water rafting, or exploring underwater worlds, your feet will be kept safe and snug in these NeoSport Wetsuits Paddle Low Top Boots. These durable boots are designed with a zipper-less design and combined with the premium neoprene material with a Lycra edge trim. They will stretch to fit your feet and keep you warm in cold conditions.
The adjustable Velcro straps and ankle barrel cinch and Durable YKK side zippers make the boots very easy to put on and take off when you are in a hurry.
If you are embarking on a tough outdoor adventure such as white-water rafting, the high quality, heavy-duty abrasion-resistant seams are strong, and the puncture-resistant, high-traction sole provides very good protection on rough trails.
Although the soles are thin and you can feel rocky terrain underneath your feet, you can reduce this discomfort by wearing waterproof socks underneath. These shoes are also ideal for women. To find your best fit, follow the size chart that has been supplied by the manufacturer. Neo-Sport also offers a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Good design
- Durable
- Very good insulation
- Good traction
- Secure fit
Cons
- Thin outer-sole
- Boots can take in water
5. MAINCH Women’s Hiking Water Shoes
The MAINCH Women’s Hiking Water Shoes are smart-looking, very comfortable, and are designed for a broad range of outdoor activities. As the shoes are sturdy, durable, and breathable, they will protect your feet in all kinds of trail conditions.
If you are hiking in hot weather, the open mesh upper construction and midsole channel with small holes provide good ventilation so that your feet can breathe and helps to minimize any nasty odors.
MAINCH has crafted these shoes with a woman’s comfort in mind. The lightweight design, quick-drying material, soft honeycomb midsoles, a protective toe cap, and synthetic ribbons on the sides of the shoes, all work together to give you a very good level of support and stability.
If you are hiking through the forest along rugged trails or explore rock pools along the beach, the rubber soles are strong and have an excellent anti-slip effect. The raised part of the sole also enhances friction and grip to keep you safe.
These water shoes also feature a sports-shoe-lacing system which allows you to adjust the shoes and take them off quickly. You can choose from 3 attractive colors, black rose, pink, and black, and there is a range of sizes available. To find your best fit, use the size chart provided by MAINCH.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Lightweight
- Great for hiking and water adventures
- Very comfortable
- Good support
- Quick-drying
- Breathable
Cons
- Not ideal for people with high arches
- Sizes run small
6. Speedo Women’s Water Shoes
If you are looking for some foot candy that will give you a high level of comfort and protection while you embark on your latest amphibious adventure, these Speedo Women’s Water Shoes are an excellent choice.
The shoes are made from fully breathable mesh that will keep your feet fresh and prevent sand from entering the shoe. You can be assured of a snug fit as the Neoprene collar stretches to fit the shape of your foot. If you have to walk over slippery rocks, the S-TRAC TPR water traction outsole is specially designed to minimize resistance in the water, which means the shoes have a very good grip.
The elasticized closure and are relatively easy to slip the water shoes on and off and there are no zippers or straps to fiddle with. However, they can be a little hard to remove when they are wet. Still, the material is quick-drying and very easy to clean.
For the fashion-conscious, you can choose from 2 attractive colors: black/pink and navy. The shoes are also available for men and toddlers, so the Surfwalker is designed to fit the whole family.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good quality
- Stylish
- Very good protection
- Very good traction
- Keeps sand out
- Quick-drying and easy to clean
- Easy wearing design
Cons
- Hard to take off when wet
- Sizes can be smaller than advertised
7. Stride Rite Made2Play Phibian Water Shoes
The Stride Rite Made2Play Phibian Water Shoes provide excellent protection for your little one’s feet while they play on the beach. The sandal’s design combines the support of a sneaker with the air-conditioned comfort of a sandal.
The Phibian sandals have a high-quality EVA upper and the reinforced toe cover protects your child’s toes. The quick-drying mesh material is breathable, and there is an antimicrobial lining, so your child’s feet are left feeling dry and fresh, and odor-free.
For extra support and traction on slippery surfaces, the outsole is made from thick rubber with non-marking soles.
Parents will also love that these shoes can be machine washed, while also keeping the mesh intact.
The sandals can be securely fastened, with a hook and loop, and there is a grip on the back of the sandal, so your child will be proud to put their own shoes on and take them off.
A great fashion choice, the water shoe sandals come in a huge range of fun colors, and they provide a great fit for most infant’s, toddlers’, and little kid’s feet.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Perfect summer shoe for toddlers
- Good support
- Breathable
- Reinforced toe cover
- Anti-bacterial lining
- Great fashion colors
Cons
- May not suit toddlers with very wide feet
8. Native Shoes Water Shoes
If you are looking for functional and fashionable waterproof footwear for your kids, then these brightly colored Native Shoes Water Shoes are a very good choice. These high-quality sneakers are made from injection-molded, EVA ( ethylene-vinyl acetate) which is lightweight and flexible.
Perfect for summer activities, the upper material features all-over perforations to let water escape. The shoes are odor resistant and dry quickly so your child’s feet will stay nice and fresh.
You do not have to worry about your child slipping and falling when they are playing as the thick rubber soles have very good traction, and the rubber toe cap will protect their toes from any injuries.
For the environmentally-conscious parent, Native Shoes uses a low-emission manufacturing process. The shoes also have a PETA-Approved Vegan Footwear seal of approval, which means no animal products have been used in the creation of these shoes.
You can easily keep the sneakers in tip-top condition by putting them in the washing machine, but it is a good idea to use cold water as the color may run.
These super cool slip-on sneakers are very comfortable to wear and there are no laces to fuss around with.
Your children will love the fantastic color range as there are 12 colors to choose from, for toddlers aged 1-4 years, Little Kids 4-8 years, and Big Kids 8-12 years.
Native Shoes designs its shoes to fit most feet, but if your child has extra wide feet, consult the size chart before purchasing. The sneakers are ideal for playing on the beach, around the swimming pool, or for a day out on the family boat, but they are not recommended for swimming in or to be worn for long periods, as they do not offer a lot of support.
Pros
- Affordable price
- High quality
- Lightweight
- Very comfortable
- Odor control
- Good grip
- 12 fantastic colors
Cons
- Can be tight on extra wide feet
- Shoes do not offer a lot of support
- Not ideal for long periods
Our Top Pick for the Best Water Shoes
Our top pick for the best water shoes is the Speedo Women’s Water Shoes.
Speedo has made a range of high-quality water shoes for men, women, and kids. Whatever kind of water-based outdoor activity you enjoy, these water shoes have everything you need: comfort, protection, and support. They are easy-wearing, stylish and more importantly, they are affordable.
Check the price on Amazon
