Whether you’re exploring rocky shorelines, wading through rivers, or enjoying water sports, having the best water shoes can make all the difference. These specially designed shoes offer protection, grip, and quick-drying comfort, keeping your feet safe from sharp objects and slippery surfaces. But with so many styles and features available, how do you choose the right pair?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about water shoes, from the best materials to look for to the top-rated options for different activities. Let’s dive in with the National Park Shops!
Contents
- 1 Best Overall for Men & Women: Speedo Surf Knit Pro ($27 on Amazon)
- 2 Best for Women: Keen Women’s Sandal ($92.64 – $119.95 on Amazon)
- 3 Best for Men: Astral Loyak AC ($82.46 on Amazon)
- 4 Best Sandals: Astral Water Shoes ($99.89 – $110 on Amazon)
- 5 Best Budget: DLGJPA Lightweight Quick Drying ($29.99 on Amazon)
- 6 Best for Hiking: Danner Rivercomber ($96.00 – $159.95 on Amazon)
- 7 Most Supportive: Ryka Hydro Sport Water Shoe ($69.95 on Amazon)
- 8 How we tested
- 9 FAQs
Best Overall for Men & Women: Speedo Surf Knit Pro ($27 on Amazon)
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Polyester
- Footwear Closure: Slip-on
- Drainage Features: Top mesh
The Speedo Surf Knit Pro shoes (available for both men and women) are a classic choice in the world of the best water shoes, and that’s a good thing. With rubber soles and flexible mesh uppers, they offer both protection and comfort while being effortless to slip on and off.
While they may not be the most stylish option, they’re among the better-looking choices in this category and are perfectly suitable for grabbing a casual bite after a day at the lake. More importantly, they feel great on your feet. During testing, we found the lightweight design and stretchy polyester-knit uppers provided a snug yet comfortable fit. Although some reviewers mention these water shoes run small, we found them true to size.
Durability is another strong point, these water shoes have thick outsoles that offer reliable protection on rocky terrain while remaining easy to pack for travel. The removable insoles, designed with a ribbed texture, felt supportive without being overly rigid, making them a solid contender for all-day comfort on the water.
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Best for Women: Keen Women’s Sandal ($92.64 – $119.95 on Amazon)
- Sole material: Synthetic
- Outer material: Synthetic
- Weight: 19 ounces
- Size: 6-11
Keen has built a reputation for traction and support, and these best water shoes live up to that legacy. Offering some of the best midsole support we’ve tested, they provide exceptional cushioning whether you’re walking in water or on dry land. The stretchy upper material ensures a comfortable fit without any irritation where the straps connect, and water drains effortlessly through the sides. Meanwhile, the deeply textured rubber outsole delivers secure footing on both wet and dry surfaces.
Ideal for wade-fishing, tidepooling, riverside picnics, or any water-centric adventure that keeps you on your feet, these shoes are both practical and durable. The quick-drying polyester upper was fully dry in about 20 minutes, and the sturdy outsole offered solid protection against rocks, roots, and other hidden hazards beneath the water’s surface.
Best for Men: Astral Loyak AC ($82.46 on Amazon)
- Sole material: Synthetic
- Outer material: Canvas
- Drainage Features: Front/back/side holes, top mesh
- Upper Materials: Ultrafine ripstop mesh, TPU reinforcements, water resistant laces
The Astral Loyak AC stands out as one of the best water shoes for versatility, effortlessly shifting from water adventures to casual outings. Designed for both performance and style, it delivers a snug, sock-like fit with excellent drainage in aquatic environments. The flex-grip outsole ensures solid traction on slippery rocks while providing enough support for relaxed strolls along the beach or through town. Its thin, neutral soles offer a responsive yet protective feel, enhancing balance on uneven surfaces and improving swimming efficiency.
While this shoe excels in both water and urban settings, it does have some drawbacks. It provides minimal insulation in cold water, though pairing it with a neoprene sock can help retain warmth. Additionally, the mesh upper isn’t the most durable in rough, rocky conditions. However, if you’re looking for a water shoe that performs exceptionally well in and out of the water, the Loyak AC is a top-tier choice.
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Best Sandals: Astral Water Shoes ($99.89 – $110 on Amazon)
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Rubber
- Weight: 7 ounces
- Size: 6-11
At first glance, we were unsure about the design of these open, strappy best water shoes, but they turned out to be far more supportive and comfortable than expected. The footbed, though slightly stiffer than we were used to, conformed well to our feet, ensuring a secure fit during long walks while offering excellent arch support. A common issue with similar sandals is pebbles and gravel getting trapped underfoot, but with this pair, debris easily slid out without causing discomfort.
In the water, these shoes performed impressively, delivering outstanding traction without slipping. The straps didn’t retain moisture after getting wet, and they felt comfortable even on rocky and gravelly underwater surfaces. Our only minor complaint was the buckle adjustment, it required a bit more effort compared to the ease of Velcro or pull-tab alternatives.
Best Budget: DLGJPA Lightweight Quick Drying ($29.99 on Amazon)
- Sole material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
- Fabric type: 90% fabric
- Footwear Closure: Drawcord
- Drainage Features: Mesh on upper, drainage holes on sole
For those seeking best water shoes on a budget, the DLGJPA Lightweight shoe is our top pick for women. This water-friendly slipper features a cinch closure for a secure fit and dries quickly, even in humid conditions. Its lightweight design makes it easy to wear, and it holds up reasonably well on short hikes. We also tested the men’s version, which delivered similar results.
That said, durability is a trade-off, as expected with budget-friendly footwear. The thin mesh began to show signs of fraying after our test period, so caution is advised around sharp rocks or sticks. The larger mesh openings can also trap small pebbles or sand, and the overall support isn’t as robust as some of the more structured options we evaluated. Additionally, the cinch elastic tends to stretch out with repeated use. Still, for light-duty adventures, the DLGJPA offers a solid and affordable option.
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Best for Hiking: Danner Rivercomber ($96.00 – $159.95 on Amazon)
- Sole material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
- Outer material: Rubber
- Closure: Laces
Danner is widely recognized for its hiking boots and rugged outdoor footwear, but its entry into the best water shoes category with The Rivercomber immediately caught our attention. Given Danner’s reputation, we expected these shoes to perform just as well as their trail-ready counterparts and they didn’t disappoint. The Rivercomber strikes a balance between land and water performance, offering a lightweight build at just 22 ounces per pair while remaining sturdy enough for support on wet rocks and uneven terrain.
Equipped with a Vibram outsole designed to channel water away, these shoes deliver outstanding grip on slick surfaces. Plus, with non-marking soles, they double as excellent boat shoes. The Rivercomber excels in versatility, delivering comfort, stability, and fast-drying materials that make it a standout choice for various aquatic adventures.
Most Supportive: Ryka Hydro Sport Water Shoe ($69.95 on Amazon)
- Sole material: Rubber
- Fabric type: 100% Synthetic and mesh
- Weight: 11 ounces
- Size: 5-12
For those seeking a sneaker-style design with the functionality of the best water shoes, this pair is an excellent choice. It offers solid support, dries quickly after submersion, and provides exceptional stability on various underwater terrains – all while remaining comfortable for land use. Impressively, these shoes dried completely in about 20 minutes, and thanks to the secure lacing system and higher heel counter, we never encountered issues with sand or gravel sneaking in.
While we wouldn’t suggest trekking long distances in them while wet, as we did notice some hot spots and blisters before they fully dried, they’re an ideal pick for paddle boarding, boating, or relaxed beach outings. If you’re willing to invest a little extra for quality performance, these water shoes are well worth it.
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How we tested
To identify the best water shoes, we started by exploring social media, customer feedback, and best-seller lists across Amazon. In the first edition of this guide, we examined pairs available in men’s, women’s, and unisex styles, evaluating factors such as size ranges, availability, pricing, color choices, and overall design. Shoes that were unattractive, offered limited sizes, or received poor reviews were eliminated from consideration.
During testing, we focused on several key criteria:
- Protectiveness: We wore water shoes in wet conditions, navigating rocks and uneven surfaces.
- Comfort: We closely monitored how comfortable the shoes felt, including how easy they were to put on and take off, whether they retained water, and how effectively they drained. We also noted any squishing or squelching sounds.
- Drying time: The shoes were soaked under a faucet and left out to dry in the sun, with timers set to check their dryness every 15 minutes.
- Style: We evaluated the overall aesthetics of the shoes. Did they have a water-specific design? Would they be suitable for casual dining or bar outings? Our aim was to find understated water shoes with a variety of color options.
- Inclusivity: We prioritized options available in a wide range of sizes and looked for easy-to-wear designs that didn’t require straps, buckles, or ties.
FAQs
What is the difference between waterproof shoes and water shoes?
Waterproof shoes are specifically engineered to completely block water, making them ideal for activities where staying dry is essential, such as hiking or walking in rain or snow. In contrast, water shoes are intended to let water in and facilitate quick drainage, making them suitable for activities near water, like swimming, kayaking, or spending time at the beach. Typically, water shoes are made from quick-drying materials, while waterproof shoes emphasize keeping feet dry and warm. Both types usually feature high-traction outsoles for better grip.
Should you size up or down in water shoes?
We advise choosing a snug fit for your water shoes, so if you find yourself in between sizes, it’s best to go for the smaller size. These shoes are made to stay securely attached to your feet during different activities, and a tighter fit ensures they remain in place while in the water, reducing the risk of blisters and chafing that can occur from excessive movement.
Can water shoes be used for walking?
Water shoes featuring durable rubber soles offer excellent traction and protection, making them suitable for moderate walks across diverse terrains. However, if you’re planning extended walks or hikes on dry, rough surfaces, traditional hiking shoes will provide superior support and comfort. We recommend water shoes for scenarios where a blend of protection, grip, and the capability to switch between wet and dry environments is essential.
