The Best Water Shoes for Beach Days, Wet Hikes, and Just Jumping in Puddles
While unified in concept—shoes that you can wear in water—the water shoes category is actually quite diverse. The beachcomber protecting feet from sharp coral, the springtime trail runner crossing damp riverbeds, and the hiker tackling the Narrows in Zion National Park each require a different water shoe, designed for specific conditions. From open- and closed-toed sandals to mesh athletic-style shoes and hiking boots, a variety of options exist, so you’ll want to consider how you’ll be using them and what features that requires.
Check out quick reviews below of the top five water shoes, then scroll deeper for more helpful buying info and full reviews of these models, plus other high-ranking options.
Features to Consider
Style: Aesthetics aside, you’ll want to choose a style of shoe that supports how you plan to use them. For example, a slip-on might be great for the beach, but impractical for more technical hiking, where you’ll want more protection for your toes and support.
Traction: Activities like trail running or navigating rivers require much grippier soles than bopping across beaches. Look for deep lugs if you plan on hiking or rounded outsoles for less technical pursuits that can still suction to wet rocks. Yet all these shoes and sandals have sufficient traction to try and prevent slippage on wet terrain.
Upper material: Materials like mesh and leather provide optimal breathability and water resistance for river trips or muddy, creek-filled hikes. Synthetics like neoprene can absorb water and dry quicker for full-time water sports while antimicrobial agents cut down on the odor soles may take on.
Weight: While a lightweight option may feel more comfortable to walk around in, a bit heavier sole will provide more protection and support for your feet.
How We Rated Them
We scoured the internet for highly rated water shoes across outdoor-centric online retailers, like REI and Backcountry, as well as general consumer sites like Walmart and Amazon. We also looked at editorial sites like Gear Patrol, The Strategist, and Gear Lab to get the takes of experienced testers. From there, we narrowed the options to the top picks per category, then tabulated the average consumer rating (based on the percentage of consumers who rated the product at least four out of five stars on the retail sites) to select the best.
—PERFORMANCE SHOE—
Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve
Consumer score: 89% gave it 4 stars or higher
For the rugged adventurer, three-millimeter lugs provide ideal traction.
Style: Bungee-lace shoe | Traction: High | Upper material: Leather-Lycra Neoprene | Weight: 14.2 oz.
This shoe is ideal for anyone tromping around in wet terrain, providing the breathability of a sandal with the protection of a full shoe. Features include a Vibram sole with three-millimeter lugs for enhanced traction, air holes at the heel and around the foot, and a leather-Lycra upper with a Neoprene stretch collar that’s quick-drying and washable. They have a bungee-style lacing system for comfort and convenience. Transitioning from water to land is made easier with Merrell’s comfortable midsole that makes you feel more connected to the ground, while antimicrobial agents keep stink and dampness at bay.
—CASUAL FULL SHOE—
Zhuanglin Quick Drying Aqua
Consumer score: 88% gave it 4 stars or higher
A solid all-around water shoe that’s stylish enough to not look like one.
Style: Athletic slip-on | Traction: Low | Upper material: Mesh | Weight: 8.7 oz.
With a stylish athletic shoe look that won’t make you self-conscious around town and the function of a more outdoorsy shoe, the Aqua is a solid pick for any non-extreme adventure. Its highly breathable mesh fabric upper keeps feet cool, dry, and chafe-free, while the ComforDry sockliner provides cushion and drainage. Although they lack the deep-lug traction of some of the other options, the slip-resistant rubber sole provides just enough grip for walking over rocks or other wet surfaces. And the easy-to-use bungee lace-up design makes them easy to slip on and cinch up. A reviewer said, “I wouldn't do a thru-hike with them, but for a weekend warrior hike, they can't be beat, especially if you're expecting a lot of stream crossings or wet weather.”
—HIKING BOOT—
Adidas Outdoor Terrex Hydro_Lace
Consumer score: N/A
Best support for more technical hiking, canyoneering, and other water adventures.
Style: Full-coverage boot | Traction: High | Upper material: Neoprene | Weight: 1.3 lb.
When canyoneering or fjording rivers, heavy-duty traction and stiff ankle support are key to keeping yourself upright and not breaking your feet. The Stealth rubber sole on the Hydro_Lace provides maximum grip when you’re scrambling over wet rocks, and the neoprene lining and upper material make it comfortable while still quick to dry. At the top, a hook-and-loop adjustable strap affords just the right support for any ankle size during burly descents and treks. According to GearLab, “These are purpose-made shoes that excel at wet canyoneering, where durability and traction are essential, but are probably too heavy, too stiff, or just too burly to be ideal for kayaking or just spending time around the water.
—FOR THE BEACH—
Teva Original Universal
Consumer score: 88% gave it 4 stars or higher
The classic open-toed traction sandal.
Style: Open-toe sandal | Traction: Medium | Upper material: Quick-drying recycled polyester | Weight: 5.5 oz.
The original non-flip-flop beach shoe, this versatile open-toe sandal features rubber soles that enhance traction on wet sand and nylon webbing to prevent your foot from sliding around. A compression-molded EVA midsole provides comfort during all-day wear, while the open-toe construction gives water plenty of space to escape instead of building up inside. From beach to burrito stand, the no-frills Universal provides just the features you need and nothing you don’t.
—HIKING SANDAL—
Keen Newport H2
Consumer score: 85% gave it 4 stars or higher
Comfort meets durability and traction for trails long or short.
Style: Bungee lace-up sandal | Traction: High | Upper material: Water resistant leather | Weight: 14.2 oz.
When it comes to the Newport H2, you’re looking at a performance sandal, not your casual beach flip-flop. This outperforms competitors with its rugged sole for increased traction and EVA-foam footbed for comfort. The molded insole ensures stability and dependability, as the closed-toe offers protection against submerged boulders or rocks strewn on the trails. It’s so supportive, the Newport is even useful for backpacking or on rafting trips that require multiple portages. To that end, a consumer reviewer said, “No other shoe I have owned has better traction on wet rock, far better than hiking boots with their lug soles.” While lace adjustment may be limited (they don’t cinch as tightly as many reviewers wanted), the sandal remains a top performer.
—“BAREFOOT” WATER SHOE—
Mishansha Water Shoes
Consumer score: 88% gave it 4 stars or higher
A waterproof sock with a grippy sole for boating, windsurfing, or SUPing.
Style: Bungee-lace slip-on | Traction: Medium | Upper material: Lycra | Weight: 8.8 oz.
Part sock, part shoe, this Mishansha has a breathable stretchy mesh upper attached to a non-slip rubber sole. That sole is equipped with drainage holes that keeps water from pooling under your feet. The shoe is ideal for any activity where you want to still be able to use your feet to grip the ground or a surface—think while windsurfing or SUPing—and don’t want any added bulk or weight. The soft rubber sole flexes with you, while the cushy, quick-dry insole keeps your foot comfy. And it comes in over 35 colors, from flashy neons to more understated neutrals. As one consumer reviewer noted, “They were incredibly comfortable and quick drying. I would highly recommend these to anyone who is looking for an inexpensive but awesome water shoe.”
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