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The Best Water Shoes for Aquatic Adventures

Defeat slippery rocks, uneven terrain and unintended submerging with the best water sandals available today.

three types of water shoes Courtesy

By Hayley Helms

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The dog days of summer are the perfect time to go on a river rafting trip, a weekend getaway to the lake or a trip up the coastline. As you’re packing your bags for your next water-centric getaway, make sure you’re not forgetting one of the most underrated, but useful, pieces of gear you can find: the water shoe.

Products in the Guide

What are water shoes?

A water shoe is a sneaker or sandal that has been crafted to maintain grip in wet or dry environments and keep feet dry and blister-free after water crossings. Different than an athletic sneaker, hiking shoe or lifestyle-oriented sandal, water shoes are specifically designed to maintain comfort and protection in wet and dry environments alike.

What should you look for in a water shoe?

A good water shoe will have a couple key features to look out for: the first is drainage ports or holes in the shoe or sandal that allow water to pass through. Wet or damp feet can result in blisters and skin abrasions; water shoes are built to quickly expel water, and when paired with breathable, synthetic uppers, maintain dryness and comfort. You should also look for lugs that are at least 2mm or more: burly, grippy lugs will allow you to maintain grip and balance when scrambling on wet or submerged rocks, and also maintain traction on trails, as well.

Are Crocs good water shoes?

The much-debated Croc is a decent water shoe. It doesn’t have the tech of its more performance-driven competitors like Hoka or Keen, but it does have plenty of drainage, is lightweight and, despite naysayers decrying its aesthetic appeal, is insanely comfortable. If you don’t expect your Crocs Clogs to perform like your technical hiking shoes, and instead accept them for the lo-fi clog that they are, you won’t be disappointed.

Below are the nine best water shoes you can buy now.

Pros

  • Grippy and lightweight

Chaco’s newest release, the Canyonland, builds upon the brand’s expertise in the water shoe category. Known primarily for its sandals, the brand is branching out with this new full-coverage sneaker-style shoe. Featuring a quick-dry mesh upper with polyester webbing eyelets, synthetic overlays for added protection and structure and a padded heel and tongue with non-absorbing foam, the Canyonlands provides traction and versatility for explorations in and out of the water.

Materials: Mesh, polyester, EVA foam, rubber

Weight: 9.98 ounces (women’s); 12.70 ounces (men’s)

Intended use: Water sports, hiking, kayaking

Pros

  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Lacks the tech of more advanced water sandals

An eternally-divisive, yet stubbornly popular shoe, the humble Croc has been used by generations as a low-key, entry-level water shoe. The Classic Clog is made with a proprietary resin material produced by Crocs, Inc — it’s lightweight, easy to clean and buoyant. The Classic Clog has ventilation ports to shed dirt and water, and a slip-on design that makes them easy to slip off at a moment’s notice. If you’re looking for an easy-to-wear, budget-friendly water shoe, this is it. (Plus, it comes in a multitude of colors and styles.)

Materials: Croslite (100% synthetic thermoplastic EVA)

Weight: 0.43 pounds (men’s size 12)

Intended use: Water sports, casual recreation

Pros

  • Cool and comfortable

Cons

  • Often sold out

One of the most iconic water shoes on the market today, Merrell’s Hydro Moc owes its popularity to its unique silhouette and superior function in the water. Made from single-density injected EVA foam, the contoured arches of the Hydro Moc provide support and comfort from land to sea (or lake or river). The articulated heel with integrated strap means no losing your shoe when cliff diving or jumping in the water, and the 2mm lugs provide plenty of grip and traction on a variety of surfaces.

Available in an array of hues, this shoe will elicit looks wherever it goes.

Materials: Single-density EVA

Weight: 15 ounces (per pair)

Intended use: Water sports, land-to-water activities, lifestyle

Pros

  • Easy to slip on
  • Grippy

Cons

  • Runs large

You know the name Speedo when it comes to barely-there swimwear, but did you know the brand also makes capable water shoes, as well? The Surfwalker Rush (available in both men’s and women’s) is a slim and breathable water shoe, made with a hydrophobic rubber EVA insole, and a proprietary S-TRAC designed outsole that disperses water and enhances performance.

Reviews of the Surfwalker Rush say it runs large, so be mindful when ordering online: if you tend toward the smaller end of your particular size, you may want to size down in this shoe for a tighter fit.

Materials: Hydrophobic, quick-drying sandwich mesh upper; S-Trac Outsole

Weight: ~8 ounces

Intended use: Watersports, lifestyle

YALOX Water ShoeAmazon

Best Minimalist Design

Yalox Aqua Socks Water Shoes

Pros

  • Best for athletes

Cons

  • Not meant for walking/hiking

With over 24,000 reviews on Amazon, the Yalox Water Shoe is to aquatic shoes as barefoot running shoes are to mainstream running styles: they’re a pared-down exercise in minimalism. The Yalox shoe is made with non-slip material and features a firm grip and soft elastic heel.

These sock-like water shoes are made to protect feet during water sports, and the thick rubber outsole is both breathable and pliable. Available in over 20 colors and patterns, there’s a Yalox for every water sports athlete.

Materials: Polyester-Spandex upper, rubber outsole

Weight: <10 ounces

Intended use: Swimming, water sports

Pros

  • Cushioned and comfortable

Cons

  • Pricey

Hoka is prized for its ability to make some of the most comfortable shoes on the market, even if they’re not the most aesthetically appealing (it’s a definite look). If you’re not afraid to branch out from the typical water shoe look and you prioritize comfort, the Hopara is your best bet.

Built on the same platform as Hoka’s running and walking shoes, the Hopara features a fully synthetic upper with cutouts placed for maximum drainage. The combo of the neoprene collar and quick-lace system ups the comfort and function of the sandal, and the rubberized toe cap and 4mm lugs provide the grip and protection needed for outdoor water sports.

Materials: Synthetic and neoprene upper, rubber outsole

Weight: 10.10 ounces

Intended use: Hiking, water crossings, lifestyle

Pros

  • Protective and comfortable

Cons

  • Not a lifestyle crossover shoe

Keen has been making hybrid footwear since 2003, and in the two decades since, has cemented itself as a reliable and high-performance option for outdoor enthusiasts. The Newport H2 is the newest iteration of Keen’s most popular sandal and boasts a high-traction rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs for superior grip, a washable polyester webbing upper for durability and comfort and Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control. Keen’s proprietary fit ensures plenty of room for toes to spread out, prioritizing foot health and comfort for all of your adventures.

Materials: Polyester, EVA insole and midsole, rubber

Weight: 14.2 ounces

Intended use: Hiking, kayaking, camping, water sports

Salomon Crossamphibian Swift 2 Water ShoesREI

Best Full Shoe

Salomon Crossamphibian Swift 2 Water Shoes

Pros

  • Made from sustainable materials

Cons

  • No ports for water drainage

If you’re looking for more protection for your toes during aquatic adventures, we recommend going for a water sneaker, as opposed to a sandal. This option from Salomon is adaptable and performance-oriented and built sustainably: each pair includes the equivalent of 1.75 plastic bottles, two ears of corn and 10 grams of bamboo fibers, all sourced from post-consumer materials. Featuring a Contagrip outsole, collapsible heel and breathable upper, the Crossamphibian mixes the comfort of a sandal with the performance of a sneaker.

Materials: 3D mesh/recycled and bio-sourced material/mesh/synthetic

Weight: 14.8 ounces

Intended use: Hiking, kayaking, multisport

Pros

  • Fashion-forward and minimal

Cons

  • Offers less protection than a sneaker-style water shoe

For multi-tasking outdoor enthusiasts, nothing is more appealing than gear that can pull double duty — it allows for lighter loads, and increased efficiency. Teva’s Hurricane XLT sandal is an exercise in the marriage of utility and fashion, and fits in anywhere from the river to lunch in town. The upper webbing and internal shank are both made with long-wearing nylon, and the compression-molded EVA midsole delivers all-day comfort. Teva’s sandals are for the minimalist; if you’re looking for foot protection in the water, this may not be your best bet.

Materials: Synthetic nylon upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole

Weight: 11 ounces (single size 11 shoe)

Intended use: Multisport, hiking, lifestyle

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