Kalahari Resorts are a popular chain of indoor waterpark resorts located in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; Sandusky, Ohio; and Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. With over 200,000 square feet of water rides, slides, and attractions, Kalahari Resorts feature the largest indoor waterparks in America.
The waterparks contain many unique rides and experiences, including indoor and outdoor pools, lazy rivers, wave pools, and thrilling water slides. With so much water-based fun, many visitors wonder if they can wear water shoes at Kalahari for extra traction and foot protection.
QUICK ANSWER
Based on our research, here are the top 3 water shoes we recommend for Kalahari:
- Speedo Surfwalker Pro 2.0 – Great grip and coverage
- Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve – Lightweight and quick-drying
- OluKai Mea Ola – Stylish and supportive
While water shoes are allowed and even encouraged on most attractions at Kalahari, some rides may prohibit them or require bare feet only. Be sure to check the posted rules before wearing water shoes on any ride.
Benefits of Wearing Water Shoes at Kalahari
Water shoes provide many benefits for guests enjoying the waterparks at Kalahari Resorts:
Traction on Wet Surfaces
The floors in the waterpark areas can get very slippery and wet. Water shoes help give traction and prevent falls and injuries, especially for kids and elderly guests. Their grippy soles provide stability while walking to attractions.
Protection from Hot Surfaces
Parts of the waterparks like sidewalks and pool decks can heat up in the sun. Water shoes protect feet from uncomfortably hot surfaces. Their insulation helps prevent burns.
Safeguard Against Scrapes and Cuts
Waterpark play areas often have rough textures and abrasive floors. Wearing water shoes shields feet from getting scraped or cut on the ground. They provide a protective barrier for tender feet.
Avoid Slippery Algae and Plants
In lazy rivers and tropical lagoons, algae and artificial plants line the bottoms. Water shoes prevent feet from slipping on these slippery surfaces. Their sturdy soles give stability over river rocks.
Guard Against Infections
Public waterparks contain all sorts of germs and bacteria. Water shoes act as a shield against fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Their coverage protects skin from contacting contaminated surfaces.
Allow Aquatic Mobility
Unlike flip flops, water shoes attach securely to feet and will not fall off on rides. Their aqua socks design allows mobility for swimming, wading, and playing, unlike bulky swim fins.
Restrictions on Wearing Water Shoes at Kalahari
While water shoes are ideal for general walking around Kalahari’s waterparks, some specific attractions prohibit them. Riders cannot wear shoes on certain rides due to safety policies or ride design:
Barefoot Rides
Some thrill rides at Kalahari require bare feet for safety. Water shoes are not allowed on the uphill Master Blaster water coasters or FlowRider surfing simulators. Bare feet prevent slipping off the rides.
Strict Safety Policies
Water shoes with hard soles, zippers, or metal parts are banned on most body slides at Kalahari for safety. The slides can easily be damaged by shoes or cause injury to riders and staff. Only soft-soled water shoes may be allowed.
Require Submerging Feet
On tube rides and relaxing lazy rivers, riders sit directly in the water with feet submerged. Here water shoes would fill with water and feel heavy and uncomfortable. Going barefoot allows feet to breathe.
Difficulty Gripping Rails
Some rides like Tornado require riders to grip tubing rails with their feet. Water shoes lack the dexterity to grip as effectively as bare soles. Wearing them could increase risks of falling off the rafts.
Be sure to check all posted signage before wearing any water shoes on rides at Kalahari. When in doubt, remove water shoes or ask a lifeguard for guidance.
Alternatives to Water Shoes at Kalahari
If water shoes don’t work for certain attractions, there are a few alternatives guests can consider:
Flip Flops or Sandals
Flip flops are easy to slip on and off when you need to remove water shoes. They can be worn in lazy rivers or to walk around the park between rides. Consider Teva sandals or sport sandals.
Aqua Socks or Booties
Lightweight aqua socks provide foot protection without weighing feet down in the water. They easily slip on and off as needed.
Bare Feet
For rides requiring bare feet, simply removing water shoes is the best option. Consider wearing socks or bandages over any cuts for protection.
Rent a Locker
Stash your water shoes in a rented locker when not needed. Retrieve them when walking around the drier parts of the waterpark.
Use Life Jackets
Kalahari provides free life jackets which add buoyancy and protect feet and legs from scrape injuries during river rides.
Final Thoughts
Water shoes can absolutely be worn at Kalahari Resorts waterparks. They help prevent injuries, improve traction, and protect feet on most attractions. However, to fully enjoy rides like FlowRider and Tornado, going barefoot may be best.
Check all posted signage before wearing water shoes on a ride, and don’t hesitate to ask the lifeguards for guidance. With the right water footwear and preparedness, Kalahari’s immense indoor waterparks can be enjoyed safely by all. Have a splashing good time!