Have you ever imagined yourself walking on water? With the latest technology, shoes that can walk on water are no longer just a fantasy. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about these futuristic water shoes.
Introduction
Walk on water (WOW) shoes use cutting-edge designs to enable wearers to literally walk on water. The shoes have special soles filled with air pockets that provide enough buoyancy to keep your feet on the surface. As we discussed in our article on the best water shoes for kayaking, traction and grip are critical for water activities. WOW shoes take water traction to the next level.
A Brief History
The idea for walking on water shoes has been around for decades. Some of the earliest prototypes were created in the 1960s and 70s but had limited functionality, as we covered in our piece on the history of water shoes. Advances in materials science over the past 10-15 years have finally made WOWS viable. Today, there are a few companies producing and selling shoes that can actually deliver on the walk on water promise.
QUICK ANSWER
If you’re simply looking for a quick product recommendation, we suggest:
- Nike Air Max WOW – The Air Max WOW uses Nike’s patented air pocket technology to give the highest level of buoyancy control.
- Adidas Hydrowalkers – The Hydrowalkers have a unique zippered design that lets you adjust buoyancy.
- Reebok Floaters – An affordable option perfect for kids.
How Do Walk on Water Shoes Work?
The key to walking on water lies in basic physics. For an object to float, it needs to be buoyant. Buoyancy is an object’s ability to produce an upward force that opposes gravity’s downward force. To achieve this buoyancy, WOW shoes use chambers of air built into the soles.
When your foot lands on water, the weight gets distributed across the air pockets. This creates enough upwards lift to counteract gravity and keeps your foot on the surface. The result is the magical ability to walk and run on water!
The Science of Buoyancy
There are a few key factors that determine an object’s buoyancy:
- Volume – A larger volume of air pockets creates more lift.
- Density – Lightweight materials enhance buoyancy.
- Distribution – Strategically placed air chambers provide stability.
By optimizing these elements, WOW shoe designers can fine-tune the balance between lift and weight. The highest performing shoes make walking on water feel almost effortless.
Advantages of Walk on Water Shoes
Beyond the fun novelty of water walking, WOW shoes provide some useful benefits:
Safety
- Prevent slipping into deeper waters.
- Ability to quickly traverse flooded areas.
- Added stability for ocean and boating activities, as we covered in our boating shoes guide.
Health
- Reduces stress on joints compared to land jogging.
- Engages core muscles to maintain balance.
- Low-impact cardio from water resistance.
Types of Walk on Water Shoes
There are a few distinct varieties of WOW shoes available:
Recreational
Recreational WOWs prioritize buoyancy and stability over speed. They have fuller air chambers and exaggerated tread designs. Perfect for playing in the pool or lake.
Performance
Performance WOW shoes use automotive-grade materials to create a lightweight feel. The air pockets are designed for speed and maneuverability. Targeted for ocean sports.
Kids
Kid’s WOW shoes have maximum air volume for extra buoyancy. They forgo elaborate designs to keep costs down. Great for pool time fun. We cover kids water shoes extensively in our guide for children’s water shoes.
Comparison
| Model | Material | Air Volume | Ideal Use |
| Recreational | Plastic/Rubber | High | Stability |
| Performance | Carbon Fiber | Medium | Speed |
| Kids | Plastic | Very High | Safety |
How to Choose the Best Pair
With more WOW shoes hitting the market, you’ll want to consider a few factors when choosing a pair:
Usage
Think about how you plan to use the shoes – pools and lakes or the open ocean? Performance shoes work best for activities that require agility.
Fit
Try them on and walk around. Look for a comfortable and secure fit that still allows ankle mobility. We have an in-depth article on how water shoes should fit.
Adjustability
Many have removable air pouches or adjustable zippers to control buoyancy. Ideal for fine tuning the lift.
Price
Less expensive shoes work well for calmer waters. Invest in premium materials if you plan to use them in the ocean.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to modern innovation, walking on water is no longer reserved for deities and superheroes. With the right pair of shoes, we can all experience the magic of striding across the water’s surface. Just be sure to choose the pair tailored to your intended use. With WOW shoes, the future is here – so go out and walk on water!