Water shoes are essential footwear for any water activity. But with so many options, it can be tricky to choose the right pair. This buying guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when shopping for water shoes. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast seeking a reliable pair for your adventures or a casual beachgoer looking for comfort and style, our guide will navigate you through the key factors to consider before making your purchase.
QUICK ANSWER
If you just want a quick recommendation, we suggest:
- Merrell Vapor Glove 3 – Best overall water shoe
- Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0 – Most comfortable
- Aleader Mesh Slip-On – Budget pick
What are Water Shoes?
Water shoes are designed for use in and around water. They have a number of features that make them ideal for aquatic activities:
- Drainage holes allow water to quickly flow out
- Mesh uppers dry quickly and prevent debris from getting stuck
- Rubber, grippy soles provide traction on slippery, wet surfaces
- Protective materials shield feet from abrasions
Unlike flip flops or sandals, water shoes enclose your whole foot for protection. They also often have stretchy uppers or adjustable closures for a more secure fit.
For more details, see our guide on What Are Water Shoes?
Benefits of Wearing Water Shoes
There are several key reasons to wear water shoes instead of bare feet or regular shoes:
- Traction – Rubber soles with tread provide grip on slippery surfaces like boat decks, poolsides, and rocky beaches. This prevents slips and falls.
- Protection – Your feet are shielded from sharp objects, hot sand, rocks, etc. Closed-toe designs provide more coverage.
- Hygiene – Keep your feet safe from bacteria, fungi, and viruses in public showers, pools, locker rooms, etc.
- Convenience – Water shoes are easy to slip on and off when moving between land and water activities.
For more on the pros of water shoes, check out our article on Why You Need Water Shoes.
Types of Water Shoes
There are a few main categories of water shoes to consider:
Mesh Water Shoes
- Lightweight and breathable
- Drain quickly when wet
- Flexible and packable
- Not as protective as other designs
Amphibious Shoes
- Seamless transition from land to water
- Versatile for varied activities
- Often have sturdy soles for hiking
Wet/Dry Shoes
- Thicker soles with ample tread
- Toe protection for water sports
- Quick-drying materials
- Not as lightweight as mesh designs
Kids’ Water Shoes
- Fun colors and patterns
- Adjustable closures for growing feet
- Sandal-style for pool play
- Closed-toe options for protection
See our guide comparing Water Shoes vs Sandals for more on the differences.
How to Choose Water Shoes
Keep these tips in mind when selecting the right water shoes:
- Consider sizing – Try them on with the socks you’ll wear. Look for adjustable closures to customize the fit.
- Assess breathability – The hotter the climate, the more breathable you’ll want the upper to be.
- Evaluate traction – Lug patterns and rubber compounds affect grip. Consider the activities you’ll use them for.
- Check protective features – Toe bumpers, durable materials, and thick soles provide protection.
- Choose quick-drying materials – Mesh uppers and drainage ports allow water to escape quickly.
Comfort and fit are paramount, especially when it comes to activities involving water. If you’re a parent searching for the ideal footwear for your little ones, our article on the Best Water Shoes for Kids highlights a range of options designed with safety and comfort in mind. Meanwhile, if you’re among those with wider feet, don’t fret – our Best Water Shoes for Wide Feet piece directs you to choices that accommodate your unique requirements. For more fitting advice, see our article on How Should Water Shoes Fit?
For those aiming to strike a balance between quality and budget, check out our article on Cheap Water Shoes Near Me to discover budget-friendly options that won’t compromise on performance.
Accessories are also important. Our guide delves into the Best Socks to Wear With Water Shoes, enhancing your overall comfort and experience. If you’re seeking to elevate your water shoe comfort even further, our Best Insoles for Water Shoes article guides you towards the perfect inserts.
What if you need the perfect shoe for a specific water activity? Like kayaking, water aerobics, white water rafting, paddle boarding, snorkeling, fishing, canoeing, or running in water? Or perhaps you’re a golfer looking for waterproof options on the green? You can find everything you need in our Best Waterproof Golf Shoes recommendations.
In the realm of innovative design, we explore the concept of shoes that defy convention with our article on Shoes That Can Walk on Water, bringing you an exciting perspective on water shoes.
Navigating further, you can also find options that cater to specific demographics such as Boys and Large Size Men, ensuring that everyone finds their fit. Even your furry friend isn’t left out, as we’ve curated the Best Dog Water Shoes options for your four-legged companion. And, of course, for the women out there in search of stylish and functional choices, we direct you to our insights on Where to Buy Water Shoes for Women.
Best Water Shoes
Here are our top picks for water activities:
Merrell Vapor Glove 3
- Excellent grippy sole
- Extremely lightweight at 5oz
- Quick lacing system
- Machine washable
- Runs true to size
Best Overall
Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0
- S-trac thermoplastic rubber sole
- Stretch neoprene upper
- Comfortable and supportive
- Velcro and toggle closure
- Ideal for beach days
Most Comfortable
Aleader Mesh Slip-On
- Budget-friendly under $20
- Sturdy rubber sole
- Slip-on style with pull tab
- Breathable mesh upper
- Packable and lightweight
Best Value
See our guide to the Best Water Shoes of 2023 for more top picks.
Final Thoughts
With the right pair of water shoes, you can comfortably partake in all kinds of wet adventures. Consider where and how often you’ll use them and choose a pair suited to your needs. Durability, protection, traction, breathability, comfort – all come into play.
Water shoes open up new possibilities to keep your feet healthy and happy at the lake, beach, or poolside. No more compromising by wearing soggy sneakers or flimsy sandals. Your aquatic excursions just got a lot more fun and comfortable.For more water shoe recommendations, see our guides on the Best Water Shoes for Kayaking and Best Water Shoes for Kids.