A day of slipping down waterslides, wading in wave pools, and splashing in aquatic adventures awaits! But before hitting the water park, it’s important to wear the right shoes to keep your feet comfortable and safe. The perfect water park shoes offer protection, grip, and quick-drying performance. Let’s explore the top footwear picks to maximize your water fun.
QUICK ANSWER
Based on research, here are the top 3 shoes we recommend wearing to a water park:
- Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0 – Great traction and protection
- Chaco Z Cloud Sandal – Sturdy and adjustable
- Merrell Jungle Moc – Slip-on convenience
Look for water shoes or sport sandals with good drainage, traction, and fast drying abilities when choosing footwear for a water park. For park specific recommendations, be sure to also check out our footwear guides for Typhoon Lagoon, Aruba, Volcano Bay, Great Wolf Lodge, Hawaii, Kalahari, and Hurricane Harbor.
What are Water Shoes?
Water shoes refer to footwear specifically designed for use in wet environments. They have features like:
- Grippy rubber soles for slippery surfaces
- Drainage systems to shed water
- Fast-drying materials that won’t stay soaked
- Protective, adjustable closures
These aquatic-friendly features make water shoes ideal for water park wear.
What to Look for in Water Park Shoes
When selecting shoes to wear to a water park, keep these factors in mind:
Traction
Water park attractions and surfaces can be slippery. Shoes with good traction prevent falls.
Quick Drying
You’ll move between wet rides and dry paths, so fast-drying shoes that won’t stay soggy are key.
Adjustable Fit
Secure straps or laces prevent shoes from sliding off on rides.
Protective Design
Closed-toe coverage and sturdy materials protect feet from scrapes and bumps.
Best Water Park Shoes for Men and Women
Here are top water park shoe picks for men and women:
For Men:
- Merrell Jungle Moc – Slip-on water shoe
- OluKai Moloa – Sporty sandal with great traction
- Keen Clearwater CNX – Secure fit water shoe
For Women:
- Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0 – Lightweight water shoe
- Chaco ZX1 Classic – Sport sandal with toe protection
- Teva Hurricane XLT – Sturdy strappy sandal
Look for structural support, stable straps, grip, and drainage when selecting men’s or women’s water shoes.
How to Choose the Right Water Park Shoes
Follow these tips for selecting ideal water park footwear. You can also read our detailed water shoe buying guide for more info:
- Check park rules on proper shoes for each ride
- Look for adjustable closures for a snug fit
- Prioritize traction on soles to prevent slipping
- Find quick-drying materials like mesh or webbing
- Test walk grip and fit in shoes before wearing
- Break in strapped sandals so they mold to your feet
Final Thoughts
The right water park shoes will make your aquatic adventures more fun while keeping feet protected and supported. Look for specialized water shoes or sport sandals designed to transition from water to land with features like drainage, traction, and adjustable closures. Then get ready to splash the day away in comfort!