Best Water Shoes: Finding the Perfect Water Shoes for You
Do you love spending time by the water, but hate feeling like your feet are getting pricked by tiny rocks and shells? If so, this list of the best water shoes is for you. Not only do they protect your feet against such nuisances, but they can also keep you safe while swimming or boating.
This list of the best water shoes will highlight the top water shoes and will help you find the perfect pair for you. Whether you are looking for a specific brand, color, style, or whatever, this list will have you covered.
When you are finished with this list of the best water shoes, visit our lists of the best water shoes for men and the best water shoes for women for even more options.
1. Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Aero Sport Hiking Water Shoe
Price: $104.95
About the Shoe: The Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport Water Shoe features lightweight, quick-drying materials and a breathable design. Its air-cushioned midsole and flexible upper offer comfort during hikes and water sports. Rugged enough for trails but suited for wet conditions, it’s a great all-rounder. Ideal for active outdoor use.
2. Keen Men’s Newport H2 Sandal
Price: $97.50
About the Shoe: The Keen Newport H2 offers water-resistant polyester webbing and a non-marking rubber outsole. Designed for comfort and protection, it’s great for water sports and light hiking. Its supportive footbed and secure fit make it an all-day wear option. Built to handle wet and wild adventures.
3. Columbia Men’s Drainmaker IV Water Shoe
Price: $60.00
About the Shoe: The Columbia Drainmaker IV features breathable mesh and excellent drainage for quick drying. It’s ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or walking in wet areas. A responsive midsole adds comfort for long outings. Lightweight and practical for water-focused excursions.
4. Adidas Men’s Terrex Swift R2 GTX Water Shoe
Price: $100.53
About the Shoe: The Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX provides all-terrain grip and waterproof protection with a Gore-Tex lining. Built for hikes in wet climates, it balances durability and comfort. The aggressive outsole handles slick terrain with ease. Great for water crossings and rain-soaked trails.
5. Crocs Men’s Swiftwater Wave Sandal Flat
Price: $20.95
About the Shoe: The Crocs Swiftwater Wave Sandal is lightweight and water-friendly, ideal for quick transitions from land to water. Its flexible design supports a wide range of motion. A comfortable fit makes it great for beach, river, or pool days. A go-to for casual water activities.
6. Teva Men’s Omnium 2 Sandal
Price: $73.76
About the Shoe: The Teva Omnium 2 Sandal offers rugged protection with excellent drainage and traction. Quick-drying materials keep feet comfortable during aquatic hikes. Multiple adjustment points ensure a secure, personalized fit. Perfect for rafting, fishing, or exploring wet environments.
7. Vibram Men’s FiveFingers V-Aqua Water Shoes
Price: $94.95
About the Shoe: The Vibram V-Aqua offers a barefoot experience with grip and agility in wet conditions. Drainage perforations and quick-dry construction keep your feet light and dry. Ideal for minimalists and water runners alike. Great for beach workouts and paddle sports.
8. Columbia Men’s Trailstorm Sandal Sport
Price: $29.44
About the Shoe: The Columbia Trailstorm Sandal offers cushioned comfort and breathable materials. Designed for walking, boating, and casual water wear, it dries quickly and supports movement. The adjustable straps give a secure, custom fit. Great for all-day summer activities.
9. Speedo Men’s Surfwalker Pro 3.0 Water Shoe
Price: $35.00
About the Shoe: The Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0 features a mesh upper and solid rubber outsole for grip and comfort. It’s lightweight and flexible for water aerobics, beach walks, or poolside use. The quick-drying fabric and snug fit reduce slippage. A smart, affordable option for water lovers.
10. Chaco Men’s Z/Cloud 2 Sandal
Price: $79.99
About the Shoe: The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 offers long-lasting comfort with its podiatrist-certified footbed and durable straps. It’s perfect for long hikes, river treks, and water sports. The outsole provides traction across slick surfaces. Excellent for adventure seekers and campers alike.
11. Northside Men’s Brille II Water Shoe
Price: $21.09
About the Shoe: The Northside Brille II is a functional slip-on water shoe with a breathable mesh upper. Its rugged rubber sole offers traction on wet surfaces. The elastic lacing ensures a snug fit. Ideal for kayaking, beach trips, or boat wear.
12. Merrell Men’s, Hydro Moc Water Shoe
Price: $38.00
About the Shoe: The Merrell Hydro Moc is built for lightweight, slip-on convenience in and around water. Its EVA construction provides flexibility and support while draining water quickly. Great for creek walks and shorelines. Stylish and practical for casual wear as well.
13. Skechers Men’s Tresmen-Garo Open Toe Water Sandal
Price: $41.99
About the Shoe: The Skechers Tresmen-Garo combines casual styling with water resistance. Its memory foam footbed and wide straps make it ultra-comfortable. Quick-dry materials support use in wet environments. Great for laid-back beach days and short walks.
14. Columbia Men’s PFG Bahama Vent Loco Water Shoe
Price: $99.00
About the Shoe: The Columbia PFG Bahama Vent Loco is made for boating and fishing. Vent ports and mesh panels increase breathability and drainage. It features a grippy outsole for traction on wet boat decks. Both stylish and functional on or off the water.
15. Astral Men’s Loyak Water Shoe
Price: $94.95
About the Shoe: The Astral Loyak features a slim profile with outstanding grip and quick-drying canvas. Designed for kayaking, paddleboarding, and daily wear around the water. Its low weight and flexibility allow for agile movement. A top performer in active aquatic environments.
16. Crocs Men’s Classic Clogs
Price: $39.95
About the Shoe: The Crocs Classic Clog is a water-friendly icon with lightweight foam construction. Its ventilation ports enhance drainage and breathability. Easy to slip on and clean, they’re ideal for beach and boat wear. Comfort and utility make them a year-round favorite.
17. Keen Women’s Newport H2 Sandal
Price: $74.84
About the Shoe: The Keen Women’s Newport H2 Sandal provides durable water resistance with a supportive midsole. It’s perfect for hiking, rafting, or all-day wear in wet environments. The quick-drying upper ensures lasting comfort. Great traction and fit for active women outdoors.
18. Columbia Women’s Drainmaker IV Water Shoe
Price: $60.00
About the Shoe: The Columbia Women’s Drainmaker IV features quick-dry materials, breathable mesh, and drainage ports. Lightweight yet durable, it’s perfect for hiking, boating, and beach days. A responsive midsole adds all-day comfort. Stylish enough for trail or town.
19. Speedo Men’s Water Shoe Surfwalker Rush
Price: $26.34
About the Shoe: The Speedo Surfwalker Rush offers slip-on convenience and superior grip on slick surfaces. Quick-drying and flexible, it’s made for pool use, water aerobics, and beach trips. The stretchy upper fits snugly around your foot. An affordable and dependable option.
20. Teva Women’s Omnium Sandal
Price: $61.31
About the Shoe: The Teva Women’s Omnium Sandal offers secure foot support with fast-drying mesh and sturdy straps. It’s a great option for rafting, water hikes, and all-day excursions. The rugged sole handles slippery rocks with ease. A versatile and reliable pick for active women.
Editor’s Picks for the Best Water Shoes
Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Aero Sport – Best All-Around Water Shoe
The Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport combines durability, comfort, and performance, making it our top pick for a do-it-all water shoe. Its aggressive grip and breathable construction are ideal for both land and water activities. Whether you’re hiking through creeks or navigating riverbeds, this shoe won’t disappoint.
Keen Women’s Newport H2 Sandal – Best Water Shoe for Women
For women who want rugged performance with great support, the Keen Newport H2 delivers. It offers secure coverage with a breathable design and performs well in both wet and dry environments. The sandal is stylish enough for casual outings and tough enough for whitewater adventures.
Vibram FiveFingers V-Aqua – Best Minimalist Water Shoe
If you love the feel of barefoot movement, the Vibram V-Aqua is a must-have. With outstanding drainage and grip, it gives you agility and flexibility while staying protective. Perfect for paddleboarding, coastal hikes, and beach training.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Shoes
What are the best water shoes for rocky terrain?
If you’ll be walking over sharp rocks or uneven ground, look for shoes with thick soles and good traction. Top picks include the Teva Omnium 2, Astral Loyak, and Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX, all of which offer protective outsoles and rugged builds.
Can water shoes be worn for swimming?
Yes, many water shoes are designed to be lightweight and snug-fitting, making them suitable for swimming. Models like the Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0 and Merrell Hydro Moc are perfect for casual swimming, water aerobics, and snorkeling.
Are water shoes good for hiking?
Hybrid water shoes like the Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport and Chaco Z/Cloud 2 are excellent for hikes that include water crossings. Look for features like quick-drying uppers, strong outsoles, and supportive footbeds to handle trail conditions.
Do water shoes help prevent slipping?
Absolutely. Many water shoes feature non-slip soles with enhanced grip, which can prevent falls on slick rocks, docks, or pool decks. Shoes like the Columbia Drainmaker IV and Speedo Surfwalker Rush are specifically built for superior wet-surface traction.
Tips for Choosing the Best Water Shoes for You
Match the Shoe to Your Activity
Different water shoes serve different purposes. If you’re going rafting or hiking, choose closed-toe options with rugged soles. For poolside use or casual beach trips, lighter slip-ons or sandals will do the trick.
Look for Quick-Dry Materials
Water shoes should dry fast to prevent chafing and discomfort. Mesh uppers, EVA foam, and drainage ports all help shoes dry quickly. Models like the Columbia Drainmaker or Crocs Swiftwater excel in this area.
Prioritize Comfort and Fit
A good fit prevents blisters and slipping. Opt for adjustable straps, elastic lacing, or flexible materials that contour to your feet. Test how secure the shoes feel when wet and how easily they come on and off.
Consider Versatility and Style
The best water shoes look good on the trail and at the beach bar. Styles like the Skechers Tresmen-Garo and Columbia Bahama Vent Loco offer function and fashion, so you can wear them beyond the shoreline.
Check for Good Grip and Traction
Slick boat decks, wet rocks, and river crossings require excellent traction. Vibram soles or aggressive tread patterns (like on the Adidas Terrex or Astral Loyak) will give you the grip you need to stay upright.
Best Water Shoes Conclusion
Overall, water shoes are a great investment for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. They protect your feet against potential hazards and can even improve your swimming or boating experience.
Summertime is definitely the time to get outside and enjoy the wonderful weather. One great way to do that is by going for a swim, but if you’re not careful, you could end up with some nasty blisters on your feet. A great solution to this problem is to invest in a good pair of water shoes.
Is there water shoes that you think should be on this list but isn’t? Please feel free to share it below if so.
