Best Water Shoes for Hiking: Finding the Perfect Hiking Water Shoes for You
Whether you’re looking for a new activity to try or simply want to make the most of your summer vacations, hiking can be a lot of fun. And when it comes to hiking, having the right gear is essential. One important piece of equipment is a good pair of water shoes, and this list of the best water shoes for hiking can help you find the right shoes for you.
This list of the best water shoes for hiking will feature the top options for you when it comes to your next hiking adventure. With this list, you can make sure that your feet are ready for hiking and also for any water that may come your way on the trail.
When you are finished with this list of the best water shoes for hiking, visit our lists of the best outdoor clothing brands and best hiking trails in the US. With these lists, you can get out on the trail in no time.
Top 10 Water Shoes for Hiking:
1. Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoe
Price: $104.95
About Water Shoes: The Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve features a waterproof leather upper and Vibram TC5+ outsole for top-tier traction. Its open design allows for quick drying and excellent breathability. A Lycra® neoprene collar ensures easy on and off. Great for rugged hikes involving river crossings.
2. Columbia Men’s Drainmaker IV Water Shoe
Price: $60.00
About Water Shoes: The Drainmaker IV combines a breathable mesh upper with a cushioned Techlite™ midsole for comfort. Its Omni-Grip™ outsole offers reliable traction on slippery surfaces. Designed for wet and dry conditions alike. Ideal for hiking through streams or along the coast.
3. KEEN Men’s Newport H2 Sandal
Price: $77.95
About Water Shoes: KEEN’s Newport H2 Sandal includes a durable rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs for great grip. The quick-dry polyester upper and secure lace capture system ensure a snug fit. Its toe guard adds protection during rocky hikes. Built for adventure on and off the trail.
4. WateLves Water Shoes Mens
Price: $25.98
About Water Shoes: These ultra-lightweight WateLves water shoes offer flexible comfort with a breathable mesh upper. Designed for quick drainage and slip resistance, they suit casual hikes and water activities. Easy to pack and great for travel. A budget-friendly option for wet terrain.
5. Teva Men’s Omnium 2 Sandal
Price: $73.76
About Water Shoes: The Omnium 2 features a rugged synthetic upper and Spider Original rubber outsole for reliable grip. It dries quickly and includes multiple adjustment points for a secure fit. Closed-toe protection makes it trail-ready. Excellent for amphibious hiking conditions.
6. Merrell Women’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoe
Price: $79.95
About Water Shoes: Merrell’s All Out Blaze Sieve for women offers trail-ready traction and comfort. The leather upper and Vibram outsole handle wet, rocky conditions with ease. It slips on easily thanks to its stretchy collar. Designed for adventurous hikes with water exposure.
7. Men’s Castback PFG
Price: $60.00
About Water Shoes: The Castback PFG offers the same key features as the Drainmaker IV with breathable mesh and Techlite™ cushioning. Omni-Grip™ rubber ensures traction in slippery conditions. Lightweight and fast-drying for quick trail transitions. Perfect for hiking, boating, or stream fishing.
8. Keen Women’s Newport H2 Sandal
Price: $83.31
About Water Shoes: The women’s version of the Newport H2 is just as rugged, with excellent toe protection and arch support. Quick-drying and ready for any wet or dry hike. Its multidirectional lug sole grips uneven terrain. A reliable sandal for active outdoor women.
9. Adidas Men’s Terrex AX4 Hiking Shoe
Price: $98.95
About Water Shoes: The Terrex AX4 offers water-friendly mesh construction and a grippy Traxion™ outsole. Designed for hybrid use, it’s great for trails that involve water crossings. Lightweight yet supportive for varied terrain. A sporty choice for serious hikers.
10. Northside Women’s Brille II Water Shoe
Price: $17.96
About Water Shoes: The Northside Brille II features a breathable mesh upper and quick-lacing system. Its rubber outsole grips well in slippery conditions. Ideal for light hikes and summer water adventures. Affordable and comfortable for all-day wear.
Editor’s Picks for the Best Water Shoes for Hiking
Choosing the best water shoes for hiking can depend on terrain, comfort preferences, and weather, but a few models clearly stand out. The Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve is a top pick for its durable leather construction, Vibram outsole, and reliable performance in rugged, wet conditions. The KEEN Newport H2 Sandal also earns high marks for its toe protection, secure fit, and trail-ready traction. For those seeking affordability without sacrificing functionality, the Columbia Drainmaker IV delivers excellent grip and quick drainage at a great value. These selections offer durability, comfort, and versatility for any water-adjacent trail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Water Shoes
Are water shoes good for hiking?
Yes, the best hiking water shoes are designed to handle wet conditions and mixed terrain. They provide breathability, quick drainage, and slip-resistant soles—ideal for hikes involving river crossings, waterfalls, or coastal paths.
What’s the difference between hiking sandals and hiking water shoes?
Hiking sandals usually have open designs with rugged outsoles and toe protection, like the KEEN Newport H2. Hiking water shoes, such as the Merrell Blaze Sieve, often provide more coverage and resemble trail shoes with drainage capabilities.
Can I wear water shoes for long hikes?
Many water shoes for hiking are designed for full-day comfort, with cushioned midsoles and secure uppers. However, they are best suited for shorter or moderate-length hikes that include water exposure. For steep or technical trails, standard hiking boots may still be preferable.
Do hiking water shoes offer enough support?
High-quality hiking water shoes like those from Merrell, KEEN, and Adidas include arch support, shock absorption, and protective features to keep your feet stable on uneven terrain. Look for molded footbeds and adjustable straps for the best fit.
How should hiking water shoes fit?
A proper fit should be snug but not tight, allowing room for your foot to breathe and move. Since you’ll encounter water, it’s important that your shoes remain secure even when wet to prevent blisters or slipping.
Tips for Choosing the Best Hiking Water Shoes
1. Prioritize Traction and Grip
Look for outsoles with multidirectional lugs or branded grip technologies like Vibram® or Omni-Grip™. These features improve stability on slippery rocks, muddy trails, and wet logs.
2. Choose Quick-Drying and Breathable Materials
Mesh uppers and perforated midsoles help drain water and dry quickly. Breathability is key to keeping your feet comfortable and reducing the risk of blisters on damp hikes.
3. Decide Between Sandal or Shoe Style
Sandal-style water shoes offer better ventilation and are easier to rinse, while enclosed shoe styles provide more protection from debris and abrasion. Your choice will depend on the terrain and your comfort preferences.
4. Look for Adjustable Fit Systems
Bungee laces, hook-and-loop straps, or toggle closures let you customize the fit on the go. A secure fit helps reduce foot fatigue and prevents slipping inside the shoe when wet.
5. Think About Weight and Packability
If you’re traveling or backpacking, a lightweight and compact water shoe—like the WateLves or Northside Brille II—can easily be packed away and used when needed.
Best Water Shoes for Hiking Conclusion
After reading this list of the best water shoes for hiking, you should have a better understanding of what to look for in a good pair of water shoes for hiking.
Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so make sure to choose a pair that will fit your specific needs. And don’t forget to enjoy the outdoors.
Please make sure to comment below if you have feedback on any of these water shoes for hiking. We know that all of our readers would appreciate your comments.
