Best Water Shoes for Women: Finding the Perfect Women’s Water Shoes for You
Summertime is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking are all great activities, but if you’re not prepared you might find yourself uncomfortable and unhappy. One of the most important pieces of gear for enjoying any summer activity is a good pair of water shoes, and that is where this list of the best water shoes for women can help.
This list of the best water shoes for women will feature the top options for women and will help you find the right pair of shoes for you. With this list, you can look your best in the water, and also know that your feet are staying protected from rocks and other sharp objects.
When you are finished with this list of the best water shoes for women, visit our lists of the best walking shoes for women and best flip flops. Both of these lists will help keep your feet in comfort and looking their best.
Top 15 Water Shoes for Women:
1. Columbia Women’s Drainmaker IV Water Shoe
Price: $60.00
About Water Shoes: The Columbia Women’s Drainmaker IV Water Shoe is designed for maximum breathability and comfort, making it ideal for water sports. It features a mesh upper and drainage holes to keep your feet dry during aquatic activities. These shoes offer great grip on wet surfaces and hold up well during long outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking or paddling, they provide a dependable fit and lasting performance.
2. Merrell Women’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoe
Price: $79.95
About Water Shoes: The Merrell Women’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoe is perfect for trail and water adventures. Its quick-drying design and slip-resistant sole make it a great choice for walking in and around water. These shoes offer a durable, rugged build with protective toe coverage. Their secure fit and traction make them excellent for rocky terrains and stream crossings.
3. Keen Women’s Sandal
Price: $160.00
About Water Shoes: The Keen Women’s Newport H2 Sandal offers superior comfort with its secure fit, rugged sole, and quick-drying design. It’s ideal for both water activities and casual wear. With toe protection and arch support, these sandals stand out for long days outdoors. The durable design handles both water and trail with ease.
4. Nike Women’s Kawa Slide
Price: $40.65
About Water Shoes: The Nike Women’s Kawa Slide is a lightweight water shoe perfect for post-swim relaxation. Its soft, cushioned footbed and slip-on design make it easy to wear all day. Ideal for poolside lounging or beach trips, these slides provide comfort and style. Their flexible outsole allows for natural foot movement and ease of travel.
5. Adidas Women’s Terrex Ax3 Sneaker
Price: $48.88
About Water Shoes: The Adidas Women’s Terrex Climacool Jawpaw is designed for comfort and breathability in hot and humid environments. It features a ventilated upper and a durable rubber outsole for traction on wet surfaces. The snug fit keeps your foot secure during water sports. A minimalist look adds to its appeal for travel and athletic use.
6. Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Sandal
Price: $39.99
About Water Shoes: The Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Sandal is perfect for water lovers, offering a lightweight, water-friendly design with a comfortable footbed and adjustable straps for a secure fit. The Croslite foam cushions each step for added comfort. These sandals dry quickly and provide solid traction on slick surfaces.
7. Teva Women’s Omnium 2 Sandal
Price: $61.31
About Water Shoes: The Teva Women’s Omnium 2 Sandal features an open-toe design with adjustable straps for a secure, customizable fit. It’s ideal for water activities, hiking, and everything in between. The durable upper and cushioned sole handle rough terrain and water alike. Drainage ports help keep your feet dry during use.
8. Columbia Women’s Kea Ii Sport Sandal
Price: $41.25
About Water Shoes: The Columbia Women’s Kea II Sport Sandal offers a perfect combination of durability and comfort. Its breathable mesh upper and adjustable straps provide a secure fit for water adventures. The contoured footbed supports all-day wear during summer outings. Whether you’re by the lake or on a trail, these sandals keep up.
9. Vibram Women’s FiveFingers V-Aqua Water Shoes
Price: $120.00
About Water Shoes: The Vibram Women’s FiveFingers V-Aqua Water Shoes provide a barefoot feel with their minimalist design. Featuring a flexible sole and water-resistant material, they’re perfect for various water sports and activities. These shoes promote natural foot movement and tactile feedback. Ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach workouts.
10. DLGJPA Women’s Lightweight Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
Price: $29.99
About Water Shoes: The DLGJPA Aqua Shoes offer great performance at an affordable price point. Made with breathable materials and featuring a quick-dry design, they’re ideal for beach days, pool use, or river treks. The elastic laces and rubber sole provide a secure fit and solid grip. These are an excellent all-purpose water shoe option.
11. Chaco Women’s Z/Cloud 2 Sandal
Price: $101.00
About Water Shoes: The Chaco Women’s Z/Cloud 2 Sandal is designed for all-day wear with its cushioned footbed and adjustable straps. It provides excellent traction and stability, making it ideal for both water and land activities. The antimicrobial footbed reduces odors over time. Built for durability, these sandals are great for rugged conditions.
12. Northside Women’s Brille II Water Shoe
Price: $17.96
About Water Shoes: The Northside Women’s Brille II Water Shoe offers superior comfort with its cushioned footbed and durable design. Perfect for water activities, it features a quick-drying upper and excellent grip on wet surfaces. The pull tab and stretchy collar make them easy to put on. Great for affordability and versatility near water.
13. Merrell Women’s Siren Sport 3 Water Shoes
Price: $74.99
About Water Shoes: The Merrell Women’s Siren Sport 3 Water Shoes are designed for outdoor adventures with a water-friendly, durable design and a supportive footbed. Ideal for hiking and wet conditions, they provide comfort and traction. The mesh and leather upper allow for airflow and protection. These are a hybrid solution for trail and stream.
14. Skechers Women’s On-The-Go 600-Brilliancy Sport Sandal
Price: $48.90
About Water Shoes: The Skechers Women’s On-The-Go 600-Brilliancy Sport Sandal is a lightweight, cushioned sandal perfect for water sports. Its water-resistant construction and easy slip-on design make it ideal for all-day comfort. The soft fabric lining enhances breathability. These sandals are casual and stylish for both wet and dry environments.
15. Astral Women’s Loyak Water Shoe
Price: $73.95
About Water Shoes: The Astral Women’s Loyak Water Shoe is designed for both land and water. Featuring a flexible, durable sole and quick-drying materials, it’s perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water activities. The low-profile look and snug fit enhance performance. These shoes offer excellent grip on slippery or wet surfaces.
Editor’s Picks: Top Women’s Water Shoes for Comfort, Performance, and Style
With so many great options on this list, it can be hard to narrow things down. That’s why we’ve highlighted a few standout picks to make your shopping even easier:
Best Overall: Columbia Women’s Drainmaker IV Water Shoe
This shoe earns top marks for its blend of comfort, durability, and performance. Whether you’re trail hiking or wading through a creek, it dries fast and grips well on slippery terrain, making it one of the most versatile picks.
Best for Rugged Adventures: Merrell Women’s All Out Blaze Sieve
If you’re planning a trip that includes both trail hiking and river crossings, this rugged design holds up to the challenge. The toe protection and sole grip make it great for all types of terrain.
Best Budget Option: DLGJPA Women’s Aqua Water Shoes
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a reliable water shoe. These lightweight aqua shoes dry quickly, are breathable, and offer solid foot protection for under $30.
Best Minimalist Feel: Vibram Women’s FiveFingers V-Aqua
Perfect for water sports and barefoot training enthusiasts, these shoes deliver ground feel while still offering strong traction and protection on wet surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Water Shoes for Women
What are the key features to look for in women’s water shoes?
Look for quick-drying materials, strong grip on wet surfaces, cushioned footbeds for comfort, and a secure fit that won’t slip during activities. Adjustable straps or elastic closures are a bonus.
Can I wear water shoes for hiking and everyday use?
Yes, many water shoes on this list double as hiking or casual walking shoes. Models like the Keen Newport H2 and Merrell Siren Sport 3 are built for multi-purpose use.
Do all water shoes offer toe protection?
Not all of them. If toe protection is important for your activity (like river hiking), choose a closed-toe design like Keen Newport H2 or Merrell Blaze Sieve. Open-toe options like slides are more suited for pool or beach use.
Are water shoes supposed to fit tight or loose?
They should fit snugly but not too tight. A secure fit helps avoid blisters and slipping, especially in wet conditions. Many models offer adjustable straps or laces for a better fit.
Can I machine wash water shoes?
Most water shoes made with mesh and synthetic materials can be rinsed or even machine washed on a gentle cycle. However, always check the brand’s care instructions to be safe.
Helpful Tips for Choosing and Using Women’s Water Shoes
1. Match your shoe to your activity.
Planning a beach day? Lightweight slip-on slides or sandals are ideal. Heading for a waterfall hike or rocky stream? You’ll want a rugged shoe with closed toes and solid tread.
2. Prioritize drainage and ventilation.
Look for shoes with mesh uppers, drainage holes, and moisture-wicking liners. These features prevent water from pooling inside your shoe and reduce drying time.
3. Don’t overlook arch support.
If you’re going to be active in your shoes all day, choose a pair with a contoured footbed and decent arch support. This will help reduce foot fatigue and improve stability.
4. Consider how easy they are to put on.
Elastic laces, bungee cords, or pull tabs make it much easier to get your shoes on and off—especially when they’re wet. Slip-on styles are great for convenience but may not be secure enough for rigorous activities.
5. Always rinse after saltwater use.
Salt can break down materials more quickly than freshwater. After ocean use, rinse your water shoes with clean water and let them dry in a shaded, ventilated area.
Best Water Shoes for Women Conclusion
After reading this list, you should have a better understanding of some of the best water shoes for women. Remember to consider the type of activity you’ll be using them for, as well as your own personal preferences, when making your decision.
With all of the great options on this list, there’s sure to be a perfect pair of water shoes for you.
Please make sure to comment below if you have feedback on any of these water shoes for women. We know that all of our readers would appreciate your comments.
