When considering the best water shoes, one might typically picture unattractive plastic footwear clumsily worn on the beach. The good news is that shoes have come a long way and now come in a variety of styles that protect your feet from the strange scenery in the ocean or nearby lakes.
Our team did a lot of study and looked at reviews of many different products to find the best water shoes. We have put together a list of our top suggestions, whether you’re an adventurer who wants to cross rocky riverbeds or a beachgoer who wants to keep their feet safe from sharp shells.
Best Water Shoes Comparison Table
| Water Shoes Model | Brand | Breathability | Traction | Comfort | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astral Brewer 2.0 | Astral | High | High | High | Casual |
| Speedo Surf Knit Pro | Speedo | High | High | High | Athletic |
| Astral Loyak | Astral | High | High | High | Casual |
| Merrell Hydro Moc | Merrell | High | High | High | Casual |
| Simari Water Shoes | Simari | High | Medium | Medium | Athletic |
Astral Brewer 2.0
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Astral |
| Model | Brewer 2.0 |
| Shoe Type | Water Shoes |
| Upper Material | Quick-drying canvas |
| Outsole Material | G.15 high-friction rubber |
| Closure | Lace-up |
| Drainage | Holes in the midsole and outsole |
| Breathability | Mesh panels |
| Toe Protection | Rubber toe cap |
The Astral Brewer 2.0 is a shoe that can be used both on land and in the water. This was a favorite that we often went for when we were out on the water. It’s comfortable and can be changed enough to fit almost any extra insulation that might be needed for different weather situations. Its outsoles work better on rough terrain than almost all other types we have tried. The sole is both hard and flexible, so it can handle rougher terrain but is still sensitive and flexible enough to let you feel the ground.
Even though these shoes are great for most water sports, they don’t keep your feet as warm as the NRS Paddle Wetshoe, which has thick insulation. On slippery ground, these shoes were a little hard to walk in because they had smaller lugs. If you want a shoe made for a narrower use, you should look elsewhere. If you want a shoe that can do a lot of different things, the Brewer 2.0 is a good choice.
Pros
- Durable and high-quality construction
- Excellent grip and traction
- Quick-drying and breathable
Cons
- Relatively higher price point
- Some users may find the sizing to be a bit small
Speedo Surf Knit Pro
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Speedo |
| Model | Surf Knit Pro |
| Shoe Type | Water Shoes |
| Upper Material | Breathable knit fabric |
| Outsole Material | Rubber |
| Closure | Slip-on |
| Drainage | Quick-drying and drainable design |
If you want to find the best shoe on a tight budget, the Speedo Surf Knit Pro is your best bet. The top mesh part of the shoe is easy to slip on and is stretchy enough to fit extra protection. The simple base provides enough grip for portages and walking around the deck of a boat, and the shoes are very light.
Even though they are thin and have little support, these slips work well for sailing and even swimming. If all you need are simple shoes to keep your feet warm, cover a short distance, and protect your feet and dry suit socks, these simple, lightweight water shoes are a good choice for the price.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Flexible and easy to move in
- Quick-drying and breathable fabric
- Affordable price
Cons
- May not provide as much support as some other models
- Limited color and design options
Astral Loyak
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Astral |
| Model | Loyak |
| Shoe Type | Water Shoes |
| Upper Material | Hydrophobic canvas |
| Outsole Material | G.15 high-friction rubber |
| Closure | Slip-on |
| Drainage | Drainage holes |
Don’t be fooled by how cool and laid-back the Astral Loyak looks. These high-performance water shoes fit like socks, drain water well, and have siped, sticky outsoles. They are happy walking on land or in the water. Their thin, neutral feet give them a great feel for the ground, which helps keep balance and makes them fun to swim in.
These aren’t the most lasting choice, though. They also can’t be adjusted as much as better models that keep you warmer on cold days. The Loyak is a good deal for a shoe that can be used for paddling or river walking. It can also be used to hang out at camp, move, or go from one watering hole to another. Overall, it is one of the best water shoes that you can buy.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Durable and long-lasting
- Good grip and traction
Cons
- Limited insulation for colder water
- May not fit as snugly for some users
Merrell Hydro Moc Water Shoes
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Merrell |
| Model | Hydro Moc |
| Shoe Type | Water Shoes |
| Upper Material | Synthetic and mesh |
| Outsole Material | Rubber |
| Closure | Slip-on |
| Drainage | Drainage holes |
| Breathability | Breathable mesh lining |
The Merrell Hydro Moc Water Shoe is made of single-injected EVA and has an articulated heel and strap for a snug fit. It is a super comfy, ugly water shoe that looks a little better than a Croc. The Hydros have great support for your arches, and the material makes them easy to clean no matter where your travels take you.
With their big drainage holes, these water shoes dry out very quickly, making them a great choice for the beach or a fishing trip. But the soles don’t seem to have a lot of different grips, so we wouldn’t recommend them if you want to walk on rocks or other areas that are slippery.
Pros
- Slip-on design for easy on and off
- Comfortable and cushioned footbed
- Good traction and grip on wet surfaces
- Quick-drying and breathable
Cons
- Less protection on the top of the foot compared to some other models
- Sizing may run a bit large for some individuals
Simari Water Shoes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Water Shoes |
| Brand | Simari |
| Material | Breathable fabric, rubber sole |
| Closure | Slip-on |
| Sole | Non-slip rubber sole |
| Upper Material | Quick-drying, breathable mesh fabric |
| Toe Protection | Reinforced rubber toe cap |
These lightweight water shoes from Simari come in many sizes and have a durable sole that is strong enough to be useful but not so thick that it can’t break. This makes these water shoes very useful for going to swimming spots or just walking along the beach. Even though these water shoes are said to have great grip, they aren’t very supportive and have no arch support, so if you already have problems with your arches, you shouldn’t buy them.
The thin top of these shoes keeps them light and keeps rocks and other debris out, which other water shoes don’t do. The bungee laces make them fit more like a sock than a regular sneaker. Because the Simari water shoes are small, some reviews say that the insoles slide around when you take them off. This can be annoying, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
Pros
- Affordable and budget-friendly
- Lightweight and flexible
- Quick-drying and breathable
- Multiple color and design options
Cons
- May not be as durable as higher-end models
- Traction may not be as reliable on slippery surfaces
FAQs
Water shoes, also called aqua shoes or beach shoes, are shoes made for sports in or near water. They are made of materials that dry quickly and often have feet that don’t slip on wet surfaces. Water shoes let water flow in and out while protecting your feet from sharp objects, rocks, hot sand, and rough ground.
Water shoes can be used for things like swimming, diving, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and walking on the beach. You can wear them at the beach, in lakes, rivers, and pools. Also, water shoes are great for activities that require walking on surfaces that are slippery or in places where there might be sharp or dangerous items.
Even though water shoes are mostly made for being in the water, some types may be good for light hiking. If you plan to hike through streams or in places where it rains, you can choose water shoes with better grip and sturdiness. But if you’re going to do a lot of hiking on rough ground, you should wear hiking boots or shoes made for that.
