Anyone who has been actively involved in water sports knows the importance of a good pair of water shoes. Whether you are kayaking in the ocean or paddle-boarding in the lake or fishing the local river, you need to protect your feet.
Getting to the water can be a challenge depending on the local terrain. Rough parking lots, rocky shorelines or hot sand at the beach all require a good water shoe. When I head off to the launch for some ocean kayak fishing, one of the first things I think about is which water shoes will I need for this trip. Conditions like a sandy or rocky launch, hot or cold weather, will I be walking, all need to be considered before I grab just any pair out of my bag.
Your local sporting good store has a wider selection of water shoes than ever before. The vast range of materials and different types of water shoes make it easy to find a pair that will do just what you need. In this article I will provide a list of the top 10 water shoes for outdoor activities as voted on by real world users.
Looking for other great water sports equipment? Check out these great deals. Kayak Paddles Life Jackets Marine Radios Rash Guards
Best Water Shoes – Quick List
- TOP PICK WATER SHOE – Mens – Astral Men’s TR1 Mesh Hiking/Water Shoe.
- TOP PICK WATER SHOE – Womens – Merrell Women’s Waterpro Maipo 2
- BEST HIKING WATER SHOE – Mens – Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport Hiking Water Shoe
- BEST HIKING WATER SHOE Womens – Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport Hiking Water Shoe
- BEST FAST DRYING WATER SHOE – Mens –Xero Aqua X Sport Water Shoe
- BEST FAST DRYING WATER SHOE – Womens – KEEN Women’s Water Sandal Quick Dry
- MOST COMFORTABLE WATER SHOE – Body Glove Men’s 3T Barefoot Cinch Water Shoe
- BEST WARM WATER SHOE – NRS Men’s Kicker Wetshoes
- BEST WARM BOOTIE – NRS Men’s Paddle Wetshoes
- BEST BUDGET WATER SHOE – Body Glove Water Shoes for Women
See Full Descriptions and Pictures Below
Water Shoes – Types and Material
What’s Not A Water Shoe
Flip flops are, in my opinion, should not be considered water shoes. Flip flops are just that, things that go on your foot that flip and flop everywhere. There is very little support when wearing this footwear and they definitely will not stay on your feet when walking through sandy or muddy areas. They are not well fitting and can cause you to stumble. Also because they are not closed toe, the front of the sole can get snagged on high points in the path. For safety reasons it is highly recommended to get a proper pair of good fitting, more protective and comfortable water shoes.
Water Shoes
Water shoe is the generic name for shoes that can get wet without damage and dry quickly while you are on the go. They can be called by several names like water sandals, water socks, booties, etc. Each of these have slight or moderate variations in style, material, and the terrain they are made for.
Water shoes are basically of two varieties
- Slip-on, light weight for beach and recreational water activities
- Thicker rugged sole and heavier strapping/material for hiking and rough terrain
Sandy beaches, kayaking, paddle boarding and other recreational type activities are usually good prospects for lighter weight, slip on type water shoes. The thin mesh doesn’t offer a lot of insulation though so these are best for summer or warm water. Also, these simpler shoes (without straps, laces, or draw cords) won’t really grip your feet securely enough to be used on rougher terrain.
There is also an intermediate type of water shoe that is more sturdy. These have thicker soles, straps or draw cords to make the water shoe fit more securely. Some are made of heavier material like neoprene which makes for a warmer and sturdier shoe than mesh.
Finally, there is the hiking water shoe. These are more like hiking boots in that they are made for traversing uneven, rocky terrain. They have thicker materials that protect your feet better from bushes and kicking rocks. Many have arch support for comfort over long walks. They still have the main benefit of being lightweight, and fast drying.
Sandals
Sandals might be thought of as a next step up from flip flops. You might say they are the original water shoe as they have been around for 1000s of years and people would often go into the water even with them on their feet. The problem was, they often fall off your feet when you get in the water or on a soft bottom and they were made of leather that did not tend to dry out fast. I think the biggest point to consider when looking at sandals is they are open toe shoes. This can be a good thing but for many activities this can be a liability.
Sandals generally are grippy, include straps that allow you to secure them on your feet. They also have thicker soles that protect both your heels and sole. These are still lightweight, inexpensive, and versatile and over all a better choice than flip flops for water activities. Like flip flops they have minimal protection for the feet and can be unstable and a tripping hazard if the front of the shoe catches a high spot in the trail or walking area. If you just want something to ‘kick it’ around the town or stroll the beach, these will do fine.
Water Booties
Water booties are often associated with surfing or whitewater rafting. They are made of neoprene and keep the feet warm in cold water. They have a stiff sole that is often non-slip but not usually made for long walks or hikes. These are usually best for paddle boarding, surfing, or any water activities in cold water or weather.
I like to use these when I am out ocean kayak fishing in the winter. Because they are made of insulating materials, water booties do not dry out fast. In fact, they keep you warm by trapping water between the material and your skin. Your body warms the thin layer of water that is insulated and kept in place by the neoprene. Some booties are low cut and look more like traditional water shoes. Others have high ankles to maximize warmth.
Water Socks
I list Water Socks here just to make you aware of their existence and purpose. While not a ‘water shoe’ water socks provide a thin layer of protection to your feet. They are often made of a thin neoprene or other material that protects your feet from the UV rays of the sun and provide a small measure of warmth. The sole is very thin or non-existent. If you walk over rocks or concrete, they often wear out quickly. I like to wear these while walking the beach to keep my feet from getting too hot from the sand or in my kayak for sun protection.
TOP PICK WATER SHOE
| Model | Specs | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
 Astral Men’s TR1 Mesh Hiking/Water Shoe | * Trail Grip: Heavy duty 5mm lugs for maximum grip on any terrain; Lightweight and flexible for a comfortable and natural feel; Top Shank midsole reduces foot fatigue and supportive EVA heel cup * Super sticky: High performance G.15 rubber outsole is extra grippy and sticky like tar; Low durometer construction conforms to the ground and provides excellent abrasion resistance * Drains water: Ripstop 2D Mesh with TPU overlays; Drain holes to shed excess water; Removable Polygiene treated insole eliminates stink; Padded mesh tongue keeps you cool * Balanced feel: Level footbed promotes balance and agility; Wider toe box lets your feet and toes spread out for stability; Lightweight enough to believe you’re actually barefoot (301g/shoe) * Nature first: All Astral shoes are vegan; We use recycled polyester and source materials as sustainably as possible and we always promise to put nature first | Check Latest Price |
 Women’s Waterpro Maipo 2 Water Shoe | This highly breathable hiking shoe dries out quickly and features a Vibram® sole for traction on the trail. * FEATURES * • Water friendly synthetic and mesh upper • Integrated webbing lacing for complete secure fit • Synthetic toe bumper for protection • Kinetic Fit™ BASE removable contoured EVA insole with water friendly top cover • Compression molded EVA midsole for stability and comfort • Vibram® TC5+ • 3.5mm lug depth • Weight: 1lb 1oz / 482g | Check Latest Price |
Best Hiking Water Shoe
| Model | Specs | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
 Mens Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport Hiking Water Shoe | * Merrell Omni-Fit lacing System provides a precise, glove-like fit * Bellows tongue keeps debris out * Molded TPU heel counter for added stability * Breathable mesh lining * Vibram TC5+ outsole Description Fly lightly over the trail and be the first to crest the ridge in speedy performance and design of the Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport hiker. 100% vegan-friendly construction. Lightweight, breathable mesh upper with supportive synthetic overlays. Bellows tongue helps keep debris out. Merrell Omni-Fit lacing system promotes a precise, glove-like fit. Molded TPU heel counter provides added stability. Heel pull loop for an easier on and off. Lightly padded collar. Breathable mesh lining is treated with odor-fighting M Select FRESH technology to keep feet feeling fresher longer. Foam footbed offers light underfoot comfort. UniFly midsole delivers lightweight underfoot protection. 5 mm lug depth. Vibram out-sole. | Check Latest Price |
 Merrell Women’s All Out Blaze Aero Sport Hiking Water Shoe | This highly breathable hiking shoe dries out quickly and features a Vibram® sole for traction on the trail. * FEATURES * • Water friendly synthetic and mesh upper • Integrated webbing lacing for complete secure fit • Synthetic toe bumper for protection • Kinetic Fit™ BASE removable contoured EVA insole with water friendly top cover • Compression molded EVA midsole for stability and comfort • Vibram® TC5+ • 3.5mm lug depth • Weight: 1lb 1oz / 482g | Check Latest Price |
| ………………………………… |
Best Fast Drying Water Shoe
| Model | Specs | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
 Xero Shoes Men’s Aqua X Sport Water Shoe | * LIGHTWEIGHT, FAST DRYING & WATER-FRIENDLY – The Xero Drop Aqua has a quick-dry lining, non-absorbent tongue, and toe guard drain holes that quickly shed water so it’s barely any heavier wet than dry. * MADE FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES – The Aqua X Sport is made for your active lifestyle. This ultra-packable activity shoe is perfect for everything from paddleboarding to mud runs. * FLEX YOUR FEET, FEEL THE FLOOR – Our patented 5.5mm FeelTrue sole is low to the ground for proper balance and agility. 3.5mm dual chevron lugs offer all-terrain traction. * SECURE FIT, SUPERIOR COMFORT- The Aqua is designed with speed laces and adjustable midfoot and instep straps for secure stepping and complete comfort on roads and trails. A wide toe box lets your toes spread and relax for life-changing comfort * GET THE RIGHT FIT with FREE Domestic Exchanges – This shoe runs “true to size.” If not the case, free domestic exchange. | Check Latest Price |
 KEEN Women’s Drift Creek H2 Closed Toe Water Sandal | * WATER-RESISTANT QUICK DRY UPPER: Washable polyester webbing featuring quick-dry lining for active use in and out of the water; PFC-free, durable, water repellent helps shed water and prolong the quality and life of the material. * TRACTION & PROTECTION: Higher-traction TPR outsole provides superior grip on slippery wet terrain; Non-marking rubber outsoles leave no imprint when walking indoors; Toe bumper offers additional safety. * SUPPORT & COMFORT: Lace-lock bungee capture system provides a secure fit while offering quick and easy on/off; Compression-molded EVA midsole for enhanced cushioning * FIT & INSOLE: Non-removable EVA footbed with added arch support for all-day comfort; Integrated heel support for increased stability; 10-point quick cord-cinch. * CARE TIPS & ODOR PREVENTION: All KEEN water sandals are machine washable; Use a small amount of detergent, wash on gentle cycle and air dry | Check Latest Price |
| ………………………… |
MOST COMFORTABLE WATER SHOE
| Model | Specs | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
 Body Glove Men’s 3T Barefoot Cinch Water Shoe | * MINIMALIST BAREFOOT FEEL- Three toe design makes for barefoot feel but still easy on experience. Zero heel lift and low-profile ultra-grip outsole provides maximum traction for walking or hiking anywhere from the river to the beach * EASY ON – Stretch fit upper and adjustable shocklace system allows for an easy slip on entry while maintaining a snug fit * DESIGNED FOR WATER- Flexible, breathable and lightweight water shoe makes it perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, swimming, or any other activity in or near water * QUICK DRY WITH DRAINAGE – Made with quick dry materials and Integrated Drainage System (IDS) to allow water and air to move freely making these toe shoes ideal for any water activity | Check Latest Price |
