The 7 Best Water Shoes, According To Our Editors

Weight: 1.77 pounds (pair) | Toe closure: Closed toe | Outsole: Rubber | Upper: Polyester webbing | Closure: Bungee lace

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Durable
• Good traction
• Secure fit
• Versatile

Cons:

• Can be a bit pricey

The Keen Newport H2 water shoes have gained a well-deserved reputation for being a reliable and versatile choice for water activities. These shoes excel in comfort, durability and functionality, making them a top contender in the world of water footwear.

The shoes come equipped with a supportive and cushioned footbed that provides excellent arch support, allowing for all-day wear without discomfort or fatigue. The bungee lacing system ensures you get a snug, secure and personalized fit every time. And a quick-drying webbing upper and hydrophobic lining allow water to easily drain, preventing your feet from feeling waterlogged and reducing the risk of blisters and irritation.

The water shoes are constructed with durable materials that can withstand the rigors of water-based activities, sharp rocks or even coral. The robust rubber outsole offers exceptional traction on both wet and dry surfaces, providing stability and preventing slips, while the toe guard adds an extra layer of protection, making these shoes ideal for rocky terrain.

Weight: 0.92 pounds | Toe closure: Closed toe | Outsole: Rubber | Upper: Canvas, mesh | Closure: Lace-up

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Good traction
• Versatile

Cons:

• Not as breathable as some other water shoes
• Slightly narrow fit

The best-selling Astral Brewess 2.0 water shoes offer a blend of style and functionality, making them suitable for a variety of activities both on and off the water.

Designed with a breathable and quick-drying upper, these shoes keep your feet cool and dry for hours upon hours of wet adventures. A cushioned midsole provides excellent shock absorption and underfoot comfort when on your feet all day with drainage and ventilation holes in the front and rear to help shed water quickly. A removable polyurethane insole adds an extra layer of cushioning and support.

The high-friction, non-marking rubber outsole delivers outstanding grip on both wet and dry surfaces, ensuring stability and preventing slips. The shoes also feature a reinforced toe cap for added protection against rocks and other hazards. The backs of the water shoes are designed to fold down so you can wear them slip-on style for a quick walk to get more supplies or to make those public bathroom changes a bit smoother. 

Weight: o.59 pounds | Toe closure: Closed toe | Outsole: Recycled rubber | Upper: Mesh, neoprene | Closure: Lace

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Affordable
• Quick-drying
• Breathable

Cons:

• Not as durable as some other water shoes

Columbia’s Summertide shoes are a great option for those in need of a comfortable and stylish yet totally affordable pair of water shoes. They’re also a great choice for travel or even everyday wear as well.

Sporting a lightweight design and functional features, these shoes offer comfort and protection for your favorite aquatic adventures. The breathable mesh upper is quick-drying and features a neoprene collar for added comfort, while the vented midsole adds breathability and a siped rubber outsole creates excellent traction on wet surfaces. The closed-toe design that shields your feet from rocks, shells and other potential hazards in the water.

Weight: 0.58 pounds | Toe closure: Open toe | Outsole: Rubber | Upper: Textile | Closure: Strap

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Durable
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Odor retention

The Teva Hurricane XLT2 Kid’s Sandals make for an excellent choice if you’re trying to keep active youngsters safe and secure through summer. Perhaps most importantly, they offer a combination of comfort and durability, ensuring your kids can explore and play to their heart’s content, without worrying about their footwear.

Teva’s cushioned and contoured footbed provides excellent support and shock absorption, ensuring little ones can wear them for extended periods without experiencing discomfort or fatigue. The adjustable straps allow for a customizable and secure fit to keep them in place during various activities, and a hook-and-loop closure system makes for quick and hassle-free adjustments on the fly.

The rugged webbing upper is both sturdy and quick-drying, while the rubber outsole offers excellent traction, providing stability and grip on various terrain. While the open-toe design allows for supreme breathability, beware of stubbing tiny toes.

What our experts say: “Teva’s Hurricane XLT2 is a step above the Original Universal if you’re looking for a bit more comfort and durability,” explains Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta. “The thick straps takes longer to dry than I would like, but the sole is supportive and easy to wear for hours or even days at a time. I’ve worn various Teva styles over the years but these are the ones I always come back to when I’m looking for a great combination of comfort and traction.”

Weight: 0.37 pounds | Toe closure: Closed toe | Outsole: Foam | Upper: Thermoplastic EVA | Closure: Heel strap

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Versatile
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Lack of arch support
• Ventilation allows small stones or debris to enter

The iconic Crocs Classic Clog has gained immense popularity as a versatile and lightweight water shoe, and for good reason. Made entirely from foam, these shoes are incredibly light, meaning they’re perfect for throwing in your pack for river crossings or in your suitcase for a day at the beach. The buoyancy of the foam also ensures that the shoes stay afloat, making them ideal for activities like snorkeling, paddle boarding or boating.

Crocs are fully waterproof and quick-drying, and the ventilation ports allow for extra breathability while also serving as drainage holes. This also makes the shoes easy to clean—they require nothing more than a simple rinse to remove dirt or sand.

The water shoes feature a roomy and ergonomic fit that allows for ample toe space and freedom of movement. The cushioned footbed provides excellent support and shock absorption, ensuring long-lasting comfort during all-day activities.

These versatile water shoes can effortlessly transition from water adventures to casual wear, making them a practical choice for beach outings or poolside relaxation—you’ll even see the fashion set sporting them around town with a pair of socks.

What our experts say: “Crocs were originally invented by a trio of Colorado natives looking to design a Dutch-like clog for boating, so it stands to reason that the Classic Croc is a great water shoe,” says Vigliotta. “I’ve worn a pair on the water for nearly five years and the convenience of a cushy slip-on rubber shoe doesn’t get old. It’s worth having a pair in the closet for river floats, fishing, camping and so much more.”

Weight: 0.35 pounds | Toe closure: Closed toe | Outsole: Rubber | Upper: Polyester mesh | Closure: Slip-on

Pros:

• Easy on-off
• Good traction
• Affordable

Cons:

• Not as stylish

The Helly Hansen Crest Watermoc sock-style water shoes are a versatile and comfortable option for anyone who loves spending time in the water. The shoes are relatively lightweight and easy to pack, making them perfect for travel or to throw in your pack for swimming adventures. 

The shoes are designed with a quick-drying mesh upper that allows for excellent breathability and water drainage. The EVA foam midsole provides cushioning and support, reducing fatigue and enhancing overall comfort. 

The flexible rubber outsole with multidirectional lugs offers superior traction on both wet and dry surfaces, providing stability and preventing slips, while a reinforced toe cap prevents you from stubbing your toes on rocks or roots. The slip-on style allows for easy on and off, while the adjustable bungee cord ensures a secure and customized fit. 

Weight: 1 pounds (pair) | Toe closure: Open toe| Outsole: Rubber | Upper: Recycled polyester | Closure: Buckle

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Lightweight
• Good traction
• Fabric drys quickly

Cons:

• Limited adjustability
• Comes in just 2 color options

If you’re looking for a hiking shoe that doubles as a water shoe, we recommend the Astral Webber Sandals. Named one of the best hiking sandals, these sandals offer lasting comfort and traction for wet treks, thanks to the rubber outsoles and quick-drying uppers. They’re also made from similar materials to Astral’s personal flotation devices (PFDs), so these shoes are also lightweight at a pound per pair. However, if exposed toes aren’t you’re thing, the Keen Newport H2 Sandals offer ample durability for hiking with a closed-toe design for additional protection.