Written by Ceara Perez-Murphy, staff writer, and product tester who's known to give great gifts.
Updated December 3, 2024
When you think of water shoes, you probably envision some horrible plastic shoe flopping down the beach. Luckily in recent years, there have been great strides when it comes to design in water shoes, and you no longer have to feel like a fashion disaster when protecting your feet from the unknown.
We researched thousands of product reviews to find the best water shoes, whether you’re an outdoor adventurer looking to trek across rocky rivers or a cautious beachgoer looking to protect your feet from hot sand and sharp shells. Here are our favorite water shoes for men and women, available on Amazon now.
FAQ
Why You Should Invest In Water Shoes
Water shoes are designed to protect your feet and can be useful in a variety of situations. Whether you’re looking to explore the beach or lake, are into water sports, or have a pool with a rough bottom, a durable water shoe can make all the difference in making your time in the water more enjoyable.
Usually equipped with mesh uppers that make them easy to get on and off, it can sometimes be hard to find the best fit and some water shoes offer a lot more support than others. This is why it’s important to find a pair that works for your specific needs.
When choosing a pair of water shoes, you’ll want to consider what you’re using them for. Are you looking to trek over mossy rocks or will you be going back and forth from the beach to the ocean? Maybe you need some extra assistance during pool activities, or perhaps you just have sensitive feet. Regardless of your needs, there are plenty of options at a variety of price points, but you'll want to do some research before adding to cart.
Things Yo Consider About Water Shoes
Drying time
Choosing a pair of water shoes that have great ventilation is important when it comes to dry time. Slow-drying shoes could be the achilles heel of any trip, and shoes that take longer to dry can literally stink. Making sure that your water shoes are well-ventilated and include mesh uppers can ensure a durable shoe and save you money in the long run.
Grip
For those who regularly find themselves in slippery situations, a grippy water shoe can be a true lifesaver. Standard shoes can become extremely dangerous in wet environments and your safety can be severely impacted if you don’t have the right footwear. When looking for a water shoe you’ll want to consider how much grip they have, especially if you’re using them outdoors.
Fit
Finding a well-fitting shoe can be troublesome, especially if you have wide or narrow feet or arch issues. Many water shoes have limited arch options, which can lead to discomfort and frustration.
In order to avoid feeling like you’ve wasted your money on a pair of ill-fitting shoes, it’s important to keep your foot type in mind. While some may prefer a more narrow fit, others might find that certain water shoes are way too tight, even in their regular size so you may have to size up or down, or choose a different shoe completely.
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