The Best Water Shoes for Any Adventure
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Years ago, my friends arrived in Croatia ahead of me and sent a warning: “There are sea urchins, so bring some plastic water shoes for swimming since you don’t want to get spines in your feet!” I sent back a baffled message, not understanding what they meant. Wouldn’t flip flops do the trick? Nope—the locals recommended shoes that would be secure around my entire foot.
Once I got to the rocky beaches around Orebic, I was grateful for the generic pair of water shoes I had brought on the trip. Not only did they protect me from potential sea creatures, but it was exponentially easier to walk across the hot stones than it would have been in flip flops. Soon, I started bringing water shoes with me on all water-bound trips. While they might not always score major fashion points, in these situations, water shoes have literally saved my soles.
Whether you’re headed out to a rocky beach or lake, going for a light hike with river crossings, or simply want to avoid scraped or burnt feet near the water, you’ll want a sturdy pair of swim shoes on hand. Below, 16 of the best water shoes, including a handful of editor-tested picks, for every occasion.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Madison Flager.
Keen SOLR Sandal
Most practical
If you spend a lot of time doing water activities, the Keen SOLR Sandal, primed for any hydro-terrain, is your friend (after all, SOLR stands for “Sea. Ocean. Lake. River.”). The amphibious grip prevents slips and trips, while the recycled plastic bottle webbing gets bonus points for sustainability. Plus, all Keen water sandals can be washed on a gentle cycle and air dried.
Swims Penny Loafer
Most versatile
Loafers that you can dunk in water? You bet. Made of natural rubber and thermoplastic polyurethane (TBU), the Swims Penny Loafers are chic enough to require the same care as leather, yet so water-friendly that they can be tossed in the washing machine (just remove the insole and put both parts in a washing bag).
Teva Hurricane Drift
Best sandals
During a river trip in the Grand Canyon in 1984, a raft guide needed a way to stop sandals from floating away, so he attached a couple of velcro watch bands to flip-flops and Teva was born. While the Original Universal sandal is still the classic, the vegan Hurricane Drift has a molded silhouette for comfort and is so lightweight, it’s like going barefoot. The solid matching colors of the straps and soles also give off a sleeker look than other water shoes.
Ecco X-Trinsic Flat Sandal
Best men's water shoe
The Ecco X-Trinsic Flat Sandal is the best of both worlds: equal parts sturdy and light. It’s made using the company’s patented direct injection process for a firm base with a rubber outsole that provides a strong grip on slippery surfaces, and a lightweight textile upper that won’t weigh you down. The microfiber footbed also helps with toe grip, helpful when you're climbing out of the water across wet rocks.
- ShoppingA New Season of The White Lotus Just Dropped, Along With a Ton of CollaborationsParis Wilson
Lands' End Slip-On Water Shoes
Best women's water shoe
With a breathable upper made of jersey and mesh, the Lands' End slip-on water shoe is so lightweight, it feels more like a sock than a shoe. Lock in that cozy feeling with the adjustable bungee cord that tightens at the heel for a perfect fit. The drainage holes in the removable footbed are guaranteed to keep your feet dry. With a choice of four patterns, the Fresh Boreal Blue Tile and Deep Sea Stripe designs add a touch of color to typically neutral waterfront style.
Speedo Kids Surf Knit Pro
Best for kids
The sleek Speedo Surf Knit Pro is like slipping into a second skin—so much so that young ones won’t even notice the difference as they splash around from sand to sea, or in and out of the pool, thanks to the water-resistant insole. Plus, the sturdy outsole designed for secure traction will give parents peace of mind, turning a day at the beach into, well, a day at the beach.
- ShoppingA New Season of The White Lotus Just Dropped, Along With a Ton of CollaborationsParis Wilson
Simari sports water shoes
Best for rocky beaches
If you know you're going to be walking across a rocky beach or surfing in an area with a rocky floor, consider these designed-for-sport water shoes (just tuck the laces in securely if you plan to do the latter). Tested by Traveler senior editor Megan Spurrell, they fit well: snug and form-fitting but stretchy, with a soft material and a sole that is thick and supportive but flexible enough to fold in half to be packed. Spurrell found that these shoes struck the right balance between not feeling too bulky or too tight, though she did note that the back of the shoe hits a low spot on the ankle where blisters are prone to forming. She recommends trying them on around the house and considering wearing a padded sock or bandage over your heel to avoid a blister if you plan on hiking with them or otherwise walking around outside the water for stretches of time.
Anluke water socks
Best for boating
For a lightweight shoe you can toss in your beach bag or keep in your trunk, these do the trick. We found them to be comfortable, with no confinement across the bridge of foot or toes, even for a wide foot. They're not super thick on the bottom, so they are better for wearing on a boat or out in the water if you want some extra coverage (for example, if you're walking over hot sand) than for use over rocky surfaces. They fit nice and snug around the ankle, and the rubber bottoms help avoid sliding around while walking on slick surfaces.
- ShoppingA New Season of The White Lotus Just Dropped, Along With a Ton of CollaborationsParis Wilson
Simari water shoes
Best for kayaking
Tested by Traveler commerce editor Madison Flager, these comfortable and soft water socks felt like slippers, and didn't cause any irritation or blisters while wearing. They did get a little heavy in the water, and weren't super tight around ankle, meaning water and sand seeped in, but they did rinse clean easily. The rubber sole is relatively thick, though, and has grooved grip lines—we could easily walk back to the car across cement in them when testing out. Wear these for kayak outings or even paddleboarding.
Merrell Hydro Moc
Best for camping
Merrell's Hydro Moc is a shoe that's likely to cause double takes. Similar in style to Crocs, they have honeycomb-like cutouts across the bridge that double as drainage holes. The water shoes are made with a flexible, rubber-like material and come in several bright colors and tie-dye-esque shades. They have a contoured arch for foot support, and a strap around the heel for a more secure fit. Made to slip on and off, they're ideal to wear around camp or to change into after you take your hiking boots off, but we'd just as soon wear them for day trips to the nearest lake or swimming hole.
- ShoppingA New Season of The White Lotus Just Dropped, Along With a Ton of CollaborationsParis Wilson
Racqua water shoes
Best adjustable fit
Tested by Traveler's global associate director of audience development Lara Kramer, these comfortable shoes move with the shape of your foot. They are not restrictive at all, yet still feel secure around the ankle. One of the unique features: a pull-string that allows you to tighten the shoe as needed for the best possible fit. The bottom is more cushioned than other water shoes Kramer has worn—almost sneaker-like, but still quite light. She recommends them for water sports; they're durable enough to wear while walking to the car or even pedaling home, if you're lucky enough to live in close proximity to a beach or lake.
Tilos 3mm Short Neoprene Sock
Best aqua sock
For a more secure fit, slip into dive brand Tilos’s 3mm Short Neoprene Sock. Even though it’s form-fitting (thanks to the four-way stretch) and lightweight (made of limestone neoprene), it’s still strong enough to protect you from hot sand above water or rocky edges underneath. Or, choose to use them as an extra layer of protection under diving fins or even an open pair of water shoes.
- ShoppingA New Season of The White Lotus Just Dropped, Along With a Ton of CollaborationsParis Wilson
Vessi Weekend Sneaker
Best everyday shoe
Not only are all Vessi shoes vegan and waterproof, but the Weekend Sneaker, which debuted in August, is also the first shoe in its line to be machine washable. (Vessi recommends removing the laces, putting the shoes in a laundry bag, and washing the two in separate loads.) And all that in a classic court style design that’s ideal to go from day to night—and adventure to relaxation.
Native Jefferson Bloom
Best for the whole family
With the classic design of a slip-on with a rubber toe and rand, the Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) shoe is so lightweight that it’s hard to believe it also absorbs shocks and resists odor—and is just as sturdy in the water as it is on land. Both adults and kids can choose from solid colors and fun prints. But the best part is that the company is working to make sure all its used shoes find a second life by being ground into materials for playground padding, floors, insulation, and seating.
- ShoppingA New Season of The White Lotus Just Dropped, Along With a Ton of CollaborationsParis Wilson
Merrell Hydrotrekker Synthetic Sieve
Best for hikes
Every aspect of the Merrell Hydrotrekker Synthetic Sieve is made for the active water adventurer: a webbed upper, neoprene tongue, Hydromorph midsoles (that keep water flowing out and air coming in), and a specially designed gripped sole for added traction to help you go smoothly from wet to dry land. If you're looking for a water-friendly trail shoe, this is a great option; at just over a pound, it won't weigh down your suitcase, either.
Sanuk Chiba Journey LX
Best boot
For heartier adventures—perhaps a river walk in the woods or a beach hike along a rocky shore—opt for the sturdy Sanuk Chiba Journey LX. The water-resistant boot is made of Yulex Pure plant-based rubber, along with a thick sole tread for a tight grip and a neoprene collar for ankle support.