Finding the best water shoes to buy should be the first thing to do if you are a kayaker, a boating enthusiast, have to walk on the bank of the river or on beaches or anyone who always hover around marine banks and watery areas. As the name indicates these shoes are meant to serve people to keep them safe from getting hurt when they are walking on watery surfaces or have to get into the water sports for some time.
These shoes are made and designed to keep your feet safe when you have a higher chance to slip, get hurt by the waterborne stones and marine animals. Here we have sorted a comprehensive set of information and suitable water shoe for you to know more about them so that you understand why you need them.
Perks of Having or Wearing Water Shoes
People are aware of the fact that when they wear slippers, soft or canvas shoes or there walking shoe while walking on slippery rocks, beaches and while kayaking in wavy waters, their feet get wet, they may get slipped or they might get injuries due to slipping off from the watery rocks and stones. But if you consider wearing a good pair of water shoe you are going to enjoy the perks of wearing them in many different ways. Some of the most common yet significant benefits are discussed below:
You stay safe from getting slipped either walking on rocks at the bank of the river or beach as these are specially designed with anti-slip materials and grooving on the outsole that keeps the foot stable with better grip.
Water shoes are made with materials that do not absorb water and they make sure to keep the inside of the shoe free from getting flooded to avoid squishy feet.
Your foot stays at an optimum temperature when you wear the water shoes. This is because when you wear water shoes they snuggly fit on your foot and has the water repellent cover so your foot does not get wet and keep the temperature constant to make sure you don’t feel cold.
The sole is made of rugged, durable and flexible rubber that ensures, corals, stings, stones and pointed rocks will not pierce through the sole and your feet will not get hurt no matter where you are walking.
The traction is beyond your expectation as it gives you a good grip on the ground and you can walk easy and briskly on hard to handle slippery and uneven rocks and stones.
They are lightweight and make sure to keep you easy and relaxed as you walk on your way to the pointy rocks and slippery water banks.
Superior toe box protection makes sure to keep your feet away from injuries.
Some Downsides of Wearing Water Shoes
Though water shoes are perfect when you are planning your day on a beachside, or kayaking and fishing all day. They work well for better traction in water and slippery ground but they also have some limitations.
Water shoes are not good to wear for regular hiking tasks as you may need more foot protection and support with the help of padding and arch support which is not there in water shoes.
Though not all of them, the majority of the water shoe are not too good to be worn as a casual shoe and you will have to keep them as an accessory for water sports only and that could be an extra expense for some people.
Some water shoes are so packed and made of water repellent material using a closed design that they are hard to put on and may not be breathable and that may cause some issues for the user.
Best Men’s Water Shoes Reviews:
To make sure you find the best water shoe that enables you to stay confident and safe in conditions where you need your feet need lots of protection and traction, we have listed some of the best options:
1. Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoe
This Merrell Men’s All-out Sieve Water shoe is made to match the needs of people who have to walk through water splashes and streams. It has been designed in a way that keeps the foot free from getting flooded and let the water get drained immediately.
The leather used in it making is of high-quality and imported to maintain the international standards.
The synthetic sole is durable and provides protection from pointy objects. The waxy upper makes sure to repel water splashes and keep the foot safe from outside water thrusts. In addition to that, the Unifly Midsole helps the foot to cope with the uneven surfaces and keep the foot grip on the terrain. It is easy to wear on and allows your feet to keep a good hold on the tracks.
Pros:
- Good tractions
- Water-repellent upper
- 3mm lug for foot safety
- Easy to wear
2. Adidas Outdoor Men’s Climacool Boat Lace Water Shoe
Adidas always offers the best for the users. This outdoor Men’s water shoe offers some uniquely made features and design options that offer support and safety for users who have to put them on while walking on the watery ground. It is made up of high-class, imported synthetic material for keeping it durable and safe from getting soaked in water. The durable and protective rubber sole ensure protection against pointy things like rocks.
The shaft of the shoe measures around 2 inches from the arch to keep the foot support enough for balance and comfort. In addition to that, the Climacool mesh fabric ensures increased breathability and keep the foot away from squishy feelings. To keep the foot comfortable and safe the shoe comes with EVA tongue that provides padding and support. The heel allows some stretching and adjustment capability for the perfect fit.
PRO:
- Perfect for to be used in water
- Breathable and lightweight
- Rugged Sole
- Protected tow box
- Durable
3. Columbia Men’s Bahama Vent PFG Slip-On Boat Shoes
This water shoe by Columbia is a perfect, easy to wear and protective water shoe that comes with a simple yet comfortable design that is suitable for a wide range of purposes. It is basically a canvas shoe and has a canvas top along with all high-quality materials to offer a perfect slip-on style. The shoe is suitable for a wide range of foot sizes and width as it offers a comfortable fit to any kind of foot.
The midsole is specially designed to drain out the water that may be coming in as you walk through the water. The vent also works for keeping the shoe breathable with sufficient airflow. The Techlite technology offers energy, comfort and sufficient padding for the foot to stay active and injury resistant no matter how much and where you have to walk.
The shoe features Omni-Grip outsole that is made up of no-mark rubber and is equipped with the rugged surface for increased grip on the ground and keeps the foot stable even on slippery ground and rocks.
PRO:
- Durable and comfortable
- Easy to wear on
- Rugged outsole with Omni-Grip
- Increased performance and energy
- Midsole vent for airflow and water drainage
4. Under Armour Men’s Kilchis
Water shoe needs to have a perfect design made of top-class materials that can resist water, drain out the incoming water, do not get soaked and all things like that. This shoe has been designed to match all these needs. It has a synthetic rubber sole for increased traction and durability of the shoe. The upper is also made up of synthetic mesh for increased comfort, snug fit, and breathability.
The shaft is low top from the arch for better and comfortable foot positioning. The quick dry textile upper makes sure you don't have to wait for your shoe to get dry for days. The shoe has been made to resist abrasions with the help of synthetic overlay that gives it even more strength and durability. It is easy to wear and has bungee laces for easy and comfortable wear.
PROS:
- High-end durability and abrasion resistance
- Increased grip on the ground
- Easy to wear
- Breathable
- Drains out water quickly
- Quick dry upper
5. ALEADER Men’s Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes
This is one of the most suitable water shoe one could ever find which is easy to wear and offers a breathable inner for a comfortable walk. The rubber sole is rugged and designed to give the maximum grip on a slippery ground. Paired with an excellent design and materials, the Solyte Midsole offers bounce and energy without increasing the weight of the shoe.
The outsole is specially designed to provide traction and stability on any kind of surface. The shoe also features ComforDry sock liner for increased breathability, padding and dry inner lining for keeping the foot easy.
PROS:
- Dries out quickly
- Comfortable and durable
- Easy to wear
- Increased traction and performance
- Lightweight
- Provides sufficient support
6. MOHEM Men’s Poseidon Mesh Walking Shoes Casual Water Shoes
MOHEM Men’s Poseidon Mesh walking and casual water shoe have their own unique features that make it perfect for casual use as well as make sure to keep you equipped as you walk in watery areas. They have a rugged, thick sole made of durable synthetic rubber for better traction and enough protection to keep your feet safe on pointy rocks and another object on the way.
The breathable mesh upper provides a fresh feel and keeps the inside of the shoe dry enough for increased comfort. The shoe weighs less than 8 oz. assures ultra-light, burden free feeling during the walk. It is made in China, assures quality and long-lasting performance and has the lowest possible cost a shoe with such qualities could have.
PROS:
- Durable and lightweight
- Breathable
- Rugged, non-slip outsole
- Lace-up design
Best Water Shoes for Women Reviews
As we have discussed earlier, our aim is to provide as much information about the water shoes as most of the people would need to decide on which shoe to buy. So, here is a sorted list of water shoe that would be suitable for women.
8. Merrell Women’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoe
These shoes are perfect for women who love hiking through streams and climb rocky areas. This shoe comes with waterproof leather upper and Lycra fabric to make sure it repels water and keeps your foot away from getting flooded with water as you walk through it. The Unifly Midsole offers support and makes sure to keep your foot connected to the ground so that you can have a grip on any kind of surface you are walking on.
The waterproof materials do not soak in water and make sure to dry out quickly as you leave the water stream. The shoe flexes easily and provides easy to put on and take off design for easy usage. It also features Anti-Microbial agents for odor-free, fresh feel.
The outsole is rugged and offers a 3 Mm lug for better foot support and protection. The toe box is also protected with thick rubber outside. The shoe offers high-level traction and support for the foot to keep on walking no matter if you have to walk through aggressive stream water.
PROS:
- Thick outsole
- Protected toe box
- Easy to wear
- Flexible and durable
- Lightweight as its just 1 lb. 1 oz.
- Quick dry and water repellent materials
9. KEEN Women’s Whisper Sandal
This is a comfortable and quick dry sandal perfect for women who have to walk in watery areas or streams often. It is made in the USA and is made of high quality international standard materials to ensure lasting performance. The shoe features a thick rubber sole that protects the foot from getting hurt and also offer traction to keep the foot stable on any kind of ground. The bungee lace ensures the sandal fits snuggly on the foot and keeps it safe from getting slipped on slippery ground.
The sandal also features the specialized Cleansport NXT component to offer odor control. The sandal is made up of mesh lining that is water-repellent and ensures it will not soak in water. In addition to it, the EVA midsole offers support, comfort, and connectivity to the ground for a comfortable and safe walk. The footbed has been designed to support the foot and keep it in its natural posture for an easier walk.
These are machine washable sandals and can be cleaned easily with the help of detergent keeping the machine on gentle cycle and use air dry to make sure the shoe gets the perfect cleaning cycle.
PROS:
- Hydrophobic materials
- Rugged outsole
- EVA midsole and well-designed support
- Odor free
- Easy to wear
- Easy to clean using machine wash
- Toe box protection
10. RYKA Women’s Hydro Sports Water Shoe Cross-Training Shoe
This shoe is perfect to be used as a water shoe because of its quick dry, non-soaking mesh upper that dries out quickly. In addition to that, the rubber sole is designed to give maximum traction on slippery ground and rocks as well. There is also a removable footbed that is perforated and helps in draining out water easily.
The sole also comes with drainage ports to keep the foot dry and way from flooding issues. The materials are able to resist chlorine and water thrusts. The outsole material offers sticky rubber surface to keep your foot safe on slippery surfaces. This is a hybrid water shoe that also has a webbed mid-foot cover that keeps the foot supported from medial and lateral sides.
PROS:
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Synthetic, mesh, non-soaking material
- Water drainage system in sole
- High-quality material resistant to chlorine
- Sticky outsole for increased traction
11. Speedo Women’s ZipWalker Water Shoe
This Speedo Zip walker water shoe is made up of fabric and high-quality mesh to ensure comfort, protection, and breathability. The synthetic sole offers high-class traction and safety as well. The durable outsole assures safety from pointed rocks and other pointed structure on your way in water streams. The zipper upper closure offers easy wear and comfortable fit for the user.
PROS:
- Sleek style comfortable shoe
- Easy to wear
- Quick dry
- Soft footbed
- Durable and protective outsole
11. Jambu Women’s Sierra Water Ready Water Shoe
This Jambu water ready shoe is one of its kind because of its high-end foot protection, support, and traction. The shoe is made of high-quality materials including rubber sole, mesh and waxy fabric upper and offers a snug fit for the foot.
The shoe is designed to support the foot’s natural posture and provide enough support through the footbed. The heel is approximately 1.25 inches and keeps the foot above the ground for better bounce and traction as well. The antibacterial lining assures to keep your foot odor free.
PROS:
- Rugged, durable outsole
- Breathable
- Quick dry
- Easy to wear
Different Types of Water Shoes
You may find a few different types of water shoes on the market. One must know how these differ on the basis of their structure and purpose as well as how their features make them different from each other: You may find the following different types of shoes categorized under the category of water shoe:
- Closed water shoe
- Water sandals
- Aqua socks
- Zippered water shoe
Closed water shoe has waxy fabric or material on the upper and provide protection against water flooding and also offer rigged outsole for better traction and foot protection. They may also have water drainage system inside and on the sole as well. The shoe dries out quickly and does not soak in water.
Water sandals have an open design and are made up of high-quality water-repellent materials and keep the foot dry and easy with a higher level of breathability.
Aqua socks can be worn on beaches or water areas but they are used in combination with water shoes and alone they would not protect your feet from hard and pointy objects on the beach or in a stream.
Zippered aqua shoes are low profile shoes with rugged, durable yet low profile design. These are good for a beach walk.
Buying Guide For the Best Water Shoes
Buying water shoe could be easier if you know a few tips to help you sort things out easily. Here are a few things you must consider before buying the best water shoes:
Type of Shoe You Need
At first, you have to determine, which type of water shoe you need the most. You may need shoes that protect your feet as a whole and offer support and protection from all sides. For this, you may consider buying closed style water shoe. In case if you are looking for the more breathable design you may go for water sandals.
Features You Need To Look For
Make Sure To Look For the Following Features In Your Water Shoe:
Level of Foot protection
The shoe must exhibit features and components that assure a high level of foot protection against rocks and pointed object. Look for deep lug design and toe box protection if you are looking for a high-quality shoe. The padding and the sole plays an important part in this regard.
Excellent Traction
Better traction is needed as always and make sure to look for shoes that offer stable, durable and somewhat sticky outsole and comfortable midsole for better traction on a wide range of surfaces and slippery areas.
Quick Drying
Purpose of The Shoe to Determine Your Needs
Another very important thing that you should not forget about is the purpose of the shoe or the water shoe for which you are going to wear these water shoes on.
You Must Be Needing These Shoes For the Following Purposes:
For kayaking, fishing, and boating you may consider buying closed water shoe with water drainage system and quick dry upper. Whereas for hiking purpose you should be looking for high-level traction, padding, and support for the foot along with toe box protection as well.
For swimming, you may look for aqua socks whereas for beach walk you may need to look for low profile zippered water shoe with the durable and protective outsole.
After this detailed discussion regarding the best water shoes people may find on the market, we have a comprehensive list of features, qualities, and products that anyone can compare to see which shoe is the best for use in water. Though some shoes are made to match the needs of specific circumstances, all water shoes provide high-end traction, comfort for the foot and connect the foot to the ground for a slip-free walk on a wide range of surfaces. We can say that if a person understands his or her basic needs of having a water shoe and the available features and options which are the best, it is easier to pick the right one in no time for sure.