The Best Water Shoes
Whether you're setting sail into the open ocean, delving into unknown depths, or simply heading to your local pool for an exercise class, the open water can be full of surprises. When you're ready to dive in, it's best to be equipped to face any adversity that may come your way. Water shoes provide a much-needed layer of defense for bare feet when navigating unknown waters. They can be also be worn to provide additional grip when you're traversing slippery surfaces at sea or by the pool. As we searched for the sturdiest seafaring pair of water shoes on the market, we kept our eyes peeled for options with effective drainage, a wide selection of colors to pick from, and superb grip on wet surfaces and on land. With all that in mind, Vifuur's sports shoes came out on top thanks to their supreme comfort and flexibility. We love how lightweight and unobtrusive in design, they are; however, they might not protect your soles against the sharpest objects underfoot. For unparalleled protection from rocks and debris, the thick soles on the shoes from Doussprt and DLGJPA have you covered. Read on below to find the rest of our top picks.
Vifuur Water Sports Shoes
Keeping your feet under wraps on a trip to the beach doesn’t have to be a bore. These trendy water shoes blend comfort and practicality with style, so you’ll be able to look at your best as you paddle away. A sturdy rubber sole cushions your step on sand and pebbles, and thanks to that, you can wade into the depths with confidence. Their lightweight construction won’t hold you back as you power through the waves, either, making these a great option for all manner of water sports.
Pros:
- The smooth ankle opening prevents discomfort and chafing when these shoes are drenched.
- A flexible form means these shoes can be rolled up compactly for storage. They won’t take up much space in a swim bag.
- With a staggering range of styles and prints, you won’t be caught short when searching for your favorite color.
Cons:
- The sole on these shoes isn’t thick enough to provide comfortable protection against jagged rocks.
Doussprt Women’s Water Shoes
Oceanic adventurer
If you’re planning on wearing your water shoes for surf sports, boating, or other similar adventures, you might also want a pair that’s comfortable for walking on deck. This amphibious pair for women adopt a more substantial design than most water shoes, and as such, they’re more reminiscent of a classic sneaker. But don’t be fooled by the understated appearance — the upper fabric on this pair is a permeable mesh, making these shoes breathable in the open air and quick to dry after submersion.
Pros:
- The soles contain small holes to improve drainage, and they’re also substantial enough to protect you from all but the sharpest rocks and debris.
- Thick and grippy soles also mean that these shoes are well suited to beach sports like volleyball.
- An elastic shoelace does away with knots while still facilitating an easily adjustable fit.
Cons:
- The perforations in the soles are great for drainage, but they might allow small pebbles or sand to enter.
DLGJPA Men’s Water Shoes
Flow free
Dive into the action with this sport-ready pair designed to maximize your dexterity in the water. The high tongue and heel on this design help protect your foot from all angles, providing unparalleled defense against cuts and scratches. Fluidflow technology in the mesh upper works with drainage holes in the sole to distribute water so that your feet don’t become heavy and immobile when they’re wet. The result is a shoe with a sturdy grip that’s perfect for maneuvering wet surfaces.
Pros:
- The large variety of color styles means it’s easy to find an option that coordinates with wetsuits and surf equipment.
- The elastic strap closures are readily adjustable and neatly tucked away above to avoid dangerous tangles.
- We appreciate that the raised rubber tip at the front of the sole protects your toes from being stubbed when traversing rocks.
Cons:
- These water shoes tend to fit larger than average, so be sure to check the sizing chart before you order.
Racqua Barefoot Water Shoes
If you push yourself to the limits of performance in watersports like surfing, you’ll know that balance and poise can be the difference between riding a beautiful wave right to the shore and ending up in the drink. Racqua’s flexible barefoot water shoes offer you unparalleled control underfoot, with free-toe, low-profile soles that allow you to distribute your balance with subtle precision. We love that the super-lightweight and flexible material can also be folded down to a miniature size for storage.
Pros:
- Non-slip rubber traction lines the entire sole and every single toe, offering maximum grip.
- Being able to move your toes independently makes it easier to refine your stroke when swimming in these shoes.
- Thanks to the thick, you’ll remain comfortable when walking on most surfaces out of the water.
Cons:
- The barefoot design can leave your toes exposed to knocks and stubs, which isn’t ideal if you plan to traverse exceptionally rocky environments.
L-Run Athletic Water Shoes
Few closures make it as easy to slip your shoes on and off as quickly as Velcro. If you need to jump in and out of your water shoes in record time, this versatile athletic pair from L-Run could be just the ticket. The composite upper blends mesh and leather, making these shoes airy and permeable. As such, they’ll be dry in record time once you’re back to land. TPR traction on each sole gives you a sturdy grip on the slippiest obstacles and offers steady support when walking or running out of the water.
Pros:
- Bendable soles and uppers mean you can morph these shoes to fit into small storage compartments.
- We appreciate that the insoles are removable. Thanks to that, you can adjust your fit and underfoot support to your liking.
Cons:
- The large perforations in this mesh are prone to filling with sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are my water shoes machine-washable?
Swim gear can become damp and smelly if it’s not dried properly after use, and this will require a deep clean. These shoes are designed to get wet, so it’s no surprise that most are welcome in our washing machines. As with all new garments, though, be sure to check the label for advice on choosing the correct wash cycle.
Do water shoes use the same sizing as street shoes?
Yes, water shoes are typically measured with the same sizing as regular street shoes, so you won’t necessarily have to remeasure your feet before ordering. However, as these shoes are designed for a tight fit without socks, you might find that you end up settling for a smaller size than usual. If in doubt, most manufacturers provide a detailed sizing chart that you can consult before ordering.
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