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From navigating slippery river rocks to strolling hot, sandy shorelines, a functional pair of water shoes is essential for providing secure footing and protecting your feet from hazards. The best water shoes adapt seamlessly to a variety of aquatic environments, and versatile design features like collapsible heels and multi-configurable straps mean that shoes can transition between activities while still keeping you comfortable.

While water shoes of the past often traded style for functionality, there are plenty of options today that excel in performance without compromising on aesthetics, so you can confidently sport them around town as well as in the water. Our crew of testers rigorously tested the newest water shoes and sandals, engaging in activities like hiking, paddling, swimming, traversing slippery decks, and casual beach combing. Here are our top picks.

At a Glance

• Best All-Around: Keen Hyperport H2 Sandals ($120)
• For Casual Use: Xtratuf Riptide Sandal ($55)
• For Boating: Stio CFS Shoe ($109)
• For Wet Trails: Salomon Techamphibian 5 ($110)
• Beach Sandal: Reef Oasis Double Up ($42)
• For Rafting: Luna Middle Bear Winged Edition ($120)
• For Traction: Keen Newport Slide ($115)
• For Canyoneering: Teva Outflow Universal ($110)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best All-Around

Keen Hyperport H2 Sandals

Available For: Men and women
Size Range: 7-15 (men’s), 5-11 (women’s)
Comfort Rating: 9/10
Traction Rating: 8/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Ultra cushioned with plenty of grip
⊕ Collapsible heel turns shoe into a slip-on sandal
⊕ Versatile
⊗ Maximalist style isn’t for everyone

The Hyperport H2 is a cushioned, lightweight, and versatile hybrid shoe as suitable for light day hiking as paddleboarding and beach hangouts. The spongy foam delivers all-day comfort, and the outsole features targeted slit-like grooves that channel water away for exceptional traction and stability.

“I was impressed by the grip on wet surfaces and these shoes gave me enough confidence to hop from rock to rock along the river bank,” said one tester who wore them on a wildlife photography excursion that included navigating moss-covered boulders and slick logs. She also praised the shoe for its collapsible back that converts the Hyperport from a shoe to a sandal. “I could slip them on when my hands were full with gear, and it prevents sand from rubbing on the heel during beach excursions.”

When worn up, the stretchy mesh back makes for easy on and off, and is snug enough that the shoes don’t slip off when going for a lake dip (the lace-lock bungee system also helps keep them tight). The only point of contention among testers was the maximalist aesthetic; in the bright colorways, some found the design a bit too bold and attention-grabbing for their taste.

Best for Casual Use

Xtratuf Riptide Sandal

Available For: Unisex model for men and women
Size Range: 4-14
Comfort Rating: 9/10
Traction Rating: 8/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Versatile
⊕ Snug fit
⊕ Available in multiple colors
⊗ Fit is not customizable

The sleek, molded foam Riptide sandals were a favorite among testers due to their combination of comfort, versatility, and ease of use. The lightweight, waterproof construction is ideal for both wet and dry conditions, and the slip-resistant soles provide exceptional traction that ensures stability and safety on slick or uneven surfaces.

“While in the water I felt confident, and they protected really well against smaller debris like twigs and pebbles underfoot,” said one B.C.-based tester who wore these sandals paddleboarding and exploring tidal pools along the rocky shoreline. “I was never worried about where I was stepping while walking along the shore as the waves rolled in.”

The Riptide is made from an eco-friendlier BioLite foam that’s biodegradable (but only in very specific conditions), and cleaning them is as simple as rinsing them off. The stretchy nature of the material made for easy entry and once in the shoe, they fit snug and secure, while the holes throughout provide adequate ventilation and drainage.

Bonus: They blend style with practicality, making them suitable for transitioning from water-based activities to casual social gatherings.

Best for Boating

Stio CFS Shoe

Available For: Men and women
Size Range: 8-13 (men’s) 6-11 (women’s)
Comfort Rating: 8/10
Traction Rating: 8/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ You can wear them hiking and at the beach
⊕ Collapsible heel for convenient on/off
⊕ Quick bungee laces for easy adjustments, secure fit
⊗ Sand and debris can get trapped

The Stio CFS shoe blends the comfort of a sneaker with the drainage and traction required for aquatic environments. A breathable, quick-dry mesh upper is coupled with a speedy bungee lace system to make for a comfortable and a secure fit—we were blister-free without needing to wear socks. The fold-down heel allows the CFS to be slipped on hands-free, which is particularly useful if you’re carrying a paddleboard or kayak.

Underfoot, the traction rubber outsole provided reliable grip, which allowed us to stay upright even on slippery, algae-covered rocks. “I can wear these just about anywhere,” said one seasoned outdoor enthusiast based in Ontario, “although, I did find myself having to remove them to dump out sand and debris from time to time.”

Best for Wet Trails

Salomon Techamphibian 5

Available For: Men and women
Size Range: 7-14 (men’s) 5-11 (women’s)
Comfort Rating: 7/10
Traction Rating: 9/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Exceptional protection and traction
⊕ Durable
⊕ Collapsible heel adds functionality
⊗ Not as cushy as ones with spongy soles

For adventures that end in waterfall encounters and lakeside swims, the Techamphibian 5 merges the essentials of a hiking shoe with the features needed in a water shoe. These shoes have a hard rubber outsole for excellent protection underfoot from sharp rocks, an added cap to prevent toe stubs, and unrivaled grip on slippery rocks. “They felt more than capable on an all-day coastal hike and they’re comfortable to wear with and without socks,” said one tester who wore them on a five-hour hike with multiple creek crossings in the Pacific Northwest.

The shoe features Salomon’s quick bungee lace system for a secure lockdown (which tucks away neatly), and pull straps around the heel allow you to cinch them tight to the back of the foot, but also let the heel collapse for even easier entry and multi-functionality. They’re also durably constructed with mesh throughout that keeps them breathable and allows water to drain. While they don’t dry as quickly as molded foam water shoes, the tradeoff is worth it for those that want a water shoe they can hike and do other rugged activities in.

Best Beach Sandal

Reef Oasis Double Up

Available For: Men
Size Range: 6-13 (men’s)
Comfort Rating: 8/10
Traction Rating: 7/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Easy on/off
⊕ Cleans easily
⊕ Soft and supportive
⊗ Slips off sometimes (especially in water)
⊗ Sole can be too flexible

It’s nice to avoid the awkward toe-post on flip-flops, and these soft and supportive slides are optimal for those who are constantly in and out of the water—whether that’s a lakeshore, coastal beach, or river bank. The footbed’s deep heel cup and anatomic contouring helped us stay on our feet, even on wet sand and gravel, and the non-marking, injection-molded outsole provided excellent traction in low-tide, muddy conditions on a Northern California beach.

The water-friendly TPU material also cleans easily and dries quickly. “Run the hose over them for a few seconds, and that’s all you need to clean them off,” said one tester based in California. Bonus: These slides can pull double-duty as camp and home slippers.

Best for Rafting

Luna Middle Bear Winged Edition

Available For: Men and women
Size Range: 4-13 (men’s), 6-12 (women’s)
Comfort Rating: 9/10
Traction Rating: 10/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Easy to get rid of pebbles
⊗ No arch support
⊗ Strap adjustment can be tricky

These lightweight minimalist sandals might look like they wouldn’t last, but their ruggedness took us by surprise. The Vibram Megagrip outsole and 4.5-millimeter lugs provided incredible purchase when rock-hopping across creeks or when we launched a boat from a pebbly beach in Baja California.

The open design and lack of a toe box meant we could shake pebbles easily. Quick-adjust performance laces thread securely through soft winged triangles on the sides and help to keep the fit stable, regardless of the terrain. “I expected those triangles to rub, as with other similar sandals, but these are soft and far more comfortable,” remarked one tester.

Best for Traction

Keen Newport Slide

Available For: Men and Women
Size Range: 7-15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s)
Comfort Rating: 9/10
Traction Rating: 9/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Versatile
⊕ Toe bumper protection
⊗ Prone to slipping off the foot
⊗ May need to size up 1/2 size

The Newport Slide was born from Keen’s Number 1 hybrid sandal, so it comes as no surprise that testers were a fan. The sandal’s EVA insole provided good arch and midsole support for all-day comfort, whether we were adventuring by boat, or relaxing afterward around the campfire.

The non-marking rubber outsole, with its razor siping and multi-directional lug pattern, provided excellent traction along rugged coastlines in California, the shore of Lake Tahoe, and the banks of the Tuolumne River. A classic Keen toe bumper protects toes from errant rocks and logs. Just one gripe: “The lack of heel strap leans to more casual use than in-and-out water security,” said one tester after stepping out of the sandal in water multiple times while wearing them on a Pacific Coast beach.

Best for Canyoneering

Teva Outflow Universal

Available For: Men and Women
Size Range: 7-14 (men’s), 5-11 (women’s)
Comfort Rating: 8/10
Traction Rating: 9/10

Pros and Cons
⊕ Stays on foot even when wet
⊕ Can be used for running
⊗ Prone to accumulating sand
⊗ Feet may sweat more than an open shoe

There was no need to interrupt our adventures to take pebbles out of the Outflow Universal thanks to the mesh and stretch-fit collar that acted as our rock watchdog. The dry mesh upper and microfiber lining incorporate recycled polyester, which feels soft against the skin. The water sneaker’s recycled rubber outsole has a sticky tread, providing durability and solid traction. The top sole, meanwhile, cushioned our foot for miles along segments of the Oregon Coast Trail. Teva’s velcro strapping system helps dial in a more precise, adjustable fit for comfort and stability.

An added bonus: The shoe is treated with a responsibly-sourced peppermint-based antimicrobial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Water Shoes and Waterproof Shoes?

Unlike waterproof shoes, which feature materials like Gore-Tex or special water-resistant coatings that prevent water from entering the shoe, water shoes aren’t meant to keep your feet dry. Instead, they keep feet protected and provide great traction on slippery surfaces when you’re on or around the water doing activities like SUPing, beachcombing, or day hiking a rocky shoreline. They should have excellent water drainage, keep sand and debris out, and be made of quick-drying materials.

How Should Water Shoes Fit?

Water shoes should fit snugly wet or dry, and our testers found that we had the best luck in shoes that corresponded to our usual, everyday shoe size. Check that there’s a little space (about a thumb’s width) between your longest toe and the end of the shoe to ensure comfort, especially when your feet expand after prolonged activity in warmer conditions. Since you may not be wearing socks with your water shoes, make sure the heel doesn’t slip to avoid blisters and the shoes feel secure without pinching. For activities where you’re directly in the water, like kayaking or snorkeling, shoes that hug your feet a little tighter can prevent them from slipping off in the water, but they shouldn’t constrict movement or circulation.

How Do I Clean and Maintain Water Shoes?

To keep your water shoes long-lasting and looking their best, rinse them thoroughly with fresh water after each excursion to remove salt and debris, as they can degrade the materials over time. Allow them to dry completely in a well-ventilated area to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, preferably not in direct sunlight which can weaken the fabric and cause fading.

Should You Wear Socks with Water Shoes?

Most water shoes are designed to be worn barefoot and have features like integrated drainage systems and quick-drying materials. For water activities that require a snug fit and precise foot movements, wearing socks might affect the shoe’s grip and your tactile connection with the shoe. However, some styles of water shoes, like those that flex between beach hangs and day hikes, might be more accommodating for socks, which can provide additional protection against blisters and chafing. Ultimately, it’s about personal preference and the demands of the specific activity.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 8
• Number of products tested: 22
• Bodies of water tested in: 6
• Number of stubbed toes: 1
• Number of rocks slipped on: 3

Our crew of four all-around water-loving testers included a dive instructor, kayakers, surfers, paddleboarders, and hikers. We embarked on diverse aquatic adventures and challenged each pair of water shoes on slippery rocks in rushing streams, abrasive sandy beaches, on paddleboard adventures, and unpredictable terrain on lakeside trails.

Wearing them in both salt and freshwater, we focused on traction, toe protection, stability, comfort, durability, drainage, and quick-drying capabilities. We looked for breathability, either through mesh paneling or materials that help keep feet cool and reduce moisture buildup inside the shoes, and those that didn’t retain debris and were easy to clean. We prioritized shoes that were easy to slip on, with closure systems that were a cinch to secure and adjust.

Although water shoes aren’t the most fashionable of footwear choices, we also considered visual appeal, looking for understated styles versatile enough for casual outings. In the end, our selections prioritized ease of wear, and came in a wide array of sizes and colors.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Ebony Roberts is a Pacific Northwest-based writer who has covered outdoor gear and apparel for nearly a decade. She has a passion for water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and snorkeling. She frequently contributes to ���ϳԹ��� Magazine and has written multiple product review guides for publications like Forbes Vetted, Buy Side by WSJ, NYT’s Wirecutter, Treeline Review, and the REI Co-op Journal.

Jill K. Robinson is a California-based freelance journalist who writes about travel and adventure for National Geographic, AFAR, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Hemispheres, and more. She’s often more comfortable on and in water than she is on land.