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The Best Water Shoes of 2023

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

person wearing water shoes shown underwater Credit: Getty Images

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Product image of Speedo Tidal Cruiser

Speedo Tidal Cruiser

A well-known name in aquatic gear, these water shoes from Speedo deliver on quality and durability. Read More

Pros

  • Quick drying
  • Easy to get on and off

Cons

  • Hard to find the correct size
  • Narrow
Product image of WateLves Water Shoes

WateLves Water Shoes

Great for walking around on rocks, these water shoes are durable enough to protect your feet with their thick soles while providing some decent grip. Read More

Pros

  • Thick, sticky soles
  • Easy to drain

Cons

  • Run a half-size large
Product image of Merrell Hydro Moc Water Shoes

Merrell Hydro Moc Water Shoes

With an articulated heel and secure strap, the Hydro Moc is a comfortable, classically ugly water shoe that’s slightly cooler-looking than a Croc. Read More

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Sizing runs large
  • Heel may rub
Product image of Simari Water Shoes

Simari Water Shoes

These lightweight water shoes from Simari boast a durable sole, tough enough to be productive but not so thick that they won’t bend. Read More

Pros

  • Wide range of sizes
  • Great traction

Cons

  • Narrow fit
  • No arch support
Product image of L-Run Athletic Hiking Water Shoes

L-Run Athletic Hiking Water Shoes

These are a great choice for people who like the feeling of a toe shoe but are looking for a more traditional look. They’re light and have great grip. Read More

Pros

  • Attractive core design
  • Lots of style options

Cons

  • Not as versatile as others
  • Don’t protect from sand

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.

Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Product image of Speedo Tidal Cruiser
Speedo Tidal Cruiser

If you’ve spent any amount of time near water then you’re sure to have heard of Speedo, but did you know that they make more than just tiny mens bikinis and swim caps? The Tidal Cruiser water shoes from Speedo are a top-rated style water shoe with over 1,400 glowing reviews on Amazon. Comfortable, with the quality that we’ve come to expect from Speedo products, these shoes come in four colors in women's shoe sizes 5 to 11.

While they may not be as versatile as some other options on this list that you can walk or hike in, these rubber-soled shoes feature quick-drying mesh and plenty of ventilation so you can avoid stinky feet post-adventure. Reviews mention that these shoes protect feet without limiting movement while offering impressive traction on slippery surfaces.

Many agree that these are the best water shoes for women, and they’re even swim instructor approved! A snug fit ensures safety when navigating uneven terrain but users say that these shoes are still easy to get on and off thanks to the neoprene collar.

Said to be comfortable for most, the Tidal Cruiser shoes may run on the narrow side, so those with wider feet should consider one of the other options on our list. Looking for the style in men's sizes? Speedo makes a men’s option in this style as well as children's and toddler's sizes, so you can grab a pair for everyone in your family.

Pros

  • Quick drying

  • Easy to get on and off

Cons

  • Hard to find the correct size

  • Narrow

Product image of WateLves Water Shoes
WateLves Water Shoes

If you’re looking to pack light but still need a durable water shoe, look no further than this stylish option from Watelves. Great for walking around on rocky terrain both wet and dry, these water shoes are durable enough to protect your feet with their thick soles while providing a nice sticky grip to keep you from slipping around.

Water is said to drain easily from the sides of the shoes, so you shouldn’t feel weighed down as you walk or swim in uncharted territory. On top of being durable and grippy, reviews mention that these are a great option for quick-drying water shoes.

Though they run large, reviewers often mention that they’ve purchased multiple pairs of these stellar shoes for their families and themselves because they like them so much.

Pros

  • Thick, sticky soles

  • Easy to drain

Cons

  • Run a half-size large

Product image of Merrell Hydro Moc Water Shoes
Merrell Hydro Moc Water Shoes

Made of single-injected EVA and equipped with an articulated heel and strap for a secure fit, the Merrell Hydro Moc Water Shoe is a super comfortable, classically ugly water shoe that’s slightly cooler-looking than a Croc. We love that they have great arch support, and that the material makes them easy to clean no matter what adventures you get into.

These water shoes are said to dry quickly thanks to the large aeration holes, making them a great choice for the beach or a kayaking trip. The soles don’t have a lot of variation in the grip, so we’d steer clear of them if you’re looking for something more substantial for scaling rocks or challenging hikes.

The Merrell Hydro fits large, so you’ll want to order an entire size down to avoid a misfit, and you should be aware that some reviews complain of the high heel back causing blisters.

Pros

  • Comfortable

  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Sizing runs large

  • Heel may rub

Product image of Simari Water Shoes
Simari Water Shoes

With plenty of sizes available, these lightweight water shoes from Simari boast a durable sole that is tough enough to be productive but not so thick that they won’t bend. These super versatile water shoes are great for making your way to swim spots or just walking along the beach, but we wouldn’t rely on them as hiking shoes.

The thin upper keeps these shoes lightweight while also keeping out rocks and debris that other water shoes fail to protect your feet from; bungee laces ensure that they fit more like a sock than a traditional sneaker. Reviews mention that these water shoes have great traction, but they aren’t super supportive, and there’s no arch support whatsoever, so if you already have arch issues, these wouldn’t be a good pick.

Pros

  • Wide range of sizes

  • Great traction

Cons

  • Narrow fit

  • No arch support

Product image of L-Run Athletic Hiking Water Shoes
L-Run Athletic Hiking Water Shoes

The L-Run athletic hiking water shoes look like a velcro slip-on mixed with a running shoe. With lots of color options to choose from, it’s easy to find a pair that speaks to your style. After reading through reviews we think it’s a good idea to size down to ensure a good fit, as these are meant to feel tight like a sock.

These water shoes are a great choice for people who like the feeling of a toe shoe but are looking for a more traditional look. They’re light enough to feel like you’re barefoot, without sacrificing grip.

Better looking than a lot of water shoes out there, we're particularly sold on the variety of styles available and the fact that this style is gender-neutral. That being said, keep in mind that this is not the pick for an all-in-one shoe. When worn at the beach, they don’t protect from sand as well as other water shoes, and are said to dry pretty slowly.

Pros

  • Attractive core design

  • Lots of style options

Cons

  • Not as versatile as others

  • Don’t protect from sand

Product image of Astral Brewer 2.0
Astral Brewer 2.0

Built for both land and water, these water shoes from Astral are a versatile option that is a great choice for anyone looking for adventure. When it comes to water shoes for men, these responsive and flexible shoes are top-notch in protecting your feet.

A top pick for outdoorsy types, all Astral shoes are vegan and use recycled polyester. We love that Astral makes it a point to source materials as sustainably as possible.

The Brewer 2.0 shoes have an extra grippy and sticky proprietary rubber outsole, a built-in polygiene-treated sockliner that helps to eliminate any odors, and front and back drainage holes. The quick-drying mesh helps to vent the shoes so you won’t have to worry about your shoes getting hot and uncomfortable, and reviews mention that they’re lightweight enough that you’ll feel like you’re barefoot.

While these shoes are on the expensive side, reviewers agree that you get what you pay for so these would be a good choice if you’re looking to invest in a water shoe that you’ll use often. One reviewer mentions that they had their first pair for three years and wore them three times a week in a chlorinated pool. Reviews suggest sizing up when shopping the Brewer 2.0.

If you love the idea of a high quality and eco-friendly water shoe, you can shop the women’s version too!

Pros

  • Quick dry

  • Eco-Conscious

  • Extremely grippy

Cons

  • Expensive

Product image of Sobaso Water Shoes
Sobaso Water Shoes

If you’re a bit of a sneakerhead, then you may like the look of these water shoes from Sobaso. Certain colorways resemble the popular Nike VaporMax. Designed for outdoor adventures, these unisex water shoes are said to have excellent traction in rivers and on rocks, and their thick soles help protect your feet from anything you might run into on your excursions.

Reviewers are generally pleased with their comfort but mention that there isn’t any ankle support. What we like about the Sabaso water shoes is that they’re built well, and look cool enough to wear as a regular sneaker—so you won’t have to worry about changing in and out of them for your journey from your car to the water.

There are mixed reviews on the drying time, but it seems that overall these shoes dry just as quickly as others when they aren’t on your feet. The only downside is that some people report sand getting on the inside of their shoes.

Pros

  • Attractive core design

  • All-purpose sneaker

Cons

  • Sand may get in them

  • Regular drying time

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.

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.

Meet the tester

Ceara Perez-Murphy

Ceara Perez-Murphy

Staff Writer, Search

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Ceara Perez-Murphy is a staff writer at Reviewed. In her free time she likes trying out new recipes in the kitchen, exploring new restaurants and spending time outdoors with her dogs.

See all of Ceara Perez-Murphy's reviews

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