Searching for the best water shoes can feel like navigating a sea of endless options and variations. But fear not—our comprehensive buyer’s guide to the best water shoes for women will steer you in the right direction. Whether floating down a river, hiking through a canyon, or on a paddleboarding adventure, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find the perfect pair of water shoes that best fit your budget and adventure of choice.

　　Over a few months, gear tester Emma Renly tested eight different water shoes. Each shoe offered a different type of wearability. But overall, she noticed these options are best for summer wear since they offer minimal insulation.

　　Emma tested in the gloomy Pacific Northwest and the hot desert Southwest, across rocky trails and muddy paths and on the river. As a river runner, shes spent years putting various types of water shoes through the wringer. For this guide, she paid particular attention to each shoes quick-drying abilities, versatility, insulation, and style.

　　Learn what differentiates water shoes in our comprehensive buyers guide and FAQ at the bottom of the article. Our comparison chart can help you make a decision. Otherwise, read our complete gear guide below.

　　The Best Water Shoes for Women Best Overall Water Shoes for Women: Salomon Techamphibian 5 Best Budget Water Shoes for Women: DLGJPA Women’s Leisure Sport Shoes Most Versatile Water Shoes for Women: Astral Brewess 2.0 Best Comfortable Water Shoes for Women: Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc Best Overall Womens Water Shoe Salomon Techamphibian 5 Specs Weight (per pair) 1.18 lbs. Adjustment zones Two Closure Quick Lace Upper Material Unknown Outsoles Rubber Best for Hiking, river running, strolling around town

　　Pros Collapsible heel Lightweight Easy to adjust the fit Cons Flappy laces Low support Emma Renly The Salomon Techamphibian 5 Women’s Water Shoe ($110) is an all-terrain lightweight footwear option ideal for various outdoor adventures. Some unique, enjoyable features on the Techamphibian 5 include a collapsible heel, heel-tightening strap, and reinforced toe cap. 

　　The most innovative aspect is the collapsible heel, which makes it easy to slip on the shoe without using the heel piece, making it act more like a clog. The quick lace system also quickly tightens up the shoe, although our tester noticed that on days with prolonged use, she had to readjust and re-tighten them often. 

　　Despite this, another excellent design aspect was the ability to tighten the heel of the shoes (which didnt periodically loosen). Most blisters come from shoes that wiggle around too much in the heel, either because the size is too big or just because the fit is wrong. The heel adjustment negates the need to worry about that. One downside is the extra flappy material since there is nowhere to tuck it. But it didnt get in our way while wearing the shoes. 

　　Our tester noted that she tends to kick quite a few loose rocks when she hikes around. Thus, we found the reinforced toe cap extremely helpful. While the reinforcement on the toe cap is still moderately thin compared to a hiking boot, that toe cap is still a huge plus, especially since the other water shoes dont include that feature. This feature alone is one of the reasons it edged out the Xero Shoes for best overall. 

　　In the quick dry test, these shoes were the third fastest to dry.

　　The Salomon Techamphibian 5 Womens Water Shoe works best for day hikes with or without water crossings, river trips where you want more protection than a sandal, and casual strolls around town. Its a high-performance shoe and will keep your foot snugly in place.

　　$110 at REIcheck price at salomon Best Budget Water Shoes for Women DLGJPA Women’s Leisure Sport Shoes Specs Weight (per pair) 0.66 lbs. Adjustment zones One Closure Quick Lace Upper Material Unknown Outsoles Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Best for Small, short walks

　　Pros Machine washable Lightweight (lightest on the list!) Many drainage holes Cons Slow to dry Minimal foot support Emma Renly One of the best aspects of the DLGJPA Women’s Leisure Sport Shoes ($30) is the low price tag. This water-specific shoe quickly drains water and boasts a flexible construction with a foam sole. But its not the highest-quality shoe weve ever worn. If lost in the ocean or river (as we all know happens sometimes), it wont be heartbreaking (or break the bank, either) since these shoes already have a short lifespan.

　　We hiked along a sandy shoreline for our first outing in these shoes. The DLGJPA is easy to slip on and adjust snugly to the foot. A unique feature of these shoes is that the sole drains via small holes throughout the bottom of the shoe. No other shoe had this feature, so we were not surprised that the DLGJPAs were the quickest to drain compared to the others on the list. (Putting the shoes in the sand was also a bit of a goofy experience, as the sand just drains straight through the holes).

　　Despite minimal material used in construction, the material did not dry quickly (nor does the product website state what specific materials comprise the upper). In our hour-long comparison test of dry times, the DLGJPA ranked in the bottom four next to the more sneaker-like shoes: Astral Brewess 2.0, Astral Loyak Ws, and Teva Women’s Outflow Universal Sandal.

　　A peculiar aspect of the DLGJPA is the mesh pattern, which imprinted on our tester’s foot after just a short duration of wear. While this is not a dealbreaker, it added to the uniqueness of the DLGJPA experience.

　　While we wouldn’t anticipate a pair of the DLGJPA Women’s Leisure Sport Shoes to last for years to come if youre on a budget and need a pair of shoes for a holiday to a waterpark or light use on a tropical vacation, these would be easy to stuff into a suitcase to do the trick. Theyre flexible, low profile, and get the job done.

　　$30 at Amazon Most Versatile Water Shoes for Women Astral Brewess 2.0 Specs Weight (per pair) 1 lb. Adjustment zones One Closure Lace-up Material Quick dry canvas with 3D airmesh Outsole G.15 Rubber™ + Flex Grip™ outsoles Best for River sports kayaking, rafting, canoeing

　　Pros Wide Toe Box Durable Versatile Cons Slow to dry Bulky Emma Renly The Astral Brewess 2.0 ($125) is a versatile water shoe with a sneaker-like design. It automatically has credibility given its made by Astrail, a reliable brand popular with whitewater enthusiasts. These shoes offer a quick drain system, 3D air mesh to reduce sand entry, and a step-down heel for easy wearability.

　　Our thorough test of the Astral Brewess 2.0 began during an overnight rafting trip down Ruby-Horsethief, a scenic section on the Colorado River. Our crew battled less-than-ideal March weather conditions in the high desert, and we encountered freezing temperatures, torrential rainfall, and sporadic bursts of sunshine throughout the journey.

　　These shoes held up well on the trip through the mud, cold, and rain. Despite the harsh environment, they rinsed off quickly and didnt have any notable signs of wear. We also found that the Brewess 2.0 fits well with socks, without socks, or with a drysuit/sock combo. This versatility is a crucial feature we look for in a water shoe because, in colder climates, its common to layer up.

　　There were some drawbacks, as these shoes did not dry out overnight. While the problem was exacerbated by the weather, in the later quick dry test under the hot desert sun, the Brewess 2.0 tied for last place with the Teva Women’s Outflow Universal Sandal.

　　Since the overnight rafting trip, our tester has been wearing the Brewess 2.0 as one of the shoes she swaps in and out of while commercial raft guiding. Despite being in the immediate sun, they continue to struggle with quickly drying.

　　Regardless, due to their versatility off the river, the Astral Brewess 2.0 will likely become our testers regular shoes for whitewater kayaking and other river sports. Theyre also hardy shoes for hiking, traveling, or wandering around town.

　　$125 at REI$125 at Amazon Most Comfortable Water Shoes for Women Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc Specs Weight (per pair) 0.8 lbs. Adjustment zones None Closure None Material BLOOM Performance Foam and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam Best for Short walks, lounging

　　Pros So ugly, they’re cute Easy to drain Ultra-lightweight Squishy foam Cons No half sizes Debris gets through holes Not for long distances Emma Renly The Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc ($60) reminds us of those hairless cats — so strange-looking that theyre kind of cute. Crafted as a comfortable slip-on, the Hydro Moc is constructed from lightweight foam and has a locked-in heel design that makes it perfect for wearing 24/7.

　　Our testers initial experience with the shoes left a lasting impression, to say the least. So much so that she wore these shoes for consecutive days without wanting to switch out for another pair. Theyre comfortable, easy to put on, and, due to their unique holes, were quite the topic of conversation among friends.

　　The thoughtful design of the Hydro Moc includes a convenient foam heel strap that makes it easy to take the shoes off and on and secures the foot in place. However, the additional heel piece means the shoes are always in “sport” mode without a convenient way to slip them on like clogs.

　　These shoes are comfortable because of the unique combo of materials used to make them. The Hydro Moc utilizes BLOOM Performance Foam, an algae biomaterial, and EVA foam (often seen in yoga mat materials) to create the shoe. This combination ensures a comfortable fit thats quick-drying since the material does not absorb water.

　　Emma, our lead tester, even ran around town in the pouring rain with the Hydro Moc. While she was initially concerned that the holes would lead to wet socks, she stayed dry walking from the car to the store a couple of times. (Just watch out for puddles since socks will immediately get wet.) However, if she were outside for a significant amount of time, the story might differ.

　　Our tester also brought the Hydro Moc on an overnight rafting trip as day sandals, and they slayed. They were super quick to dry and clean, easy to squish into the drybag, and stayed on her feet with no problem (however, it was too cold to swim with them).

　　Overall, the Hydro Moc shines for short walks, errands around town, or relaxing. They work well with or without socks, are lightweight and squishable, and are easy to clean off. If there are a lot of loose rocks on a path, there might be better options than these shoes.

　　$60 at REI$45 at Amazon Best of the Rest Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport – Women Specs Weight (per pair) 0.78 lbs. Adjustment zones One Closure Quick Lace Upper Material Unknown Outsoles 5.5mm FeelTrue® sole Best for Hiking, walking, jogging

　　Pros Lightweight Low Profile Quick Lace system Cons Narrow Toe Box Minimal foot protection Emma Renly With a snug and comfortable fit, the Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport ($130) is a unique low-profile water shoe ideal for someone looking for a pair of barefoot shoes. These are flexible, bendy shoes meant to move harmoniously with your foots natural curves.

　　When our tester opened the box, she had reservations about the Aqua X Sport. This was an unknown brand, and the shoes seemed minimalist in both coverage and foot protection. She changed her mind after one hike in the Aqua X Sport shoes. The design immediately fit snugly and comfortably against her feet with one point of adjustment—the quick lace system, which worked great to snatch up the foot shape.

　　The low profile design made it easy to squish the pair in a backpack and contributed to the overall lightweight design. These were also the third fastest in the quick dry test, just behind the Techamphibian 5, which has a similar snug-fitting, high-performance design. In the drainage test, these ranked in the middle of the pack. But, while wearing the shoes through the creek, the tight fit prevented water from getting into the shoe.

　　While our tester wouldnt categorize herself as a dedicated runner, she noticed that these shoes worked great for trail running. Generally, she uses shoes that offer more support, so this was her first experience with barefoot shoes. While we cant speak to the long-term differences between using these barefoot shoes versus regular runners, it will be an exciting endeavor to continue trying these shoes out on soft trails.

　　The Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport are great for someone looking for a high-performance, low-profile design for low-impact hikes, jogs, and trail runs. From their snug fit to quick-drying capabilities, the Aqua X Sport would be a great addition to any quiver of shoes.

　　$130 at REI$140 at Amazon NRS Women’s Kicker Wetshoe Specs Weight (per pair) 1 lb. Adjustment zones One Closure Velcro Upper Material Neoprene Outsoles 3mm rubber Best for Rafting, kayaking, and canoe trips on the river

　　Pros Stretchy fabric Insulated Quick Dry Cons No half sizes Minimal foot support Heavy Emma Renly Upon first sight, the NRS Women’s Kicker Wetshoe ($58) is a specialized product for running rivers in a raft, kayak, or canoe. Their 3 mm-thick neoprene insulation makes these water shoes a great option for keeping your feet warm against cool waters. They pair well with a dry suit or wetsuit. Thanks to the cushy, comfy neoprene, socks are optional.

　　The Kicker Wetshoe is easy to slip on, with Velcro straps allowing the user to tighten it quickly. But there will be some wiggle room, especially without socks or a dry suit. While the shoes have a low-profile design, they weigh a pound and can drag down the feet while swimming. When wet, the neoprene insulation provides warmth—a contrast to the many other water shoes tested in the cold Pacific Northwest.

　　When we tested which shoes dried the fastest, the Kicker Wetshoe won by a landslide and was completely dry in the direct desert sun within an hour. However, if not given time to dry and thrown directly into the back of a car or bag, the neoprene bag held on to a wet-dog mildew-type smell.

　　Our tester has raft-guided and been around whitewater for some time and recognized these shoes as the booties given to customers to wear down the river. They last a long time, and she can speak highly of their durability from years of professional use.

　　Despite the upsides, these shoes lack foot support. Thus, they dont perform well on hikes, walks, or burlier portages on the river. While the shoe excels at day trips for aquatic activities, there are better options for multi-sport adventures (or even walking around town). Our tester is a true size 8, and these shoes ran a little big on her, making walking awkward.

　　For someone with limited space in the different variety of shoe options she can bring with her, the NRS Women’s Kicker Wetshoe wouldn’t quite make the cut. This product is best for day trips on the river or a lake.

　　$58 at REI$58 at Amazon Astral Loyak Ws Specs Weight (per pair) 0.8 lbs Adjustment zones One Closure Lace-up Material Quick dry canvas with 3D airmesh Outsole G.15 Rubber™ + Flex Grip™ outsoles Best for Travel, short hikes

　　Pros Low profile, sleek design Lightweight Fun color options No socks needed Cons No half sizes Lacks foot support Emma Renly The Astral Loyak Ws ($95) is a fashionable, low-profile footwear option that seamlessly blends into any occasion from a day outside to a social hour at night. These shoes are great whether youre on a sailboat, wading through small creeks, or traveling through countries from adventure to adventure.

　　While our tester doesnt have the luxury of owning a sailboat, she cant help but envision how great these shoes would look on them. The Loyaks real-world testing took place on hikes on the muddy trails in the Pacific Northwest. With cold feet and wet socks, the shoes turned the color of dirt, so perhaps that was a less-than-ideal situation for the Loyaks. Along a warm desert river, these shoes worked much better.

　　In the quick dry and drainage test, these ranked mid-pack with no significant results. Nevertheless, there are still lots of positive aspects about the design that make our tester keep wearing the pair. The Loyak is bendy and compressional, which makes it easy to squeeze into the last couple of open spaces in a travel bag or suitcase. The shoe is also stylish and available in colors beyond white.

　　While these shoes are charming, they lack the ruggedness and durability required for more demanding environments and outdoor pursuits. The evidence lies in the white pair that we tested, now stained from a singular hike on the dirt trails of the PNW. Our tester is hesitant to use these as a daily driver because of the lack of foot support a trade-off for how lightweight they are.

　　Another thing to note is that the Loyaks do not offer half sizes. If youre a half size, we recommend sizing up if you plan to wear socks or size down if youre going barefoot.

　　Despite these considerations, the Astral Loyaks find their niche in casual settings. A night out dancing? Walking down a boardwalk? These shoes would be a cute addition to any outfit.

　　$95 at REI$95 at Amazon Teva Women’s Outflow Universal Sandal Specs Weight (per pair) 1.48 lbs. Adjustment zones Three Closure Velcro Material Quick dry mesh and polyester microfiber lining Outsole Recycled spider rubber Best for Short day hikes

　　Pros Kind of cute Nice color options Cons Slow to dry Velcro doesn’t adjust enough Heavyweight No flexibility in the construction Emma Renly Out of all the water shoes featured, the Teva Women’s Outflow Universal Sandal ($110) stands out for the greatest sole support, characterized by thick rubber at the base. While the shoes design is cute, the overall experience left much to be desired from an athletic water shoe.

　　This shoe offers an appealing design complimented by a vibrant array of color options. The grippy rubber sole provides the necessary traction for navigating across rocky terrain.

　　However, we found three major design flaws that created significant drawbacks in the Teva Women’s Outflow Universal Sandal.

　　One of those is the Velcro straps, meant to create a tight fit around the foot. Each shoe uses three straps (two on the front and one encircling the heel), but our tester could not tighten any of them enough to fit her foot shape.

　　The shoes performed poorly in terms of drying capabilities. They tied for last in the quick dry test with the Astral Brewess 2.0. An hour in, there were still puddles of water on the rubber sole of the shoe.

　　Lastly, in the drainage test, the Teva Women’s Outflow Universal Sandals scored in the bottom three, only slightly better than the Astral Brewess 2.0. The non-absorbent nature of the rubber material led to increased water sloshing within the shoe. That same rubber material is bulky, heavy, and difficult to pack down for travel.

　　Despite the shortcomings, we recommend the Teva Women’s Outflow Universal Sandal for day hikes or water activities.

　　$110 at REI$110 at Amazon Water Shoes for Women Comparison Table

　　A line-up of all the water shoes we tested for this Buyer’s Guide; (photo/Emma Renly) How We Tested Water Shoes for Women Lead tester, Emma Renly wears water shoes most days of her life. Whether she’s on the river, hiking through creeks, or around town running errands in the rain, she’s generally looking for footwear that is long-lasting, quick-drying, and good-looking.

　　Emma, a guide and outdoor lover, has been putting gear, especially water shoes, through the wringer for over a decade. Shes glued together Chacos so theyd last a full season of raft guiding, worn out Xtratufs so long that theyve got holes, and gotten mold on Birkenstocks from constant use in water. Shes also lost plenty of pairs to the river gods when they accidentally float downstream by themselves.

　　For this review, she tested 8 different water shoes. Some were better for rafting, others for hiking through canyons, and one for lounging. Despite this, there were two common denominators found in every pair:

　　Each claimed to have quick-drying material, regardless of the brand. Every pair had rubber soles for a better grip on the rock. For this round of testing, we focused on two locations: muddy trails in the Pacific Northwest and desert creeks in Moab, Utah. We also ran errands, walked along sandy beaches, and went on river trips. Late winter and early spring conditions varied significantly. Some days were wet and raining, while others were dry and sunny.

　　To test the claims of the quick-drying material, we submerged the shoes in water and left them out in direct sunlight to dry. There was minimal wind on this particular day, and the experiment gave us great insight into which materials actually dry the fastest.

　　We vigorously tested these shoes. One discovery: the DLGJPA shoes have a foam sole with plenty of drainage holes, though small rocks can easily get stuck (photo/Emma Renly) Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Water Shoes for Women Wading through (pun intended), the vast array of water shoes to find your perfect one may seem difficult, especially if youre trying to tackle it all online. Thats why were simplifying the selection by offering tips to help you discover the ideal water shoe to meet your specific requirements.

　　Water shoes for women are designed for aquatic adventures, where you will certainly get your feet wet. Theyre created for versatility in activity, from walking around town to crossing creeks on a hike. Water shoes are made of quick-drying materials and have more durable soles than regular shoes. Theyre an essential gear element for those who do water-related activities and can provide more protection than going barefoot.

　　Water shoes are not necessarily waterproof by design. But, they contain quick-drying and water-resistant materials, meaning they will not keep your feet dry if submerged in water but shed water quickly. This guide focuses solely on water shoes, which we differentiated from sandals (read more below). If youre looking for a sandal, check out our Best Hiking Sandals or Best Sandals for Women guides. If youre looking for a shoe, check out our Best Trail Running Shoes for Women or Best Hiking Shoes for Women.

　　Versatility Ensure your preference matches the activities or environments where youll wear the water shoe. We prefer water shoes versatile enough to handle various situations and climates. Shoes like this minimize how many pairs we need to purchase. We found the Astral Brewess 2.0 to be the most versatile due to its casual sneaker-like design and ability to perform well on hikes, during water sports, and around town. You can bet theyll be our testers go-to shoes if shes on the river in the Pacific Northwest. Its sister shoe, the Astral Loyak, is similar in versatility but with a bit less foot support.

　　Staying cool by the river in Moab, Utah, with the ever-versatile Astral Brewess 2.0;(photo/Samantha Metzner) Grip Each sole material used in water shoes offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, particularly concerning grip. While some shoes give exact details on the material used in construction, many of the brands left it as an open-ended guessing game.

　　The Hydro Moc and DLGJPA Shoes have a foam-like bottom created by Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), which is less grippy and durable than the rubber counterparts of the other shoes. EVA is a crack-resilient material but is also a plastic 7 material, which makes it difficult to recycle.

　　While we cant speak to the recyclability of the rubber from the other water shoes, a few companies use their proprietary rubber material in shoe construction. Astral uses G.15 Rubber™ in its Brewess 2.0 and Loyak Ws, which is abrasion-resistant and excellent for grip on wet or dry surfaces. Teva uses recycled spider rubber for its shoes, including the Women’s Outflow Universal Sandal, though we couldn’t find much more information about that specific rubber.

　　If you plan to hike a lot during your aquatic adventures, you definitely want to choose lightweight shoes that provide solid traction and support the foot well. Durign our testing, two options took the cake for hike-ability: the Salomon Techamphibian 5 and Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport.

　　Testing out the gripping capabilities of the Astral Loyak Ws while tromping through rocky canyons. While these weren’t great shoes for cold climates, they thrive in warmer temperatures; (photo/Samantha Metzner) Water Shoes vs. Water Sandals The category of water shoes is widespread. However, one way to differentiate the category is by separating it from water sandals. The water shoes featured in this list have a closed-toe construction (Salomon Techamphibian 5 even has a reinforced toe cap), quick-drying materials, and a drainage system to allow water to escape.

　　For example, the DLGJPA Shoes completely drained within seconds. Water sandals have an open-toe design with multiple or singular straps across the foot. Sandals have minimal cushioning and foot support compared to water shoes meaning debris can get trapped between the sandal and the foot. Whether you choose a water shoe or sandal depends on your specific needs and activities.

　　The DLGJPA Shoes have a foam sole with plenty of drainage holes, though small rocks can easily get stuck in these; (photo/Emma Renly) Quick Lace System vs Velcro System vs Lace-up System Alright, its time to discuss shoe adjustment. Your ideal pick will depend on your desired level of adjustability and convenience.

　　The quick lace system is featured in three water shoes on this list: Salomon Techamphibian 5, DLGJPA Shoes, and Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport. It’s convenient and provides a customizable adjustment to your foot size for a secure fit.

　　Velco systems, as we see on the Teva Women’s Outflow Universal Sandal, arent our favorite, but they are also convenient. The NRS Women’s Kicker Wetshoe also uses Velcro, and just like in the Teva, we had trouble cinching it down enough to get a snug fit. Another tidbit to consider: the Velcro may wear out over time.

　　Lastly, nothing is more classic than a good ole lace-up system in a shoe. The Astral Loyak and Astral Brewess 2.0 are the only two options on the list that utilize it, and because of that, they have a more sneaker-ish style than any of the other water shoes. The lace-up system has the same adjustment as the quick lace system, but often takes more time to tie up.

　　Using the quick lace system on the DLGJPA Shoes, an efficient way to get a tight fit around the feet; (photo/Samantha Metzner) How Quick is Quick-drying? When buying a water shoe, nearly all of the options claim to be quick-drying. However, it can be tough to know which ones will dry quickly without a deep knowledge of materials used in construction. So, instead of taking each brands word for it, we did a mini-experiment with each shoe by testing drying capabilities in direct sunlight.

　　Neoprene, seen only on the NRS Women’s Kicker Wetshoe, dried the fastest. Its a synthetic rubber that maintains flexibility over various temperatures (which is why its so prevalent in wetsuits). Within an hour, the shoes interior and exterior were dry, which impressed us and made us wish more companies explored the possibility of incorporating neoprene in the design.

　　Other than Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc (which uses a performance foam that doesnt absorb water), we had trouble deciphering the specific materials used in each pair of water shoes. This means we couldnt correctly correlate how quick-drying a water shoe was to the material comprising it. But, sometimes, just looking at the shoe gave us a hint into drying times. For example, the Salomon Techamphibian 5 Women’s Water Shoe and Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport — which ranked next in drying time- use lightweight, mesh material to create a winning quick-drying combo.

　　The NRS Women’s Kicker Wetshoe, which dried the fastest, is the only footwear in our buyers guide using neoprene material; (photo/Samantha Metzner) Getting the Right Fit Achieving the proper fit is essential for overall performance, injury prevention, and long-term comfort. Adjustable straps and laces make it easy to customize the fit.

　　Look, we absolutely love the Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc. But, realistically, theres no adjustment to get a snug fit. If we were to try to swim in them, theyd fall right off, and if we were to wear them on long hikes, theyd begin to get quite uncomfortable. Other water shoes, such as the Salomon Techamphibian 5 and Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport, are much more snug and better for long-term comfort.

　　Another consideration is whether the shoes come in half sizes or offer wide/narrow width options to ensure the best fit possible. If they don’t seem like they’d fit, it might be best to look elsewhere.

　　With a snug and comfortable fit, the Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport are ideal for someone looking for a pair of barefoot shoes (photo/Samantha Metzner) Weight Weight can have a significant impact when it comes to water shoes.

　　Travel: Are you backpacking with extra water shoes? Are you bringing them on an airplane? Are they a last-minute addition to the shoe quiver? These questions are important to ask when packing a pair of water shoes. The Astral Loyak is a great choice for travel due to its versatility, flexibility, and lightweight construction (only 0.8 pounds!).

　　Performance: Considering shoe weight on a hike is essential for less joint strain and increased agility. Shoes like Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport (0.78 pounds) dont absorb much water and will remain lightweight when crossing creeks. However, shoes like Teva Women’s Outflow Universal Sandal(1.48 pounds) and Astral Brewess 2.0 (one pound) have materials that both absorb a lot of water and will add to the overall weight. Not ideal.

　　Light as a feather with the Salomon Techamphibian 5! For our guide, we weighed each pair of shoes on a state-of-the-art scale; (photo/Samantha Metzner) Using Socks with Water Shoes Not a single water shoe on this list requires socks! And we wouldnt necessarily recommend wearing socks with shoes for water activities, as it often leads to discomfort if/when they become wet. Most of them are compatible with socks or dry suits;the Astral Brewess 2.0 is especially great for that purpose.

　　Rafting down the Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River while wearing the Astral Brewess 2.0, water shoes that fit great with a dry suit and socks on; (photo/Emma Renly) FAQ What is a water shoe? Water shoes are designed for aquatic adventures, where you will certainly get your feet wet. Theyre created for versatility in activity, from walking around town to crossing creeks on a hike.

　　What is the point of water shoes? Water shoes are made of quick-drying materials and have more durable soles than regular shoes. Theyre an essential gear element for those who do water-related activities and can provide extra protection than going barefoot.

　　Can you wear water shoes as regular shoes? Yes! Nearly all these shoes in this review perform well as regular day-to-day shoes, except the NRS Women’s Kicker Wetshoe, specifically designed for wet environments and constructed from neoprene.

　　In fact, we wore both the Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc and Astral Loyak in non-adventurous settings! Water shoes are versatile enough to serve as comfortable and functional footwear options for casual outings, errands, or light activities.

　　Relaxing and lounging in the Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc, which can be used for regular shoes to walk around town (though you might get some stares); (photo/Samantha Metzner) Are water shoes waterproof?  Water shoes are not necessarily waterproof by design but are constructed from quick-drying and water-resistant materials. This means they will not keep your feet dry if submerged in water but are designed to shed water quickly.

　　The Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc is a unique option. Its made completely of water-resistant foam, but your feet will become wet if you wear it in water.

　　Can you swim in water shoes? Yes, swimming comfortably in water shoes is possible, depending on design and construction. Among the water shoes listed, those with lighter weights and more streamlined designs tend to be more suitable for swimming. With this in mind, the Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport, Salomon Techamphibian 5, and DLGJPA Shoes are the easiest to swim in due to their construction and lightweight.

　　Putting the Teva Ws Outflow Universal Sandal to the test in Moab; (photo/Samantha Metzner)

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