Humanity hasn’t always needed water shoes for protection. But let’s face it: Most of us in this era will never again develop tough-as-leather feet like our shoeless ancestors, who could travel miles across nasty terrain with bare feet. Today, our feet have delicate, sensitive soles that feel every piece of gravel in the grass, every shell in the sand, every fish hook in the foot, and every tree branch in the toe.

　　Our water shoe review covers function, but also fashion. Water shoes are a key piece of gear today for almost all environments and water sports. They protect our feet from sharp coral, slippery rocks, broken glass in the muck, numbing cold, mosquitoes, and sunburn. They help us stick to paddleboards, run on the beach, wade fishing flats, portage kayaks, cruise the resort pool, and grip slippery rocks.

　　Lead tester Nathan Ward is a lifelong adventurer, writer, photographer, and Emmy award-winning filmmaker who has paddled his fair share of rivers across the globe. He tested a wide range of water shoes in the heat and saltwater of the Caribbean and the icy snowmelt rivers of the Colorado Rockies.

　　Some shoes he didn’t like and threw in the trash bin from the start. But, those covered here are some of the best water shoes out there. We tested them for support, sticky grip, style, sand protection, adjustability, drainability, durability, and wearability in different environments.

　　Step into our best overall water shoes of the year and peruse the list below for a pair of hoof covers that pique your curiosity. At the end of the list, check out our helpful comparison chart, comprehensive buyer’s guide, and FAQ section to answer any lingering questions.

　　The Best Water Shoes of 2024 Best Overall Water Shoes: Astral Brewer 2.0 Best Budget Water Shoes: Speedo Surf Knit Pro Best Water Shoes for Running: Xero Aqua X Sport Best Water Shoes for Colder Temps: NRS Paddle Wetshoe Best Overall Water Shoes Astral Brewer 2.0 Specs Height Just below the ankle bone Material Canvas and Mesh Adjustment Excellent/ Traditional laces Shoe Sole G.15 Rubber + Flex Grip Outsole both proprietary to Astral Dry Weight (single shoe) 7.8 oz./222 g What’s Cool About It Versatility water, travel, airport hours, other sports

　　Pros Looks like a sneaker, not a water shoe Very grippy on wet rocks Versatile for water, town or sports Dries fast Comfortable Good for side hikes down Havana’s Malecon or the Grand Canyon Cons Don’t protect the ankle Can be hard to wash all the sand out of them Nathan Ward Full disclosure: Nathan has tested the Astral Brewer shoe literally for years, purchasing pairs long before testing for GearJunkie. Why the Brewer and now the Astral Brewer 2.0 ($125)? Simple: versatility, style, and performance. This lightweight water shoe drains water quickly and lasts a long time.

　　We used them on many high-altitude paddleboarding days, getting chundered in Arkansas River whitewater trying to river surf, on side hikes during multiday rafting trips, and more. The Astral 2.0 is not just a water shoe, but also a multipurpose tool one can use with flat pedals on mountain bike rides or one wheeling down to the local brewery after work.

　　On a trip to Puerto Rico, Nathan wore these on a 17-hour day through three airports, two flights, and 4 hours of driving, and his feet remained comfortable the whole trip. Once at his destination, he wore the Astral Brewer 2.0 to hike to and swim in slippery jungle waterfalls, out to poke bowl dinners, and across razor-sharp coral rocks on the beach. He is sold on these shoes and said he would spend cold hard cash to get them for his wife and kid, the ultimate compliment from a gear tester. 

　　The only downside is that the Brewer 2.0 doesn’t protect your ankles and may not be low profile enough for extremely tight playboats or minimal enough for people who count every packable square inch. But if you’re looking for a water shoe that can do about anything, the Astral Brewer 2.0 is the one you’ll want to pick up. 

　　$125 at REI$125 at Amazon Best Budget Water Shoes Speedo Surf Knit Pro Specs Height Below the ankle bone Upper Material Breathable Adjustment None /Slip on Shoe Sole S-Trac Dry Weight (single shoe) 10.6 oz./301 g What’s Cool About It Casual around pool or at a restaurant

　　Pros Easy Stylish Sun and slip protection Packable Cons White soles. Or not. Depends on your style. Nathan Ward Truth be told, not every day or trip involves an adrenaline-spiking adventure where you need ultimate foot protection to keep yourself from slipping off mossy rocks and falling over the edge of a high waterfall to your death. The Speedo Surf Knit Pro ($45) is just the water shoe for these days when you must protect your feet while walking over the boiling hot sand between the parking lot and the beach umbrella. 

　　Later, you may want to leave this hot sand beach and visit the ample resort buffet for a huge shrimp cocktail and a piece of cake. The Speedo Surf Knit Pro will get you there in style. Remember, the only real contest in life is whether you feel happy or not. Relaxing water shoes and shrimp cocktails make us happy, especially when we’re also drinking endless cold $2 Belikens in Belize.

　　These water shoes are simple — an all-white, zero-rise, grippy sole topped by a fun, stylish, stretchy top. They stick to slick surfaces, protect your little piggies from sunburn, and you can wear them to dinner. 

　　And, let’s be honest — no matter how famous Speedo is in its small way, we’re stoked that it is more than just banana hammocks. The Surf Knit Pro packs down small and won’t take up much room in your vacation pack.

　　Would we use this shoe in situations where we need high-performance and dependable secure footing for sports? No. However, we must sheepishly admit that we relax more than our Instagram action shots suggest; we like spending many enjoyable days just chilling out near the water.

　　For that, the Speedo Surf Knit Pro shoes are ideal. They’re about convenience and enough to get by, with a twist of style, and perhaps an umbrella drink near the pool.

　　$39 at Amazon Best Water Shoes for Running Xero Aqua X Sport Specs Height Just below the ankle bone Upper material Open mesh Adjustment Excellent; stretchable laces with plastic toggle lock Shoe sole 5mm thick; FeelTrue rubber with lugs Dry weight (single shoe) 7.5 oz./213 g What’s Cool About It Born from the barefoot running movement

　　Pros Adjust fit with elastic laces Drains and dries quickly Snug fit Packable Cons Sand gets in easily Nathan Ward The Xero Aqua X Sport ($130) was spawned from the barefoot running movement, created by runners from Boulder, Colo. Initially, the founders of Xero offered a completely minimal “shoe” consisting of a couple of strings and a thin rubber sole, a design based on the sandals used by the genetically gifted Tarahumara runners in the Copper Canyon in Mexico. 

　　They took their creation to Shark Tank but didn’t secure a deal. Luckily for us, they persevered, and today, Xero offers a wide range of shoes. The Xero Aqua X Sport is a lightweight, capable water shoe, but it’s also a running shoe to protect your feet on coastal runs that mix beach, rocky paths, and pavement. 

　　We love this water shoe because it fits well and the fit can be dialed in with a low-profile set of elastic laces. The shoes tops are open mesh, making them light and breathable. However, this feature also lets in a lot of sand when running on the beach.

　　The lightweight rubber-lugged soles protect your feet and stick to the ground while letting you feel the sticks, stones, and sand you’re running over. These shoes would also be ideal for SUP paddling, kayaking in tight boats, and rock hopping on the river shore.

　　Finally, the Xero Aqua X Sport packs up very small and, if traveling, won’t take up a lot of room in your bag. On its website, Xero states they have donated $52,000+ (USD) to the Tarahumara Children’s Hospital Fund, so you can also feel good about this purchase. 

　　$130 at REI$101 at Amazon Best Water Shoes for Cold Temps NRS Paddle Wetshoe Specs Height Mid-Shin Upper Material 3mm Terraprene with titanium adhesive Adjustment Some/YKK side zipper, Velcro strap over the top of the ankle Shoe Sole 3mm rubber, backed up with 5mm insole and 2mm plastic shim for additional protection Dry Weight (single shoe) 13.2 oz./374 g What’s Cool About It Warmth, protection, height

　　Pros Straps to customize fit Toe and heel protection Fairly low profile means work well inside boats Easy on/off Good zipper Keeps sand out Cons Sole is not very thick so it flexes easily No half sizes Toebox is extra-wide Too warm for hot areas Nathan Ward To quote Monty Python’s Flying Circus: “And now for something completely different.” Enter the NRS Paddle Wetshoe ($70). The wet world of water shoes is broad. Some water shoes target hot climates, other cold locales. The NRS Paddle Wetshoe remains a fantastic choice for cooler water adventures.

　　They look like a typical neoprene bootie, which they are, but also are not. The NRS Paddle Wetshoe is constructed from petroleum-free Terraprene, a sustainable alternative to traditional neoprene. Terraprene is made from limestone and recycled tires, so you will feel good wearing it. They are also woven with titanium adhesive throughout for additional warmth and strength.

　　We’ve used a variety of NRS booties for years and always found them to be good quality. The NRS Paddle Wetshoe is no different. For this test, Nathan used them while fly fishing from the coast of a Caribbean island where he walked on sand and extremely sharp rocks. Although the sole of this water shoe feels quite thin and flexible, it protected his feet well.

　　In addition to 3mm of rubber, the NRS Paddle Wetshoe includes a 2mm plastic shim and 5mm insole for additional sole protection. The mid-shin height kept the sand out and the additional enforced protection on the toes and heels kept my feet protected. 

　　Were they too hot for tropical climates? Yes. However, in any temperature of water other than dishwater warm, the NRS Paddle wetshoe would not be too much. The 3mm Terraprene will help keep your feet warm, especially in the waters of the Colorado Rockies where Nathan lives.

　　He used these booties while snorkeling down cold rivers (yes, it’s a thing … one looks for fish, habitat, old junk, lost paddles, sunglasses) where he loved that the shin height upper tucked under the leg of his wetsuit for warmth. He also used them while paddle boarding on high mountain reservoirs where warmth and protection are necessary. Given the name, and NRS’s longtime focus on paddle sports, we know these booties are also ideal for cooler water kayaking and raft trips.

　　The only drawback to this shoe for our tester is the extra-wide toebox. While this large toebox allows for a natural foot position where toes can spread wide, it also means water can get trapped in the toebox, depending on the volume of your foot.

　　These shoes are also unavailable in half sizes, so they may not fit like they’re custom-made for your feet. Overall, we found the NRS Paddle Wetshoe ideal for its intended uses, and we’re sure you’ll get years of quality performance out of a pair. 

　　$70 at REI$70 at Amazon Best of the Rest Teva Outflow Universal Specs Height Below the ankle bone Upper material 30% recycled mesh Adjustment Excellent/3 adjustable Velcro straps Shoe sole “Spider Rubber” Dry weight (single shoe) 14.8 oz./420 g What’s Cool About It The most protection for your feet

　　Pros Sneaker style Thick soles = foot protection Toe protection Adjustable Recycled materials Vegan Cons Take some adjustments to make them comfortable Bulky Heavier Feet won’t dry quickly Nathan Ward Teva sandals changed the water world for many when they first hit the rivers, beaches, and backyard pool parties of America many years ago. Many of our gear testers wore them religiously, not taking our Tevas off in summer until the Velcro peeled from the nylon.

　　When Nathan first strapped on the Teva Outflow Universal ($110) water shoe, he wasn’t thinking about this particular shoes awkward and not-very-cool name, but about his summer memories of Teva times. The Outflow reminded us of an enclosed Teva sandal, but we soon realized this was more of a water sneaker than a simple water shoe. 

　　The Teva Outflow Universal water sneaker offered the most foot protection and the most customizable fit of all the water shoes we tested. First, our feet were completely enclosed, cushioned by a thick sneaker sole with excellent toe protection. Second, the three-strap system (like the traditional sandal) lets us dial in a great fit over time. 

　　We say over time because this shoe does take time to adjust the fit correctly. When our tester first took these out of the box, he threw them on and took off down the beach. Within a short time, the hard plastic tab on the outside of the shoe wore a small blister into his ankle. Needless to say, Nathan’s first impression wasn’t the best.

　　However, he adjusted the straps until they felt comfortable and no longer rubbed his ankle to find that a somewhat looser fit worked best for him. He also felt the shoe did not drain as fast as other water shoes in this guide. And, on long days, he had to occasionally take the shoes off to de-prune his toes.

　　However, with the level of foot protection offered by the Teva Outflow Universal, Nathan would not hesitate to use these shoes for hiking, paddle boarding, wading flats while fishing, pleasure boating, biking, running, or any outdoor sport. They are too bulky to fit nicely inside enclosed kayaks but would be fantastic while portaging the rapids that make one pucker. 

　　$110 at REI$110 at Amazon Merrell Hydro Moc Specs Height Below the ankle bone Upper Material 10% “Bloom” performance foam Adjustment None/Slip on Shoe Sole Same as upper/It looks like all one pour Dry Weight (single shoe) 8 oz./223 g What’s Cool About It So weird they are cool

　　Pros Fun colors Easy on and off Comfortable Cons They are pretty weird The fit is somewhat sloppy Nathan Ward Look at the kids today — they are all wearing a shoe that rhymes with Mocs. Not just as water shoes, but as fashion with all sorts of odd giblets stuck in the tops. Nathan hadn’t worn Crocs since an ill-fated cave hike in Laos where those slippery suckers on his feet slipped on a dark cave floor and almost slid him into a dark sinkhole in the limestone.

　　But he admits he still likes the concept, and the Merrell Hydro Moc ($60) is a water shoe in the same vein. You might get confused between the two if you’re not a purist, but tomato tomato, potato potato. 

　　Over the years, Nathan has owned and worn many pairs of Merrell shoes and always found them good quality and affordable. The Hydro Moc is the same. However, it’s a bit of a weird water shoe. Even Merrell celebrates the weirdness. Also, the camo color scheme Moc sent us to test made our tester feel like he had baby alligators wrapped around his feet.

　　As Nathan wore them on the river, on an offshore boat trip in the tropics, and around the beach, he found them to be a comfortable water shoe that performs well. Do they breathe well? Yes. Do they drain well? Obviously. They are full of large holes.

　　Did the Merrell Hydro Mocs stay on his feet well? Yes. Do they stick to shore rocks without slipping? Yes. Can we wear them with socks in the fall when we go to a bluegrass-pumping pumpkin carving dance party and still fit in with the locals? Yes. Could we wear a wack-colored pair in NYC with a thrift store blue corduroy suit and look right? Yes. There are many wins here. 

　　Are they for you? Only you can answer that personal question. Will your kids find your new Merrell Hydro Mocs cool? Perhaps, maybe. Perhaps, not. Answers are elusive. Are they weird? Definitely. 

　　Overall, the Merrell Hydro Moc is a comfortable, well-performing water shoe that contains 10% algae and seaweed mixed with flexible plastic. It is affordable, long-lasting, and comes in many fun colors, so you don’t have to wear the alligator-attracting camo if you don’t want to. 

　　$60 at REI$32 at Amazon Astral Loyak Specs Height Just below the ankle bone Upper Material Hydrophobic canvas Adjustment Excellent/Traditional Laces Shoe Sole G.15 Rubber + Flex Grip Outsole both proprietary to Astral Dry Weight (single shoe) 7.4 o/209 g What’s Cool About It Minimal shoe that is built well

　　Pros Minimal profile Drains in the toe and heel Removable insole so you can wash all the sand out Flexible = you can feel the ground Packs down small Cons Not many cons, but just not as much protection as the Brewer 2.0. Sizing runs big Nathan Ward Depending on whos testing, the Astral Loyak ($95) could also be in the running for the best water shoe. The Loyak offers many of the same great features that made the Astral Brewer 2.0 our favorite shoe — a wide toebox, zero drop, level fit, good quality construction, lightweight, fast drying, sticky G.15 rubber sole, and traditional laces. The Loyak is good for paddleboarding, side hikes, kayaking, and other light-pressure sports.

　　The Loyak is a lower-volume shoe and quite flexible so it allows one to fit the feet into tighter spaces, like small kayaks, and it takes up less space when packing for a trip. Like the Brewer 2.0, the Loyak is multifunctional and can be worn on the water or out to dinner. Unlike its cousin, the Loyak has a removable insole so it’s easier to wash the sand out of the shoe after a day at the beach or in the river. 

　　The Brewer provides more foot protection, which is the main feature that made our tester choose it over the Loyak. The Loyak also only comes in full sizes, not half sizes, so depending on your foot size, you may not be able to get as good a fit in the Loyak. Be aware that the Loyak does run big, so order half a size down, or the shoe will be too big. 

　　Overall, it’s a close call, and the Astral Loyak will be an ideal choice for many, especially those who don’t need as much support and want a thinner, more flexible water shoe. The fact that it costs $30 less than the Brewer 2.0 may tip the scale in its favor for some. 

　　$95 at REI$95 at Amazon Athmile Water Sock Specs Height Just below the ankle bone Upper Material Stretchy elastic Adjustment None/Slip on Shoe Sole Thin rubber Dry Weight (single shoe) 5 oz.142 g What’s Cool About It Very minimal, inexpensive

　　Pros Takes up very little space in your pack Cons Not much protection for your foot Sloppy fit May not last multiple trips Nathan Ward Let’s say you’re on a tight budget but still need functional water footwear for basic foot protection. The Athmile Water Sock ($10) is just this. It’s less of a shoe and more of a water sock with a rubber sole. A single pair for yourself will cost less than a six-pack of beer, and water socks for a family of five will cost less than a mountain-town lunch at a restaurant — way less.

　　The Athmile Water Socks do not offer much protection and zero support, but they are easy on/off and will protect your feet from the sun, hot pavement/sand, and a few short walks across sharp coastal coral. They will probably not last for many trips or multiple years. The thin soles will also not protect your feet from fish hooks, broken glass, sharp shell edges, and the like. 

　　However, there are a few situations where the Athmile Water Sock really shines, especially for the price. Beyond walks to the pool and from the car to the beach, our tester, Nathan, used these in a few situations where they filled a fun niche. The beauty of these is they take up very little space and pack down nearly flat. 

　　Nathan wore these from his beach hut outside Isabela, Puerto Rico, across the gravel in the yard, down a hot paved road, and along a burning sandy beach in the sun. From here, he shuffled out across rocks in the water with baby sea urchins stuffed in all the cracks into deeper water where he put on fins and a snorkel.

　　He then stuffed the flattened Athmile Water Socks up the front of his rash guard and did a long, snorkel swim drifting about a mile with the current. At the end of the drift, he swam to the shore, took off his fins, pulled the Athmile Water Socks from his shirt, and used them to protect his feet on the mile-long walk back.

　　Is that worth $10? Definitely. Would he step on full-size sea urchins with them? Never on purpose.

　　$10 at Amazon Water Shoes Comparison Chart

　　We tested shoes, including the Xera Aqua X Sport, in the warm waters of the Caribbean and the cold waters of Colorado; (photo/Nathan Ward) How We Tested Water Shoes Choosing which shoes to select for the best water shoes today represents a tricky challenge. Nearly every footwear company out there offers a “water shoe.” Some of these are legitimate shoes that can be used for all sports. Some are nothing more than a simple sock with non-slip rubber on the bottom.

　　We chose mainstream footwear companies we have used for years, with the Xera Aqua X Sport being the exception. We added this shoe because the barefoot running movement is real and areas near water are often ideal for running.

　　Nathan Ward headed up this test, first packing all the shoes for a trip to the Caribbean and then testing them on the shores of the Arkansas River in Salida, Colo. Nathan is a lifelong adventurer who has kayaked rivers in the Himalayas, wade-fished Rocky Mountain rivers and tropical flats, paddled SUPs on oceans/inlets/lakes/rivers, snorkeled rivers, gingerly crunched over sea urchins, and spent too many hours on the decks of swimming pools watching his son swim back and forth.

　　He is also a lifelong writer, photographer, and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker devoted to conservation, river restoration, and wildlife protection. He has worn out more than one pair of Astral Brewers in his adventures and work. This guide represents the best water shoes on the market, and if youre looking for womens-specific choices, check out our guide to the Best Water Shoes for Women. 

　　We put in a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to find you the best water shoes; (photo/Nathan Ward) Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Water Shoes Given the thousands of types of water shoes available, this is a tough question. However, the most simple answer is often the best. Where will you use your water shoes the most, and how often?

　　For example, will you use them primarily at the resort or the pool, where you need a water shoe to protect your feet from hot sand, sun, and slipping? Then, the Speedo Surf Knit Pro may be the best shoe for you.

　　However, if you plan on paddling or swimming whitewater and tackling tough rocky side hikes on a multiday rafting trip, the Teva Outflow Universal, the Astral Brewer 2.0, or Astral Loyak will be your best choice. If you’re surfing or paddling cold rivers or waves, the NRS Paddle Wetshoe will be ideal.

　　Close your eyes, visualize where you will spend most of your water time, and imagine what features will make you the most happy. One of the shoes in this review will work well for you.

　　Choose the right water shoe based on how you will use it most. The Astral Loyak is a great choice if youll be mostly adventuring; (photo/Nathan Ward) Use Types Building on the concept above, different water shoes are best suited for different uses. The most common of these are adventure, lifestyle, and cold. And fashion, of course. Don’t forget fashion.

　　Sometimes these categories can be combined for a broader range of uses. Regardless of use, every water shoe should protect your feet, stay on, and help prevent you from slipping on wet or slimy surfaces.

　　Adventure When we picture water adventures, we think of paddling sups, running whitewater in a raft or a kayak, jogging on the beach, hiking routes that combine trails and water crossings, or wading over sharp coral to fly fish. Your feet need support, protection from rocks, and shoes that stay on if you are washed through a churning whitewater rapid or pinwheeled in the waves. Adventure shoes include the Xero Aqua X Sport, the Astral Brewer 2.0, and the Teva Outflow Universal.

　　The Xero Aqua X Sport shoes are ideal for SUP adventures, kayaking in tight boats, and rock hopping on the river shore; (photo/Nathan Ward) Casual/Lifestyle Casual water shoes are oriented more toward lifestyle pursuits like walking in small lapping waves, strolling around town near the river while you look for a delicious bagel, crossing the gravel between the parking lot and the beach, and stepping across sun-baked hot concrete and sand. You can wear these shoes at the beach, the water park, and the restaurant afterward.

　　They will not necessarily stay on in waves, running rivers, or any action-oriented water activity. You often find single casual water shoes washed up alone on the edges of lakes, rivers, and beaches.

　　Why not just wear flip-flops? We love flip-flops, but water shoes definitely stay on better than flip-flops, offer a degree of sun protection, and have soles designed to prevent slipping. The Speedo Surf Knit Pro and Merrell Hydro Moc fit this lifestyle category.

　　The Speedo Surf Knit Pro moves easily from relaxing near the water to dinner and back again; (photo/Nathan Ward) Cold Water/Cold Temps To pursue cold water sports, you need a water shoe that will help keep your feet as warm as possible. This often means a neoprene shoe or a more sustainable option like the Terraprene in the NRS Paddle Wetshoe. Many companies sell low neoprene booties or socks, but for better protection and performance, you want a cold water shoe that covers your ankle completely and is tall enough to be tucked under the legs of your wetsuit.

　　You also want them to zip on the side so you can put them off and take them off easier, as well as a small tab to cover the zipper so it doesn’t cut into your wetsuit. NRS has specialized in cold water for decades, and its Paddle Wetshoe is the most recent version of a long line of paddling booties.

　　Another option would be to use a neoprene NRS Wetsock under your adventure water shoe. If you do this, you must buy an adventure water shoe big enough to fit the neoprene sock. The downside is that the larger shoe size will decrease your warm-weather performance when not wearing the neoprene sock. There are always trade-offs when trying to combine equipment for very different conditions.

　　The NRS Paddle Wetshoe kept our feet warm while paddling high mountain reservoirs and snorkeling cold rivers in winter and spring; (photo/Nathan Ward) Fit and Sizing All the water shoes reviewed offer fairly wide toeboxes, although none of them come in a wide option. Wide toeboxes are popular because you can spread your toes out. However, sand and water sometimes collect or pool in a wide toebox. The NRS Paddle Wetshoe offers a very wide toebox.

　　Many water shoes do not come in half sizes, so most of the time you need to order the half size larger. For example, if you normally wear a 10.5 regular shoe, order an 11 water shoe. If you are pursuing more active adventures, look for a shoe that comes in half sizes so you can get the best fit.

　　In this review, the Astral Brewer 2.0, Xero Aqua X Sport, and the Teval Outflow Universal all come in half sizes. You may want to order the Merrell Hydro Moc half a size down because the fit is fairly loose. The Astral Loyak runs big, and they don’t come in half sizes, so order half-size down. And finally, the Speedo Surf Knit Pro is built with a stretchy fabric on top so the material will stretch out to the width of your foot.

　　The casual Merrell Hydro Moc runs a bit big, so you may want to size down; (photo/Nathan Ward) Weight and Packability The shoes that offer the most protection also weigh more. Look at the NRS Paddle Wetshoe, the Athmile Water Sock, and the Teva Outflow Universal. Shoes with less protection often weigh less. The exception here is the Speedo Surf Knit Pro, which weighs quite a bit for a casual water shoe because it’s built with a fairly thick sole for additional protection.

　　Most of these water shoes squish flat so you can throw a rubber band around them and stuff them in your suitcase or pack where they will take up very little room. The exception is the Teva Outflow Universal because it is built more like a supportive sneaker. If you’re trying to pack minimally, wear this on the plane while traveling.

　　The weight, packability, and performance winner is the Astral Brewer 2.0, which is lightweight and doesn’t take up much room.

　　The Athmile Water Sock is a super-packable option that works well on any budget; (photo/Nathan Ward) Outsoles (Tread) Regardless of what type of water shoe is best for you, a non-negotiable feature is a shoe sole that protects your feet from rocks, hot sand, slippery algae, fish hooks, broken shells, coral, limestone caves, burning concrete, and all the other environmental dangers that can damage the sensitive bottoms of your feet. While some things like very slippery rocks and broken glass may best every water shoe rubber sole, the shoe soles in this review all do a very good job.

　　Some companies focus on the rubber more. For example, earlier versions of the Astral Brewer used the proven nonslip Stealth climbing shoe rubber. Over time, Astral developed its own proprietary rubber, which it calls the G.15 Rubber and that it used in the Astral Brewer 2.0. Its durable, grippy on wet surfaces, and doesn’t mark up the floor.

　　Another take on a protective outsole is the NRS Paddle Wetshoe, which uses a thin but sticky sole combined with a 5mm inner sole, a 2mm plastic shim, and additional protection on the heels, Achilles area, and toes. The end result is a flexible water shoe that also protects your feet.

　　The Astral Brewer 2.0 has super-grippy soles yet is also lightweight and doesnt take up much room; (photo/Nathan Ward) Support and Comfort Many water shoes are not very comfortable for long periods, as they’re designed to be worn only for the time you are in the water. As a result, many do not offer much, or any, arch support. The manufacturers know most water shoes are designed to be worn directly on a bare foot without the cushion of a sock, so water shoes are often lined with a material soft on bare skin. If you want some arch support, look to the Astral Brewer 2.0 and the Teva Outflow Universal.

　　The Teva Outflow Universal water sneaker offered support, great foot protection, and the most customizable fit of all the water shoes we tested; (photo/Nathan Ward) Sustainability As we all know, creating sustainable products is a huge challenge. Shoes are made with materials, glues, and compounds designed to protect your feet, not break down easily once they wear out. This is an unfortunate reality, but several of the companies manufacturing the water shoes profiled here are making a sincere effort to design products more sustainably. We’ve mentioned many of these sustainability initiatives above and you can read about them in much more detail on each manufacturers website.

　　To highlight a few sustainability initiatives:

　　Astral has moved away from PVC, neoprene, toxic glues, and construction processes. Today, it incorporates recycled materials, hemp, and less intensive manufacturing. Teva uses various recycled materials, makes its straps from recycled plastic bottles, reduces water usage, and much more. NRS is moving away from neoprene slowly and considering the environmental impact of its products and manufacturing. Merrell posted six ambitious sustainability goals to achieve by 2025 on its website. Xero is starting to make its shoes better for the planet. Speedo has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability. Could they all do more? Of course. Can they all do more and still stay in business? We don’t know. However, every dollar bill is a vote, so when choosing shoes, you can make an impact by deciding how to spend yours.

　　If sustainability is an important consideration for you, spend yours on companies that aggressively pursue sustainable materials and processes, both before making shoes and after the shoes have worn out.

　　FAQ Which water shoes are best for all-day comfort? Most water shoes aren’t designed to be worn all day, but switched out with bare feet and everyday shoes. If you do want to wear them all day, choose one of the shoes with a more contoured sole and some arch support like the Astral Brewer 2.0 or Teva Outflow Universal.

　　Which water shoes are best for action-oriented sports? 

　　If you’ll be adventuring in your water shoes, your feet need support, protection from rocks, and shoes that stay on if you are washed through a churning whitewater rapid or pinwheeled in the waves. Adventure shoes include the Xero Aqua X Sport, the Astral Brewer 2.0 and the Teva Outflow Universal fit this bill.

　　Is it better to size up or size down with water shoes?

　　For adventure water shoes, find shoes offered in the more exact half sizes. Otherwise, size up.

　　How do I choose the right water shoes?

　　The best water shoe for you will be determined by the water activity you do the most.

　　Are water shoes better than flip-flops?

　　These could be fighting words, but we need to add a couple more words to the question. Are water shoes better than flip-flops in the water? Absolutely. Flip-flops float off your feet.

　　The Best Water Shoes for Women of 2024 We tested the best camera bags with options for every budget. Top picks include Salomon, Astral, Merrell and more!

　　Best Sandals for Women of 2024 Free your feet and the rest will follow. From trail to town and everything in between, we found the best sandals for women.