The 15 Best Water Shoes For All Adventures

Water shoes can keep you comfortable and safe while participating in fun activities such as kayaking, surfing, or fishing. They’ll save your hide because they drain water quickly, and are usually made of a material that doesn’t absorb water.

Wearing water shoes is a smart call, even. if you think they may be overkill. Trying to kayak in sneakers will just lead to blisters, and I’ve lost more than one flip-flop in sticky, sandy riverbanks.

On a grosser note, water shoes can protect you from critters and bacteria that might try to snack on your toes. Good traction helps keep you safe on wet and slippery surfaces, and some water shoes also have insulation, which is great for chilly waters.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing a pair of water shoes.

• Performance. You want shoes that perform well in the activities you’ll be participating in. Performance might include items such as traction if you hike in rocky terrain or shoes that provide protection for your ankle in loose terrain.
• Fashion. Gotta look good out there.
• Fit and comfort. This is tops for me. I don’t really care how I look, but I’ve got to be comfortable.
• Support, especially if you tend toward issues such as plantar fasciitis.
• Price and value.
• Durability. Do you kayak once a year, or every weekend?
• Personal preference.

With that in mind, here’s a guide to the 15 best water shoes to help get you started.

Best Water Shoes

1. Astral Loyak (Both Men and Women)

The Astral Loyak comes in styles for men and women and is a great shoe for those who do vigorous activities around water. They are made of breathable materials, so your feet don’t squish around and stay wet.

The Astral Loyak AC women’s water shoe has ripstop mesh uppers to keep debris out. It also has thermoplastic urethane reinforcements to prevent abrasion.

They are durable and have excellent traction to prevent accidents on slippery surfaces. The downside is that they take a little longer to dry than some brands, and they are available only in whole sizes – no half sizes. They also aren’t recommended for heavy use in whitewater.

The men’s style also has excellent traction and is flexible and comfortable. It has canvas uppers, an air mesh lining, and drainage holes at the toe and heel to let water escape and prevent silt from entering.

The style also takes a bit longer to dry and has no half sizes. Both men’s and women’s start at…