The Best Water Shoes for Your Summer Adventures

Whether you're at the beach, on a hike or in a waterpark, the right water shoes can keep your feet safe and comfortable.

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If you're planning to spend time around water in any season—whether at the beach, river, pool or on a watercraft like a kayak or inflatable paddle board—a good pair of water shoes can make your adventures way more comfortable and enjoyable.

Water shoes offer safety, security and comfort in the water—whether that’s a secure grip on wet surfaces, protection around your whole foot against sharp shells or slimy water creatures or comfort against the hard plastic of a water park. But not all water shoes will keep up with your adventures: The best water shoes not only have secure traction and protection, but they also drain water fast and dry quickly.

Whether you’re looking for easy-to-slip-on water shoes for your next beach vacation or water shoes you can hike in for canyoneering, river trips or other outdoor adventures, we’ve got you covered. Here are the 13 best water shoes you can buy for every age and activity, plus a buying guide to help you make an informed choice.

Our Picks for the Best Water Shoes:

• Best Slip-On Water Shoes:  Nike Victori One Men’s | Women’s
• Best Water Shoes for Men: Hoka Hopara
• Best Water Shoes for Women: Kuru Tread Sandals
• Best Water Shoes for Kids: adidas Altaventure Sports Swim Sandals
• Best Water Shoes for Infants/Toddlers: Nike Aqua Sock 360
• Best Water Shoes for Hiking: Hoka Hopara
• Best Water Shoes for Walking: Salomon Ultra Glide 2 Gore-Tex Men’s | Women’s
• Best Water Sandals for Traction: Kuru Current Men’s | Women’s
• Best Water Shoes for Beach: NRS Kicker Wet Shoes Men’s | Women’s
• Best Water Shoes for Kayaking: NRS Sandal Socks
• Best Water Sandals: Teva Terra Fi5 Universal Men’s Sandals | Women’s
• Best Quick-Drying Water Shoes: Keen SOLR Sandals
• Best Budget Water Shoes: Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs

Best Slip-On Water Shoes: Nike Victori One Men’s | Women’s

Nike

Key features:

• Size range: Men’s 6-14, women’s 5-12
• Color options: Seven
• Upper material: N/A
• Sole material: N/A
• Price: $35
• Return period: 60 days

The Nike Victori One is an excellent water shoe because it’s incredibly lightweight, easy to slide on and off, quick to drain and dry and has a non-slip sole with a patterned tread to provide traction on wet surfaces.

While these water shoes may look like basic flip-flops, they have a few unique features that allow them to rise above others. The strap is designed to add additional space and has a rolled top edge, and the foot deck has a slight traction pattern to help your feet grip surfaces better. Lastly, they have a cushioned foam midsole, offering decent support and shock absorption without adding any weight to the shoe, so they’ll support your feet while you wear them around the water all day—which is the top issue with regular, unsupportive flip flops.

Like all Nikes, the Nike Victori One slides do run a bit on the small side, so you might want to size up if you have wide feet. And because they don’t have adjustable straps or top fabric, they’re not ideal if you’ll also be hiking or walking distances during your water adventures. But at such an affordable price point, these are great water shoes for a lot of people.

Pros:

• Easy to slide on and off
• Foam midsole for support
• Solid traction

Cons:

• May fit narrow
• Not ideal for hiking or long walks

Best Water Shoes for Men: Hoka Hopara 

Hoka

Key features:

• Size range: 5-15
• Color options: Three
• Upper material: Synthetic and neoprene
• Sole material: Rubber
• Price: $135
• Return period: 30 days

From one of the best running shoe brands in footwear, the Hoka Hopara shoes are exceptionally constructed and designed for comfort and a stable push off, which is why we’ve named them the best water shoes for men.

The synthetic and neoprene upper is flexible, allowing for quick drying and top-notch water drainage. It also has a gusseted construction, to prevent friction and keep your feet in place while wet, and a rubberized EVA-foam midsole cup to support tired feet. The easily adjusted quick lace system offers a custom fit.

One of the standout features of the Hopara shoes is their outsole, which is made from a sticky rubber. This material offers excellent grip and traction on both wet and dry surfaces, making it ideal for a range of water activities such as kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. In addition to the quality rubber, these water shoes have four-millimeter lugs underfoot, so they’ll keep you secure on slick trails off the water, too.

The biggest, but perhaps only, drawback is that the Hopara shoes are pricey. But the brand-backed quality and careful design of these shoes make them worth the expense.

Pros:

• Protective toe cap, while also fast draining
• Great cushioning for long hikes
• Neoprene upper reduces chafing for better water-to-land comfort

Cons:

• Expensive

Best Water Shoes for Women: Kuru Tread Sandals

Kuru

Key features:

• Size range: 5-12
• Color options: Four
• Upper material: Waterproof leather and cement
• Sole material: Non-wicking microsuede footbed
• Price: $145
• Return period: 45 days

The Kuru Tread Sandals are the best women's water shoes because they’re made by a trusted heritage water apparel brand, they’re incredibly well-constructed to last through wear and tear and they’re specifically crafted to support your foot shape.

The patented Kurusole cups and supports the heel, arch and ankle to protect your feet and maximize comfort. This technology integrates TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), a durable elastic material that allows the sandals to flex with each step, and it dries quickly after getting wet. The Kurucloud cushioned midsole is a lightweight EVA foam that helps absorb shock with each step.

There is a herringbone tread pattern on the rubber sole, with varying patterns on the pivot points that provide traction and enhance maneuverability. The four hook and loop fasteners can be adjusted for a custom fit and stay closed after getting wet.

While Kuru Tread sandals are a bit pricier than competitors, with that price you get the quality backed by a long-trusted brand, incredibly high-quality materials and construction and versatility in design for a variety of water-to-land sports.

Pros:

• Waterproof materials are durable and cleaned easily
• Breathable design
• Highly tractioned rubber sole for great grip

Cons:

• Expensive 

Best Water Shoes for Kids: adidas Altaventure Sports Swim Sandals

adidas

Key features:

• Size range: 10K-13K, 1-2
• Color options: Two
• Upper material: Mesh
• Sole material: Rubber
• Price: $42
• Return period: 30 days

Water shoes are super helpful for little ones as they minimize the risk of slipping when running around the pool, protect their feet from fungi and germs at public water parks and help them find secure footing on slippery surfaces.

The adidas Altaventure Sports Swim Sandals have everything you need in a great pair of water shoes for kids: For starters, they sport large holes on the sides of the arch to dump water quickly as your kid climbs out of the water, and they’re made with a partially-recycled mesh upper that allows the shoes to be breathable, so they’ll dry fast as your little one carries on with their summer adventures.

These water shoes also have a rubber outsole with a protective toe cap; this not only provides great traction underfoot, but the toe cap protects the front and top of the foot from being stubbed. The rubber is also great for its durability, so it can withstand the wear and tear of endless water adventures, and it’s comfortable on pavement so you don’t have to bring a second set of shoes for the kids to walk from the car to your wet locale.

We love that these water shoes have a secure velcro strap across the top so they’ll actually stay on your kiddo’s feet—and that strap is adjustable with a hook-and-loop closure, so they can adjust with your little one as they grow.

Pros:

• Great drainage and breathability to dry fast
• Adjustable straps for growing kids
• Protective rubber toe cap

Cons:

• Limited sizing for smaller kids

Best Water Shoes for Infants/Toddlers: Nike Aqua Sock 360

Nike

Key features:

• Size range: 2C-10C
• Color options: One
• Upper material: Mesh
• Sole material: Rubber
• Price: $45
• Return period: 60 days

The Nike Aqua Sock 360s are the best water shoes for infants or toddlers as they’re crafted entirely from soft mesh on the upper, so water will drain fast and dry quickly when your little one comes out of the water, and have a durable, grooved rubber sole on the bottom that provides traction as your toddler runs around.

These shoes have an easy slip-on design akin to a running shoe, which is nice to minimize the chances of your toddler pulling them off. They also fit snugly, so they won’t slip in transit. The shoes also come with a padded footbed that offers additional cushioning and support, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Compared to other water shoes on the market, the Nike Aqua Sock 360s have a more streamlined design, making them more comfortable and easier to wear for infants and toddlers. The feature we love the most, though, is that these toddler water shoes are machine washable, making them easy to clean and maintain for busy parents.

The biggest downside to these water shoes is the price, considering kids grow very quickly as infants and toddlers. But the price does reflect the high-quality materials and comfortable design, so we still feel they’re worth the price.

Pros:

• Easy to slip on with no laces
• Snug fit
• Mesh upper for breathability and drainage

Cons:

• Expensive for growing toddlers

Best Water Shoes for Hiking: Hoka Hopara

Hoka

Key features:

• Size range: Men’s 5-14, women’s 6-15
• Color options: Two
• Upper material: Synthetic and neoprene
• Sole material: Rubber
• Price: $135
• Return period: 30 days

Compared to taking your hiking boots off every time you reach a crossing, wearing water shoes on hikes where you’ll be navigating rivers, streams or waterfalls will make your life significantly easier—not to mention a whole lot safer than trying to navigate rocks barefoot.

Hoka makes some of our favorite and hiking boots for women, and its water shoes stand up to the brand’s reputation. For starters, they offer great protection: The Hoka Hoparas are crafted with a synthetic and neoprene upper that has an aerated zig-zag pattern to drain water quickly while still providing protection to the majority of your foot—both in the water and on the trail. That neoprene upper is also gusseted, so it really forms to your foot’s shape and reduces friction when wet. These water shoes are also crafted with a rubberized toe cap to protect against stubbed toes on river rocks or rogue sticks on trail.

Uniquely, these shoes also have Hoka’s signature cushioned EVA midsole for a more comfortable and supportive hike, as well as four-millimeter multi-directional lugs on the bottom for a secure grip on slippery trails or slimy rocks.

The one big drawback is the price; at $135, the Hoka Hoparas are significantly more expensive than their competitors. However, that’s a fair price for a hiking shoe, and for anyone who canyoneers, hikes alongside water often or just wants a super versatile and reliable shoe for all forms of outdoor adventures, the superior comfort and construction of these water shoes justify the price.

Pros:

• Protective top-of-foot design, while also fast draining
• Great cushioning for long hikes
• Neoprene upper reduces chafing for better water-to-land comfort

Cons:

• Expensive

Best Water Shoes for Walking: Salomon Ultra Glide 2 Gore-Tex Men’s | Women’s

Salomon

Key features:

• Size range: Men’s 7-14, women’s 5-11
• Color options: Two
• Upper material: Synthetic
• Sole material: Rubber
• Price: $170
• Return period: 45 days

If you want a shoe that can go from the water to walking, the Ultra Glide 2 Gore-Tex drains fast, is incredibly well constructed to hold up over time and is easy to slide on and off.

These shoes have a quick-drying synthetic upper that allows for excellent water drainage, preventing your feet from becoming waterlogged and heavy. It also features a weather-resistant Gore-Tex membrane for added durability, support and longevity—which means your money is well spent on a shoe that should last you countless wet or dry adventures.

One of the key features that sets the Salomon Ultra Glide 2 Gore-Tex apart from its competitors is its unique ability to adapt to varying terrains and surfaces. It has maximal cushioning for support over long distances, and the sole has Salomon’s Reverse Camber design. Specifically, the sole is curved downward creating a concave shape to support and balance over uneven terrain. The shoes also feature a protective toe cap and deep tread for optimal traction.

Because this water shoe is crafted from a heritage running shoe brand, its sole is high-performance Energy Foam designed for shock absorption, so it should support you just as well walking around town as in the water.

These water shoes are on the pricier side, but their quality construction and versatile design make them a worthwhile investment.

Pros:

• Gore-tex membrane keeps you dry
• Six-millimeter drop keeps you close to the ground
• Lightweight at just 8.67 ounces
• Quicklace system with lock mechanism for a secure fit

Cons:

• Expensive

Best Water Sandals for Traction: Kuru Current Men’s | Women’s

Kuru

Key features:

• Size range: Men’s 7-13, women’s 5-12
• Color options: Five
• Upper material: Polyester straps
• Sole material: Rubber
• Price: $135
• Return period: 45 days

For serious hikes that involve water crossings, or serious river crossings with unstable material, you need water sandals with superior traction. Kuru Current’s have everything you’d want in a water sandal, plus the brand’s KuruSole technology. This extra cushy footbed technology adapts to the unique shape of your foot, reducing pressure points and increasing stability. The footbed is also designed with specific grooved channels to pull water away from your foot and out of the shoe quickly, so you aren’t sliding around or squeaking.

These sandals are made from a durable, quick-drying nylon webbing that resists water and dries fast after getting wet. The straps are adjustable, which ensures a secure and comfortable fit for different foot shapes, even during intense water adventures.

In addition to the stability the company’s footbed provides, the Kuru Current’s have a rugged rubber outsole with deep lugs designed to be multi-directional, all to provide aggressive traction on slippery surfaces.

The downside: These water sandals are one of the most expensive on our list. But Kuru’s superior comfort and aggressive traction make them well worth it if you need secure footing in the water.

Pros:

• Unique, highly comfortable and stable footbed
• Footbed has grooves to channel water out of shoe quickly
• Aggressive traction

Cons:

• Expensive

Best Water Shoes for Beach: NRS Kicker Wet Shoes Men’s | Women’s

NRS

Key features:

• Size range: Men’s 7-14, women’s 5-11
• Color options: One
• Upper material: Neoprene
• Sole material: Rubber
• Price: $53
• Return period: 30 days

From the highly-regarded watersports brand NRS, these Kicker Wet Shoes are ideal for the beach as they’re easy to slide on, constructed to keep sand out and incredibly well priced.

The NRS Kicker Wet Shoes are made from a combination of neoprene and nylon, which provides a comfortable and flexible fit while also offering excellent water resistance as you walk along the surf. The shoes feature a stretchy ankle cuff that helps keep sand and debris out of the shoe, adding to the pleasantness of your beach walk.

You can wear them in the water and the rubber outsole will protect your feet from sharp shells or rocks, and then keep your feet secure as you walk on slippery surfaces on land.

The upper has adjustable Velcro straps, so they’ll fit different shaped feet. And the NRS Kicker Wet Shoes dry very quickly since they’re crafted with small drain holes seamlessly integrated throughout the shoe for efficient water drainage. The shoes are also lightweight and easy to pack, making them convenient for adventure travel.

Unfortunately, both the men’s and women’s styles only come in one color, and some may find the slip-on design uncomfortable if their feet are already sandy or wet. But the level of quality construction the NRS brand is known for, not to mention the high-quality materials, is a steal at just over $50.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Adjustable with Velcro straps
• Grippy rubber outsole

Cons:

• Some may want a higher ankle to keep more sand out

Best Water Shoes for Kayaking: NRS Sandal Socks

NRS

Key features:

• Size range: S-XXL
• Color options: One
• Upper material: Neoprene
• Sole material: N/A
• Price: $27
• Return period: 30 days

NRS is one of the most well-known and trusted brands among water sports gear, so it’s no surprise that its Sandal Socks rank as the best water shoes for kayaking.

These water shoes are a bit different than anything else on our list in that they're basically a neoprene crew-cut sock. We absolutely love these for kayaking as the full coverage provides excellent protection and comfort for your feet—both from the sun and from water—during long paddling sessions.

Slide your foot in, and the Sandal Sock hugs your foot snugly while still allowing you full mobility as the two-millimeter neoprene works to keep heat in and water out. Although the seams are glued, blind-stitched and fully taped to keep cold water off your feet, we also love that these socks are thin enough that you can still slide them into boots or shoes for added warmth or durability.

These Sandal Socks are crafted with a HydroCuff to create a comfortable and secure seal around your ankles to keep water out. Because they’re a next-to-skin fit, you can still navigate your boat and hop in and out without any cumbersome obstruction around your feet.

These socks are crafted with flatlock seam construction to minimize chafing or any hot spots. We also like the thoughtful features, like a snap on each sock so they can clip together when not in use. These socks are also super lightweight and obviously very easy to travel with.

The one drawback to the NRS Sandal Socks is that they don’t have a protective outsole to offer additional grip when you’re out of your kayak. But because they’re so thin and affordable, you can easily slide them into Chacos, Tevas or other sandals to leverage their warmth and dryness while adding your own traction.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Warm
• Thin, so they can fit into other sandals or shoes

Cons:

• No outsole

Best Water Sandals: Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal Men’s Sandals | Women’s

Teva

Key features:

• Size range: Men’s 7.5-14, women’s 5-11
• Color options: Four men’s, one women’s
• Upper material: Recycled polyester webbing
• Sole material: Rubber
• Price: $110
• Return period: 30 days

If you want the cooler, more summery feel of water sandals instead of water shoes, the Teva Terra Fi 5s are ideal. For starters, these sandals are made with Teva’s signature adjustable straps, so they have a customizable, secure fit for nearly every foot shape and size. The straps are thick, quick-dry and made from recycled polyester webbing that’s incredibly durable, so they shouldn’t fray or de-stitch with wear and tear over time. Because these are sandals and not enclosed, they drain water quickly, and all the materials dry fast so there’s no worry of chafing.

Next, the Terra Fi 5 Universals have a molded, PU midsole to cushion and support your feet (even with a hiking backpack) for miles of hiking or walking. Most of all, though, these water sandals have an incredibly rugged spider rubber outsole with multidirectional lug patterns, so they should keep your feet stable and secure on slippery rocks or uneven trails. The rubber outsole will also give you great traction on dry surfaces like that of a kayak or raft. We also love that these Tevas are vegan, made with recycled materials and recyclable themselves.

The one major drawback is that they’re on the pricier side. But this one pair of water sandals can last you literally years and are incredibly versatile for any outdoorsy person—so they’re worth the money.

Pros:

• Eco-friendly
• Adjustable fit
• Great traction

Cons:

• Expensive

Best Quick-Drying Water Shoes: Keen SOLR Sandals

REI

Key features:

• Size range: Men’s 8-14, women’s 5-11
• Color options: Four
• Upper material: Synthetic
• Sole material: Rubber
• Price: $130
• Return period: 30 days

Quick-drying water shoes make your on-land experience more comfortable with less chance of blisters, and make it more pleasant if you’ll be taking your wet shoes on and off regularly. Our pick for the best quick-drying water shoes is the Keen SOLR Sandals. The straps are made from a combination of durable synthetic materials and recycled polyester webbing, which is water-resistant and then dries quickly. The heritage Keen zig-zag strap pattern allows water to be dumped quickly. What’s more, they’re crafted with a quick-dry lining. Altogether, these features mean as soon as the shoe is out of the water, your sandals will start drying.

The Keen SOLR Sandals are also made with a highly comfortable footbed focused on cushioning and support to support feet on long water adventures. We love how easy these sandals are to slide on, with a neoprene lining around the ankle for a chafe-free cuff. The sandals also have adjustable straps to secure a tight fit, so you have full mobility in the water.

One drawback to the material used in these water shoes is that synthetic materials may wear out faster than more heavy-duty options, especially with heavy abrasion against river rocks or while hiking.

Pros:

• Quick dry and water-resistant materials
• Comfortable, quick slide-on fit
• Cushioned footbed

Cons:

• Expensive
• Synthetic materials not as durable as others

Best Budget Water Shoes: Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs

Amazon

Key features:

• Size range: Men’s 2-17, women’s 4-19
• Color options: 72
• Upper material: Synthetic
• Sole material: Synthetic
• Price: Varies between sizes but ranges from $29-$50 (many sizes are on sale)
• Return period: 30 days

If you want an affordable water shoe that’s anything but cheaply made, you want the Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs. They’re a simple design, crafted with pivoting heel straps for a secure fit. The upper is a water-friendly buoyant material that dries quickly and is easy to clean.

The synthetic upper has ventilation ports to add breathability and help them dry quickly after being wet. It also has a perforated footbed to prevent your feet from sliding around. While the tread underneath isn’t very aggressive and won’t keep you secure on super slimy or slippery surfaces, it does offer some multi-direction traction that’ll keep you secure and safe in the ocean, water park or on the surface of a watercraft like a kayak or SUP. These water shoes offer a surprising amount of comfort for the price and have a cushioned EVA sole.

These water shoes aren’t going to be as durable or secure underfoot as other shoes on this list and you aren't going to be able to hike in them for very long after getting out of the water, but if you’re looking for a super affordable pair of water shoes that will drain quickly, dry fast and protect your feet in non-technical water, this is an ideal choice for you.

Pros:

• Incredibly affordable
• Drain quickly
• Sturdy outsole

Cons:

• Not versatile for technical waters

How to Choose the Best Water Shoes For You

Material

Water shoes can be made from a variety of materials. Neoprene is popular as it's flexible and will keep you warm, but it can also trap heat and be heavy. Mesh is lightweight and breathable, but less durable. Rubber is durable and provides good traction, but it can be stiff and uncomfortable to wear sometimes. Consider the pros and cons of each material when choosing your water shoes

Fit

Water shoes should fit snugly, but not be too tight. If they’re too loose, the wet, weighted-down excess fabric can make them hard to walk in in the water. They should be comfortable and allow you full range of motion of your foot so you can feel secure stepping on rocks.

Traction

Water shoes should have good traction to prevent slipping on wet surfaces, like slimy river rocks. Certain materials can help: Look for shoes with a rubber sole and a patterned tread for better grip.

Drainage

Water shoes should have good drainage to prevent water from pooling inside the shoe. Look for shoes with drain holes or mesh panels that allow water to escape easily.

Dry time

You want your water shoes to dry quickly both to keep them sanitary, as odor and bacteria can build up the longer they sit wet, as well as so you can take them off and on with ease over the course of a day. Look for shoes with quick-drying materials such as mesh or neoprene.

Durability

You wear water shoes, in part, to protect your feet from abrasion underwater—which means the shoes will be withstanding that rub instead of your skin. Water shoes should be durable enough to endure the wear and tear of sliding across rocks or of water sports and activities. Look for shoes with reinforced seams and sturdy materials that can hold up to frequent use.

Versatility

Water shoes can be worn for any activity where your feet will be wet and you need more protection and/or traction. They’re ideal for: water sports like swimming, snorkeling and kayaking, where you need better grip on slippery surfaces and protection from sharp rocks; beach activities like walking from sand to water where you want to protect your feet from hot sand or broken shells; hiking and exploring in rivers or waterfalls where you need extra grip on slippery rocks; and water parks, where you want protection from scrapes and cuts on the rough surfaces of water slides or wave pools.

Price

The price of good water shoes depends entirely on the design you’re looking at and features you want. For example, water socks like the NRS Sandal Socks are going to be highly affordable at under $30 because they’re, in essence, just neoprene. Meanwhile, other water shoes focused on supporting you on hikes as well as in the water, like the Hoka Hoparas, will run between $120 and $140 because they use way more high-quality material to keep your feet safe and secure, and they require more design knowledge.

How We Chose the Best Water Shoes

To choose the best water shoes, we looked at the leading products in the category and evaluated each based on comfort, material quality, time to dry, drainage, sole grip, function and customer reviews—and ultimately compared all of this information against price, which shows a shoe’s real value.

Benefits of Water Shoes

Water shoes offer protection, support and traction for your feet in wet and slippery conditions. This includes better traction on slippery river rocks, protection against coral or sharp shells in the ocean and protection against the spread of bacteria and fungi in public pools or water parks.

Water shoes are better than wearing generic shoes in the water because they’re specifically designed to stay light in the water, provide good traction against slippery surfaces, drain quickly once and dry fast so they don’t cause blisters or develop an odor as you continue on your hike or beach day.

Water Shoes FAQs

Are water shoes good for walking?

It depends on the shoe and how far you’re walking. If your water shoe has a reliable outsole, it’ll support you on short walks. If it has a cushioned footbed, you can definitely wear it on longer walks. But if your water shoe doesn’t have arch support, cushioning or even a rubber outsole, it’s not good for walking.

Are water shoes or water sandals better?

It depends: Water shoes will cover more surface area of your foot, so they’re better if your foot needs to be fully protected against sharp rocks or slimy seaweed. But water shoes can take longer to dry completely. Meanwhile, water sandals are better if you’re going to be hiking/walking on land as much as in water and you want to stay cool. Water sandals dry quicker, but you run the risk of the straps causing friction and blisters if they aren’t made of quick-dry material.

Do you wear socks inside water shoes?

If you’re wearing water shoes on land while they’re dry, you probably want to wear socks to prevent blisters. But if you’re wearing the water shoes in the water, don’t wear socks, which will only become waterlogged and prevent everything from drying.

Should you size up or down in water shoes?

Water shoes should fit snugly, so you want them to be true to size. If you're between sizes, size down.

Can you wear water shoes in a pool or at a waterpark?

Yes, public pools and public water parks are great places to wear water shoes as the shoes can minimize your chances of contracting a fungus or bacteria.

Final Thoughts

Water shoes can be a great asset anytime you’re in water and want to keep your feet protected or to add traction underfoot. This could be in a public pool or waterpark, while walking in a rocky river, while hiking in an area where your feet will get wet or while participating in water sports like kayaking, rafting or SUPing. The best water shoes drain quickly, dry quickly and offer the amount of traction needed for your water activities.

For most people, the Nike On Deck Sandals are going to be the best water shoe because they’re affordable, easy to slide on and offer enough traction to keep your feet secure on non-technical adventures. If you’re looking for a water shoe or water sandal to wear on a hike or anywhere you need reliable traction, the Hoka Hoparas drain fast, dry quickly, have deep lugs for secure footing and have an incredibly comfortable footbed to support your feet hiking for hours. If you’re looking for a basic water shoe on a budget, the DSG Direct Core Water Shoes protect your entire foot, have an outsole you can walk around on, drain fast and cost less than $15.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.