The 5 Best Women’s Water Shoes, Tested by PEOPLE

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

If you’re an avid summer traveler, you know the importance of a good pair of water shoes. They’re great for beach walks, potentially wet hikes,tent camping trips, and even water aerobics.Experts Say“Water shoes should drain and dry quickly, be very flexible to move with your foot, and have a good nonslip sole. They are a great added level of protection for swimming, crossing or wading in shallow or moving water… even playing in the sprinklers with little ones.”—Dr. Brad Schaeffer, board-certified podiatrist, foot surgeon at Central Park Sole, and star of TLC’sMy Feet Are Killing MeWe tested 17 pairs of water shoes and chatted with expertsto help guide you on your journey to your next pair of adventure-ready shoes. After testing water shoes on different terrains and in various activities, we evaluated each pair based on durability on wet and dry land, speed of drying, traction, comfort, and value.Keep reading for the best water shoes that PEOPLE Tested.Our Top PicksBest Overall Water Shoes:SALEDlgjpa Women’s Quick-drying Water Shoes at Amazon$40$30Jump to ReviewBest Budget Water Shoes:SALEAleader Women’s Slip-on Water Shoes at Amazon$33$28Jump to ReviewBest Espadrille Water Shoes:Sea Star Beachwear Beachcomber Water Shoe at Seastarbeachwear.comJump to ReviewBest Rubber Water Shoes:SALEMerrell Hydro Moc at Amazon$60$30Jump to ReviewBest Sandal Water Shoes:Keen Women’s SOLR Water Sandal at Amazon$102Jump to ReviewBest Flip-Flops for Women:Reef Solana Flip Flop at Nordstrom$45Jump to ReviewBest Walking Shoes:Hoka Women’s Bondi 8 at Amazon$209Jump to ReviewBest Slip-On Shoes:OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers at Amazon$100Jump to ReviewBest Skort:Vuori Halo Performance Skort at Nordstrom$55Jump to Review

If you’re an avid summer traveler, you know the importance of a good pair of water shoes. They’re great for beach walks, potentially wet hikes,tent camping trips, and even water aerobics.

Experts Say“Water shoes should drain and dry quickly, be very flexible to move with your foot, and have a good nonslip sole. They are a great added level of protection for swimming, crossing or wading in shallow or moving water… even playing in the sprinklers with little ones.”—Dr. Brad Schaeffer, board-certified podiatrist, foot surgeon at Central Park Sole, and star of TLC’sMy Feet Are Killing Me

Experts Say

“Water shoes should drain and dry quickly, be very flexible to move with your foot, and have a good nonslip sole. They are a great added level of protection for swimming, crossing or wading in shallow or moving water… even playing in the sprinklers with little ones.”—Dr. Brad Schaeffer, board-certified podiatrist, foot surgeon at Central Park Sole, and star of TLC’sMy Feet Are Killing Me

We tested 17 pairs of water shoes and chatted with expertsto help guide you on your journey to your next pair of adventure-ready shoes. After testing water shoes on different terrains and in various activities, we evaluated each pair based on durability on wet and dry land, speed of drying, traction, comfort, and value.

Keep reading for the best water shoes that PEOPLE Tested.

Our Top PicksBest Overall Water Shoes:SALEDlgjpa Women’s Quick-drying Water Shoes at Amazon$40$30Jump to ReviewBest Budget Water Shoes:SALEAleader Women’s Slip-on Water Shoes at Amazon$33$28Jump to ReviewBest Espadrille Water Shoes:Sea Star Beachwear Beachcomber Water Shoe at Seastarbeachwear.comJump to ReviewBest Rubber Water Shoes:SALEMerrell Hydro Moc at Amazon$60$30Jump to ReviewBest Sandal Water Shoes:Keen Women’s SOLR Water Sandal at Amazon$102Jump to ReviewBest Flip-Flops for Women:Reef Solana Flip Flop at Nordstrom$45Jump to ReviewBest Walking Shoes:Hoka Women’s Bondi 8 at Amazon$209Jump to ReviewBest Slip-On Shoes:OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers at Amazon$100Jump to ReviewBest Skort:Vuori Halo Performance Skort at Nordstrom$55Jump to Review

Best Overall Water Shoes:SALEDlgjpa Women’s Quick-drying Water Shoes at Amazon$40$30Jump to ReviewBest Budget Water Shoes:SALEAleader Women’s Slip-on Water Shoes at Amazon$33$28Jump to ReviewBest Espadrille Water Shoes:Sea Star Beachwear Beachcomber Water Shoe at Seastarbeachwear.comJump to ReviewBest Rubber Water Shoes:SALEMerrell Hydro Moc at Amazon$60$30Jump to ReviewBest Sandal Water Shoes:Keen Women’s SOLR Water Sandal at Amazon$102Jump to ReviewBest Flip-Flops for Women:Reef Solana Flip Flop at Nordstrom$45Jump to ReviewBest Walking Shoes:Hoka Women’s Bondi 8 at Amazon$209Jump to ReviewBest Slip-On Shoes:OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers at Amazon$100Jump to ReviewBest Skort:Vuori Halo Performance Skort at Nordstrom$55Jump to Review

Best Overall Water Shoes:SALEDlgjpa Women’s Quick-drying Water Shoes at Amazon$40$30Jump to Review

Best Overall Water Shoes:SALEDlgjpa Women’s Quick-drying Water Shoes at Amazon$40$30

Best Overall Water Shoes:

SALE

Best Budget Water Shoes:SALEAleader Women’s Slip-on Water Shoes at Amazon$33$28Jump to Review

Best Budget Water Shoes:SALEAleader Women’s Slip-on Water Shoes at Amazon$33$28

Best Budget Water Shoes:

Best Espadrille Water Shoes:Sea Star Beachwear Beachcomber Water Shoe at Seastarbeachwear.comJump to Review

Best Espadrille Water Shoes:Sea Star Beachwear Beachcomber Water Shoe at Seastarbeachwear.com

Best Espadrille Water Shoes:

Best Rubber Water Shoes:SALEMerrell Hydro Moc at Amazon$60$30Jump to Review

Best Rubber Water Shoes:SALEMerrell Hydro Moc at Amazon$60$30

Best Rubber Water Shoes:

Best Sandal Water Shoes:Keen Women’s SOLR Water Sandal at Amazon$102Jump to Review

Best Sandal Water Shoes:Keen Women’s SOLR Water Sandal at Amazon$102

Best Sandal Water Shoes:

Best Flip-Flops for Women:Reef Solana Flip Flop at Nordstrom$45Jump to Review

Best Flip-Flops for Women:Reef Solana Flip Flop at Nordstrom$45

Best Flip-Flops for Women:

Best Walking Shoes:Hoka Women’s Bondi 8 at Amazon$209Jump to Review

Best Walking Shoes:Hoka Women’s Bondi 8 at Amazon$209

Best Walking Shoes:

Best Slip-On Shoes:OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers at Amazon$100Jump to Review

Best Slip-On Shoes:OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers at Amazon$100

Best Slip-On Shoes:

Best Skort:Vuori Halo Performance Skort at Nordstrom$55Jump to Review

Best Skort:Vuori Halo Performance Skort at Nordstrom$55

Best Skort:

Best Overall Water ShoesDlgjpa Women’s Quick-drying Water ShoesPHOTO: Amazon$40$30 at AmazonOur RatingsComfort5/5Drainage5/5Protection5/5Traction5/5Value5/5Star QualitiesSnug, comfortable fitAnti-slip soles provide great tractionWhole shoe dried extremely quickly in testingLightweight upperRed FlagsNone we can think ofThe DLGJPA water shoes look and feel like regular sneakers orwalking shoes, but they dry in an instant after getting wet. They’re extremely comfortable and snug-fitting, so they’re great for walks and hikes. Plus, they protect your feet on sand and concrete, with excellent traction that allows you to walk on almost any terrain. And they’re great quality for the price — only $30 (and worth every penny).Honestly, there’s nothing bad to say about these shoes. They’re stylish and functional and come in 32 colors to fit your fancy. The adjustable elastic was super easy to use, too — we just pulled, and they stayed in place throughout all of our activities in the ocean, on concrete, on the beach, and more. It’s safe to say that these are great shoes for anyone who spends any significant time outside, regardless of your terrain. If you need one pair of do-it-all water shoes, we really can’t recommend these enough.Sizes:Women’s 6-11 |Material:Mesh and elastic upper, rubber sole |Weight:7.05 ouncesPHOTO: People / Monica AguinagaPHOTO: People / Monica Aguinaga

Best Overall Water ShoesDlgjpa Women’s Quick-drying Water ShoesPHOTO: Amazon$40$30 at AmazonOur RatingsComfort5/5Drainage5/5Protection5/5Traction5/5Value5/5

Best Overall Water ShoesDlgjpa Women’s Quick-drying Water Shoes

Best Overall Water Shoes

Dlgjpa Women’s Quick-drying Water Shoes

PHOTO: Amazon

DLGJPA Women’s Quick-drying Water Shoes

$40$30 at Amazon

Our RatingsComfort5/5Drainage5/5Protection5/5Traction5/5Value5/5

Our Ratings

Comfort

5/5

Drainage

Protection

Traction

Value

Star QualitiesSnug, comfortable fitAnti-slip soles provide great tractionWhole shoe dried extremely quickly in testingLightweight upperRed FlagsNone we can think of

Star QualitiesSnug, comfortable fitAnti-slip soles provide great tractionWhole shoe dried extremely quickly in testingLightweight upper

Snug, comfortable fit

Anti-slip soles provide great traction

Whole shoe dried extremely quickly in testing

Lightweight upper

Red FlagsNone we can think of

None we can think of

The DLGJPA water shoes look and feel like regular sneakers orwalking shoes, but they dry in an instant after getting wet. They’re extremely comfortable and snug-fitting, so they’re great for walks and hikes. Plus, they protect your feet on sand and concrete, with excellent traction that allows you to walk on almost any terrain. And they’re great quality for the price — only $30 (and worth every penny).

Honestly, there’s nothing bad to say about these shoes. They’re stylish and functional and come in 32 colors to fit your fancy. The adjustable elastic was super easy to use, too — we just pulled, and they stayed in place throughout all of our activities in the ocean, on concrete, on the beach, and more. It’s safe to say that these are great shoes for anyone who spends any significant time outside, regardless of your terrain. If you need one pair of do-it-all water shoes, we really can’t recommend these enough.

Sizes:Women’s 6-11 |Material:Mesh and elastic upper, rubber sole |Weight:7.05 ounces

PHOTO: People / Monica AguinagaPHOTO: People / Monica Aguinaga

Hand holding DLGJPA Women’s Quick-Drying Water Shoes in front of ocean

Person wearing DLGJPA Women’s Quick-Drying Water Shoes while walking through ocean waves

Hand holding DLGJPA Women’s Quick-Drying Water Shoes in front of ocean

Person wearing DLGJPA Women’s Quick-Drying Water Shoes while walking through ocean waves

Best Budget Water ShoesAleader Women’s Slip-on Water ShoesPHOTO: Amazon$33$28 at AmazonView on Aleadergear.comOur RatingsComfort5/5Drainage3/5Protection5/5Traction5/5Value4/5Star QualitiesLook and feel like athletic shoesAble to handle different terrainBouncy midsole provides great shock absorptionRed FlagsTook longer to dry than others we testedIf you want your water shoes to double as everydayslip-on shoes, we don’t blame you — and we think the Aleader Women’s Mesh Slip-Ons are not only cute, but practical (and totally budget-friendly). We loved the look and feel of these, which seem more like regular sneakers than water shoes. They were super comfortable, fit well, and seemed very well-made, especially for the price. What really made our experience with these shoes, though, was the comfortable, bouncy insole and high-traction outsole that made everything from swimming to running ultra comfortable.The only big drawback was they seemed to dry slowly, and they held on to more water than other similar models we tested. Despite that shortcoming, this is still a great option, especially for the price. If your style leans sporty, these are an excellent choice.Sizes:Women’s 6-11 |Material:Mesh upper, EVA sole |Weight:7.05 ouncesPHOTO: People / Izzy SeelyPHOTO: People / Izzy Seely

Best Budget Water ShoesAleader Women’s Slip-on Water ShoesPHOTO: Amazon$33$28 at AmazonView on Aleadergear.comOur RatingsComfort5/5Drainage3/5Protection5/5Traction5/5Value4/5

Best Budget Water ShoesAleader Women’s Slip-on Water Shoes

Best Budget Water Shoes

Aleader Women’s Slip-on Water Shoes

Aleader Women’s Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes

$33$28 at AmazonView on Aleadergear.com

Our RatingsComfort5/5Drainage3/5Protection5/5Traction5/5Value4/5

3/5

4/5

Star QualitiesLook and feel like athletic shoesAble to handle different terrainBouncy midsole provides great shock absorptionRed FlagsTook longer to dry than others we tested

Star QualitiesLook and feel like athletic shoesAble to handle different terrainBouncy midsole provides great shock absorption

Look and feel like athletic shoes

Able to handle different terrain

Bouncy midsole provides great shock absorption

Red FlagsTook longer to dry than others we tested

Took longer to dry than others we tested

If you want your water shoes to double as everydayslip-on shoes, we don’t blame you — and we think the Aleader Women’s Mesh Slip-Ons are not only cute, but practical (and totally budget-friendly). We loved the look and feel of these, which seem more like regular sneakers than water shoes. They were super comfortable, fit well, and seemed very well-made, especially for the price. What really made our experience with these shoes, though, was the comfortable, bouncy insole and high-traction outsole that made everything from swimming to running ultra comfortable.

The only big drawback was they seemed to dry slowly, and they held on to more water than other similar models we tested. Despite that shortcoming, this is still a great option, especially for the price. If your style leans sporty, these are an excellent choice.

Sizes:Women’s 6-11 |Material:Mesh upper, EVA sole |Weight:7.05 ounces

PHOTO: People / Izzy SeelyPHOTO: People / Izzy Seely

Person wearing Aleader Women’s Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes while sitting on red striped beach blanket

Person holding Aleader Women’s Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes while standing on beach in front of ocean

Person wearing Aleader Women’s Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes while sitting on red striped beach blanket

Person holding Aleader Women’s Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes while standing on beach in front of ocean

Best Espadrille Water ShoesSea Star Beachwear Beachcomber Water ShoePHOTO: AmazonView on Seastarbeachwear.comOur RatingsComfort5/5Drainage4/5Protection5/5Traction5/5Value4/5

Best Espadrille Water ShoesSea Star Beachwear Beachcomber Water Shoe

Best Espadrille Water Shoes

Sea Star Beachwear Beachcomber Water Shoe

View on Seastarbeachwear.com

Our RatingsComfort5/5Drainage4/5Protection5/5Traction5/5Value4/5

Star QualitiesNeoprene fabric means these dryincrediblyfastFashion-forward designNon-skid rubber solesRed FlagsConsiderably more expensive than others we tried

Star QualitiesNeoprene fabric means these dryincrediblyfastFashion-forward designNon-skid rubber soles

Neoprene fabric means these dryincrediblyfast

Fashion-forward design

Non-skid rubber soles

Red FlagsConsiderably more expensive than others we tried

Considerably more expensive than others we tried

Some water shoes can even evoke aroyal-approvedstyle — case in point, the Sea Star Beachwear Espadrilles. These woven-accented water shoes don’t look like water shoesat all, meaning that they’re stylish enough to wear to dinner yet water-resistant enough for frolicking on the shoreline. The quick-drying upper material is made from neoprene, so they dried in a flash during testing. The fabric also pulled the water away from our skin while we wore them, which made the wear test that much more comfortable.

We found that the sturdy sole was great for walking on sand and pavement, but we don’t think that these should be your all-day-outdoor-activity shoe of choice (more like great beach shoes that you can wear in the water). The biggest downside is the price: since these are more of a specialty shoe, it feels extra-steep to splurge on them when they don’t have atonof uses. Still, they’re so cute (and simply begging to be brought on your next beach vacay).

How They’ve Held Up

Sizes:Women’s 6-12 |Material:Neoprene upper, rubber sole |Weight:1.5 pounds

Best Rubber Water ShoesMerrell Hydro MocPHOTO: Amazon$60$30 at Amazon$50 at Zappos$60 at REIOur RatingsComfort4/5Drainage5/5Protection4/5Traction4/5Value5/5Star QualitiesWater drains out effectivelyDesign makes it easy to shake out dirt and pebblesLightweight body is great for swimmingRed FlagsOpen design not ideal for longer walks and hikesFirst, the good: these shoes are great to walk in if your feet are dry. They keep out small rocks and sand and are very comfortable. We also found these to be great swimming shoes, as water poured out immediately (thanks, rubber!). They held their grip when we wore them while trying to exit a rocky river bed, which thankfully protected our feet from the bottom of a lake.Now, the issue: if you’re doing a wet/dry combo activity — say, a hike where part of the walk is submerged in water and part is not — they don’t perform as well. When our foot was wet, it slid around in the shoe, a sensation that irritated our heels after a while. And as any open shoe like this does, this design doesn’t feel as protective as actual shoes or sneakers do, so they’re not ideal for extended periods. At the end of the day, it really depends on what you’re using them for. However, if you find yourself drawn to the water, then they might just be the right shoe for you!Sizes:Women’s 5-11 |Material:EVA rubber |Weight:2 poundsPHOTO: People / Lindsey SweeneyPHOTO: People / Lindsey Sweeney

Best Rubber Water ShoesMerrell Hydro MocPHOTO: Amazon$60$30 at Amazon$50 at Zappos$60 at REIOur RatingsComfort4/5Drainage5/5Protection4/5Traction4/5Value5/5

Best Rubber Water ShoesMerrell Hydro Moc

Best Rubber Water Shoes

Merrell Hydro Moc

Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc Water Shoe

$60$30 at Amazon$50 at Zappos$60 at REI

Our RatingsComfort4/5Drainage5/5Protection4/5Traction4/5Value5/5

Star QualitiesWater drains out effectivelyDesign makes it easy to shake out dirt and pebblesLightweight body is great for swimmingRed FlagsOpen design not ideal for longer walks and hikes

Star QualitiesWater drains out effectivelyDesign makes it easy to shake out dirt and pebblesLightweight body is great for swimming

Water drains out effectively

Design makes it easy to shake out dirt and pebbles

Lightweight body is great for swimming

Red FlagsOpen design not ideal for longer walks and hikes

Open design not ideal for longer walks and hikes

First, the good: these shoes are great to walk in if your feet are dry. They keep out small rocks and sand and are very comfortable. We also found these to be great swimming shoes, as water poured out immediately (thanks, rubber!). They held their grip when we wore them while trying to exit a rocky river bed, which thankfully protected our feet from the bottom of a lake.

Now, the issue: if you’re doing a wet/dry combo activity — say, a hike where part of the walk is submerged in water and part is not — they don’t perform as well. When our foot was wet, it slid around in the shoe, a sensation that irritated our heels after a while. And as any open shoe like this does, this design doesn’t feel as protective as actual shoes or sneakers do, so they’re not ideal for extended periods. At the end of the day, it really depends on what you’re using them for. However, if you find yourself drawn to the water, then they might just be the right shoe for you!

Sizes:Women’s 5-11 |Material:EVA rubber |Weight:2 pounds

PHOTO: People / Lindsey SweeneyPHOTO: People / Lindsey Sweeney

Closeup of person wearing Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc Water Shoes while standing on rock with nearby water and sitting dog

Person wearing Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc Water Shoes while standing on rocks

Closeup of person wearing Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc Water Shoes while standing on rock with nearby water and sitting dog

Person wearing Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc Water Shoes while standing on rocks

Best Sandal Water ShoesKeen Women’s SOLR Water SandalPHOTO: Amazon$102 at AmazonOur RatingsComfort5/5Drainage5/5Protection5/5Traction4/5Value5/5Star QualitiesOdor-resistantBungee capture design keeps feet locked firmly in placeMachine-washableRed FlagsSmall rocks and pebbles were able to get in (but not many)To us, these are the ideal water shoes. Start with the open structure of incredibly comfortable sandals which let some water out through the sides, then add quick-drying fabric (you can go from wet to dry in as little as 15 minutes). The rubber soles provide lots ofarch supporton different terrain (they’re great for rocky river beds, bottoms of lakes, and slippery submerged rocks), and feel similar to standard hiking shoes. They’re also machine-washable. That pretty much covers it, right?We had two small complaints: the open sides did let pebbles, some sand, and other small rocks through, and the only way to get them out is to take the shoe fully off. And they’re not cheap, but we were very impressed with the quality, and felt they’ll last for several seasons. These run a bit large, so we’d suggest sizing a half-size down for the best fit.How They’ve Held UpOver six months of long-term wear, we found ourselves falling in love with these shoes' protective, reinforced toes that come in handy when chasing little ones or hiking. We found them comfortable over extended periods thanks to the EVA insole (even with our high arches). They were extremely easy to clean because of their water-friendly material, and they dried off quickly after a quick hose-down. (We also appreciated the odor-resistant fabric.)Sizes:Women’s 5-12 |Material:Recycled plastic upper, rubber sole|Weight:1.5 poundsPHOTO: People / Lindsey SweeneyPHOTO: People / Lindsey Sweeney

Best Sandal Water ShoesKeen Women’s SOLR Water SandalPHOTO: Amazon$102 at AmazonOur RatingsComfort5/5Drainage5/5Protection5/5Traction4/5Value5/5

Best Sandal Water ShoesKeen Women’s SOLR Water Sandal

Best Sandal Water Shoes

Keen Women’s SOLR Water Sandal

Keen Women’s Solr High Performance Sport Closed Toe Water Sandals

$102 at Amazon

Our RatingsComfort5/5Drainage5/5Protection5/5Traction4/5Value5/5

Star QualitiesOdor-resistantBungee capture design keeps feet locked firmly in placeMachine-washableRed FlagsSmall rocks and pebbles were able to get in (but not many)

Star QualitiesOdor-resistantBungee capture design keeps feet locked firmly in placeMachine-washable

Odor-resistant

Bungee capture design keeps feet locked firmly in place

Machine-washable

Red FlagsSmall rocks and pebbles were able to get in (but not many)

Small rocks and pebbles were able to get in (but not many)

To us, these are the ideal water shoes. Start with the open structure of incredibly comfortable sandals which let some water out through the sides, then add quick-drying fabric (you can go from wet to dry in as little as 15 minutes). The rubber soles provide lots ofarch supporton different terrain (they’re great for rocky river beds, bottoms of lakes, and slippery submerged rocks), and feel similar to standard hiking shoes. They’re also machine-washable. That pretty much covers it, right?

We had two small complaints: the open sides did let pebbles, some sand, and other small rocks through, and the only way to get them out is to take the shoe fully off. And they’re not cheap, but we were very impressed with the quality, and felt they’ll last for several seasons. These run a bit large, so we’d suggest sizing a half-size down for the best fit.

How They’ve Held UpOver six months of long-term wear, we found ourselves falling in love with these shoes' protective, reinforced toes that come in handy when chasing little ones or hiking. We found them comfortable over extended periods thanks to the EVA insole (even with our high arches). They were extremely easy to clean because of their water-friendly material, and they dried off quickly after a quick hose-down. (We also appreciated the odor-resistant fabric.)

Over six months of long-term wear, we found ourselves falling in love with these shoes' protective, reinforced toes that come in handy when chasing little ones or hiking. We found them comfortable over extended periods thanks to the EVA insole (even with our high arches). They were extremely easy to clean because of their water-friendly material, and they dried off quickly after a quick hose-down. (We also appreciated the odor-resistant fabric.)

Sizes:Women’s 5-12 |Material:Recycled plastic upper, rubber sole|Weight:1.5 pounds

Closeup of person wearing Keen Women’s SOLR High Performance Water Sandals while walking on rocks

Closeup of person wearing Keen Women’s SOLR High Performance Water Sandals while holding feet above water

Closeup of person wearing Keen Women’s SOLR High Performance Water Sandals while walking on rocks

Closeup of person wearing Keen Women’s SOLR High Performance Water Sandals while holding feet above water

All our recommended products go through rigorous testing in our NYC lab and at home, so while you’re shopping for women’s water shoes, consider adding one of our other PEOPLE-Tested favorites to your cart.

Reef Solana Flip Flop$45 at Nordstrom$45$37 at ZapposView on Reef.comHoka Women’s Bondi 8$209 at Amazon$165$132 at Nordstrom$165$103 at ZapposOluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers$100 at Amazon$100 at Nordstrom$100 at ZapposVuori Halo Performance Skort$55 at Nordstrom$54 at REIView on Vuoriclothing.com

Reef Solana Flip Flop$45 at Nordstrom$45$37 at ZapposView on Reef.com

Reef Solana Flip Flop

$45 at Nordstrom$45$37 at ZapposView on Reef.com

Hoka Women’s Bondi 8$209 at Amazon$165$132 at Nordstrom$165$103 at Zappos

Hoka Women’s Bondi 8

Hoka Bondi 8 Sneaker

$209 at Amazon$165$132 at Nordstrom$165$103 at Zappos

OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers$100 at Amazon$100 at Nordstrom$100 at Zappos

OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers

$100 at Amazon$100 at Nordstrom$100 at Zappos

Vuori Halo Performance Skort$55 at Nordstrom$54 at REIView on Vuoriclothing.com

Vuori Halo Performance Skort

$55 at Nordstrom$54 at REIView on Vuoriclothing.com

What to Know About Water Shoes

Function

What will you use them for? For light strolls along the beach, apair of flip-flopswill suffice. “Water shoes, or aqua socks, are made to provide extra protection to keep your feet from cuts, bruises, and slipping in wet environments — fishing, boating, at the beach, even around pools, for example,” says Dr. Schaeffer. They’re not meant to be your official hiking shoes, but they’ll get the job done and keep you safe while your feet are submerged.

Jacqueline Sutera,DPM, a board-certified podiatrist, recommends water shoes with “fast-drying material, adjustability, comfortable insoles (preferably with an arch), and some openings for ventilation.” Our best overall pick,DLGJPA Women’s Water Shoes, meets her shopping criteria.

Alternatively, if you just want a casual pair for walks on the beach, we love theSea Star Beachwear Espadrille Water Shoe, which would also be great if you want something to take you from beach day to seaside dinner.

Weight

If you’ll be swimming in them frequently, look for a lighter-weight shoe, like theAleader Women’s Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes, which weigh around half a pound. On the other hand, shoes that are a bit heavier may be better for hikes, assuming the sole has good traction and the shoes don’t cause irritation against wet feet. Dr. Schaeffer points out that the lighter your pair is (and the material it’s made of — he suggests mesh, rubber, and natural fabrics), the less likely you are to develop blisters.

Ease of Cleaning

Machine-washable fabric is always a plus, especially if you’re planning to hike in your water shoes. (We love theKeen SOLR Sandal for this reason!) Shoes that are solely rubber are easy to wipe down if they get muddy, too, like theMerrell Hydro Moc.

When to Buy

Summer products often go on sale in the off-season, so look for deals as peak beach season nears a close. It’s worth noting, however, that buying at the end of the season may mean there’s less selection.

Person wearing Vifuur Water Shoes while walking along beach with nearby waves

We evaluated how our feet felt throughout all of these tests, whether the shoes fit snugly, were irritating, and if they dried and drained well. We considered everything and recorded our assessments for our writers to compile and analyze later. Taking it a step further, we tested several pairs of these shoes for up to six months and will continue to update this story with long-term insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on how often you plan on wearing them, especially if you need a pair of water shoes that double as hiking boots, which may cost more money for that extra utility. TheKeen SOLR Sandalis one of the most expensive water shoes on our list, but they were rated high for comfortability and dried quickly; they’re also machine-washable. If you’re looking for all of the above in a water shoe, it’s worth the steeper price.

Water shoes are a little different than your average shoes, so they may fit a bit differently than your favorite pair of walking shoes. Dr. Sutera advises sticking to your normal size, and Dr. Schaeffer adds that you should look into the measurements and material used in the pair you’ve been eyeing.“They are going to feel tighter when dry because you have to try them on with socks, but remember that our feet get slippery when they are wet, and if water is cold, they are going to contract a little, too,” he says. “You definitely don’t want to buy a pair that is too big.” He adds that you can even use your insoles in water shoes for a bit more stability, which several of his patients have done in the past.

“They are going to feel tighter when dry because you have to try them on with socks, but remember that our feet get slippery when they are wet, and if water is cold, they are going to contract a little, too,” he says. “You definitely don’t want to buy a pair that is too big.” He adds that you can even use your insoles in water shoes for a bit more stability, which several of his patients have done in the past.

Our Expert PanelBrad Schaeffer, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist, foot surgeon at Central Park Sole, and star ofMy Feet Are Killing Meon TLC.Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, is a podiatrist at City Podiatry in New York City.

Our Expert Panel

Brad Schaeffer, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist, foot surgeon at Central Park Sole, and star ofMy Feet Are Killing Meon TLC.Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, is a podiatrist at City Podiatry in New York City.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com