The best water shoes grip wet rock, drain quickly, protect your toes and stay on in moving water. The Astral Loyak AC is the most widely recommended all-rounder, with a sticky rubber sole and a thin, flexible build. The Astral Brewer 3.0 is more of an everyday sneaker that can get wet, the Keen Newport H2 is the protective sandal option, and simple aqua socks such as Simari are enough for pools and sandy beaches.
Picks are based on published specifications and independent reviews, not our own testing. Fit should be snug: a loose water shoe fills with grit and comes off in current.
Quick picks
| Shoe | Best for | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Astral Loyak AC | Best overall; paddling and rivers | Minimalist water sneaker |
| Astral Brewer 3.0 | Travel and all-day wear | Sneaker with drainage |
| Salomon Techamphibian 5 | Hiking in and out of water | Amphibious hiking shoe |
| Keen Newport H2 | Toe protection in a sandal | Closed-toe sandal |
| Teva Hydratek CT | Light closed-toe sandal on a budget | Closed-toe sandal |
| Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport | Barefoot feel | Minimalist mesh shoe |
| Simari Water Shoes | Pool, beach and holidays | Aqua sock |
Related: How to Choose Snowshoes: Size, Type and Beginner Tips
The 7 best water shoes
1. Astral Loyak AC
Best for: kayaking, paddleboarding and rocky rivers
A thin, flexible shoe with a sticky rubber outsole cut with fine sipes for grip on slick rock, and drain holes front and back. It is light enough to forget you are wearing it.
- Good: outstanding wet grip, drains fast, flexible and light
- Less good: little arch support or warmth; thin upper wears with heavy use
2. Astral Brewer 3.0
Best for: one shoe for the boat, the bar and the walk home
Looks like a casual skate-style sneaker but uses the same sticky rubber, quick-drying canvas-style upper and drainage ports. More cushioning than the Loyak makes it comfortable on dry land.
- Good: sneaker comfort, good grip, durable upper
- Less good: heavier and slower to dry than minimalist shoes
3. Salomon Techamphibian 5
Best for: canyon hikes, wet trails and portages
An amphibious hiking shoe with a protective toe cap, quick-pull lace, collapsible heel and a lugged outsole made for wet ground. It offers far more support than a typical water shoe.
- Good: supportive, protective, good traction on trails
- Less good: bulkier; mesh can trap fine gravel
4. Keen Newport H2
Best for: wading, fishing and family beach trips
The original closed-toe water sandal: a big rubber toe bumper, washable webbing, a bungee lace and a contoured footbed with arch support. The roomy fit suits wide feet.
- Good: excellent toe protection, supportive footbed, durable
- Less good: heavy for a sandal; stones get in through the openings
5. Teva Hydratek CT
Best for: lighter, cheaper closed-toe protection
A closed-toe sandal built with water-shedding materials and a cushioned sole. It is lighter and usually less expensive than the Keen, with a simpler strap system.
- Good: light, good value, quick drying
- Less good: less toe coverage and support than the Newport
6. Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport
Best for: those who like minimal, zero-drop footwear
A very light mesh shoe with a thin, flexible sole, a wide toe box and no heel lift. Water passes straight through and it dries quickly.
- Good: very light, roomy toe box, packs small
- Less good: thin sole means you feel sharp rocks; little cushioning
7. Simari Water Shoes
Best for: pools, water parks and sandy beaches
Stretchy aqua socks with a thin rubber sole and drainage holes. They are extremely cheap, pack flat and protect against hot sand and rough pool surfaces.
- Good: very inexpensive, light, easy to pack
- Less good: limited grip and protection on rocks; wear out quickly
How to choose water shoes
- Grip. Sticky, siped rubber matters most on wet rock and boat decks; lugs matter on muddy banks.
- Drainage and drying. Look for mesh uppers and holes in the sole or midsole. Thick padding holds water.
- Protection. A closed toe and a firm sole for rocky rivers; thin soles are fine for sand.
- Fit. Snug with no heel lift. Check for a heel strap or laces that will hold in current.
- Warmth. For cold water, neoprene booties or socks are warmer than mesh.
Learn more in what water shoes are and when to wear them. Compare open styles in types of sandals. After salt water, rinse and dry them properly: see how to clean sandals, how to dry shoes and how to get rid of shoe odor. For wet weather on land, see the best rain boots.
Frequently asked questions
Do you wear socks with water shoes?
Usually not. In cold water, thin neoprene socks add warmth and reduce rubbing.
Can you swim in water shoes?
Yes in light aqua socks and minimalist shoes. Heavier amphibious shoes are fine for wading but drag when swimming.
Should water shoes be tight?
Snug but not painful. They loosen slightly when wet, so avoid sizing up.
How do you stop water shoes smelling?
Rinse with fresh water after every use, dry them fully in moving air and wash occasionally with mild soap.
