Best Water Shoes and Aqua Socks

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 23, 2024
Whether you're cycling through streams, exploring the ocean, hiking up sloppy trails or lounging by the lake or pool, you need to protect your feet from spikes and hazards of the underwater world, let alone to get a good grip on slippery rocks and wet surfaces. Water shoes are a way out! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Gender
Size
Type
Best For
Material
Comfort
Warranty
 
PROS

Cleansport NXT ™ technology prevents nasty odors.

CONS

The lacing becomes less tight and attractive over time. 

OUR VERDICT

KEEN offers you great water sandals with reliable toe and heel protection for safe hiking on any type of terrain. They boast an adjustable lacing system that ensures superior fit.

detailed parameters
Gender

Female

Size

5-11 B(M) US

Type

Water Sandals

Best For

City, Beach, Watersports, Rocky Terrain

Material

Upper: polyester webbing

Midsole: Compression molded EVA

Outsole: Non-marking rubber 

Footbed: Metatomical EVA

Comfort

2 pull straps, Cleansport NXT™  technology, KEEN’s patented toe-protection, Secure fit lace capture system, Machine washable

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Nitracel ™ footbed with drainage holes provides comfortable walking and guides water out.

CONS

They are a bit slow to dry.

OUR VERDICT

Ryka women shoes are great both for water sports and land sports as they support your feet like normal sneakers. They are manufactured in 6 colors to suit every taste.

detailed parameters
Gender

Female

Size

5-12 B(M) US

Type

Water Shoes

Best For

City, Beach, Watersports, Rocky Terrain

Material

Upper: Synthetic air mesh

Midsole: Compression molded EVA 

Outsole: Sticky rubber 

Footbed: cushioned Nitracel™

Comfort

Pull strap, Speed lace system with toggle, Padded tongue and collar, Webbing midfoot cage (medial and lateral support), Multi-port drainage system, Machine washable

Warranty

Amazon’s 30-day return policy

PROS

Solyte ™ midsole makes the aqua shoe ultralight and super durable.

CONS

The upper material might somewhat stretch.

OUR VERDICT

These slip-on swim shoes provide excellent traction on wet surfaces and protect your feet from sharp, rocky lake bed. Aleader offers you 15 different designs.

detailed parameters
Gender

Female

Size

5-11 B(M) US

Type

Water Shoes

Best For

City, Beach, Watersports, Rocky Terrain

Material

Upper: air mesh

Midsole: Solyte™

Outsole: Water Grain rubber 

Footbed: ComforDry™

Comfort

2 pull straps, Multi-port drainage system, Machine washable

Warranty

Amazon’s 30-day return policy

PROS

S TRAC™ technology ensures maximum water drainage without sacrificing traction.

CONS

A mesh insert in the heel area lets sand in.

OUR VERDICT

Speedo men's aqua shoes give protection and stability so that you can practice your favorite water sports safely and confidently. You can choose among several bright color options.

detailed parameters
Gender

Male

Size

7-14 D(M) US

Type

Water Shoes

Best For

City, Beach, Watersports, Rocky Terrain

Material

Upper: four-way stretchable textile

Outsole: S TRAC™ rubber 

Footbed: Quick-Dry textile

Comfort

Pull Strap, S TRAC™ drainage technology, Machine washable

Warranty

Amazon’s 30-day return policy

PROS

A transparent zipper bag provides comfortable storage and transportation of the shoes.

CONS

Not suitable for hiking on a rocky terrain.

OUR VERDICT

These swimming shoes are so light and soft that you'll forget you're wearing any shoes at all. A wide range of designs and sizes will let you choose a suitable one for every family member. 

detailed parameters
Gender

Male/Female

Size

Wide Range of Kid’s, Men’s and Women’s Sizes

Type

Water Shoes

Best For

City, Beach, Watersports

Material

Upper: 92% polyester + 8% spandex

Outsole: rubber 

Footbed: Quick-Dry textile

Comfort

Pull strap, Smooth neck design, Transparent zipper bag included, Machine washable

Warranty

Amazon’s 30-day return policy

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KEEN Whisper

Sandals For All-Around Adventurers

Keen is a trusted brand that has been producing outdoor shoes for years, so you can expect superior quality from the KEEN Women's Whisper Sandals. They boast breathable design, secure fit, rubber soles and are great for hiking, exploring tropical islands, playing beach volleyball, and for almost anything else. They ensure a snug fit owing to Bungee lace capture system, the adjustable lacing system that allows you to customize the fit as you wish. 

The footbed is made of special metatomical EVA which provides ultimate foot support on any terrain and reduces the load on your bones and muscles while you walk. The best of it all, it effectively drains water so that the sandals could dry out more quickly.

Review of KEEN Whisper Water Sandal

Reliable Toe Protection

Many people believe that hiking requires wearing closed-toe shoes so that trekkers couldn't cut or injure their toes. Wearing these sandals, though, you will have no slightest concern.  KEEN's patented toe cap will protect your toes as you run, hike, or swim. So, if you expect to do some serious off-trail hiking, these water sandals will do a great job, excelling in wet environments like creeks or river crossings. 

KEEN Whisper Water Sandal in the use

Say Good-bye to Unpleasant Smells

Have you ever smelled your feet after sloshing in hiking shoes all day? Ooh, we bet they stunk. That will never happen again if you start to wear the KEEN Women water shoes. Thanks to the unique Cleansport NXT ™ technology, these sandals don't take in any unpleasant smells. The manufacturer applied beneficial micro-organisms to fibers that activate once they come in contact with sweat, thereby reducing nasty odors. To put it simply, bacteria effectively eliminate the cause of the smell rather than mask it. 

Detailed review of KEEN Whisper Water Sandal

Must-have During your Hikes

If you are going to crush long miles, a first aid kit is an essential thing to have in your backpack.

KEEN Whisper Water Sandal application

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01H8JRMFQ

 

Ryka Hydro Sport

For Any Activity

When creating the type of shoes "to rule them all”, Ryka company has blurred the line between water and land sports. The Hydro Sport shoes are suitable for any terrain! You can walk in the park, jog in the morning, go mountain biking through streams, explore rocky beaches, or even set off for a thru-hike. Mesh synthetic fabric acts as an air conditioner in your shoes, keeping your feet well-ventilated and dry even on hot summer days. 

The manufacturer recommends using them for water aerobics, water sports, and any other leisurely activity. The rubber sticky outsole offers excellent traction, which makes these women water shoes great for slick surfaces such as around a pool. They will grip your feet firmly, reducing the risk of slipping to the absolute minimum. 

These aqua shoes are available in a wide range of sizes (from 5 to 12 B (M) US) and designs to suit every lady.

Review of Ryka Hydro Sport Water Shoe

Nitracel™ Insole

RYKA Women's Hydro Sport boots are extremely comfortable and casual option to keep up with your active outdoor lifestyle! The cushioned Nitracel™ insole and compression molded EVA midsole with drainage ports are designed for maximum water drainage, and therefore, these aquatic cross trainers will dry out quickly. More so, the removable insole has a special curved shape for a natural position of a woman foot.

Ryka Hydro Sport Water Shoe in the use

Move Freely

These lightweight water shoes for women offer amazing support without sacrificing flexibility and comfort. They feature Speed lace system with toggle for ideal fit and easy on/off. Padding around the collar and soft tongue keep away blistering; even wet fabric is gentle on sensitive skin and causes no irritation. RYKA aquatic cross trainers ensure ultimate all-day comfort! 

Detailed review of Ryka Hydro Sport Water Shoe

The Bag to Carry Your Sports Gear

Going to a gym or a swimming pool, you need to carry your sportswear and snickers, as well as towels, toiletries, and other essentials. However, putting all these things in your backpack or bag isn't the most hygienic way to transport them. Therefore, we recommend you to get a gym bag with several breathable compartments for organizing your sports gear. 

Ryka Hydro Sport Water Shoe application

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $65.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00I9TT2YO

 

Aleader Mesh Slip On

Stylish and Usable Shoes

Dreaming of comfortable yet fashionable water footwear? You don’t have to compromise your sense of style with Aleader shoes! These are slip-on swim shoes, meaning they're easy to put on and take off. Two smartly designed pull straps allow you to wear shoes without a shoe spoon, plus they can be attached to your hiking backpack if needed. 

With a drainable Solyte™ midsole, these aqua trainers are ultralight, breathable and quick-drying. Since ComforDry™ insoles with holes drain water quickly without letting debris and pebbles in, the shoes are perfect for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The mesh upper section and lining let your feet breath, while thick toe and heel cushioning provide extra protection and impact absorption. 

Review of Aleader Mesh Slip On Water Shoes

Water Grain Outsole

The outsole is manufactured from durable and abrasion-resistant rubber that leaves no trace behind, so you can also wear these swim shoes inside without ruining your floors. The sole feature drainage channels, thus, no water stays inside the shoes and as a result, you get an excellent grip and firm footing on any surface. Aleader Mesh Slip-On Shoes are great for those who spend a lot of time in wet conditions and want a little protection from sand and good traction on slick surfaces.

Aleader Mesh Slip On Water Shoes in the use

Safe Washing

No matter whether you wear your aqua shoes in the wilderness or in the ocean, sooner or later, they'll become dirty and stinky. Here are some tips that can help you care for Aleader swim shoes.

  • First, remove the insoles and wash them separately. 
  • Then, put the shoes into a washing machine, add some detergent and select a gentle wash cycle to avoid stretching of the fabric.
  • Finally, leave the shoes to air dry. 

If your shoes aren't too dirty, you can simply scrub them with a soft-bristled brush, mild soap and water, and then buff them with a soft cloth.

Detailed review of Aleader Mesh Slip On Water Shoes

Foot Massage at Home

Suffer from leg pain and muscle tension after a long hike? Foot massage is the best way to relieve stiffed muscles of legs. Get a foot massager and enjoy a relaxing massage that will help you reduce fatigue and unwind at the end of the day. 

Aleader Mesh Slip On Water Shoes application
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01BVCHCP6

 

Speedo Surfwalker 3.0

Comfort Above All

Once summer is here, most people get outside for some wet fun, and Speedo aqua shoes are a real godsend for those outdoor enthusiasts! They can protect your feet from hot sand on the beach, sharp rocks, coral cuts, stonefish and other hazards of the underwater world. The swimming shoes are perfect for hiking, walking along the shore or trekking in the wildness as well. 

Surfwalker Pro 3.0 swim footwear is incredibly lightweight (the pair weighs only 20 ounces), and you will feel as if you're barefoot. Moreover, the cushioned sole significantly reduces load and impact on your hips, knees, and ankles, meaning your legs won't ache at the end of a day. The best part about these booties though is that they can also be used as driving shoes due to their super-comfortable fit. So, if you want an extra grip while driving, get these Speedo water shoes! 

Review of Speedo Surfwalker 3.0 Water Shoe

S TRAC™ rubber outsole

Speedo is #1 swim brand worldwide as it really knows the water. This pair of aqua booties can boast of S TRAC™  grip soles that offer superior support and stability on any surface. The insole is soft and dense enough so as not to chafe your foot and let you stay longer on the trail. Drainage channels on the sides of the sole drain water quickly while allowing ventilation. These holes are very tiny, so they keep out everything but water and don't affect the wear resistance of the shoes. 

Speedo Surfwalker 3.0 Water Shoe in the use

How to Choose the Right Size

These pool shoes are available in a broad range of sizes, from 7 US to 14 US. In case you hesitate between two sizes, Speedo recommends you to go with a larger one, since the upper part of footwear is made of four-way stretchable textile. The fabric will adapt to your feet for a glove-like fit and keep its shape wear after wear. Note that it can be a bit of a hassle for you to get the shoes on and off, but there is no way they're going to slip off while you're swimming.

Detailed review of Speedo Surfwalker 3.0 Water Shoe

Fun Water Recreation

Do you and your family like to spend time together? An inflatable boat will definitely bring you a lot of new positive emotions and unforgettable memories. You will be able to set off for a small voyage or just drift in the lake nearby your campsite to enjoy beautiful sceneries. 

Speedo Surfwalker 3.0 Water Shoe application
Last updated price $28.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B011PLOJP4

 

Cior Multifunctional

So Functional!

This pair of water shoes is so light and comfortable that you can use it as aqua socks as well. Due to thin material of the shoes, you can use them for swimming, while the rubber soles allow you to keep them on when out of water. The socks fit snugly and you mightn't even notice you're wearing them.  

Once the shoes are on, they will never come off, and you can safely do exercises right in a pool or on land. The aqua socks are also pretty easy to maintain. When they get soiled, simply put them into your washing machine and run a delicate cycle. They will dry incredibly fast, and the blend of polyester and spandex materials will keep the shoes elastic even after numerous washes. If you want ultralight all-terrain shoes that are easy to care for, look no further than these. 

Review of Cior Multifunctional Aqua Socks

For a Whole Family

The great news for big families! Cior has released female, male and kids models, and thanks to the huge range of different flashy designs, everybody will definitely choose a pair to their liking. The kid's series of shoes look bright, colorful and feel incredibly soft and lightweight. Toddlers will be pleased with slip-on design of the shoes.

Cior Multifunctional Aqua Socks in the use

Safe Storage and Transportation

As an added bonus, the shoes come with a transparent zipper bag where you can store and transport your shoes. There on the bag, you'll also find an EU/US sizing chart so it'll be easier to choose the correct size. All Cior shoes are true to size and fit even better than a glove. 

Detailed review of Cior Multifunctional Aqua Socks

What about Surfing?

Should you want to fulfill your life with more positive emotions living an active lifestyle, try surfing! Select a suitable surfboard from our review, put Cior water socks on and go conquer the waves!

Cior Multifunctional Aqua Socks application
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01ID6D17Q

 

What are Water Shoes

Going on a river trip, fishing, camping, kayaking, boating, and hiking, many people confuse what shoes to wear for their activities. The water shoes are the way to go! Actually, they are a lot of shoes which you can wear in or out the water.

Comfortable, breathable, and ultralight, these shoes work well for biking through streams, walking up sloppy trails, and exploring rocky beaches. Moreover, aqua shoes are great for water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, water aerobics, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, etc. Wearing such footwear, your feet won't get tired so much, and you'll be able to enjoy your active pastime longer.

For those who like to explore water depths, we suggest purchasing a diving mask as well. And if you're an extreme water sports enthusiasts, a life vest is a must-have thing for you!

What Features to Compare

Size

Nowadays, most manufacturers of water footwear produce female and male models so that both women and men can wear comfortable shoes that don't cause discomfort or tire their feet. Since women have narrower heels and, as a consequence, weaker foot musculature, they need shoes with a reinforced cushioning and better impact absorption. You can also find unisex shoes that suit well both women and men alike. The models of shoes under our review fit true to size. Check the sizing chart in order to select a suitable pair.

Best For

To avoid confusion, you need to decide where you will wear them. Water sandals are best suited for wet surfaces found along seas, rivers or lakes. They work well for a variety of situations, including wade fishing, summer floating, walking around the town, and even hiking over the rocky terrain (if the thickness of the sole allows). As for water shoes, they fit like athletic sneakers and are extremely comfortable for trail hiking, walking on a sharp, rocky lake bed, and many other day-to-day uses. They can reliably protect your feet from bumps, spikes, and rough edges of the unfriendly underwater world.

Material

Aqua shoes are manufactured from traditional materials as well as fancy synthetics that quickly evaporate water. The lining is usually made of light and breathable polyester to reduce odors and prevent feet from getting tired too quick. The insole should provide natural and anatomically correct leg position. The pull straps allow you to put on and take off the shoes in a flash, and the holes in the sole ensure excellent water drainage.

FAQ:

Q: How should I choose water shoes for different activities?

A: Most water shoes are pretty versatile, yet some little bells and wells can make the difference. Consider the profile of the chosen pair of shoes to be sure they will suit your purposes. For whitewater kayaking or wading in rivers, it's important that the shoes don't slip and provide a firm grip. For swimming purposes, you may want to pay attention to the models produced of thin and quick-drying material. The shoes to wear on picnics, fishing, etc. ought to be comfortable. Look for shoes with rugged soles that provide excellent traction on wet surfaces and slippery rocks. Shoes with full lacing might be less comfortable to put on and off, but they won't slip when you go uphill/downhill. The padding around the collar will prevent blisters.

Q: What is the difference between water shoes and water sandals?

A: To put it simply, a water shoe has a toe cap (or a toe box) to protect your toes as you run, walk, or swim. Water shoes also offer a better traction and let water in without debris and pebbles, but they are not so great for hot weather.

Q: Are swimming shoes suitable for walking?

A: Yes, they are. Most aqua shoes have slip-resistant soles that provide uncompromising grip for your peace of mind and safety. More so, some shoes also look stylish and are comfortable enough for going out with your friends.

Q: What’s the best way to clean my aqua shoes?

A: We recommend you to clean aqua shoes with a soft cloth or even a toothbrush, warm water, and soap. Keep away from putting them in a dryer. 

Q: What are the benefits of water footwear? 

A: Water shoes provide fantastic traction on the beach, a deck of a yacht, around the pool, and while you’re hiking down streams and rivers. Also, they provide decent protection from broken glass, coral reefs, sharp rocks, fish hooks, hot surfaces, etc. If water shoes get wet, they will be more comfortable than regular ones, and more durable of course (no mold problems or breaking down of leather). 

Q: Do water shoes absorb water?

A: No, they don’t absorb water. Holes in the sole and in the sides drain water quickly. Also, they won’t get wet as they are made from special materials that don’t hold water.

Q: What else should I know about aqua footwear? 

A: One of the most useful things you can do for your shoes is to wash their insoles from time to time. Cleaning the insoles once in a couple of weeks will help you control nasty odors. If you wear your shoes almost every day, regular washing will do the trick.

If your water shoes squish when you walk, it's most likely that the insole is rubbing against the footbed. To solve the problem, just remove the insoles and rub their bottom with sandpaper. Then, do the same with the footbeds.

Sources:

1. Kelly Kline Burnett Swim Shoes Are Essential - Everything You Need to Know About Water Shoes, HubPages. October 24, 2016.

2. Protect your feet with water shoes, YP.

3. Susan Diranian Good Water Shoes for Kayaking, LIVESTRONG. July 21, 2015.

4. Water Shoe, Wikipedia. January 15, 2017.

5. Philip Werner Safety Tips for Fording Rivers and Streams, SectionHiker.

6. How to stay safe when snorkelling and diving, The Telegraph.

7. Erica Roth How Can Swimmers Avoid Underwater Hazards? Azcentral.

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