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Good water shoes offer some support and good traction on slippery, wet surfaces. They also should protect your feet from objects you may encounter on your aquatic adventures, including rocks, broken shells, glass, and other debris.
Since 2019, we've tested over 50 models. We use 15 tests for comfort, traction, warmth, versatility, sensitivity, and build quality in real-world conditions. We wear different models on each foot to make direct performance comparisons while swimming, paddleboarding, and walking along the beach or lake shore. This side-by-side method gave us a clear sense of how each shoe handled the same challenges.
Some models from our men's sandal and women's sandal reviews may be better alternatives to water shoes. If you're looking for standard shoes for dry ground, see our list of favorite walking shoes chosen by our testers.
Editor's Note: On May 10, 2025, we updated our award recommendations.
Who it is best for: The Astral Loyak AC is ideal for anyone who wants a water shoe that transitions effortlessly from aquatic adventures to casual settings. Whether you're paddleboarding, exploring rocky shorelines, or heading straight to a post-beach hangout, this shoe handles it all with style. It's best for people who prioritize versatility, sensitivity, and grip in and out of the water but don't need the added insulation or ruggedness required for colder or more abrasive environments.
Why we love it: This has exceptional versatility without sacrificing performance. It fits like a glove in the water, drains quickly, and grips slick surfaces confidently with its flex-grip outsole. The thin, neutral sole balances ground sensitivity and protection, making it equally good for swimming and walking. Plus, its stylish profile means you don't have to change shoes once you're out of the water. “I love that I can wear them straight from the river to the cafe without feeling out of place,” one tester said.
Should you buy it? It is hard to beat if you're looking for a go-anywhere, do-anything water shoe. It thrives in aquatic environments and still looks great in social ones. It has minimal insulation for cold water, and the mesh upper may wear out faster on rough terrain. That said, this is a top pick if town strolls or casual hangouts often follow your water activities.
Who it is best for: The Astral Loyak is best for women seeking a lightweight, stylish water shoe that performs just as well on land as in the water. It excels in warm-weather environments for activities like paddling, swimming, and beachside lounging, and its low-profile, flexible design makes it ideal for casual use after outdoor adventures. However, it's not suitable for cold water or rugged trails.
Why we love it: This combines performance and style in a way that few water shoes do. Its bomber outsole delivers excellent traction on slick and uneven surfaces, and it performs like a neoprene bootie while looking like a casual sneaker. Whether we were swimming, paddling, or grabbing a drink by the water, it felt natural and secure. It brings the best form and function in a sleek, low-profile package.
Should you buy it? Get this if you want a stylish, do-it-all shoe for warm-weather water adventures and casual wear. Its flexibility, grip, and looks are top-notch, but remember that it lacks insulation and durability for extended rugged use. The snug fit makes it hard to pair with warm socks, so it's not your best bet for cold-water outings. Still, for summer days on the river, beach, or around town, the Loyak delivers both performance and polish.
Who it is best for: The Speedo Surf Knit Pro is a great fit for anyone looking for an affordable, easy-to-wear water shoe that performs well in light trail use and beach activities. It's ideal for casual paddlers, beachgoers, and people who want a minimalist, barefoot-like feel underfoot. This is a solid pick if you mostly stick to soft terrain or boardwalks and value quick on-and-off convenience.
Why we love it: For a slip-on model, it surprised us with how capable it was on trails and pavement, especially compared to other budget water shoes. While those competitors had holes in the soles that let water out (and in), the Surf Knit's closed sole kept our feet dry even when stepping through puddles. As GearLab Founder Chris McNamara notes, “I felt a great balance between ground feel and comfort. I wore a lot of light and inexpensive shoes in this test, but these are different: they give a lot more performance and didn't soak up water when I didn't want them to.”
Should you buy it? This is a great choice if you're shopping for an affordable and comfortable water shoe with good grip and a barefoot feel. Unlike many other low-cost options, it's easy to slip on and off, performs well during light use, and keeps water from soaking your feet from below. It's not meant for rough or technical terrain; twigs and sharp surfaces can be felt through the thin sole. But for mellow adventures and water-centric outings, the Surf Knit is one of the best budget-friendly shoes we tested.
Who it is best for: The DLGJPA Lightweight is best suited for women looking for an affordable, lightweight water shoe for light-duty use. It's a solid choice for casual outings like short hikes, beach walks, or paddling sessions in warm climates. If you prioritize breathability and comfort over rugged durability or long-term support, this shoe delivers. Both the women's and men's versions performed similarly well in testing.
Why we love it: This budget-friendly water shoe offers surprising comfort and versatility for the price. It dries quickly, even in humid conditions, and feels featherlight on your feet. The cinch closure provides a snug fit and handles short hikes decently. “While I didn't feel as supported as higher-end models, I loved them for mellow beach or lake days when I just need something quick-drying and comfortable,” one tester said.
Should you buy it? This is a great fit for a low-cost, easygoing water shoe for casual adventures. Just be aware of its limitations: the mesh can fray, the cinch elastic may stretch out, and the open weave tends to let in sand and small debris. For more rugged use or longer hikes, you'll want something sturdier. But for the price, it hits the sweet spot for occasional users.
Who it is best for: The NRS Paddle Wetshoe is ideal for paddlers, kayakers, and anyone spending extended time in cool water. Its snug, fleece-lined neoprene design keeps bare feet warm and comfortable during swimming, paddleboarding, or rocky shoreline exploration. It's best suited for those prioritizing warmth, grip, and in-boat comfort over land-based versatility.
Why we love it: The Paddle Wetshoe offers one of the coziest fits in cold water thanks to its soft fleece lining and flexible neoprene upper. One tester said, “It's like a warm hug for my feet after a chilly dip. I also felt confident on slick surfaces with the sticky rubber sole. All the flexibility had me feeling the rocks, sand, or whatever I was walking on.”
Should you buy it? If staying warm and stable in the water is your top priority, this is one of the best neoprene booties available. Just don't expect it to shine on land—it's minimal support and slow-drying material make it less ideal for longer walks or all-day wear. The Paddle Wetshoe is an easy recommendation for water-centric adventures in cool conditions.
Who it is best for: The Palm Gradient 3.0 is ideal for adventurers tackling rugged, wet environments like rivers, rocky terrains, or steep canyons. It's perfect for those prioritizing protection and traction over lightweight design, making it a top choice for serious river missions.
Why we love it: We love the exceptional traction from the ultra-sticky Vibram sole with an aggressive multi-directional lug pattern, which clings to slick rocks and muddy riverbanks. The welded rubber reinforced heel, neoprene ankle cuff, and dual-density EVA midsole provide unmatched protection, support, and a plush, cushioned ride for long hikes over sharp, uneven terrain. One tester noted, “If I ever have to hike out of a steep river canyon, I hope I'm wearing these. That gave me a lot of peace of mind when I was way out there.”
Should you buy it? If you're planning intense water-based adventures with rocks, ravines, and rapids, the Gradient 3.0's rugged protection makes it a worthy investment, though its weight may not suit everyone. A lighter option, which offers slightly less insulation and support, might be better for casual outings like beach days or tropical trips. “These boots are a game-changer for tough river hikes, but I'd pick something lighter for casual strolls,” a tester admitted.
Who it is best for: The Astral Brewer 2.0 is perfect for adventurers who frequently transition between water and land, needing a versatile shoe for mixed-terrain activities like rafting, hiking, or technical trails. It's ideal for those seeking a balance of flexibility, protection, and responsiveness. “I wore these for a week on the Colorado River and a tough Grand Canyon hike—they handled everything,” a reviewer shared.
Why we love it: We love its all-terrain versatility, with a cozy, adaptable construction that accommodates extra insulation and a responsive, flexible sole that balances sensitivity and protection. Its tread excels on uneven, rocky, and sharp surfaces, making it a standout for adventures like a 6-day rafting trip followed by a hike to the Grand Canyon rim.
Should you buy it? This is a top pick if your adventures involve frequent water-to-land transitions. However, it's not as warm as heavily insulated paddling booties, and its smaller lugs may slip on slick ground compared to other models that prioritize traction.
The Astral Brewer 2.0 offers a robust construction that makes it ideal for a wide variety of water sports, also gifting a nice aesthetic.
Credit: Zach Lovell
How We Tested
At GearLab, we have been reviewing water shoes for years, logging many days in real-world testing environments from rivers to oceans. We spent hours researching the best water shoes on the market to put through our hands-on testing for both men and women. Our review team has traveled nationwide to carry out our examination process on their water-focused escapades. From the Pacific Northwest to the coast of California, to the raging rivers of the Grand Canyon, we've tested each pair in all kinds of conditions and weather. We've waded up and down frigid meltwater streams, sauntered along on sandy beaches, stumbled over mossy shorelines, and tested them in an 18-foot gear boat. We wore different shoes on each foot to observe how they compared in performance. We dissected the construction and features while subjecting them to over 15 objective and comparative tests. Using this information, we could decipher the pros and cons of each product. We also tested on various boats, from stand-up paddle boards to kayaks. Finally, we handed out shoes to fellow water lovers to gather their input to help select award winners and provide expert recommendations. Read more about how we test water shoes.
We used six performance metrics in our testing of water shoes:
Comfort
Traction
Warmth
Versatility
Sensitivity
Quality of Construction
Between the men's and women's water shoe categories, we've logged hundreds of hours testing water shoes in lakes, streams, rivers, and oceans to ensure our testing process is exhaustive.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Why Trust GearLab
Our men's review team consists of three water-loving adventurers who spend most of their time on the water. Dan Scott is a devoted pack rafter who also loves canyoneering. He has spent years rafting and canoeing rivers from the Grand Canyon to the Main Salmon in the Western United States. Dan has made numerous first and solo descents in high-flow and low-flow canyons. His travels took him from the USA to Spain and Austria. He is also a river scientist with a Ph.D. and spends much of his time gathering information about and around rivers. Jacob Clark is a passionate kayaker and ocean enthusiast. Jacob has spent lots of time guiding in and around the oceans of Santa Barbara, canoeing on the Colorado River, and kayaking through the rivers formed by glacial runoff in California. Also joining this review is Zach Lovell. Zach has spent most of his life playing on rivers, lakes, and oceans, whether boating, kayaking, SUPing, or surfing. He's been in the product design and testing game for over ten years.
In charge of the women's review is Sara James and Monica Nigon . Sara loves all things paddlesport-related, and she has over two decades of river experience under her shoes. She has kayaked classic California High Sierra runs and tackled multi-day white water paddleboarding trips. Having the right footwear for the adventure is essential; she knows what makes a water shoe good and what makes it great.
Monica is an enthusiastic whitewater raft guide and paddling instructor who works on Colorado's Arkansas River. She learned to paddle a canoe and kayak on Minnesota's lakes and rivers. As a seasoned boater, she has taken numerous rafting adventures around the globe, from day trips in New Zealand to extended expeditions in the Grand Canyon.
Testing shoes takes us to all different places, and we love the rush.
Our testers went to extremes to see what these shoes could handle.
How to Pick the Best Water Shoes for You
Footwear can be tough for the most amphibious humans who can't get enough water. While sandals offer breathability on a hot day, they may not swim well or stay on your feet. Regular shoes will easily become water-laden, draining hours, leaving your feet water-logged and wrinkled. Water shoes are designed to get wet while keeping your feet dry and warm. So, what do you need to know before purchasing a pair? In this article, we dive into the different types of water shoes you'll find on the market and the attributes to consider before you purchase your next pair. While exploring this section, be sure to recognize what you will be using your water shoes for and the weather and climate where you'll be exploring. Let's get started.
A few key considerations should be prioritized before deciding on the right water shoe for you.
Credit: Sara James
Why Should You Buy a Water Shoe?
Water shoes are closed-toe shoes designed to protect your feet while recreating on water bodies. They are designed to breathe, keep your feet cool on hot days, and drain to keep your feet from sitting in soggy shoes. The special rubber and outsole will give you confidence on slippery surfaces, while the water's insulating properties will help warm your feet. Whether you love to boat, spend days on the beach, snorkel, or surf, a solid water shoe is a must-have addition to any water lover's gear closet. Water shoes offer safety and comfort on slippery surfaces, with better performance than sandals or hiking boots. So, whether you're snorkeling at your favorite reef, exploring a new canyon, or adventuring in your favorite watercraft, a pair of water shoes is always a good purchase.
So, when is a water shoe not a good choice? Any time you're on or around the water, a water shoe will offer the best performance of any other type of shoe. However, a sandal may be a good fit if you're walking alongside the water and not in it. Or if you are running or hiking through a few streams without your feet being wet all the time, consider a top-rated trail running shoe or one of our favorite hiking boots.
There are many types of water shoes on the market. To start your research you first must decide on the type that works best for your needs.
Credit: Sara James
Men's Water Shoes
Our men's water shoe review goes deeper on the shoes we love and how each one in the lineup compares to the others. See the overall scores in the charts below.
Women's Water Shoes
We did a dedicated women's water shoe review to outline our favorite women's models. That review contains more specs and features of each shoe. See the women's scores for the shoes we tested below.
Types of Water Shoes
The first step to purchasing a solid water shoe is understanding the types you'll find on the market. Before we dive deeper into this section, take a moment to consider what you're buying your water shoes for, the weather you'll likely encounter, and any features that you need to suit your adventures best. Understanding your needs will help you narrow your search for the best shoe.
Neoprene Booties
A bootie may be best if you love swimming or surfing, or immerse your feet in cold water for long periods. Constructed of neoprene, this type of water shoe is comfortable and warm. They're designed to fit snugly, like a glove. The neoprene will absorb and hold water in its porous fabric. When your body warms the water in the fabric, it acts like an insulator. These boots are incredibly comfortable as they are lightweight and flexible, designed to aid efficient swimming. They also have an outsole designed to stick to smooth surfaces, like the face of a surfboard or paddleboard. The thicker outsole also offers insulation underfoot for cold days on the water. While these boots are an excellent choice for play in the water and on boats, they are not the most durable. As a result, if you're planning on doing a lot of water-based hiking, consider a shoe with a thicker and more supportive outsole instead.
Neoprene booties offer excellent insulation and comfort for long days in chilly water.
Credit: Carrie Mueller
Low-Profile Paddling Shoes
The low-profile paddling shoe may look like a regular shoe with water-specific features that offer more support and drainage than a neoprene bootie. It is more protective and stable, making it versatile for going from water to land-based activities. It is constructed with a low-profile and minimalist design that is flexible and sensitive. The thin soles make it ideal for situations where you need to fit inside a small boat, like a kayak. It also has an outsole that is protective enough to perform on land.
The outsole typically lacks long or burly lugs and is made of smooth rubber. This allows for more surface area contact and better traction on soft, slippery, or smooth surfaces. The uppers typically feature a construction that maximizes drainage, such as a mesh upper or holes in the outsole's perimeter, so it dries quickly. You'll find that most of these low-profile paddling shoes are low-cut for better flexibility.
These low profile Loyaks are comfortable to wear and deliver great connectivity with the ground or a board.
Credit: Sara James
Water-Focused Running or Hiking Shoes
Another category is the water shoe built for running or hiking. People who like to swim and run or find themselves hiking in a swampy or waterlogged environment may want to look for this type of shoe. This category is a hybrid between regular running and traditional paddling shoes. It features more support than a paddling shoe and better drainage than a runner or hiker. It also has a thinner outsole than a runner to retain sensitivity while providing higher support.
Fall runs in the Pacific Northwest might be a situation where you seek out a shoe built to take on watery-logged trails and streets.
Credit: Ellen Daugherty
Boots and Canyoneering Shoes
In this review, we don't focus on this genre of shoes, but it's an important one to consider if you find yourself in the depths of the Earth, canyoneering. This type is usually burlier than a padding shoe with thicker and more durable uppers. The mid-high cut offers more protection in slots, prioritizing warmth over drainage. Sticky and durable rubber ensures the shoe can handle rough and wet terrain. These features equate to a more durable sliding, rappelling, scrambling, boulder-hopping, and jumping design. With super sticky outsoles, many people who explore canyons look for these approach shoes.
Our testers took on canyoneering missions for the ultimate performance test of each shoe.
Credit: Monica Nigon
Wading Boots
Wading boots are another genre we don't cover in this review, but should be considered. This type of boot is designed to help you move confidently over slippery rocks and river bottoms. The outsoles feature felt or studded soles to prevent falls. Bulky and warm, it is a great option for the fisherman or river explorer who might spend lots of time wading through the water.
Attributes to Consider
Along with determining what type of water shoe you need, there are attributes for each shoe type to consider before your purchase. Depending on how and where you will be using your new pair of water shoes, there are a few construction details that you'll want to consider while you search for your perfect pair.
Finding the right shoe largely depends on the type of activities you do.
Credit: Claire Dougherty
Warmth
Are you planning on recreating in cold weather most of the year? Then, you'll want to look for a shoe that offers insulation. Cold or frozen feet aren't only annoying while exploring but can be dangerous. Neoprene booties are a great choice as the neoprene insulates when wet. As you move, the heat your foot generates is captured, ultimately creating a warming effect. However, if you find your feet in cold water most of the day, you may benefit from adding a water sandal to the water bootie, which provides another barrier from the cold. If you're a fairweather recreator who sees cold weather on the odd day of the year, a neoprene bootie is all you need.
If you find yourself in cold water all day long, a warm water shoe is a consideration that needs to be taken seriously.
Credit: Spencer Knutson
Type of Traction
Slipping on mossy rocks is exactly what we want to avoid when purchasing a water shoe. Therefore, it's important to consider the different types of traction patterns and rubber used. Water shoes are designed to stick to surfaces like the bottom of your wet boat, mossy rocks, slick sandstone, or slippery logs.
Great traction is necessary not only for convenience but also to keep you from potential injury from slipping or stumbling on wet surfaces.
Credit: Nick Coulter
We've noticed that shoes built for smooth surfaces have smaller lugs, soft rubber, and razor sipes (or tiny slits). Shoes built for soft surfaces tend to have heavier, more protective rubber, stiff soles, and larger lugs. These softer rubbers do better at conforming to different surfaces and sticking, but offer less protection. Heavier rubbers, built for soft surfaces, don't conform as easily and don't stick well to slippery surfaces, but they offer more protection from sharp objects or surfaces underfoot. Given their stiffness, they are also more responsive on soft surfaces.
The Loyak's sport impressive traction when fresh
Credit: Sara James
You should consider these traction attributes depending on where you plan to recreate. Unless you spend all your time on the beach or in a muddy river, we recommend looking for a shoe with softer soles built for smooth surfaces instead of soft surfaces. Shoes with a softer rubber are more versatile, offering performance on boats and surfboards or while scrambling over wet rocks on a canyoneering adventure.
Protection
How protective does your water shoe need to be? Will you be hiking for long days in wet canyons or just wearing them out on the beach? A stiffer, more protective shoe is best for long days over rocky surfaces, while a more flexible, less protective shoe offers more sensitivity and better swimming performance. If you're into boat sports or won't be on your feet as much, a less protective, more flexible shoe is better than a rigid, more protective shoe. But if you like to spend your days hiking along waterbodies, seek out a more rigid and protective outsole.
Shoes such as the Palm Gradient 3.0 offer great protection for your toes, undersole, heel and ankles. These are important features if you expect to encounter many rocks on your adventures.
Credit: Sara James
Fitting a Water Shoe
A water shoe is unlike your normal street shoe or one you use for running. Before choosing a size, you must consider how you will use it. If you plan on simply sliding your bare foot inside, feel free to purchase your regular street shoe size. However, if you are a glutton for cold adventures, you'll want a thick pair of neoprene socks to supplement the insulating properties of your water shoe. Therefore, you should consider sizing up a full size as a warm neoprene sock can add 4-5 millimeters of thickness to your foot. Sizing up will keep your feet warmer and more comfortable on your adventures. Additionally, many water shoes have a removable insole that will get you a little more top-to-bottom room if removed.
We test the shoes' fit to determine which has a little extra room for layering insulative layers. These are essential considerations that might limit or expand the versatility of your water shoe.
Credit: Ethan Kaandorp
Durable Construction
You've probably noticed that some water shoes are constructed for durability while others are minimalistic and light. Considering how you will use your shoe will help you determine how durable it needs to be. If you primarily find yourself boating, a simple, low-profile kayaking boot with a neoprene and mesh construction will do the trick. If you're boating, you probably won't walk around too often on sharp surfaces. However, if you love to wade through rivers or add the occasional canyoneering trip to your itinerary, look for a boot with thick upper construction and a thicker outsole, as it will take the impact of crunching over sharp surfaces.
We've spent years putting water shoes to the test in some of the most gear-thrashing environments. We hope our experiences riding the rapids of the Grand Canyon and exploring seaside beaches has helped you find exactly what you are looking for.
Credit: Spencer Knutson
Conclusion
Whether a fairweather beach-goer or a white water kayaker, a high-quality water shoe will make your day much more enjoyable. Now that you've started your research and know what to consider, you're on your way to finding the best water shoe for your needs. We hope that the hours of work we've put into testing each product and the advice for buying have helped you with your amphibious ambitions.
