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Do you like to play in and around water? We certainly do, though having the right footwear can make or break a day on the river, ocean, or lake. After researching over 70 of the best water shoes on the market, we purchased 15 pairs to test side-by-side. We wet our feet while paddling, swimming, and canyoneering throughout the Pacific Northwest, the Sierra Nevada, and the Rockies. We used each model for a variety of water sports for long days, ensuring our testing process was as rigorous as possible. We evaluated key performance metrics to see which shoe will keep your feet warm, comfortable, and happy, whatever the water temperature. Whether you're trying water sports for the first time or you're already a pro, we've got the top recommendations for your needs and budget to add to your footwear collection. See our in-depth testing by female reviewers in our women's water shoe review.
Editor's Note: We updated this article on Oct 31, 2024 to reflect results of our latest round of testing.
Don't be misled by the sleek design of the Astral Loyak AC; these shoes deliver high-level performance in several areas and have become a standout favorite. These top-notch water shoes provide a snug, sock-like feel, excellent drainage, and grippy soles. Our testing team found them just as effective while paddleboarding as when rappelling down a waterfall, making them a versatile choice for a range of water activities. Their slim, flat soles offer excellent ground feedback, promoting balance and adding to the fun of swimming, though they lack cushioning for extended hikes. The Loyak's stylish appearance makes them suitable both for the dock and casual outings, and wearing them with socks can keep your toes concealed for aesthetics.
The Astral Loyak AC isn't the most rugged option, with its primarily mesh upper showing wear in rough, rocky conditions. However, this may not be a major issue for many, depending on how they plan to use them. Like many shoes with solid drainage, they also don't provide much warmth. If you need a warmer option, consider the Astral Rassler, or if you'll be staying mostly in the water, the NRS Kicker Wetshoe offers extra warmth and great traction. Overall, the Loyak shines in both performance and adaptability, whether you're lounging at camp, traveling, or transitioning from water to land.
The Speedo Surf Knit Pro offers some of the best value we've ever seen in a water shoe. This simple design strikes an excellent balance between comfort and real-world performance, also keeping the wallet strain minimal. They go on and off easily and don't require lacing up. They have much better trail and pavement performance than the other inexpensive models we tested, including the DLGJPA and the DOUSSPRT. Both of those models had holes in the bottom that kept the shoes light and draining fast, but they were not ideal for trails or walking. Also, when your shoes have holes in the bottom, they have limited utility, as a travel shoe or wearing around down even the smallest puddle or damp pavement gets your feet wet. The Surf Knit Pro does not allow water to soak up from the bottom but offers plenty of sensitivity if you want to feel the rocks or paddle boards underfoot.
The Surf Knit doesn't offer any adjustability, so the fit and sizing need to be spot-on, otherwise there could be excess rubbing. While this was a much better hiker than the other inexpensive slip-ons, it is not to be confused with a more burly water shoe like the Brewer or Loyak. This shoe is fine for short hikes but not ideal for big excursions. While it offers some protection, you can still feel sharp objects come up through the sole. For example, when walking across a log, we could very much feel a sharp twig come through the sole. It's a trade-off: you get a more barefoot feel when crossing a streambed, but you also have to be more aware of sharp rocks. In addition, this is not the type of shoe that most people would wear around town, so its versatility is limited. That said, it is inexpensive and did great at the beach and on our paddleboard excursions. It is our go-to inexpensive shoe for great sensitivity. For another budget option that's a cult classic, check out the Crocs Classic, though it's best for more casual use.
Weight per pair: 1.2 lb. | Drainage: Front/side holes, top mesh
REASONS TO BUY
Robust construction
Versatile
Excellent balance of support and flexibility
REASONS TO AVOID
Drains water very slowly
Stitching can cause rubbing
The Astral Brewer 2.0 is a shoe built to handle it all in the water and on land. This was a favorite we often reached for in our water-based pursuits, particularly when hiking through rugged terrain in and around bodies of water. It's comfortable and adjustable enough to accommodate nearly any additional insulation needed for different conditions, including neoprene socks. The sole is firm and protective, able to handle rougher terrain yet just sensitive enough to provide a good feel of the ground beneath you. For most, the aesthetic of the Brewer is also a positive, and can seamlessly be worn from the river to the dinner hangout.
The Astral Brewer 2.0 doesn't offer the best water draining. While the protective upper and outsole are appreciated for other attributes, they cause draining to happen very slowly, sometimes making for colder and heavier feet. While these shoes are great for most water activities you can throw at them, they aren't quite as warm as paddling booties with thick insulation, like the NRS Paddle Wetshoe. For a shoe with better drainage, check out the Astral Loyak AC. If you want one shoe that can do a little bit of everything, the Brewer 2.0 is ready to take on a variety of missions.
A top choice for paddling, the NRS Paddle Wetshoe features a highly stretchy and durable neoprene construction, ensuring an excellent fit and warmth, even on the coldest days. The sticky rubber sole provided stability as we navigated slick, wet rocks in the river, even while carrying a kayak. With a streamlined upper and great ankle flexibility, these are enjoyable to wear while swimming. Whether you're a whitewater paddler, stand-up paddleboarder, or cold-water surfer, these should definitely make your shortlist, as they are the top performers we've tested for technical and chilly water conditions.
While the NRS Paddle Wetshoe excels in flexibility and warmth, it does compromise on land performance. The thin, flexible soles lack adequate support for extensive walking, and the drainage that keeps them warm also leads to water retention when on land, resulting in damp, overheated feet. These booties excel at one primary function: keeping your feet warm in the water, and they do so remarkably well. If you're looking for a shoe that offers more versatility, consider the Astral Brewer 2.0 and the Astral Rassler; they may not be as warm, but they provide greater adaptability.
Weight per pair: 0.9 lbs | Drainage: Front/back/side holes, top mesh
REASONS TO BUY
Great around-town aesthetic
Generously cushioned
Easy to slip on
Decent warmth
REASONS TO AVOID
No fit adjustability
Not the quickest draining
The Olukai Moku Pae offers a stylish and casual aesthetic that also performs well in and around water. Due to its looks, many may mistake this option for a street shoe, but don't be fooled; this option is plenty capable. We particularly loved the generous cushion for hikes, which also offered some protection from sharp rocks, roots, or sticks. While the slipper design is nice for sliding on or off, the Moku Pae doesn't offer any fit adjustability, so if the shoe is too wide or voluminous, you're out of luck. Options like the Astral Loyak AC offer a similarly stylish design but has traditional lacing to dial in the fit.
The Moku Pae offers a somewhat reinforced mesh upper, offering more warmth than several other options. With a generally wider shape, it's also easy to utilize a neoprene sock and may make the fit more precise. As with many of the warmer or more cushioned options, the drainage of this option isn't particularly fast, so options like the aforementioned Loyak AC or the Xero Aqua X Sport are worth considering if you need faster draining. At the end of the day, the Moku Pae offers fantastic style while still gifting performance where it counts.
Weight per pair: 0.9 lbs | Drainage: Front/back/side holes, top mesh
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent traction
Lightweight
Good drainage
Versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Stability
Warmth
Aesthetic
This option may appear to be standard minimalist footwear, but the Xero Aqua X Sport delivers exceptional performance both on land and in water. These water shoes feature excellent drainage and versatility, are lightweight, and provide outstanding traction. They are thin and lack built-in warmth when in water, but they can adapt to accommodate additional insulation. When out of the water, they perform well across various terrain, though their minimalist design offers less cushioning and stability, which may not suit everyone. We also greatly appreciated their fit adjustability, which utilizes a shock cord closure system.
The Xero Aqua X Sport will meet your needs on and off the water, giving the sensation of barely having anything on your feet. However, if you require more support or cushioning, a sturdier shoe like the Astral Brewer 2.0 might be a better fit, as it offers greater protection. An option such as the Astral Loyak AC provides more support than the Aqua while still maintaining a partially minimalist design for those who need a bit more sensitivity.
The simple tightening system and no-frills construction makes this an excellent option for minimalists.
Credit: Zach Lovell
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We tested water shoes in all sorts of environments, from big rivers to steep, narrow slot canyons, to find the best.
Credit: Dan Scott, Ellen Daugherty
How We Test Men's Water Shoes
We spent over two months testing for this review in the super-wet Pacific Northwest and the Central Coast of California, paddling, river walking, running, hiking, and canyoneering to evaluate how these shoes measured up. We also waded up and down frigid, snowmelt streams in the Colorado Rockies. We often used a tried-and-true shoe testing method: we wore different shoes on each foot and constantly rotated shoes the same day, making it easy to figure out which foot was happier and which shoe was higher performing.
We performed more than 15 individual assessments on each shoe. During testing, the comfort and traction tests were the two most important metrics, each corresponding to 25% of the overall weighted score. Throughout testing, we kept in mind what paddlers, canyoneers, and water-loving folks like about their shoes, often asking friends for their thoughts on the variety of water shoes.
Our water shoe testing is divided across six different performance metrics:
Comfort tests (25% of total weighted score)
Traction tests (25% weighting)
Warmth tests (15% weighting)
Versatility tests (15% weighting)
Sensitivity tests (10% weighting)
Durability tests (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
This review is led by testers Dan Scott, Jacob Clark and Zach Lovell. Jacob has spent a few years guiding in and around Santa Barbara oceans, canoeing on the Colorado River, and kayaking throughout CA glacial melt rivers. Zach is a water enthusiast with over a decade of product design and testing under his belt. He enjoys boating, kayaking, and surfing and has been around many bodies of water for most of his life.
Dan has spent years paddling and rafting rivers across the Western United States, from the Grand Canyon to the Main Salmon. With a passion for rivers, Dan has descended canyons worldwide, from Spain and Austria to Utah and the Pacific Northwest, with multiple first and solo descents in both high and low-flow canyons. Dan is also a Ph.D. river scientist who spends much of his time collecting data on and around rivers.
We like these shoe in whitewater, although they didn't keep our feet as warm as we'd like.
From oceans to rivers, lakes, and streams, we put these shoes to the test in multiple environments.
How to Pick the Best Water Shoes for You
It can be daunting to shop for a pair of quality water shoes with so many different types available on the market. Whether you're a white water boater or a beach hang enthusiast, keep reading to learn more about how to pick your first, or next, pair of water shoes.
There are many different types of water shoe available for purchase, but rest assured there's a perfect pair out there for you and your needs.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Main Types of Water Shoes
While several options are hard to put into any one category, it's crucial to understand the various types of water shoes that exist. The best purchase for a shopper wanting footwear for the pool will likely be something entirely different from someone seeking water footwear for sea kayaking. As you size up your needs, versatility may be a crucial aspect if you realize you're wanting footwear for a variety of settings.
Neoprene Booties
For more technical and involved water recreation, neoprene water shoes or booties are most ideal for white water rafting and cold water environments, as neoprene offers excellent insulation. These are unlikely to offer as much support for lengthy on-land hikes, but you're likely to find unparalleled warmth and traction in the water. Many also utilize these for ocean sports in the chillier months.
Neoprene booties are a very specific class of water shoe, as they offer incredible warmth but are best to be only used in water, with limited on-land performance.
Credit: Carrie Mueller
All-Arounder Water Shoes
Many reviewers find their favorite class of water shoes are the all-rounders or do-it-all options. These commonly resemble some sort of on-land sneaker, often offering a classic lacing system for fit adjustability. These generally have some amount of midsole cushion with a traction-inspiring outsole to offer its wearer security across land hikes and water-based sports. We've used this kind of water shoe for everything from white water kayaking to stand-up paddle boarding to hanging around town.
These all-arounder options typically can handle more technical water recreation while also offering some on-land performance.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Casual Use Water Shoes
For more lounging, hanging out, and less technical recreation, casual use water footwear is a great category. While there are a variety of designs available, we commonly see looser fitting options that prioritize comfort over foot security, as these are often slip-ons. These are great for relaxing by the pool or ocean and are often at home on a casual boat ride. Some designs also offer excellent style, allowing these shoes to be worn out for social gatherings.
Many casual-use water shoes are slip-ons, also offering a decent aesthetic for around-town hangs.
Credit: Carrie Mueller
Sandal Water Shoes
Some options are closer to a sandal than a water shoe, with a sandal-esc design that simply has more upper material for added foot security. These have a range of technical capabilities, depending on the model. This type of footwear is best for sandal lovers who want a bit more foot protection.
These types of water shoes are a graduated sandal of sorts, offering great drainage.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Analysis and Test Results
We tested these shoes in various environments and activities, determining which shoes work best on and off the water and for multiple purposes. Below, we delve into the six key metrics we used to define water shoe performance. Think about how you use water shoes and which metrics are most important to you.
What's the Best Value?
The value proposition depends greatly on the use of each shoe. For occasional use and great sensitivity on boards, it's hard to beat the Speedo Surf Knit Pro. For paddlers, a bootie-like shoe such as the NRS Kicker Wetshoe is a great option for half the price of others but lacks out-of-water performance, where others excel. For a little more, you can get a more versatile shoe like the Astral Brewer 2.0 or Xero Aqua X Sport. For canyoneers, the higher cost gets you durability and sticky rubber. In warmer climates, water shoes based on warmth are not as needed, and a sandal or minimalist option like the Keen Newport H2 is a good choice. While many semi-moderately priced shoes like the Astral Loyak will work for canyoneering, it's probably cheaper to get a burlier model in the long run, as it will likely last two to three times as long.
For more general water sports use, a higher price often buys comfort, effective drainage, and a leg up in durability, as exemplified by the Astral Brewer 2.0. For a fair bit less, you can snag a shoe like the Xero Aqua X Sport, which sacrifices some versatility and durability while still providing an excellent shoe in a lightweight package. You need to know how to use a water shoe to get the most out of it.
Where traction is paramount for not just comfort but safety, picking the right shoe matters. Shown here is the Xero Aqua X Sport cruising up a slippery and sharp rock.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Comfort
Comfort is often the most essential aspect of a water shoe. You're subjecting your feet to harsh conditions in wet environments, and uncomfortable shoes only compound that harshness. Water shoes, in particular, call for comfort both on and off the water.
We spent long days walking over various surfaces, both in and out of the water, to see how well these shoes supported and protected our feet over rough terrain. The Astral Loyak AC was a favorite, offering excellent comfort, and our testers noted no hot spots or rubbing when wearing them.
The Loyak AC is one of the most comfortable water shoes we tested, providing adequate space to wear them with socks if desired.
Credit: Carrie Mueller
We preferred the protection and stability of burlier shoes like the Astral Brewer 2.0 for long walks over difficult and treacherous terrain. Bootie-style shoes like the NRS Paddle Wetshoe or NRS Kicker Wetshoe didn't support our feet, which over longer walks on difficult terrain proves uncomfortable quickly. With this in mind, the NRS Paddle Wetshoe is like a cozy glove, one of the most comfortable options for a long day in a boat.
Booties like the NRS Paddle Wetshoe proved to be very comfortable in the water and on smoother terrain, but over rocks it quickly lost its edge.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Drainage is an important part of comfort. Soggy, water-soaked feet get uncomfortable quickly if a shoe doesn't drain well. While drainage negatively impacts warmth, managing moisture and avoiding immersion-related injuries on longer trips is essential. Shoes with lots of drainage, like the Merrell Hydro Next Gen Moc or a sandal like the Keen Newport H2, ejected water quickly once we stepped on land, then dried out fast. Generally speaking, we found a correlation between cushion and decreased drainage, with options like the Astral Brewer 2.0 and the Olukai Moku Pae gifting a nice cushy feel at the expense of slower water release.
While the Olukai Moku Pae didn't drain as quickly, it did offer a comfortable foot bed.
Credit: Carrie Mueller
Whether swimming quickly through water or jamming your feet between boulders while walking up a shallow creek, flowing water can do a number on you. While a sandal may look less protective, the Keen Newport H2 provided a good balance of all-around comfort and foot protection due to their stiffer uppers and thick, stiff soles.
The Keen Newport H2 sandals are great for in and out of the water, and the thick sole protects against sharp rocks.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
By far, the least protection came from the super light and inexpensive DLGJPA and DOUSSPRT. These shoes have holes in the soles that give little protection from sharp rocks and random objects. While the Speedo Surf Knit Pro had a little more protection, it wasn't much. The uppers felt comfortable next to skin, but they were a bit tight and might cause rubbing due to having no ability to secure the fit.
While these models were light and sensitive, they did not offer much protection or warmth. From left to right: DLGJPA, Speed Surf Knit Pro, and DOUSSPRT.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Traction
Traction over any dry or wet terrain is often the determining factor between a safe, injury-free trip and an unfortunately eventful one. Shoes must grab onto the rocks and logs in whitewater settings without slipping. In canyons, gravity drags you down, or the shoe does its job and slows the descent.
With excellent all-around traction, the Xero Aqua X Sport navigates flat hard and soft surfaces well while leaving a solid connection to the ground.
We liked the ankle support of the Astral Rassler 2.0, and they do well on most surfaces. However, they don't have the same exceptional traction as the Astral Hiyak, Astral Loyak AC, or the Xero Aqua X Sport.
Hard Surfaces
Soft, sticky rubber is key on hard surfaces, like the logs and rocks you might encounter on river banks. The Astral Hiyak, with its G.ss rubber, sticks well to wet, slick rock. They stick better than any other shoes we tested. This stickiest rubber tends to be a bit less durable than harder, less sticky rubbers, but we find that uppers wear out faster than lugs wear down in wet environments.
On this slick rappel, our lead tester appreciated having super sticky and protective shoes.
Credit: Dan Scott
The NRS Paddle, NRS Kicker Wetshoe, and Xero Aqua X Sport all stuck just as well to wet rock and logs. A more flexible sole allows feet to contour around obstacles so that you can maintain better balance.
Quickly moving between soft sandy terrain and slimy ocean-polished rocks, the NRS Kicker keeps you nice and upright.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Soft Surfaces
The Keen Newport H2 has deeper, aggressive lugs that dig in and bite muddy trails, better than most shoes we tested.
The majority of water shoes we tested don't have the lugs for biting into mud and soft surfaces. With rubbery soles, they excel more on flat surfaces. We recommend checking our best trail running shoe picks to protect your feet in different environments.
An aggressive lug pattern is ideal for muddy or soft slippery surfaces.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Warmth
Water absorbs massive amounts of heat from your body, and rarely is the water warmer than our own body. Water shoes either need to accommodate additional layers or, by themselves, need to be insulated and warm.
We loved shoes with built-in warmth for extremely cold days, such as the fleece-lined NRS Paddle Wetshoe. This bootie provides a lot of insulation with its thick neoprene construction but lacks drainage, which helps keep it warmer in even the coldest water.
The NRS Paddle Wetshoes kept our feet nice and toasty, even when the air was chilly
Credit: Dan Scott
On the other hand, a more adjustable shoe with solid comfort and support can allow for additional insulation. We need these shoes to have larger toe boxes, adjustability throughout the whole shoe, and, ideally, a removable insole. With well-designed lacing systems and roomy fits, shoes like the Astral Brewer 2.0 were surprisingly comfortable with bare feet or triple-layered insulation. Options like the Olukai Moku Pai also boast decent warmth, and the wider shape will easily fit neoprene socks if needed.
Simple lacing with a removable insole and wide tongue is rather effective for providing the space needed to add further insulation.
Credit: Jacob Clark
By far, the least warmth came from the inexpensive light shoes with mesh uppers and holes in the soles. Depending on the shoe's shape, adding neoprene socks for insulation is an easy way to improve warmth, though the Speedo Surf Knit Pro has a narrower and lower volume fit that may be challenging to add insulation to. Models like the Crocs Classic are very chilly without added insulation, but their extremely loose fit makes a neoprene sock easily fit.
If only in bare feet, it's best to use chilly options like the Crocs Classic in warmer weather.
Credit: Carrie Mueller
Versatility
Shoes offer a higher value when you can use them for various activities. While super-specialized shoes can be excellent for specific adventures, we like a versatile shoe that keeps up regardless of the activity.
For water shoes, versatility means performance for various water sports and dry land. To perform well in both worlds, there must be a solid balance between drainage, comfort, and adjustability. With plenty of support and cushioning, the Astral Rassler 2.0 was a solid cross between water and land shoes, similar to the Xero Aqua X Sport. The Astral Brewer 2.0 was another favorite, with a thicker outsole allowing it to handle rougher terrain, whether in water or on land.
Our lead tester went to extremes in a huge variety of water sports to test these shoes and relay exactly what you're getting into with each pair.
Credit: Ellen Daugherty
Another consideration in the realm of versatility is style, since many shoppers may need to wear water shoes in more social settings. The Astral Loyak AC offers performance versatility but also has an aesthetic that allows it to be easily worn around town. Similarly, the Olukai Moku Pae belongs on the dock or at the brewery.
While style is subjective, we found the Olukai Moku Pae to offer an excellent aesthetic in addition to its performance.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is key when walking over rough terrain. Because water shoes often have to get over terrain like river cobbles, sandy beaches, and logs, it's key that they provide a good ground feel. Proprioception is key to whether the object is solid before it becomes fully weight-bearing. Sensitivity does have a downside, and that is comfort. High amounts of sensitivity, as when barefoot, is uncomfortable over the long term or in particularly sharp or rugged terrain.
During our testing, we walked over varied surfaces to evaluate how well we could feel the ground and react to uneven terrain. Neoprene booties like the NRS Paddle Wetshoe and NRS Kicker Wetshoe feature thin but stiff soles that provide an excellent ground feel — perfect for short jaunts over boulders to scout rapids or get to a put-in. Due to their low drag and uninhibited ankle flexion, these shoes and the minimal Xero Aqua X Sport also felt great while swimming. The Astral Loyak AC also felt great in environments and uses where sensitivity was crucial, with a design that offers a fairly minimal sole.
This fingerprint-like tread of the NRS Kicker bends and wraps around the ground, so you feel everything beneath your foot with each step.
Credit: Jacob Clark
For more amphibious activities, where walking is as important as being in or on the water, we found that multiple shoes offered some sensitivity but provided more foot protection, unlike more flexible shoes. The Astral Brewer 2.0 has moderate stiffness but remains relatively low profile and has some cushion to protect from the ground without sacrificing too much sensitivity.
Comfortable with enough cushion and traction for rocks, yet enough sensitivity to feel the ground beneath you.
Credit: Jacob Clark
For some, cushion and minimal sensitivity are preferred for the rocky and undulating terrain in and near water. The thickest and stiffest soles tested include the Crocs Classic and the Merrell Hydro Next Gen Moc, though they don't offer much in the ways of fit adjustability.
The Merrell Hydro Next Gen Moc has a very stiff outsole, which some may prefer.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Quality of Construction
Swimming rapids, running along beaches, and canyoneering all do a number on your shoes and feet. Durable materials and smart construction keep your shoes going on long trips and, in the case of canyoneering, can be essential if you like shoes that last more than a day or two.
While we couldn't test these shoes to failure during our test period, we looked for materials and construction that indicated either durability or the lack thereof. The Keen Newport H2 scores well for durability, with solid stitching and plenty of reinforcements throughout the whole sandal. If superior durability and high performance aren't a big deal for you, shoes like the Astral Brewer 2.0, Astral Hiyak, and Astral Rassler 2.0 held up well to our testing.
Rappel-assisted slides abrade shoe uppers, making tough materials a necessity for canyoneering shoes.
Credit: Ellen Daugherty
We were impressed by the reinforcements that made the NRS Paddle Wetshoe more than just a neoprene sock with an outsole. It held up quite well. The Astral Loyak AC has a mostly mesh upper, making it more fragile for users who log time in particularly abrasive environments.
While the Loyak AC offers great foot security, the mesh upper isn't made to stand up to abrasive terrain.
Credit: Carrie Mueller
Conclusion
Water shoes make time spent on rivers, lakes, and wet places much more enjoyable. Happy feet equal a happy trip in our book! We bought and rigorously tested top models to see how well they protected our feet, performed in various environments, and held up to both demanding water sports and the lounging around that usually follows. Water shoes can make or break your experience when paddling or canyoneering. We hope this independent review can steer you toward a shoe that will fit your watery adventures' style and needs.
