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Do you like to play in and around water? We certainly do, and having the right footwear can make or break a day on the river, ocean, or lake.
We started testing men's water shoes in 2019, and since then, we've put over 35 pairs to the test. We wet our feet while paddling, swimming, and canyoneering throughout the Pacific Northwest, the Sierra Nevada, and the Rockies. We used each one for long days on the water, whether kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing, to see which shoe will keep your feet comfortable, protected, and happy.
Of the 17 in our current lineup, the best overall pair is the Astral Loyak AC. A favorite of whitewater enthusiasts, these shoes are comfortable and have great traction on wet surfaces. They're also versatile enough to pass as a street shoe in a pinch. If you're looking for a value shoe to slip on at the lake, the Speedo Surf Knit Pro will do the job nicely for a fraction of the price of the high-end brands.
Editor's Note: Our men's water shoe review was updated on October 28, 2025, to include some new models and new test results on some updated favorites.
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. 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.
Their slim, flat soles offer excellent ground feedback, promoting balance and adding to the fun of swimming, though they lack cushioning for extended hikes (check out the Astral Brewer 3.0 for a similar style with more padding). The Astral Loyak AC also 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. The close sibling to the Loyak AC, the Astral Loyak, is a warmer and more durable version, though its fit is slightly more relaxed than the AC. Overall, the Loyak shines in both performance and adaptability, whether you're lounging at camp, traveling, or transitioning from water to land.
Weight per pair: 1.3 lbs | Drainage: Side holes and some mesh
PROS
Handles most water environments
Rugged design
Excellent support
Improved against-skin comfort
CONS
Traps gravel
Drying isn't the quickest
Astral has become a mainstay in the world of water shoe manufacturers, and in a great lineup of footwear, the Astral Brewer 3.0 has become a favorite here at GearLab for its do-it-all versatility and trustworthy durability. The last version of the Brewer, the 2.0, was a decent model but we had numerous complaints about the interior stitching rubbing against the skin. Fortunately, this issue is now gone with the 3.0 and our feet were happy in these for hours on end, whether fly fishing or just going for a dry-ground hike. “I can't tell you how much happier my feet are in the latest version of the Brewers,” one of our go-to reviewers commented, “these have become my go-to when I need my footwear to be able to handle anything the day might throw at me.” If you're shopping for a lighter-weight model, consider something like the Astral Loyak AC, which is great for ventilation in hotter conditions, though it isn't as durable as the Brewer 3.0.
The Brewer 3.0 has a generous mid and outsole to create a noticeably supportive shoe, which we loved for more rugged terrain and for longer days on our feet. The upper was great for protection against rocks, dirt, or low-hanging tree branches, but in the water, the Brewer trapped some riverbed gravel, necessitating us to take off the shoes periodically to dump them out. “As much as I loved these shoes for their versatility, they don't look quite as stylish for social hangs,” a tester pointed out. If you are planning to use your water shoes for around-town socializing, consider a model like the Olukai Moku Pae, which still offers some great cushioning. Outside of a few nit-picky details, the Astral Brewer 3.0 is a worthy choice for the all-terrain water sports enthusiast.
The Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0 is an incredibly well-priced water shoe that's both capable and comfortable. We've long been fans of Speedo's budget footwear, and the Surfwalker Pro 3.0 has become a new favorite among our review team thanks to its relatively thick soles, which we found to be more protective than other options in Speedo's catalog. “I loved how easy these were to slip on and adjust,” one of our main water shoe specialists shared, “I could get the fit just right in a matter of seconds, and the upper mesh comfortably cradled my feet.” Whether strolling around the pool or hanging out at the beach, the Surfwalker was very sensitive across the pavement or sand. Uniquely, this sensitivity didn't sacrifice too much of the sole protection when we were walking across sharp rocks or broken pavement.
If you're planning on hiking through rough riverbeds, the Surfwalker Pro 3.0 might not offer enough protection or ankle support. For this, we'd recommend something like the Astral Hiyak. “I found the best settings for the Surfwalker to be on flatter ground and in more casual applications, as my feet began to slide inside the mesh,” our lead reviewer shared. If you don't mind a more minimalist construction, consider the even cheaperATHMILE Water Shoes, though they have very little material in either the sole or the upper. However, in most cases, the Speedo Surfwalker offers the best balance for moderate use and a good price.
Weight per pair: 1.4 lbs | Drainage: Front/back holes
PROS
Best-in-class support
Great foot protection
Decent heat retention
Traction is trustworthy
CONS
Heavier than some
Feet get sweaty on hot days
High-top water shoes have historically been neoprene booties, but models like the Astral Hiyak offer a great alternative that boasts top of the line ankle support with a real outsole that's more akin to a hiking shoe. This is a worthy companion to your watery adventures as do-anything footwear that can handle white water rivers or miles on the trail, with a zero-drop footbed keeping our feet happy regardless of the day. “These are an innovation in water shoes,” our head water shoe tester Zach Lovell shared, “I was able to carry a heavy pack while wearing these, and could trudge through a river bed littered with sharp rocks.” If you like the sound of a protective outsole but want more ankle mobility, consider the Astral Brewer 3.0, a lowtop option that offers excellent versatility and drains more easily.
If you play in colder waters, the Hiyak is a great option for foot warmth. While not quite as warm as something like the neoprene NRS Paddle Wetshoe, the Hiyak kept our feet from going numb in more mountainous bodies of water, from alpine lakes to snow-fed rivers. To improve heat retention, neoprene socks are an inexpensive and easy addition, though you might have to size up a bit. This pair also sports a G.ss Rubber outsole, which caught our gear tester's attention: “I was very impressed with the all-arounder traction of these water shoes, and was able to scramble across river-side rocks or huff up chunky dry trail.” If you don't mind a bit less ventilation on hot summer days, the Astral Hiyak is a phenomenal choice for ankle support and do-anything performance on wet or dry ground.
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 even 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, its performance is compromised on land. The thin, flexible soles lack adequate support for extensive walking, and the minimal drainage that keeps them warm in the water 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
PROS
Great around-town aesthetic
Generously cushioned
Easy to slip on
Decent warmth
CONS
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 mistake this option for a street shoe, but don't be fooled; this option is plenty capable. We particularly loved the generous cushion when we had to hike to get to our favorite body of water. We felt well protected from sharp rocks, roots, or sticks. However, our tester noted, “The laces seem to be just for looks. I was surprised to realize they couldn't be tightened.” 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 with 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, which may also make the fit more precise. As with many of the warmer or more cushioned options, the drainage of this option isn't particularly fast, and can leave you with soggy feet once you're out of the water. 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
PROS
Excellent traction
Lightweight
Good drainage
Versatile
CONS
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 be adapted to accommodate additional insulation. When out of the water, they perform well across various types of 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.
On and off the water, the Xero Aqua X Sport gives the sensation of barely having anything on your feet. Some people love this. However, if you want a shoe with more support or cushioning, something like the Astral Brewer 2.0 might be a better fit, as it offers greater protection against rocks. 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.
When you need the most inexpensive pair of water shoes possible, look no further than the ATHMILE Water Shoes. We did a double-take when we first saw its list price, and were absolutely thrilled that something like this is available for shoppers on a very skinny wallet. In addition to being budget-friendly, these shoes are also ridiculously packable. While much of the competition can be hard to travel with, the ATHMILE can be compressed almost completely flat and slide into even the tightest of bags. “The Athmile Water Shoes cost nearly as little as a fancy cup of coffee, and if you're needing just a little bit of foot protection, this is a great choice,” our head water shoe expert concluded.
These are undeniably as minimalist as it gets, so if you're needing something budget-friendly and want more of an actual outsole, check out the Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0, which is still listed at an accessible price. One tester said of the ATHMILE: “The bare bones design of this footwear does require you to get the sizing perfect as there is zero adjustability, and I'd encourage you to consider sizing these slightly on the tighter side, as the mesh does stretch out over time.” We were pleasantly surprised by the traction of the ATHMILE, particularly on smoother surfaces like rock slabs, but these shouldn't be trusted if your amphibious needs are more adventurous, especially on chunky wet dirt or gravel. These are great for poolside days or pebble beach hangouts.
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, while keeping the wallet strain to a minimum. 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. Some options have holes in the bottom that allow fast drainage, but they are not ideal for trails or walking. Without these drainage holes, the Surf Knit Pro does not allow water to soak up from the bottom but still offers plenty of sensitivity if you want to feel the rocks or your paddle board underfoot.
The Surf Knit doesn't offer any adjustability, so the fit and sizing need to be spot-on; otherwise, you can experience some rubbing. While this is a relatviely good hiker for a slip on model, it is not to be confused with a more burly lace-up water shoe like the Astral Brewer or Loyak. 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. 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.
You to can walk on water, sorta, with the Surf Knit Pro. These scrambled easily on granite in Lake Tahoe.
Credit: Chris McNamara
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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 Tested
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 used our tried-and-true shoe testing method: wearing different shoes on each foot and constantly rotating shoes throughout the day, making it easy to figure out which foot was happier and thus which shoe was higher performing. Comfort and traction tests are 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 overall score)
Traction tests (25% of overall score)
Warmth tests (15% of overall score)
Versatility tests (15% of overall score)
Sensitivity tests (10% of overall score)
Durability tests (10% of overall score)
Why Trust GearLab
This review is led by testers Dan Scott, Jacob Clark and Zach Lovell. Jacob has spent 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 playing in lakes, rivers, and oceans since he could walk.
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.
From oceans to rivers, lakes, and streams, we put these shoes to the test in multiple environments.
Analysis and Test Results
We tested these shoes in various environments and activities to determine which ones work best on and off the water, as well as 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.
Worse Value
Better Value
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. It's half the price of others but lacks out-of-water performance. If you want a fairly versatile budget model, the Speedo Surfwalker Pro is very affordable and can handle a variety of watery settings. For a little more, you can get a more versatile shoe like the Astral Brewer 3.0 or Xero Aqua X Sport. For canyoneers, the higher cost gets you durability and sticky rubber. 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.
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
When you really need the lowest priced water shoe available. The slipper-esc ATHMILE Water Shoes are a fantastic option, costing 10 times less than the high-end competition. Yes, you read that correctly, they are that inexpensive.
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. Its more durable version, the Loyak, was similarly comfortable, though it had a slightly wider ankle opening.
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, such as the Astral Brewer 3.0, 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, and got uncofmortable pretty quickly over longer walks on difficult terrain. Inexpensive models like the Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0 were surprisingly comfy, with a decently thick midsole providing some cushion and the mesh upper hugged our feet quite securely. The Surfwalker began to lose its comfort as we got into steeper terrain or higher-mobility activities, as our feet began to slide around in the mesh.
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 a crucial aspect of comfort. Soggy, water-soaked feet get uncomfortable quickly if a shoe doesn't drain well, but the overall importance mostly depends on how far you have to travel from car to water. Good drainage negatively impacts warmth, but managing moisture and avoiding immersion-related injuries on longer trips is essential. Shoes with lots of drainage, like the Merrell Hydro Next Gen Moc, 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 3.0 and the Olukai Moku Pae giving 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
By far, the least protection came from the super light and inexpensive DLGJPA and DOUSSPRT. These shoes have holes in the soles that provide excellent drainage, but offer little protection from sharp rocks and random objects. The Speedo Surf Knit Pro provided a little more protection, but not by much. The uppers felt comfortable next to the skin, but they fit a bit tight on us, and there is no way to adjust the fit, which might lead to rubbing.
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
The previous version of the Astral Brewer 3.0 had some stitching inside the shoe that caused a few of our testers to get hot spots or even blisters after long days, but this latest and greatest version of the Brewer fixed that problem, and we give Astral a big round of applause for addressing this issue in an otherwise top-scoring water shoe. These also offer a generous midsole that uses closed cell EVA foam for more cushion.
We were able to wear the Brewer 3.0 without any chaffing and loved its cushion for longer days.
Credit: Syd Knadler
Traction
Traction over any dry or wet terrain is often the determining factor between a safe, injury-free trip and an unfortunate, eventful one. Shoes must grab onto the rocks and logs in whitewater settings without slipping. In canyons, gravity drags you down; a good water 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 maintaining a solid connection to the ground.
Xero was able to still offer great traction in a minimalist shoe like the Aqua X Sport.
Credit: Carrie Mueller
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 what works best on hard surfaces, such as 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, but the stickiest rubber also tends to be a bit less durable than harder rubbers. However, in the long run, we find that uppers wear out faster than lugs wear down in wet environments anyway.
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.
While it doesn't have the most traction we've ever seen, the NRS Paddle Wetshoe handled rocks, wet trails, and logs very well.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Despite the fact that the ATHMILE Water Shoe is effectively a slipper, it at least offered some traction on smooth surfaces, with a lugless and flexible outsole creating decent friction against rock slabs.
Soft Surfaces
The majority of water shoes we tested don't have lugs that can bite into mud and soft surfaces. With rubbery soles, most excel on flat surfaces. If you are navigating mud and soft dirt out of the water, we recommend checking our favorite trail running shoes, which have the lugs to keep you more stable.
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 most of the water that we like to play in is cooler than our own body temp. Water shoes either need to be insulated and warm on their own or need to accommodate additional layers of insulation.
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. It lacks drainage, but this helps keep it even warmer in the coldest water.
The NRS Paddle Wetshoes kept our feet nice and toasty, even when the air was chilly
Credit: Dan Scott
Another top scorer in the warmth category was the Astral Hiyak, which boasts great warmth and has more versatility than the NRS Paddle Wetshoe. Depending on how the Hiyak is sized, adding a neoprene sock made it almost as warm as the Paddle Wetshoe, and it boasts great overland performance, thanks to a real outsole.
Cool waters were no match for the Astral Hiyak.
Credit: Zach Lovell
On the other hand, an adjustable shoe can also allow you to BYO additional insulation. If you like having the option to customize, you need to make sure the shoe has a larger toe box, adjustability throughout the whole shoe, and, ideally, a removable insole. With well-designed lacing systems and a roomy fit, the Astral Brewer 3.0 was 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, but adding neoprene socks is an easy way to improve warmth. However, this depends heavily on the shape of the shoe. The Speedo Surf Knit Pro has a narrower and lower volume fit that makes it challenging to add insulation. Models like the Crocs Classic are very chilly without added insulation, but their extremely loose fit lets a neoprene sock slide right in.
If only in bare feet, it's best to use chilly options like the Crocs Classic in warmer weather.
Credit: Carrie Mueller
The otherwise top-scoring Astral Loyak AC isn't a very warm water shoe, but the Astral Loyak uses a warmer upper construction. We like both shoes, and we like that shoppers can choose to prioritize either breathability or warmth when deciding which Loyak is best for them.
The Astral Loyak uses a more robust upper than the Loyak AC, making it warmer and more durable.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Versatility
Shoes offer a higher value when you can use them for various activities. Super-specialized shoes can be excellent for specific adventures, but we like a versatile shoe that keeps up regardless of the activity.
For water shoes, versatility means great performance for various water sports and decent usability on 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 is a solid cross between water and land shoes, similar to the Xero Aqua X Sport. The Astral Brewer 3.0 is 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. You'd be surprised at how often we go directly from the river to a post-float happy hour. 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. However, you'll likely end up paying for the style points.
While style is subjective, we found the Olukai Moku Pae to offer an excellent aesthetic in addition to its performance.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Speedo has long been a designer of cost-effective watershoes, but the Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0 and the Speedo Surf Knit Pro aren't exactly eye-catching footwear for social gatherings. The basement-bargain priced ATHMILE Water Shoes are also harder to justify buying for their style, but many shoppers may simply be looking for function rather than fashion.
Models like the Surfwalker Pro 3.0 perform well relative to their price point, but they are unlikely to win any fashion contests.
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 lack of comfort. A high amount of sensitivity can be uncomfortable on longer walks, 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. The Astral Loyak has a nearly identical feel in sensitivity.
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 on dry land is as important as being in or on the water, we tested multiple shoes that offered some sensitivity but provided more foot protection than flexible shoes. The Astral Brewer 3.0 has moderate stiffness but remains relatively low profile and has some cushion 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 those who often have a long approach before they reach the water, cushion and minimal sensitivity are preferred for the rocky and undulating terrain in and near the 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 way of fit adjustability.
The Merrell Hydro Next Gen Moc has a very stiff outsole, which some may prefer.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Despite being a rugged high-top model, the Astral Hiyak has a surprisingly sensitive outer, though it's still protective enough to walk on rough riverbeds. We suspect Astral deliberately tried to retain the sensitivity of the Hiyak so that their hightop model wouldn't feel too much like a hiking boot.
Surprisingly, the Hiyak's sole is not as thick or as stiff as one might think, given its a hightop. We appreciated it's relatively high sensitivity.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Quality of Construction
Swimming rapids, running along beaches, and canyoneering can 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 want your shoes to last more than a day or two.
It's hard to beat the dependability of the Astral Brewer 3.0, with reinforced stitching and a stiff, robust outsole. We beat up this pair of shoes as often as we could, but we never got to its breaking point throughout our testing process. Similarly, the Astral Hiyak is a durable favorite, with 1060D ballistic nylon making for a durable upper, and the Flex Grip™ outsole handling months of real-world use.
The Brewer 3.0 can really handle whatever you need it to, including dry-land hikes.
Credit: Zach Lovell
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, which is more fragile and may not be enough for users who log time in particularly abrasive environments. If durability is a priority and you are a fan of the Loyak AC, take a close look at the Loyak instead, with a more durable upper.
While the Loyak AC offers great foot security, the mesh upper isn't made to stand up to abrasive terrain.
Credit: Carrie Mueller
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, you want to step into the right pair.
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
There are four main categories that water shoes can be divided into. Each one is good for a specific activity set, and 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. However, some shoes have crossover designs that make them suitable for just about anything.
Neoprene Booties
For more technical and involved water recreation, neoprene water shoes or booties are the way to go. They are ideal for white water rafting and cold water environments, as neoprene offers excellent insulation. These don't typically 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 is the all-rounder or do-it-all option. These commonly resemble some sort of on-land sneaker, with a classic lacing system for fit adjustability. These generally have some amount of midsole cushion with a traction-inspiring outsole to offer the wearer security across land hikes and water-based sports. We have worn this type of water shoe for everything from white-water kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding to hanging around town after a beach day.
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. We define these as lightly protective options with a sandal-esque 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 people who love free feet but want a bit more protection than an open-toed shoe.
And, don't forget about proper sun protection when out on the water! A pair of protective sunglasses can help improve visibility and prevent sun damage to the eyes, and a sun protection shirt can help keep the sun's rays off your skin.
These types of water shoes are a graduated sandal of sorts, offering great drainage.
Credit: Zach Lovell
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. We hope this independent review can steer you toward a shoe that will fit your watery adventures' style and needs.
With the right pair of water shoes, you can always put your best foot forward.
