We put these these water shoes through extensive real-world testing during paddle missions and outdoor days on rivers, and along shorelines. We tested the performance of these shoes while rafting, stand-up paddling, boarding, kayaking, scrambling, hiking, and during casual days at the beach. We used them in a wide range of conditions, from early winter trips with frozen trails, to muddy spring launches with slick slopes, to hot late-summer laps on familiar local rivers. We also wore them around camp for downtime and even during everyday work routines. To make our comparisons as accurate as possible, we regularly tested models side by side, sometimes wearing a different pair on each foot.
Comfort
While comfort can often depend on how your foot fits a particular shoe, we evaluated these shoes for their comfort on the water and for dry-land activities.
We looked at overall fit security, cushioning underfoot, protection on uneven terrain, drainage performance, and how easily each model could be adjusted for a personalized fit. We tested how securely they stayed on our feet while swimming and walking. On land, we focused on support, on support protecting against rocks, roots, and other trail hazards.
Traction
We tested the shoes on any surface you likely encounter in water activities, including wet rocks, mossy logs, a wet raft, and a creek-formed canyon. They were also tested on sandy and muddy side hikes and on hard-packed boat ramps. We admit that our commitment to thoroughly testing the traction of these shoes resulted in a couple of embarrassing wipeouts. We often wore two different models simultaneously for a more direct side-by-side comparison.
Versatility
Most of us want to be able to wear our shoes all day – so we did just that, wearing these shoes throughout various activities. A regular day often involved paddle boarding, creek walking, side hikes, setting up beach camps, and lounging. For a high score in versatility, we wanted to reach for these shoes as often as possible, which included things like walking around town, going to work, and even a wedding bridal party.
Sensitivity
Your shoes should allow you to feel inconsistencies in the surface beneath your feet and be flexible enough to bend over rocks, roots, and the edges of boats. Sensitivity aids in balance and proprioception, helping you better avoid slip-and-fall accidents and injuries. We walked around on a variety of wet and dry surfaces, and also considered the flexibility of the outsole.
Quality of Construction
We carefully analyze the materials and construction methodology of all our products, looking for signs of how well each shoe will hold up for various tasks in different environments. Our testing period doesn't allow for exhaustive durability testing, but we did our best to put them through the wringer. We evaluate any clear durability issues that arise during our testing, look for trends in other user reports, and draw on our years of experience in water sports to estimate how they might break down over time. After extensive testing, we examined these shoes for things like the quality of the tread, fraying seams, separation between the outsole and upper, and failure of the lacing system. We also considered the quality of the stitching, glue, and materials used in construction.
