Having a go at water-based activities is a great way to get fit and healthy while spending time outdoors and in nature.
Whether you are surfing, canoeing, or playing water volleyball, you will be able to have fun while you exercise. You can even take part in indoor water sports, if you have a pool or an indoor surfing centre near you.
But having a water-sports related hobby means you also need to invest in the right clothing. Different activities require different clothing, but there is one thing you will need no matter what activity you are doing, and that’s a good pair of water shoes.
Having the right water shoes can make a big difference to how much you enjoy your hobby, or even how well you perform in competitive water sports.
Water shoes will stop your feet from being hurt by sharp objects and rocks, and prevent you from getting injured by providing you with the right support. They will also keep you in the water for longer by keeping you comfortable.
But there are so many different types of water shoes, all offering different features and benefits. It can be difficult to figure out which product is right for you, but we have made it easier for you by reviewing the best water shoes that are currently available on the market.
We have also put together some advice on how to choose the most suitable water shoes to meet your needs, and answered some common questions about water shoes.
OUR TOP PICK
DOUSSPRT design their water shoes to be both practical and fashionable, so their customers can enjoy wearing them on vacation. The quick-drying aqua shoes have durable rubber soles with drainage holes.
The fabric upper is made from mesh which is breathable and also hard-wearing. These shoes are easy to slip on and off with a heel tab, and the adjustable elastic fasteners allow you to get a nice snug fit.
These shoes are suitable for water sports, but are stylish enough to be worn on the beach or around town. There are 14 different color combinations to choose from, which means you can choose a pair of water shoes that will complement your personal style.
EDITORS CHOICE
DLGJPA aims to create high-functioning water shoes that are suitable for a range of activities in and out of the water. The sporty trainer shape is stylish and practical.
The adjustable elastic laces make these shoes easy to get on and off and they can be secured nice and tightly so they stay on your feet in the water.
There are 19 colors to choose from, so you can pick the shoes that will best match your sports clothes.
The rubber soles have anti-slip technology that will help you to grip onto wet surfaces as well as keeping your feet safe from sharp objects. The fabric uppers have breathable mesh which allows the shoes to dry quickly.
BEST VALUE
SAYOLA designs breathable and lightweight water shoes that are easily folded up to fit into backpacks and beach bags. This shoe has a bumpy rubber sole which proves excellent grip, and extends up the front of the shoe for extra protection.
There are 6 drainage holes on the shoe to stop the collection of water. There are 28 colors to choose from, so you can make sure your water shoes are true to your own style.
The fabric upper is made from a blend of polyester and lycra, which means it is durable and flexible. The fabric is also breathable and dries very quickly.
These shoes can be pulled on and off with the heel tab, and can also be tightened with the adjustable elastic.
RUNNER UP
These minimalistic water shoes are designed to be ultra-lightweight, more like wearing socks than shoes. They have a slim anti-slip rubber sole and stretchy fabric uppers made from a neoprene type material for breathability.
These shoes dry very quickly, can be wrung out, and can fold up small to fit into a bag. The soft material prevents rubbing and chafing. These shoes slip on and off with a heel tab and the elastic collar stops them from falling off your feet.
They are less durable than some other water shoes, but are very comfortable for swimming, walking along the beach, yoga, and even casual water sports. There are 16 colors to choose from so you can match them to your swimming shorts or wetsuit.
RUNNER UP
BARERUN specializes in manufacturing ultra-lightweight water sports footwear. These quick dry water shoes are breathable and stretchy, making them very comfortable.
The rubber sole is equipped with anti-slip bumps to help your feet grip onto wet surfaces. The shoes slip on and off with the heel pull tab, and the smooth neck design prevents any rubbing or chafing.
These shoes can fold up easily to fit into a bag. With 43 different color options, you are bound to find one that fits your style. Your feet will be protected from hot sand or sharp objects.
RUNNER UP
SIMARI manufactures sporty water shoes that are super comfortable and keep your feet cool. These aqua shoes have a rubber sole with drainage holes to prevent water from building up within the shoe.
The soles are bumpy to provide grip on rocky and wet surfaces while protecting your feet from sharp objects. The fabric uppers are 92% polyester with a mesh layer that allows water to escape and air to flow around the shoe to keep your feet cool.
The material is stretchy, enabling you to move your feet flexibly for walking and water sports. These shoes pull and off with the heel tab and have adjustable elastic fasteners for a snug fit.
There is a locking mechanism to stop the elastic loosening as you move. With over 40 colors to choose from and a sleek, stylish design, you could definitely wear these as casual summer shoes as well as water shoes.
RUNNER UP
These water shoes are a good all rounder. They have a traditional sports shoe shape with adjustable elastic fasteners to ensure a good fit.
The rubber sole provides excellent traction in wet conditions to stop you from slipping. There is a cushioned bouncy midsole for extra support, and a sockliner insole to provide additional comfort and a cool dry foot environment.
The fabric uppers are made of quick-drying mesh which make the shoes very breathable. There are 22 different colors to choose from, including an all black option with a black sole.
RUNNER UP
As the name suggests, these Speedo shoes are perfect for surfing and are designed for ultimate comfort. The fabric uppers are made of stretchy neoprene material which are breathable and quick-drying.
They have a cushioned insole for impact protection and a water repellent outer sole to improve grip and traction. They pull and off easily with a heel tab. You can choose from black or navy colors, which are both sleek and stylish in design.
RUNNER UP
Racqua pride themselves on their customer service and their ability to provide excellent quality water shoes. These shoes are designed to have a barefoot feel, with wide toes, no heel lift and a low profile.
The rubber sole is shaped into toes and ergonomically molded to fit your feet. These shoes provide excellent traction and grip as you move with flexible fabric uppers to give your feet a good range of movement.
They are breathable, with drainage holes to allow water to escape. There are 16 colors to choose from.
These shoes slip on and off easily and can be tightened with adjustable elastic. The reinforced heel reduces impact to make them suitable for a wide range of activities.
RUNNER UP
These are the most durable and substantial water shoes on the list. They are made by Merrell, a well established and respected company that specialize in outdoor clothing, shoes and equipment.
The durable fabric uppers are made from polyurethane coated leather with a breathable mesh lining. The synthetic sole is molded for superior grip and traction for hiking with a TPU heel for extra stability and support. The laces provide a nice tight fit.
Best Water Shoes For Men Buying Guide
Now that you know which products there are to choose from, how do you know which ones are right for you? Keep reading to find out how to choose the shoe that will meet your needs.
What Activity Are You Doing In Your Shoes?
If you are swimming on a sandy beach with limited stones, or in a pool, then you won’t need as much protection from sharp objects. In that case you can go for a more lightweight option that will fold up small to fit inside a bag.
If you are going to play water sports that require jumping and athletic movement then you will be better off with a water shoes shaped like a trainer, to give your feet the right support.
Surfers and bodyboarders will need a shoe with good grip, will slip on and off easily, but can also be tightened to prevent it coming off in the waves.
Heavy duty activities like hiking and climbing will require the most durable water shoes with excellent protection from sharp objects, which will make them a heavier and more substantial shoe.
What Location Will You Be Wearing Your Shoes?
A rocky beach will require shoes that can protect your feet, so look for a durable rubber sole. For climbing, rafting, gorge-walking and exploring waterfalls you will need shoes with excellent grip to stop you slipping on the smooth wet rocks.
Best Water Shoes For Men - FAQ's
Do Water Shoes Need To Be Quick-Drying?
When you put your water shoes on they will be dry, but you will likely carry on wearing them for sometime after they get wet. You might be coming in and out of the water, or wearing them on the beach after you have come out of the sea.
If the shoes dry quickly it is better for your skin as there will be less opportunity for bacteria to grow in the wet shoe. You are also less likely to experience a rash or chafing. It is also useful for the shoes to dry quickly as you might need to pack them away into a bag.
Is It Better To Have Lightweight Or Durable Water Shoes?
The more durable water shoes tend to be heavier, as they have more substantial soles and thicker fabric uppers. These features are very important for heavy-duty water sports or outdoor activities, so it is worth having a heavier shoe to ensure that they will be comfortable.
In other sports, like surfing or swimming, then it is important that the shoes are lightweight and it doesn’t need to be as durable. You can get fairly lightweight shoes which also have good grip on the soles. If in doubt, think about the most important features of the shoe based on the activity you will be doing.
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