Are you looking to keep your feet safe while you swim in the ocean or a pool? Or are you concerned about slipping when you step in and out of the water? If so, then water shoes could be a great solution for you! These are waterproof shoes or sandals that are specially designed to protect your feet in these situations. However, there are so many different brands for these shoes that choosing the best ones for you can become a little overwhelming.
But fret no more; we're here to help you make the best choice! We did the homework for you and picked out 10 of the best water shoes to wear at the beach. In particular, we loved the Keen Whisper Sandals. They offer protection, traction and they are very light. Keep reading our guide to learn about other great water shoes for you and your family, as well as helpful hints on how to find a great pair on your own!
Quick List - Top Water Shoes For The Beach
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While choosing your pair of shoes it is important to take into consideration the activities that you are planning to do, the quality of the materials, and how easy it is is to put them on and take them off.
Water shoes are mostly designed for your safety. Wet footwear is never good news once you step out of the water and onto solid ground, but fortunately, water shoes are specially designed to get a good grip on slippery surfaces. These are characteristics of every water shoe. However, you can get a specific type of water shoes for specific activities.
Before we go any further, let’s get something out of the way: water sandals are not flip flops. They are very durable strap shoes with open toes and excellent traction. In fact, their traction is so good that they can compare to hiking shoes!
They are great if your beach day includes activities such as hiking, beach games, or wade fishing. If stepping into a boat is among your plans, then these sandals perfect because they’ll keep you safe on the slippery surface while allowing you to get into the water any time you feel like it.
Though they may not be the ultimate fashion choice, they are decent footwear for walking around town if you don’t want to change after the beach. It’s important to mention that they often don’t offer toe protection, so if that’s important to you, then these are probably not your best choice.
Water shoes offer both toe protection and traction. Unlike sandals, they usually cover most of or the whole foot. They are great for those who practice water sports because they offer traction for slippery surfaces.
They also move with your feet which means that you’ll never have the feeling of leaving your shoe behind as you move in the water. They work fairly well outside water, too, so whether you go for a light hike or you are at the water park, these shoes will do right by you. Furthermore, they don’t absorb water so they will dry really quickly.
They are, however, harder to put on and take off. Chances are that you won’t need to remove them until the end of the day, but if for some reason you need to do it frequently, these might not be the shoes for you.
No one said that beach activities are exclusively for hot summery days. Sometimes, if you are adventurous, you may get involved in water activities at colder places.
Wet shoes are boot-like. They cover your feet all the way up to your ankles, and they are made of the same material as wet suits. Their main purpose is to keep you warm when you're in colder waters. These are not intended for use outside the water.
As previously mentioned, water shoes and sandals are not meant for heavy hiking, but for light hiking in wet areas or with the option of getting into the water.
However, if you know that beyond the beach your plan includes a lot of nature exploration, make sure that the soles are thick enough to protect your feet from stepping onto anything sharp. On the other hand, if you plan to just go in and out of the pool or the ocean, you will be just fine with lighter soles.
One of the most important features of water shoes is traction. In order to make sure that your shoes offer a good grip, check what material it is made of. The material should be rubber and have additional texture on the bottom. Some shoes have sticky rubber soles but no texture. Chances are that they don’t have a good grip either.
Sandals consist of soles and a few straps to keep them firmly on your feet. They often have Velcro straps, which make it very easy to get them on or off. Others have elastic bands with a quick-lace bungee mechanism for quick release.
In general, water sandals are the easiest water shoes to put on and take off. Water shoes, on the other hand, can take slightly longer. They aren't hard to put on when, but they require a little more work than the sandals. They can be a little tricky to slip your feet into when they're wet, though.
Wet shoes are similar to water shoes, but they might take a little longer due to their boot-like style. However, since these shoes are made for specific activities, chances are that you will usually have the time to put them on and take them off.
Aside from the already mentioned rubber soles, water shoes are made of different materials that change brand to brand. However, there are some qualities to keep in mind. For water sandals, make sure that the materials are durable, and that they have a midsole on top of the rubber one to give you more support.
For water shoes, check that the fabric lets the water in and out of the shoe freely without absorbing anything. All wet shoes are made of neoprene, so if they don’t mention this material then they’re probably not what you’re looking for.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Keen Whisper Sandal | ![]() | High-Technology Sandals for Water and Land | |
2 | Mishansha Water Shoes | ![]() | Shoes for Your Water Adventures | |
3 | ATIKA Summer Water Shoes | ![]() | A Hybrid that Offers the Best of Both Worlds | |
4 | ATIKA Open Toe Water Sandals | ![]() | Comfortable, Adjustable, and Durable Sandals | |
5 | UBFEN Water Shoes for Kids | ![]() | Shoes for the Adventurous Young Kid | |
6 | Teva Original Universal Sandal | ![]() | A Classic Sandal for Water Fun, Hikes, and More | |
7 | VIFUUR Water Sports Shoes | ![]() | The Perfect Shoes for Rough Terrain | |
8 | Teva Kids Hurricane Drift | ![]() | Protective Water Sandals for Toddlers | |
9 | Sunnywoo Water Shoes for Kids | ![]() | Practical Shoes for Fun on the Shore | |
10 | Neo Sport Premium Neoprene Wetsuit Boots | ![]() | Wet Shoes for High-Impact Activities |
These USA-made sandals feature everything you need for beach play, both in and out of the water. They have EVA midsoles to provide support, hydrophobic mesh lining to prevent water from being absorbed, and a non-marking texturized rubber outsole for traction.
They are also anatomically engineered to adapt perfectly to the contours of your feet! However, some reviewers have mentioned that these shoes are tight for people with wider feet; so if this is you, you might want to look elsewhere.
Other reviewers, though, loved how secure their feet feel at all times. They also mentioned that the sandals offer a lot of support and that they can wear them for every type of occasion from the beach to casual dinners.
These shoes are perfect if you’re planning to go on a mix of hiking and swimming. They have durable rubber soles for traction and protection for the whole foot. They feature straps to tighten the shoes, and they’re made of breathable materials that dry quickly.
These are perfect whether your water play included swimming, kayaking, or beach play. Some reviewers mention that the sizes run large, but the shoes are still narrow for people with wider feet. Some of them solved this problem by removing the laces.
Other reviewers adore the quality of the shoes and how they have stayed on their feet perfectly even while being dumped out of rafts. They also say that they hold up very nicely throughout different trips and that saltwater does no damage to them.
These shoes are the perfect hybrid between sandals and shoes. They offer the quick release of a sandal as well as the toe protection of a shoe. They also feature an EVA midsole for support and a multi-directional lug pattern in the outer sole for superb traction in both water and on dry surfaces.
Some reviewers mention that either the sizes run large or they feel bigger because these are worn without socks. Those who have bought a smaller size have been happy with how they fit.
Other reviewers love how comfortable they are and the sturdiness despite their lightweight. They say the shoes dry so quickly that there is no need to ever take them off.
If you are looking for maximum flexibility as well as great performance in the water, then you have found your pair! These sandals are everything that you need to stay comfortable anywhere. Their rubber outer sole gives them great traction while the upper part provides breathability.
They can be adjusted on top with an adjustable strap, and at the back by a heel strap. Reviewers warn that the heel strap is only one piece which doesn’t make them quite adjustable. Keep this in mind if you usually have to tighten your shoes at the back.
Other reviewers, however, are delighted by its snug fit and sturdiness. Some of them say that they originally bought them for water activities, but they're so comfortable that they wear them inside the house as well.
These shoes have everything your child will need to stay safe on every terrain. They feature a rubber sole and a soft but thick insole to protect your kid from stepping onto anything that could hurt them.
On top of that, these shoes offer a toe protection system to keep their toes safe in case they kick a rock or any other hard object. Some reviewers were disappointed that their insoles got detached and a lot of sand got into the shoes.
On the other hand, other reviewers adored how comfortable the shoes are. They also mentioned that they kept their kids safe while swimming and playing at rocky-bottom beaches.
These shoes have velcro straps that are specifically designed to keep your foot in the sandal no matter what the water is doing. They also provide traction and safety and can be worn out of the water as well as in it! A lot of people like to wear them for wet hikes.
Some reviewers have complained that the quality of this brand is not what it used to be. They said that their sandals feel a little flimsy. Other reviewers adored how they are able to wear them on all types of surfaces. They recommend these for places where you might have to walk as well as swim, and where you may encounter rocky bottoms.
Sometimes you are not planning anything wilder than just having a nice time by the pool and the slides. Perhaps you just want to be able to walk on hot sand without burning your feet. If that sounds like you, these shoes might be your fit!
They are not heavy duty so they don’t offer toe protection and they don’t have a midsole for support. However, they hold up perfectly to serve their purpose: to prevent you from slipping and to protect your feet while you have fun in and out of the water.
Some reviewers don’t love that the inner soles are not attached to the bottom of the shoe, which makes them slide around. They recommend putting glue on them to solve the problem.
Other reviewers are delighted by how practical these shoes are. They mention that they worked perfectly when they went on vacation to beaches with a lot of coral or volcanic rock. They also say that the shoes are surprisingly great for walking in different terrains.
The little ones love to run around, even when they are on wet slippery surfaces. These sandals help prevent your child from slipping and falling while they're having their fun in the water.
They feature a strong rubber outer sole to provide the traction kids need. The sandals are also adjustable through hoop-and-loop closures to secure the child’s feet to the shoes.
Some reviewers were not happy about the sizing. They said that the shoes run big and that unfortunately, they gave blisters to some children. Other reviewers adored how easy they are to get on and off. They also loved how resistant they are. They mentioned that even after waking in muddy terrains, the sandals hold up perfectly.
These are the simplest version of water shoes for kids. They feature flexible outer soles made of rubber, the upper part is built with breathable materials, and they have a comfortable sock-like feel.
They are great for those times when your beach plans don’t involve any hiking or specialized activities. There are so many cute designs to pick from so they are also fun to wear. A handful of reviewers have complained that the insole fell out.
Satisfied parents loved how light these shoes are. They mentioned that other types had been too heavy for their children and that these ones are perfect. They also said that their kids feel safe from falling or slipping when they’re wearing these shoes.
If your idea of water activities goes beyond beach volleyball, then these are shoes for you. They are specially designed for activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, tubing, surfing, and similar. They are not made for swimming.
They are available in three different thicknesses suitable for warm water, moderate water, and cold water. These boot-like shoes also featured a rugged traction sole and a heavy-duty zipper to get them on and off easily.
Some reviewers report that the water never comes out of the shoe. They say that that is not uncomfortable while in the water, but that you have to drain them once you’re out.
Other reviewers are delighted by how well it protects them from cold water. They say that the boots are comfortable in waters between 30-45 degrees. They also love how good they work on rough terrains and that they have been able to swim in them in cases of emergency.
Now that you probably know what water shoes you want, you might want to check out some other items that will get you fully equipped for the beach. Here are a few other products that will help you enjoy the most out of the ocean and the sun.
No. 1: Keen|Whisper Sandal
No. 2: Mishansha|Water Shoes
No. 3: ATIKA|Summer Water Shoes
No. 4: ATIKA|Open Toe Water Sandals
No. 5: UBFEN|Water Shoes for Kids
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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