Water shoes go back to 1990, when Nike’s neon-colored aqua socks and Speedo’s iconic water socks were trending to the point they were on every beachgoer's, pool lounger's, and river floater’s feet. Although Nike's fluorescent footwear has become a colorful relic of a bygone era, the appreciation for the functional water shoe remains the same—and water shoes are nothing but functional.
As the name implies, water shoes are made for being in, on, and around water; they have excellent traction for a good grip on slippery surfaces, usually a mesh upper that dries fast when you get out, and an easy slip-on design meant to fit and feel like a second skin that's helpful when submerged so it stays on your foot and won’t chafe or cause blisters. Again, functional, but not necessarily stylish.
Today’s iteration of the water shoe does better on looks and performance by blending the two together for versatile, style-forward footwear that functions well in and out of the water while looking good enough to wear almost anywhere. They aren’t just for keeping you upright around the neighborhood pool’s perimeter; purpose-built water shoes outperform regular sneakers and sandals while whitewater rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, and doing any other water sport you can think of by keeping you comfy and dry all day.
If your summer plans include aquatic adventures, we're here to help you narrow down your footwear search: here are the best water shoes that check off all the boxes including style, performance, and long-lasting active comfort in and out of the water.
Field Mag's Top Picks
- Best Overall: Keen Newport H2
- Best for River Adventures: Stio Cut Bank Shoe
- Best Coverage: Teva Outflow Universal
- Best Comfort: The North Face Flypack Hybrid Shoes
- Best Grip: Danner Rivercomber Water Shoe
- Best Sustainable Water Shoe: Merrell Hydro Moc Drift
- Best Beach Shoe: Vans Slip-On Trk Shoe
- Best for Everyday Wear: Astral Loyak Water Shoes
- Best Affordable Water Shoe: Sperry SeaSock
- Best for Travel: Tropicfeel Canyon Sneakers