Best Water Shoes Reviewed & Rated for Comfort

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
 ALEADER Mesh Slip On
Test Winner: ALEADER Mesh Slip On
Amazon Link
One of the absolute best investments, whether on a cruise or visiting a tropical beach, is water shoes. After all, there is nothing that will take you out of the summer daze than stepping on a sea urchin or getting nibbled on by a local fish. To avoid getting pricked, bit, or cut, you need a great pair of water shoes. So, before you jump into any body of water, take a glance at some of this top-end water shoes.

Standout Picks

 ALEADER Mesh Slip On
As first on the list, we are eager and excited to share one of the best brands in the water shoe industry. With innovative measures to bring simple solutions to adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts, the ALEADER Women’s Mesh Slip-On Water Shoe is the ideal shoe for anyone looking for traction, efficiency, lightweight design, and innovative technology. Whether you are trekking the wet waterfalls of North Carolina or swimming in the blue ocean of St. Thomas Island, these water shoes are worth a try.
Amazon Link
$27.99
 Zhuanglin Quick Drying
Following the last pair of water shoes is a contender for the first place on this list. We can easily say that the Zhuanglin Women’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoe is perfect for a day out in the sun, on a cruise, or hiking the wet mountains of Puerto Rico. If you are looking for the ideal great fitting water shoe that ensures your safety when climbing or walking in extremely wet areas, these water shoes are it. Let’s talk about the many great features and what this water shoe offers.
Amazon Link
 Speedo Surfwalker 3.0
When comparing men’s and women’s water shoes, the design is essentially the same with a variety of aspects being slightly different. The primary purpose of a water shoe whether women’s or men is to offer plenty of breathability and durability for a shoe that is intended to be out in natural terrains. When taking men’s water shoes into account, one particular shoe comes to mind, the Speedo Men’s Surfwalker 3.0 water shoe, a blend of innovative design and well-crafted frame in one reliable and durable package. Let’s begin!
Amazon Link
 Giotto Barefoot
There comes a time when a brand releases a product that shocks an industry. This is that brand! This particular sports and lifestyle manufacturer of gear products released a water shoe with such an innovative and unique design that surprised even the most premiere active gear manufacturers. This product is the Giotto Men and Women’s Barefoot Water Shoe, a unisex water shoe that enhances performance and appeals to every urban-savvy individual. Let’s talk about one of the best water shoes in the industry.
Amazon Link
 WateLves
We are eager to share with you another water shoe manufacturer that brings innovative technology into the mix. This particular brand of active shoes is known for their yearly innovations that keep them on the map. The WateLves Water Shoe for men and women was just introduced with the new 2018 anti-slip sole known as, Holey Ventilation. Now, this alone is worth notating when talking about this water shoe. But, it’s the many other features that make it a worthwhile water shoe as well. Let’s begin!
Amazon Link
$9.99
 QuickSilk Quick Drying
Now that we have covered barefoot-like water shoes, it is time to go back to a more traditional looking water shoe. This particular brand of water shoes has designed a stylish and beautiful water shoe for women that is both traditional and urban. With the many design elements that make water shoes a modern design for today, this water shoe offers plenty of benefits for women looking for a running style shoe with water shoe features.
Amazon Link
 AVADAR
Moving back into a slip on like water shoe, this brand of water shoes is known for funky innovative designs alongside premium functionality. It’s time to bring in the AVADAR Water Shoe for both men and women into the mix, a unisex water shoe with functionality in mind alongside a reasonable price tag. Let’s begin with the two most important aspects of these water shoes.
Amazon Link
 VIFURR Barefoot
Switching to a different style of shoe, this brand has mastered the art of the water shoe with innovative technology alongside unconventional materials. The VIFURR Barefoot Water Shoe is known as one of the few water shoes that offers a rubber frame alongside polyester and spandex for a different type of shoe that functions the same as a water shoe.
Amazon Link
$9.48
 Giotto Kids
In a turn of events, you did not think we could have a water shoe list without including one of the best brands of water shoes for kids, did you? Well, we are eager and excited to share a brand that has mastered water shoes for kids to ensure maximum mobility and safety so parents can feel assured that their kid will be wearing one of the best water shoes in the industry. Let’s talk about Giotto Kids Swim Water Shoes, a blend of innovation and safety.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Materials

Quality of Materials

When it comes to evaluating any product, whether water shoes or not, it’s critical to take into consideration the type of materials that a manufacturer is using to make their product. Now, you should know that there are hundreds of different materials that a company can use for their materials. So, when purchasing any product, you should know that it was designed specifically in that manner. With that being said, as we scanned the entire market, we only wanted to provide consumers with the option to pick from products that were built from the very best materials on the market. To do so, we carefully looked at the product descriptions and how the company assured consumers the quality of the material. We even looked at customer reviews to see what previous people have said about the quality of the materials. Since this is a significant component, we found that many people were talking about this. This enabled us to highlight the very BEST products out there.

Durability

Durability

When a consumer purchases a product, the last thing they want happening is the product to break within the first few uses. Can you imagine purchasing a pair of water shoes for a cruise, just to find out they break or rip the moment they touch the water? It could be a terrifying experience. This is why it’s very important to take the time to evaluate the durability of the product, which is precisely what we did. To do so, we took the time to look at each water shoe and how it was made. We looked at how the manufacturer talked about the built, construction, and materials. From there, we even looked at what previous customers were saying and what the average life expectancy of the product was. Now, we can say that most water shoes out there break really easily - aside from those featured on this list. In fact, each product here is designed with great materials to ensure consumers the peace of mind when traveling and enjoying the warmer waters.

Water Capacity

Quick Dry

If there is one feature that is critical to look out for in a water shoe it’s quick dry technology What this means is that the moment the shoe is no longer in the water, the exterior of the shoe quickly dries by itself, without the need for the sun or heat. The reason behind this feature is, the longer that something stays wet, the smellier it will become. In addition to this, given the ventilation features in most running shoes, the water can seep through, causing a build-up of moisture, leading to even stronger odors. So, as we began to evaluate each product for your consideration - we wanted to make sure each product was made from only the very best materials, including some degree of quick dry technology. To ensure the quality of this feature, we even took it a step further to look at what previous customers were saying.

Outsole

Outer and Upper Technology

When it comes to understanding the quality of a shoe, it’s important to evaluate the different parts of the sole. Now, for the sake of a water shoe, the two parts that we were most concerned with were the outer and the upper technology. These two parts play a pivotal role in the durability and comfortability of a water shoe. As we began to evaluate each water shoe, we carefully looked at how each shoe’s outer and upper was designed. We were shocked to find out that many of these companies have created patented designs for their outer and upper to ensure the maximum amount of comfort and durability.

Value

The Cost to Value Ratio

When it comes to making a purchase, all consumers want to ensure they are getting their money’s worth for a purchase, right? Well, one of the best ways to do this is by measuring the cost to value relationship. At the core, this means taking the time to compare the price of a product with the rest of the market. From there, a consumer can look at the value and features of the product, in conjunction with the price, and create a strong conclusion as to whether the product is worth the price tag. When it comes to our guide, we can ensure that each product was carefully selected with the cost-to-value ratio in mind. In other words, each product on this list is offered at a reasonable price tag for a great amount of value.

Breathability

Breathability

In our opinion, one of the most important aspects that consumers must take into consideration when purchasing a pair of water shoes is breathability. It’s important that, when in or out of the water, your feet can breathe and have access to ventilation. Otherwise, the interior part of the water shoe will quickly start smelling and cause your feet to smell bad as well. When we were evaluating each product for our list, we made it our intention to look directly at the types of materials that manufacturers were using. We wanted to know precisely how these companies were offering consumers better breathability with water shoes. In addition to this, we even looked at customer reviews to see what people were saying about the breathability. With that, we can say with confidence that each shoe on today’s list, as we highlighted throughout the article, comes with some of the best ventilation on the market.

Comfort

Comfort

Before we began evaluating any water shoe, we took the time to think of all of the most important components of a high-quality water shoe. We were able to pinpoint the materials, the upper and outer technology, and even the breathability. However, we quickly realized that one of the most important aspects that not many people think about when it comes to purchasing water shoes is comfortability. You see, water shoes are much different than a typical pair of shoes. The moment that a pair of water shoes get wet, the material and comfort are entirely different. When you are in a physical store or online, it’s impossible to test the shoe wet before purchasing it. So, in order to offer consumers more insight into the quality of the comfortability, we took the time to not only look at how the manufacturer discusses comfortability, but we also took the time to look at what previous customers were saying about their experience, whether positive or negative.

Top 10 Picks

1. ALEADER Mesh Slip On

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$27.99
 ALEADER Mesh Slip On
Amazon Link

As first on the list, we are eager and excited to share one of the best brands in the water shoe industry. With innovative measures to bring simple solutions to adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts, the ALEADER Women’s Mesh Slip-On Water Shoe is the ideal shoe for anyone looking for traction, efficiency, lightweight design, and innovative technology. Whether you are trekking the wet waterfalls of North Carolina or swimming in the blue ocean of St. Thomas Island, these water shoes are worth a try.

Design

The right shoe is really determined by the person that is wearing them. No design is the ideal design. However, we can say that this shoe comes nearly close. The technology used to design this shoe provides premiere comfort fit and support for any adventure lover. Any woman can wear these water shoes for hours and not get tired, feel the strain, or have any traction problems. The reason for this is the contract stitching running down a lateral design that helps secure a comfortable fit.

Breathable

As a person would expect, water shoes have to be designed differently than any other shoe. It’s clear why a person would not wear converse while swimming in the islands of Grand Turk. With these particular water shoes, the engineered mesh is made from a hydrophobic material in the upper area that offers quick drying and breathability. This feature alone ensures that your feet are not walking all day in a wet puddle of goo.

Cost and Value

It’s time to talk about cost per value, which is essentially the benefit of this particular water shoe compared to the price. We can say, that for the price, this shoe offers plenty of benefits. These benefits range from breathable technology to amazing design. Therefore, for the convenience of being able to explore wet areas with ease and efficiency while also being comfortable, purchasing this shoe is a no-brainer. We highly encourage to check them out, try them on, and pick out your favorite color from the large selection.

Amazon Link
$27.99

2. Zhuanglin Quick Drying

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Zhuanglin Quick Drying
Amazon Link

Following the last pair of water shoes is a contender for the first place on this list. We can easily say that the Zhuanglin Women’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoe is perfect for a day out in the sun, on a cruise, or hiking the wet mountains of Puerto Rico. If you are looking for the ideal great fitting water shoe that ensures your safety when climbing or walking in extremely wet areas, these water shoes are it. Let’s talk about the many great features and what this water shoe offers.

Breathable

One aspect of water shoes that we will come to learn is that they are all primarily designed with a breathable innovative fabric or technology. The reason being is that it cannot be an ideal water shoe unless it is designed with a breathable mesh. No one wants to swim in the beautiful beaches of Hawaii and have their shoes slow them down or feel extremely heavy when walking. This particular manufacturer uses a breathable and durable mesh that allows for maximum airflow in the upper area of the shoe.

Range of Motion

Another important design element of a water shoe is mobility. A water shoe is intended for climbing, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and much more. It is a blend of natural design, aesthetic appeal, and feature packed technology. Therefore, one of the most important aspects is the range of motion and this water shoe has it all. With an innovative flex groove design the upper and lower part of the shoe allows for maximum mobility so you can climb, hike, move, run, and much more.

Cost and Value

When talking about cost per value, it is essential to look at the design of the shoe. First of all, a water shoe has to include a breathable technology and phenomenal traction, something this shoe has in one easy design. With this in mind, the cost is on the low scale and the value is highly touted. With many happy individuals talking about the many things they can do and explore with these water shoes, there is a reason why they are highly appreciated.

Amazon Link

3. Speedo Surfwalker 3.0

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Speedo Surfwalker 3.0
Amazon Link

When comparing men’s and women’s water shoes, the design is essentially the same with a variety of aspects being slightly different. The primary purpose of a water shoe whether women’s or men is to offer plenty of breathability and durability for a shoe that is intended to be out in natural terrains. When taking men’s water shoes into account, one particular shoe comes to mind, the Speedo Men’s Surfwalker 3.0 water shoe, a blend of innovative design and well-crafted frame in one reliable and durable package. Let’s begin!

Stretch Upper

No one will ever know when they feel the call of the wild. Sometimes, especially if you live near the beach or mountains, you feel a spontaneous calling to get up and go. Therefore, it is important to minimize the hassle of putting on water shoes. With this particular water shoe, any person can easily slip them on and go with a stretch upper design that is created for easy mobility and slip-on ability. If you want a comfortable fit that you can rely on, this water shoe offers that and more.

Traction

Another vital component of a water shoe is the traction. The traction of a water shoe is intended to minimize the potential of accidents happening to the individual while out in nature. No person would climb extremely wet mountains without ensuring there are enough support and traction at the bottom of the shoe to make direct contact with the surface without slipping. This technology is universal, but this water shoe does it differently with S-Trac. The design streamlines water from the outsole to ensure a fuller more direct contact with surfaces.

Cost and Value

As the first men’s water shoe on the list, we can say that the cost is relatively low in comparison to the value. If an individual is looking for a water shoe that offers plenty of traction in a stable design with the benefits of breathable technology, this is it. No person will have to double think whether these are a safe bet when considering taking them out on a wet hike or snorkeling adventure.

Amazon Link

4. Giotto Barefoot

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Giotto Barefoot
Amazon Link

There comes a time when a brand releases a product that shocks an industry. This is that brand! This particular sports and lifestyle manufacturer of gear products released a water shoe with such an innovative and unique design that surprised even the most premiere active gear manufacturers. This product is the Giotto Men and Women’s Barefoot Water Shoe, a unisex water shoe that enhances performance and appeals to every urban-savvy individual. Let’s talk about one of the best water shoes in the industry.

The Sole

As any individual would notice, the bottom sole of the shoe has a breathable and innovative design that is intended to drain water out of the shoe while allowing airflow and ensuring no tiny items such as rocks and debris get inside the shoe. The cushioned insole is made from a honeycomb construction that offers plenty of ventilation, support, and also maximizes traction on any surface. This innovative technology has received critical acclaims and the benefits do not end there.

Material

As we have discussed, the material of the shoe is essential for maximum support, durability, and functionality. Now, for an individual to be especially comfortable, the material has to include a breathable design and this shoe offers that and more. With a breathable textile material and design, the shoe not only allows for maximum airflow for a comfortable all-day water shoe, it also includes a flexible fabric that allows all toes to move comfortably without scrunching them together.

Cost and Value

When considering cost per value for water shoes, it is always important to note the materials used and the history of the brand. We can say that for the price, this water shoe for both men and women offers a plethora of design innovations that make it an extra useful, beneficial, and functional shoe. They may be so comfortable an individual may want to wear them all day long whether they use it for the intended purpose or not.

Amazon Link

5. WateLves

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$9.99
 WateLves
Amazon Link

We are eager to share with you another water shoe manufacturer that brings innovative technology into the mix. This particular brand of active shoes is known for their yearly innovations that keep them on the map. The WateLves Water Shoe for men and women was just introduced with the new 2018 anti-slip sole known as, Holey Ventilation. Now, this alone is worth notating when talking about this water shoe. But, it’s the many other features that make it a worthwhile water shoe as well. Let’s begin!

Drying Design

As we have said, no water shoe is a premier water shoe without some sort of drying design embedded into the shoe. Otherwise, an individual is exposed to wet shoes and feet all day. With this in mind, this brand of shoe has uniquely intergraded a quick draining mechanism with seven holes on each shoe bottom. This ensures water draining is done properly and allows for a quicker cooling experience and a healthier shoe experience.

Elasticity

Having premium mobility when wearing your water shoes is extremely important. Whether seashell hunting on the beautiful islands of Bora Bora or swimming through uncharted terrain in the Bahamas, water shoes need to be able to grasp the environment and connect to the surface without any potential slips. This brand of water shoes ensures that with their elastic design and fine stretch upper technology. In fact, they feel like stretchy socks that are comfortable to wear and offer maximum mobility.

Cost and Value

When evaluating cost per value, it is important to note that brands will have numerous design elements that are universal. It is how they integrate these design elements into the shoe that makes them a unique shoe manufacturer. With this in mind, this particular shoe manufacturer has not only expertly crafted a water shoe for all people, but they also have done so in a stylish way that captures the eye.

Amazon Link
$9.99

6. QuickSilk Quick Drying

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 QuickSilk Quick Drying
Amazon Link

Now that we have covered barefoot-like water shoes, it is time to go back to a more traditional looking water shoe. This particular brand of water shoes has designed a stylish and beautiful water shoe for women that is both traditional and urban. With the many design elements that make water shoes a modern design for today, this water shoe offers plenty of benefits for women looking for a running style shoe with water shoe features.

Open Mesh

Even traditional water shoes have to have some form of breathable technology. These particular water shoes include an open mesh design for maximum breathability. In the case that an individual begins to sweat or the shoes get extremely wet, within a couple of minutes they are back to being dry thanks to the open mesh and the outsole holes on the bottom. This design helps ensure that a person is not standing in wet shoes for very long.

Midsole

Another important aspect of a water shoe is the midsole. Now, many people like the traditional water shoe of barefoot-style water shoes because they offer more support. If you are looking for more of a bounce-back type of water shoe this is it. The Solyte midsole aids with bounce back and functionality. Therefore, an individual can feel the support of the water shoe without any added padding.

Cost and Value

There are distinct differences between a traditional water shoe that looks more like a running shoe than barefoot water shoes. However, the value is still the same and more. Traditional water shoes feature the support of regular shoes in the midsole while also providing water shoe features such as drainage, breathable materials, and plenty of bottom traction. For the price, this traditional water shoe packs a stylish design alongside many benefits.

Amazon Link

7. AVADAR

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 AVADAR
Amazon Link

Moving back into a slip on like water shoe, this brand of water shoes is known for funky innovative designs alongside premium functionality. It’s time to bring in the AVADAR Water Shoe for both men and women into the mix, a unisex water shoe with functionality in mind alongside a reasonable price tag. Let’s begin with the two most important aspects of these water shoes.

Slip-On

Water shoes are best intended as slip-on shoes, and this brand has mastered that style. The reason being is that slip on shoes allow for easy mobility, traction, and shape to an individuals foot. More so, a slip-on shoe allows for get-up-and-go! With shoelaces, an individual in the water may have to stop and adjust them. On top of this, laces will add an extra weight to the shoe, which can be extremely uncomfortable for any individual out on the water. Therefore, with an easy slip-on pull at the heels, an individual can slip there feet in these and jump in the water.

Multi-Use

What makes a water shoe unique is that the right style and fit can be virtually used for anything. In fact, these water shoes have been marketed as multi-use. This means an individual can use them to run, hike, climb, walk, go shopping, or even relax in them. This design makes them look synonymous with other day shoes while providing the benefits of water shoes. Therefore, an individual can go from swimming on the lake to climbing the mountains without having to switch shoes.

Cost and Value

When considering the many benefits of water shoes, the cost is always a factor. However, this reasonably priced shoe offers plenty of value in a simple package. The shoes itself are designed for multiple functions while providing premium comfort and stylish aesthetic design. If you are considering these shoes, the cost should only be seen as a small factor compared to the amount of value.

Amazon Link

8. VIFURR Barefoot

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$9.48
 VIFURR Barefoot
Amazon Link

Switching to a different style of shoe, this brand has mastered the art of the water shoe with innovative technology alongside unconventional materials. The VIFURR Barefoot Water Shoe is known as one of the few water shoes that offers a rubber frame alongside polyester and spandex for a different type of shoe that functions the same as a water shoe.

Different Types

Now, the type of water shoe material that VIFURR supplies are made of spandex and polyester, with a rubber bottom outsole. What is the purpose? Well, it all depends on what activity you will be doing the most. If you are an see yourself swimming in the warm waters of the Maldives then the spandex water shoe design aids in flexibility and breathability. However, if you are an individual that sees yourself hiking wet mountain terrains, the protective rubber, and traction-pro shoe helps enhance the experience. The options are endless!

Quick Drying

In any case, all of the water shoes available are quick drying. As we have discussed the purpose of a water shoe is to enhance the protection of your feet while on the water. If it was not for a quick drying design such as holes in the outsoles or mesh materials, the shoe would not be able to drain water, leaving an individual walking in wet shoes all day. Luckily with this brand, they have included quick-drying methods in all of the shoes.

Cost and Value

When talking about cost per value, we can say that this brand delivers considering the relatively low price. The benefits alone of water shoes make it a worthwhile purchase, especially if you see yourself out on the water often. With this, we can say that these shoes are highly regarded as well built and durable.

Amazon Link
$9.48

9. Giotto Kids

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Giotto Kids
Amazon Link

In a turn of events, you did not think we could have a water shoe list without including one of the best brands of water shoes for kids, did you? Well, we are eager and excited to share a brand that has mastered water shoes for kids to ensure maximum mobility and safety so parents can feel assured that their kid will be wearing one of the best water shoes in the industry. Let’s talk about Giotto Kids Swim Water Shoes, a blend of innovation and safety.

Designs

Unlike adults, children care more about design and style than the technology or materials used to create water shoes. With this in mind, we can say that this brand appeals to the imagination of all kids. With styles that include a panda, starfish, and rainbow, your child will be running around proud of his water shoes, while the parent can rest assured that the water shoe is providing maximum safety. Which brings us to the next point!

Built Like Adult Water Shoes

It would not be a proper water shoe without the benefits and features of adult water shoes. In fact, the safety measures are enhanced since it is made for children. This water shoe manufacturer has included the many benefits of adult water shoes. These benefits include a foam inner sole for a relaxed and cushioning feel for the child, a fabric upper design that hugs the child’s foot so it does not slip off, and of course a breathable fabric so the child is not running around in soggy wet feet all day.

Cost and Value

When evaluating cost per value in terms of children’s water shoes, safety and comfort are of primary importance to parents. Most importantly, if the child is going to be in areas that are wet, the safety of the shoe needs to be first and foremost. With this, we can say that this brand did not miss the spot by providing rubber bottoms for better traction and a comfortable design for an all-day wearable shoe.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. Outdoor Stack Exchange, Destinking Water Shoes, Website
  2. 10 Reviewed, How to Clean Water Shoes, Website
  3. Dick's Sporting Goods, Why You Need Water Shoes, Website
  4. Swim Outlet, Why You Need Water Shoes, Website