Tested: The 7 Best Men’s Water Shoes For Any Adventure

Summer is right around the bend, and that means a lot more time spent outdoors with our friends and family. Exploration and curiosity are in our blood, but to utilize everything that the wilderness can provide for us, we need to be properly outfitted. Adequate clothing for outdoor endeavors is always essential, and while footwear has always been a mainstay of the genre, the utilization of water shoes might be something that you’ve always placed on the back burner.

You don’t have to be embarrassed about your exclusion of these water-focused footwear pieces. After all, unless you live in an area where stream and creek crossings are a dime a dozen, it might not seem like the most immediate issue. However, taking precautions to remain agile on the trail is always the most logical option, meaning that even if you’re wearing your favorite pair of durable hiking boots, it’s always nice to have a backup. Thankfully, most water shoes are small, compact, and stowable, allowing them to be packed away for use when things get a bit slippery. Below, we’ll test and review the best water shoes for men on the market and give you some insight as to what you should be looking for when perusing your next pair.

How We Tested

Taking into consideration what the main objective of a water shoe is, we compiled a short list based on the brands we know and love. We also surveyed the landscape to come up with options from respected brands that are purpose-built for aqueous scenarios. We looked at how these shoes were made, how they drained, their practical usage, and even their style. From there, we compiled our list and procured a selection of models for testing.

To test out these water shoes, they were taken to the beach to see how they felt when wet but to also see how the water drained immediately afterward, as well as days later. It was also helpful to see how the sand stuck to the bottoms of the shoes, when relevant. They were also tested inside the shower, where the ground would be slicker, in order to see how they held up when the terrain wasn’t gripping them back. Other factors we considered were comfort, fit, weight, lacing, and drainage. Our findings are detailed below.

Tester: I (Ethan Brehm) was the one testing these shoes. I’m typically a US men’s size 12.5, but can go down to 12 or up to 13 depending on the brand. Keep this in mind as you read our reviews below.

What Makes A Good Pair Of Water Shoes?

Uppers Material: Perhaps the most common material for water shoe uppers is mesh, typically made from polyester. This helps keep out debris while allowing the shoe to dry really quickly. Another popular material you’ll see is injected foam, often with single-piece construction as in Merrell’s Hydro Moc. These are more similar to enclosed sandals but are better for drying out and often more comfortable for all-day wear.

Cushion: If a shoe doesn’t have any cushioning, you might as well be walking around in socks. As such, midsole and insole are important things to consider because they’re what help make water shoes a viable option over going barefoot and can allow you to wear these shoes for longer throughout the day.

Porousness: All water shoes will be porous by nature, but some options, such as traditional Crocs, will essentially act as sandals, with holes for both water and debris to flow in and out. While not as versatile from a style standpoint, these will often be made of lightweight foam materials and fast-drying.

Traction: It’s always important to have good traction in wet conditions, but your activity will determine how much grip you’ll need. For instance, those hiking will be more prone to facing slippery mud and will need deeper lugs for digging into the ground. On the other hand, those heading to the beach won’t need something quite as rugged.

Size & Weight: If you’re taking your water shoes along as a secondary pair, make sure you get something that can fit into your bag, and without weighing you down. Again, foam options may be favorable when it comes to being lightweight, but they may not always be as packable as some fabric-based shoes.

Speedo Surf Knit Pro

Best Cheap Option: The classic mesh shoe that we all had as kids is still a great option for beach and pool outings as an adult. Speedo is one of the first brands you think about when it comes to swimming and their Surf Knit Pro is meticulously designed and at a great price. Featuring a polyester mesh upper that completely surrounds your feet, protecting them from anything they might encounter, with a slightly raised toe box for extra protection. The EVA insole is both comfortable and hydrophobic, helping the water drain from the mesh holes. Meanwhile, the S-TRAC-designed outsole channels liquid away from your foot to reduce slippage even more.

For the Speedo, I went with a men’s size 12, which is a bit lower than my usual 12.5. However, the shoes were easy to slip on and were very comfortable on my foot, meaning these likely run a bit large. The midsoles were thick and I didn’t feel like I was walking on the ground. The porous polyester uppers felt durable and soft against my feet as well. At 1lb, these might be a bit heavy for actual swimming, but walking around in them was a pleasant experience; it felt like I was actually wearing shoes, and with surprisingly great traction. I like the removable insole, which is good if you want to put in one that better suits your feet, but is also helpful for cleaning. It allows the shoe itself to be washed while EVA may be cleaned by hand.

As comfortable as the shoes were, they didn’t dry quickly at all and were still wet over two days later. After wearing them for a couple of hours, I had to take them off because my feet were getting cold. It’s almost like the shoe uses interior moisture to bolster its grip on your foot, which is comforting if you’re worried about slippage but can leave you with constantly wet feet. Another thing that might be an issue was the amount of sand that stayed on these shoes after the beach outing.

Verdict: At around $30, you cannot beat these cheap Speedo Surf Knit Pro water shoes. They lack everyday wearability and don’t drain very well, but washing them is relatively easy and they happen to feel extremely sturdy and durable despite the low price. If you’re looking for inexpensive shoes that are strictly worn at the beach or pool, these won’t disappoint.

Astral Loyak AC

Best for Night Outings: Astral’s Loyak AC is a sleek, unimpeded variant that looks great, and performs even better. It utilizes an ultrafine ripstop mesh upper, thermoplastic urethane reinforcement to provide adequate abrasion resistance, and a sock-like fit to promote comfortable all-day wear. When you set foot into any waterway, the shoe’s level footbed and Flex-Grip outsole will be put to work, calling upon divided lugs and razor siping to offer predictable traction and performance. Once you’re done, however, you’ll be treated to ultra-fast drying and ventilation thanks to the shoe’s aerated mesh upper and drain outlets.

If you’re a fan of zero-drop shoes, the Loyak AC is a good choice. The toe box is wide and spacious and your toes don’t feel cramped inside. Looking at the shoes from the side profile, it might be surprising that they are water shoes at all. Although, the view from above elucidates their purpose better. Obviously porous, the top side of the uppers clearly shows your feet underneath. This could be rectified with dark socks or the ones that are the same color as the uppers, or if you have darker skin (I do not). However, it would also compromise the purpose of these water shoes to begin with. Even though it reveals your feet inside, the porousness has the benefit of being breathable and helping these shoes dry quickly. They were hardly damp a day after going to the beach. I also like how little the sand stuck to the bottoms of the shoes afterward. This furthers the silhouette’s usefulness for non-aqueous outings like dinner after a day at the beach or on the trail.

I used a size 13 for these shoes, which may have exposed some of the issues with the silhouette. A proper 12.5 would have been better. The biggest downside to the Astrals is the lack of comfort against your feet. For starters, the interior stitching rubs too much against your skin and the insole is just a bit too rigid for long-term use, feeling more like a flip-flop. But at least with flip-flops, you can remove them without untying them. That brings us to the laces. While it’s nice to be able to fine-tune your fit, the laces complicate matters because of the fact that these are already so uncomfortable. If you tie too tightly, they rub even more, plus the uppers scrunch up in an unattractive way. I found a happy medium by only tightening the top part of the laces, leaving the lower portion as-is –– which makes me question the actual utility of the laces altogether. We know they add a certain style to the shoes but they only really serve as ankle clamps. Likewise, the pseudo-tongue doesn’t come up high enough above the top of the laces, and so it gets scrunched up when tightened. Again, this all might be rectified if you wear socks, but then what would be the point?

Verdict: While they dry quickly and look really good on your feet in non-moist scenarios, the Astral Loyak AC water shoes come with a few caveats. To optimize the look, you’ll need dark socks or a dark room. But most of all, they are not terribly comfortable against your skin and have poor lacing functionality. Fortunately, this is one of the least expensive options on this list and won’t break the bank if you do like the look.

Teva Outflow Universal

Best for Urban Commuting: It’s difficult to find water shoes that can be both stylish and performative, all while blending in enough to go with whatever your wardrobe has in mind. Keeping you secure with its proprietary strapping system, Teva’s Outflow Universal looks spectacular on your foot and can handle the toughest of torrential downpours on your daily commute. Comfortable with every step, the midsole and topsole are made from injected EVA. Likewise, the recycled polyester mesh dries incredibly quickly while the stretch-fit collar and polyester microfiber lining won’t be uncomfortable if you choose to go without socks. For extra stickiness, the thick contoured outsoles are made of recycled rubber.

One of the most accessible silhouettes on this list in terms of aesthetic is the Teva Outflow Universal. Blending hiking sandals with a streetwear flair, the water shoes feel good on my feet and they drain pretty well. Even when they’re wet inside, I don’t feel like I need to take them off immediately (like I did with the Speedo shoes above). Despite the mesh on top not being completely open, these shoes dry pretty fast and the sand on the bottom didn’t stick for too long. Likewise, I felt secure enough with the grip underneath to walk at a normal gait on slicker surfaces. Listed at nearly 2lbs for the pair, these shoes wear much lighter and distribute their weight well despite having a thick and cushiony midsole and outsole. Many have commented how these shoes allow dirt and sand to get stuck inside but I didn’t have that experience.

The Tevas are also known for their triple-strap Velcro adjustment system, which is a nice alternative to laces, and pretty straightforward here. However, the rear strap feels superfluous and doesn’t do much in the way of tightening; the shoes fit almost the same whether or not this was unstrapped. I didn’t have this issue with the top two straps, but I do wish the Velcro strip was longer. The two sides hardly matched up at all when fully tightened. When walking in the wet shoes, my feet made a strange squishing noise every so often that made me self-conscious (it sounds like passing gas), but I have very high arches, so that could be the cause of the issue. Also, after a few hours with these on my feet, I started feeling a digging sensation in my right pinky toe, which became increasingly more uncomfortable. This might just be a result of where my toes land, but it was resolved after adjusting the strap a bit.

Verdict: Aside from a pointless rear strap and a strange noise made when walking, the Teva Outflow Universal is a sturdy, comfortable pair of water shoes that could reasonably be worn all day long. They drain fast, dry fast, and are stylish to boot.

Xero Aqua X Sport

Best Zero-Drop: Walking barefoot can have its advantages. For one, it encourages a more natural gait and posture. It also allows your feet and toes to rest naturally for increased stability. Xero is a notable footwear brand in that it solely (no pun intended) specializes in the zero-drop style –– it’s even named after it. Sporting structured mesh uppers, this silhouette happens to aid you well in wetter conditions while still maintaining some conventions of a traditional shoe, such as the laces on top and the overall shape and design. Moreover, these shoes are made with a flexible, responsive 5.5mm sole with 3.5mm chevron lugs for all-terrain traction.

Zero-drop shoes aren’t for everybody, but Xero knows how to make them well. Despite having bare-bones laces, the Aqua X Sport is a comfortable fit. I was able to get the proper men’s size 12.5 and these wore on my feet exceptionally well. Despite not having much of an insole or midsole, the water shoes could be worn for extended periods without an issue, even without socks. Unlike the Astral Loyaks above, the laces in the Xero Aqua X Sport actually serve a purpose when tightening these shoes to adjust their fit. It utilizes a bungee system, which doesn’t bunch the uppers much when cinched up. However, the extra lace left over is a bit long and I had to tuck it under itself. I also like how the tongue is its own entity and not just a piece of upper material stretched over.

Thanks to the very wide mesh on the sides, the shoes drain and dry quickly. And wisely, the company opts out of the same wide mesh up top. The holes are much smaller so your toes aren’t super visible from above, increasing the wearability of the shoes. Even though the grip on the bottom of the shoe boasts nice traction, with help from the generous lugs, the shoes could still use a bit more cushioning. Also, I’m not sure if this is a personal issue, but my feet kept feeling like they were leaning towards the inside –– almost the sensation of falling off the footbed, but not quite. I don’t have particularly wide feet, but they do align unusually straight when I walk (most people’s feet turn out at least slightly). I tried turning my feet a bit to see if the problem was resolved, and it seemed to be. Again, this is likely a personal tick of my feet/gait but could pose a problem for people with sensitive ankles, especially when not wearing high tops.

Verdict: Low on cushion but still high on comfort, the Xero Aqua X Sport is one of the best water shoes we tested. We loved the overall look as well, which doesn’t expose your skin underneath too much while still draining and drying quickly. The laces cinched up nicely, albeit they were a bit long, and they embraced the ankles firmly. A minor quirk with the footbed could be specific to the tester, but overall these lightweight water shoes were a winner.

KEEN Newport H2

Best for Hiking: Water shoes, or hybrid sandals, can be a great option while hiking simply for their flexibility in surviving whatever your trek has in store for you. One of the best to ever do it also so happens to be the first to ever do it. KEEN’s original Newport model launched some two decades ago and changed the way companies viewed hiking sandals. For once, they protected our toes without needing to feel the suffocating enclosure of a traditional shoe. Now, the Newport H2 is better than ever, with a high-traction rubber outsole with razor siping for efficiency, anti-odor properties, a large toe box, and a lace-locking bungee system. There really is no other option for hiking.

Legendary status aside, the Newport H2 is a fantastic shoe, water-bound or otherwise. They feel the most supportive underfoot of any we tested, with cushion in every step and firm support of your arches. These just feel great on the trail, especially when the ground is slanted or a bit uneven, and with a spacious toe box for a more natural gait. They won’t be as good of an option as boots for more intense sojourns but still perfectly blend the hiking shoe with the closed-toe sandal. The bungee laces are easy to fine-tune; they tighten and loosen pretty easily to optimize your fit. However, the cinch button is a bit difficult to press when initially undoing the laces –– yet this can help ease your mind if you’re worried about it accidentally coming loose mid-hike. It’s also important to note that the model I tested was men’s size 13 –– a half size above my usual, albeit fitting fairly well, which could mean that these do run slightly smaller, so keep that in mind.

Known (by KEEN) as the “World’s Ugliest Sandal,” the Newport won’t get you far on looks but it’s funny how indoctrinated we’ve become as a society to this style of silhouette, and it’s because of these exact shoes. So while we wouldn’t necessarily bring these out on date night, we can see them extending beyond the trail a bit for Saturday errand runs or even stopovers at the office (depending on your work environment). Because the shoes rely on an open-slot design, the webbing does block some of the moisture from coming out right away (although it dried relatively quickly when my feet weren’t inside). I felt water trapped under my arches, which was annoying until it finally drained completely the more I walked. On the other hand, because of the thick soles (which might also invite rock and debris), I was able to go in low water without any water getting in at all, which is a plus compared to other models with low soles and immediate water entry. The polyester webbing is very durable and combats the trail well, but that coarseness also doesn’t always feel great against your feet, especially around the heel and ankle area. Luckily, the open-air construction allows you to wear these with socks if you’d like –– a luxury most water shoes don’t have.

Verdict: Absolutely iconic as the progenitor of the hiking sandal, KEEN’s latest Newport model is rugged for the trail and is breathable enough to be worn well with socks (if you want). The coarse webbing and drainage issues aren’t deal breakers and are easy flaws to overlook when considering how unique and helpful these sandals are in the outdoors.

HOKA Hopara

Best Foam Sandals: Hoka has become one of the most ubiquitous footwear brands of the past few years, with wide-ranging models that span the realms of hiking, running, walking, and everything in between. With the brand, the name of the game is comfort, which is a big reason why they’re so popular. However, unlike comfortable shoes of the past, Hokas actually look pretty darn good. The Hopara is no exception as the company’s flagship foam sandal, with an eye for the outdoors and the same promise of comfort and construction you know and love from the brand, including generous 4mm rubber lugs, a thick and cushiony rubberized EVA midsole, and yet only a 12-ounce weigh-in.

The model we tested was a men’s size 13, which may have been slightly too big since Hoka typically runs true-to-size, if not a bit large. Nevertheless, the Hoparas were indeed cushiony and supportive. They fit firmly into your arches and are surprisingly sturdy despite weighing just 12oz (I actually thought they were a bit heavier on-foot). Like the KEEN Newport H2, the thick midsole delayed water intrusion. However, unlike the KEENs, which use a similar side slot design, the Hoka sandals drained exceptionally well. On the bottom, the 4mm rubber lugs provide great traction on slick surfaces and support on rugged terrain, and the wider profile gives some good balance in rougher conditions. Also, they didn’t track a lot of sand. On the top of my feet, the upper webbing wasn’t a nuisance and didn’t rub like the KEENs thanks to a thin polyester barrier (it was cold when I tested these, but some users have noted that this material makes these shoes feel hot on the feet). However, the feeling underneath my foot was notably less comfortable.

The insole of the shoe contours well to your foot, although the material was irritating my skin pretty early on in my testing. Likewise, the sensation around the tops of my arches was uncomfortable. This may take some time to break in, but the first impression isn’t great here. Keep in mind, however, that these were slightly big on me. The bungee lacing system helped with the fit but I could only get them so tight before they maxed out. Also, I wasn’t a fan of the button on the cinch, which loosened too easily. However, the loop to tuck away the extra lace left over is a nice touch, albeit a bit too high up on the shoe to be properly effective. While not necessarily expensive, it is strange that these sandals are just marginally less than the brand’s over-engineered runners and hikers.

Verdict: The Hoka Hopara comes from a brand known for comfort, yet may take some time to break in properly. Comfortable above the foot and quick to drain all its water, the sandals still have some issues when it comes to insole comfort. On the other hand, the traction is great and there’s no denying the aesthetic appeal. Just keep in mind that these run true-to-size, if not a bit large.

Danner Rivercomber

Best for Boats: Believe it or not, the Pacific Northwest’s favorite heritage work boot brand also makes one of the best water shoes around. Inspired by canyoneering and canoe paddling, Danner’s Rivercomber is impressively built with CORDURA knit uppers that are abrasion-resistant, lightweight, and breathable, while also being able to dry quickly and drain any water that gets inside. At first glance, these look like your standard boat shoes, but these are made for the wettest of conditions, with quick-drying EVA midsoles and Vibram Wavegrip outsoles that direct water away from the shoes.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Danner Rivercombers is how much they don’t look like water shoes. With a silhouette that could easily be mistaken for regular ol’ sneakers, these are still very much water shoes through and through. Despite the thinner soles, the water didn’t necessarily come flooding in when I was wading due to the thickness of the Cordura mesh. Likewise, my feet didn’t get super wet from mere splashes. It wasn’t until I was deeper in the water that I felt moisture on the top of my feet. My favorite aspect of the Rivercomber is how incredibly comfortable it is. Aside from a slight irritation against the ball of my foot by my big toe, these were very soft against the skin and it was easy to forget I wasn’t wearing socks.

While these are the heaviest and most expensive on this list, you do get some extra tech in the process. Inside the shoe, there are tiny holes that help drain the water inside. And if you look closely along the midsole, you’ll see openings where this water comes out. Pretty cool! This also allows for a slightly higher lift without compromising drainability. My biggest issue with the shoes is the laces. I had to go a half-size up with these (men’s 13) and had to tie them a bit tigher. However, the lackluster ability of the laces to tighten became an issue. Every time I pulled them tighter, they came loose before I could tie the top. The laces are thick, the switchbacks are strangely far apart, and the position where the laces tie is a bit lower than I’d like, putting an odd pressure on a part of my foot that wasn’t used to it. Perhaps the biggest issue of the shoes is the absence of grip on the outsole, which is strange coming from a brand that’s so well-known for its traction. It goes without saying that these aren’t meant for hiking or slick surfaces; stick to beaches or boats.

Verdict: Slightly more expensive than other options here, the Danner Rivercomber looks fantastic and has a unique draining function. Not to mention, the thick Cordura uppers are almost splash-resistant. The laces could be improved upon here and there was almost no traction, but the water shoes are also some of the most comfortable of the ones we tested.

Water Shoes Comparison Chart

Why Wear a Water Shoe?

Getting water inside your everyday shoes is annoying. Squishy socks and pruney toes aside, it also leads to bad odors over time. Water shoes are a great solution for those who don’t want to go barefoot, while also wearing something on their feet that’s built to get soaked. Having protection between your feet and the ground is important to prevent burns, splinters, and just overall callousing. When hiking, water shoes can be brought along as a backup option if you’re faced with a waterway that you must cross. Traversing rivers and streams barefoot can be unbearable with all the rocks and debris sitting at the bottom. If you have a pair of water shoes, you can give your hiking boots a break.

Water Shoes Vs. Hybrid Sandals

While there’s some overlap, water shoes and hybrid sandals are not entirely the same thing, per se. Hybrid sandals are a type of water shoe but are essentially designed to be a cross between a closed-toe shoe and an open-shell sandal. Meanwhile, water shoes are any piece of sturdy footwear designed to protect your feet from the ground while allowing them to get wet.

Honorable Mentions

The DigiHero Water Shoes are a VERY cheap option, albeit just a step up from socks and they won’t give you much in the way of support.

Crocs changed the game when they debuted over two decades ago. However, these Crocs LiteRid 360 Pacer Sneakers are a shoe version from the brand that has a bit more accessibility without increasing the price.

Salomon’s Techamphibian 5 would have made its way onto this guide if they weren’t sold out, perhaps making way for the 6th-gen version. Nonetheless, it’s important to shout out these water shoes as a comfortable, stylish option for everyday wear.

Much like the Xero shoes above, the Vivo Barefoot Ultra III Bloom is a zero-drop option for those who like the style. They have a porous foam upper that won’t be for everyone but they’re vegan and the company offers a 100-day trial period if you’re unsure.

Taking a page out of Crocs’ playbook, Merrell launched its Hydro Moc back in 2021, with these all-terrain cage versions leveling up the hiking capabilities and traction. This Hydro Moc AT Cage 1TRL variant might be the best-looking Merrells ever made.

Tested: The Best Dry Bags for Any Adventure

If you’re going to be wet and wild in the outdoors, you’ll also want a solid gear bag to ensure that your most valuable possessions stay dry. For the best dry bags around, check out our guide where we tested our favorites.