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The Best Water Shoes

Updated Dec 10, 2022

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Don’t let one slippery rock interrupt your day of white-water rafting, trekking across a riverbed, or strolling on a pebbly beach. Wearing the right water shoes can help prevent a dangerous fall or a nasty cut—or just keep you covered as you chase your kid through a sprinkler. Although water shoes historically have been known more for their function than their style, we found several pairs that are nice-looking enough to also wear on dry land.The five great pairs we recommend all come in men’s and women’s sizes. Choose from a durable, classic sock-style water shoe; a surprisingly affordable pair; a sporty water sneaker; a tougher shoe with a grippier sole for more-intense activities; and a water-safe shoe that doubles as a stylish espadrille.

Speedo Surf Knit Pro (men’s), men’s traditional soft booties

Speedo Surf Knit Pro (men’s)

Men’s traditional soft booties

The Speedo Surf Knit Pros are comfy, quick-drying, and look good for what they are: a basic pair of water shoes. They come in men’s sizes 7 to 14.

We recommend

Speedo Surf Knit Pro (women’s), women’s traditional soft booties

Speedo Surf Knit Pro (women’s)

Women’s traditional soft booties

Just as comfortable and quick-drying as the men’s version, available in women’s sizes 5 to 11.

We recommend

DigiHero Water Shoes, basic but affordable

DigiHero Water Shoes

Basic but affordable

If you need water shoes as soon as possible, this pair is available with two-day Amazon Prime shipping. They’re not as durable as some we tried, but they’re affordable and functional. And they come in a myriad of colors.

Budget friendly

Crocs LiteRide Pacer (women’s), women’s water sneakers, not socks

Crocs LiteRide Pacer (women’s)

Women’s water sneakers, not socks

The comfiest water shoes we tested, the ultra-lightweight Crocs LiteRide Pacers dry quickly and look similar to a pair of fresh sneakers—though the drainage holes might give them away. These are available in women’s sizes 4 to 11.

We recommend

Crocs LiteRide Pacer (men’s), men’s water sneakers, not socks

Crocs LiteRide Pacer (men’s)

Men’s water sneakers, not socks

The comfiest water shoes we tested, the ultra-lightweight Crocs LiteRide Pacers are quick to dry and look similar to a pair of fresh sneakers—though the drainage holes might give them away. They come in men’s sizes 4 to 13.

We recommend

Astral Loyak Water Shoes (men’s), an athletic upgrade in men’s sizes

Astral Loyak Water Shoes (men’s)

An athletic upgrade in men’s sizes

If you spend most of your time around water doing vigorous activities, these shoes have good traction and are super-durable, so they’ll last a long time. They’re available in men’s sizes 8 to 13.

We recommend

Astral Loyak Water Shoes (women’s), an athletic upgrade in women’s sizes

Astral Loyak Water Shoes (women’s)

An athletic upgrade in women’s sizes

If you spend most of your time around water doing vigorous activities, these shoes have good traction and are super-durable, so they’ll last a long time. They come in women’s sizes 6 to 11.

We recommend

Sea Star Beachwear Beachcomber Espadrille (women’s), a stylish women’s slip-on

Sea Star Beachwear Beachcomber Espadrille (women’s)

A stylish women’s slip-on

The Sea Star Beachwear Beachcomber Espadrilles were the best-looking water shoes I tested—a stylish statement shoe that you can wear in and out of the water—but they’re pricey. They’re available in women’s sizes 6 to 11.

We recommend

Sea Star Beachwear Beachcomber Espadrille (men’s), fashion and function

Sea Star Beachwear Beachcomber Espadrille (men’s)

Fashion and function

The Sea Star Beachwear Beachcomber Espadrilles were the best-looking water shoes I tested—a stylish statement shoe that you can wear in and out of the water—but they’re pricey. They’re available in men’s sizes 8 to 13.

We recommend

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