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No more rocks in your toes.
By Aly Walansky — Written on Oct 14, 2019
If you spend a lot of time doing water sports or activities, water shoes are an incredibly important addition to your wardrobe. And the best water shoes are specifically made to be flexible and breathable.
This keeps feet cool and comfortable, but also helps to let water flow when you are in water and drain out rather than make your surface slippery. You don't want slips and falls, after all.
But they are more than for safety — they are sometimes pretty darn cute. And luckily, there are plenty of choices on the market to choose from.
1. Vivobarefoot Ultra III Bloom
Vivobarefoot’s Ultra III Bloom shoe is breathable and drains water easily, while also providing a flexible fit and incredible wet and dry traction. It's made with patented algae technology, the first sustainable alternative to the synthetic and petrochemical EVA prevalent in today’s footwear market.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
2. Givenchy Logo Slide
A bold Givenchy logo stamp crosses the wide strap of a cushy, water-friendly rubber slide sandal.
(Nordstrom, $295)
3. Keen Newport H2 Water Friendly Sandal
Comfort combines with versatile utility in this adventure-ready sandal that features a razor-siped sole lug sole for enhanced traction in and out of water.
(Nordstrom, $99.95)
4. Crocs On The Clock Work Slip Resistant Work Shoe
Enclosed toe and heel meets workplace standards, fit is relaxed, with tapered fit in the back of the heel for a secure fit. Enhanced arch support adds to the comfort.
(Walmart, $25+)
5. YALOX Outdoor Beach Swimming Aqua Socks
These water socks have breathable and smooth fabrics so the water shoes is easy to put on and take off. It also ensures proper water flow.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
6. Aleader Women's Mesh Slip On Water Shoes
Breathable and durable air mesh upper allow the foot to breathe. Solyte midsole provides an exceptionally lightweight midsole with excellent bounce-back and durability. Water drain outsole provides exceptional traction in wet and slippery conditions.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
7. Native Unisex Jefferson Fashion Sneaker
These waterproof shoes are made with a synthetic sole, and a platform that measures approximately 0.5.
(Nordstrom, $44.95)
8. Tecs Women's Aquasock Slip On
Slip ons with easy to use toggle laces make sure they stay on your feet, no matter what the activity. It also has lightweight breathable mesh upper for comfort.
(Macy's, $31)
9. Women's Lucille Water Shoes C9 Champion
Stretchy water shoes with tabs are easy to pull on. Water shoes with rubber soles offer traction and protect feet from heat and sharp objects. Bright piping adds a fun accent.
(Target, $17.99)
10. Speedo Adult Women's Aquaskimmer Water Shoes
Versatile Speedo Aqua Skimmer Water Shoes are an essential surf-and-turf style. Featuring an easy slip-on design, this style is constructed from breathable mesh for quick-dry comfort so you can go from a pool workout to a walk in the park with ease.
(Target, $24.99)
11. All Sport Women's Froggs
Providing good grip on wet and slick floors, Froggs features breathable upper construction, and keeps your feet dry and comfortable.
(Target, $18.99)
12. Easy USA Women's Aqua Wave Water Shoes
Protect your feet with these Easy USA water shoes. Designed with a TPR injection outsole and a mesh, neoprene upper, these shoes offer a durable composition and a comfortable fit.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
13. CIOR Quick Dry Swim Shoes
Unique and top-quality sole with seven holes on each bottom to ensure proper water flow out of them, keeping your feet cool and comfortable.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
14. Zhuanglin Women's Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
Water grip outsole provides exceptional traction in wet and slippery conditions. ComforDry sockliner provides the optimum cushioning performance that creates a cooler, drier and healthier shoe environment. Open mesh on the upper and hole on the sole provides breathability and quick drying.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
15. SIMARI Anti Slip Water Shoes
The upper is made of a diving material with good breathability and quick drying. Like socks, these shoes are flexible and comfortable, lightweight and compressible, and easy to carry.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
16. Clapzovr Water Shoes
Water aerobic massage shoes provide good cushioning. Nice for long walks and hiking, these shoes grip well on the ground, pavement, and rock.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
17. WateLves Women's Water Shoes
Smooth fabrics and neck design prevents chafing when wearing. Anti-slip rubber soles are flexible yet thick enough to protect your feet from stepping on rock and stone.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
18. DBX Women's Water Shoes
Featuring a mesh and neoprene upper, this lightweight shoe delivers long lasting quality while offering supreme breathability and comfort. Providing plush cushioning with the shoe's die cut footbed and open mesh design, the DBX water shoe maximizes control and traction with a durable TPR outsole.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
19. XTRATUF Women's Riptide Water Shoes
These water shoes feature a breathable, water-wicking construction bound by bungee lacing and supported by no-slip rubber outsoles. They pair perfectly with kayaking, SUP, rafting, and fishing thanks to their breathable mesh upper that dries quickly, and PU/EVA insole that lends instant comfort.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
20. Merrell Women's Tideriser Moc Boat Shoes
From deck to dock and even the trail, the Merrell Women's Tideriser Moc boat shoes boast a slip-on construction made with water-friendly materials, quick-draining ports, and wet traction outsoles for confidence and comfort on land and sea.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
21. Vibram Women's FiveFingers V-Aqua Water Shoes
These water-friendly shoes snugly wrap feet and each toe individually for security, comfort and control to help you explore. They feature 2mm EVA insoles for a comfortable fit and a high-grip Megagrip outsole for unbeatable traction on slick surfaces.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
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Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her.
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