Walking in bumpy, wet terrain is all fun and games until you step on a sharp rock. “A great water shoe is designed with features that provide protection and comfort of the feet from wet environments,” says Dr. Miguel Cunha of Gotham Footcare. “A great water shoe should also be adjustable for a secure and personalized fit, and include toe protection to guard against rocks and other objects underwater.”

I spoke with a podiatrist and sportswear specialist about essential features to look for when searching for water shoes.

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How I picked the best water shoes

Each pair of water shoes is unique and offers different functionality for specific terrain. Our experts guided us on the best criteria to look for when shopping:

• Materials: As with any shoe, breathability is an essential function for foot health to help prevent toenail fungus, athlete’s foot and foot odor. “Water-resistant or quick-drying materials like neoprene, mesh or synthetic textiles are appropriate for use in water shoe construction,” says Dr. Cunha. “These materials offer good ventilation and help minimize moisture buildup, which reduces the risk of infection from microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that thrive in wet environments.”
• Traction: Water shoes with deep lugs or other patterns embedded into the rubber sole will provide the best stability when navigating rocks and slippery, wet surfaces, says Dr. Cunha. “A non-slip or high-grip outsole will have the best traction on rocks, damp sand and uneven terrain.”
• Support: A cushion in an athletic shoe is essential, but specific features needed in a water shoe will depend on your personal preferences. Dr. Cunha recommends seeking out arch support, midsole cushioning and a supportive footbed, although thick cushioning can affect how water is drained.

The best water shoes of 2024

Our experts recommended the following options for specific terrains that checked off all the boxes of their preferred features.

Best overall for men: Keen SOLR Sandal 

If you’re going to scour rocky, wet terrain these water shoes from Keen have impeccable traction. It has an Aquagrip rubber and protective toe bumper specifically designed for wet surfaces. The foam sole reduces impact, while a bungee cord at the ankle allows for adjusting. “These water sandals are ideal for optimal foot support and traction during water activities, with a cushioned footbed and arch support,” says Dr. Cunha. “The non-marking rubber outsole and quick-dry lining help prevent foot discomfort and slipping on wet surfaces.” The machine-washable material is also formulated to combat odors.

Men’s sizes: 7 to 15, including half sizes

Best overall for women: Teva Outflow Universal Water Sandal 

Teva sandals are popular for their effortless style on the street, but the brand also excels at designing water shoes. Dr. Cunha recommends the lightweight Outflow Universal Water Sandal given that its EVA insole molds to the foot shape, while the mesh dries fast after contact with water. These are also ideal for light hikes thanks to the rubber outsoles grip. For odor prevention, the material is treated with a peppermint-based solution, according to Teva.

Women’s sizes: 5 to 11, including half sizes

Best for wide feet: Keen Newport H2 Sandals

These Keen water shoes come in both men’s and women’s sizing, but Zach Sommer, REI senior sales specialist, says they’re optimal for wide feet given how they fit. The toe box is designed for toes to spread out when moving fast across terrain while offering protection from the toe bumper. Slits in the rubber sole help water disperse for reduced slippage when going across rocks, according to Keen’s website. “The outsole on the Keen Newport H2 also has a tread that provides a good balance of traction on wet rocks and trails,” says Sommer. Other noteworthy details include an adjustable ankle drawstring, shock absorption for impact reduction and machine-washable material.

Men’s sizes: 7 to 15, including half sizes 

Women’s sizes: 5 to 11, including half sizes

Best for boating: Astral Loyak Water Shoes

The Loyak is Astral’s best-seller for good reason. It’s a great transitional piece when alternating from water to land with its quick-dry canvas and breathable mesh. “They drain water really well when stepping in and out of the canoe,” says Sommer. “The mesh uppers do a great job of keeping sand and mud out while providing good ventilation.” Another noteworthy feature is an impressive grippy outsole that’s good for tricky terrain.

Men’s sizes: 8 to 14

Women’s sizes: 6 to 11

Best for hiking: Hoka Hopara 2 Sandals

Hoka is a go-to for runners, but the brand also makes impressive water shoes for hiking. Sommer recommends the Hopara 2 Sandals for more serious hikes with wet terrain and says they transition well from the trail to wet conditions by draining water fast. Its mesh body allows for sufficient drainage while keeping debris out, according to Hoka’s website. Other features include an adjustable heel strap and toggle at the ankle for stability, a snug fit and a thick grippy outsole. 

Men’s sizes: 7 to 14, including half sizes 

Women’s sizes: 5 to 11, including half sizes

How to shop for water shoes

Consider your terrain

Picking the right water shoe depends on the features needed for navigating water, rocks, sand or mud. An outsole with good traction and grip is essential for stepping on potentially hard, slippery surfaces, while a pair with a mesh body allows water to drain more easily. “Synthetic materials, especially synthetic mesh uppers, are a common choice because they do not hold much water and as a result dry quickly,” says Sommer. “Mesh also has the advantage of letting water in and out while keeping dirt and debris out.”

Consider the cushioning needed

Dr. Cunha says arch support and a cushioned midsole are key details to look out for. Sommer also says, “If you are using the shoes for more extensive hiking or walking, a shoe that is more cushioned and has some torsional rigidity can be helpful,” says Sommer. “A good way to test this is twisting the shoe—if it twists and folds evenly it’s not going to provide much support on uneven ground. If it is more difficult to twist it will give your foot a more stable platform.”

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Miguel Cunha is a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in Manhattan.  
• Zach Sommer is an REI senior sales specialist based in Minnesota. 

Why trust NBC Select?

I am a freelance writer whose beats include fitness, tech, home appliances and smart home devices. For this article, I spoke with an expert in the podiatry and sportswear space about how to shop for the best water shoes. I also compiled their top choices that include the recommended specifications.