Meghan Herlihy
Stacy Rounds
Jasmine Paxton
Buying Guide for Water Shoes for Women
Why buy water shoes for women?
If you frequent a public pool, enjoy lake or beach trips, or if you enjoy water sports, it may be a good idea to have a pair of water shoes on-hand. Water shoes do a fantastic job of protecting your feet from harm in aquatic areas. Most water shoes also help you from slipping.
What should you consider in water shoes for women?
- Slip-On, Lace-Up, or Sandal Style: Consider the activities you’ll be partaking in and which type of shoe fits those activities best. A standard slip-on water shoe will work well for a day at the water park or swimming at the lake or ocean. If you plan on more intense activities, like hiking or kayaking, you might want to invest in water shoes that lace up. There are even sandal-like options if you’re looking for something more casual or barefoot options if that’s your preference.
- Colors and Patterns: Water shoes come in hundreds of different colors, patterns, and styles. Many brands make it easy for you to stay true to yourself by offering many color choices to suit your needs. You can opt for plain black, tie-dye, gradient, or solid bright colors. The choices are up to you.
- Easy Drying and Breathability: If you’re trekking along the shore, hiking, or playing sports, it may be a good idea to find a quick-drying water shoe. Quick-drying shoes are usually breathable, with vents or mesh to keep you from getting rashes or blisters on your feet. The faster your shoes dry, the less likely they are to collect odors.
Are water shoes slip-resistant?
Water shoes are made to keep you upright on slippery underwater surfaces. Whether this will translate on land depends on the amount of traction on the bottom of the shoe. The more traction, the better, especially if you’re engaged in water sports that require you to be on your feet. If you’re using your water shoes for wading or kayaking, you may not need thick traction or a sneaker-type water shoe.
Our Picks for the Best Water Shoes for Women
VIFUUR Water Sports Shoes
Breathable, smooth, and stretchy, these lightweight water shoes have the perfect sole coverage to keep your feet safe during your favorite water sports.
$12.68 
$22.00 Save 42%
Pros: These water shoes are light and comfortable, great for people who normally don’t like to wear shoes in the summer. The soles are thick enough to keep your feet safe from rough terrain, and they’re super easy to clean. They need to tumble through the washer, but please avoid the dryer.
Cons: The inside soles may come loose.
Bottom Line: If you want cute, affordable sock-like water shoes in just about any color or pattern, look no further. These shoes will stand the test of time if properly dried between uses, and the price is an absolute steal for the quality.
DLGJPA Women's Quick-Drying Water Shoes
With a water-wicking mesh design and textured rubber sole, these water sneakers can go from wet to dry for all your favorite outdoor activities.
$29.99 $32.99 Save 9%
Pros: First, these shoes are very comfortable in their full-coverage sneaker mesh construction. They also dry quickly, keeping your feet dry and free from rashes or blisters. And best of all, they don’t feel heavy or slow your natural movement walking in the water.
Cons: The thin weave of the shoe allows sand and sediment to get in.
Bottom Line: If you’re in the market for sneaker-style water shoes, then these are a great choice for making a bolder fashion statement in the water or out.
Racqua Water Shoes
Specifically designed to hug your feet, these ergonomic water shoes wick away water for overall comfort during all your water sports activities.
$24.98 $31.98 Save 22%
Pros: These form-fitting water shoes are comfortable and sturdy with an ergonomic fit that is flexible to your feet wherever they tread. They’re lightweight, giving you plenty of freedom to walk around river walks, creeks, and waterfalls. You can have fun and be trendy with their bold color choices.
Cons: These don’t have the best tread for walking or running on dry surfaces.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for form-fitting barefoot water shoes, these are a solid pick. They move weightlessly in the water and lace easily with a pull-style bungee string.
JointlyCreating Water Sports Shoes
Tackle your favorite water sports in style with these comfortable water shoes that come in dozens of fun colors and patterns to choose from.
$29.97
Pros: It’s impressive how quickly these shoes drain water, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. The grips on the bottom are fantastic for balance, and they’re thick enough to keep your feet safe from harm. Also, these shoes are machine washable, as long as you air-dry them.
Cons: These are a touch heavier than some other water shoes.
Bottom Line: Do you love color as much as you love being comfortable? These may be the water shoes for you. They’re great for hiking and swimming and many other fun activities, and they’re easy to clean and care for.
JIASUQI Athletic Hiking Water Shoes
Go from hiking the rocks to playing in the sand with these comfortable, stylish, and safe water shoes.
$32.99
Pros: These sandal-style water shoes are nicely padded with a stretchy and breathable cross ventilation design for all-day comfort. The strong rubber soles keep your feet protected in many types of terrain, whether on land or in water, and they fit true to size.
Cons: These water shoes take a little longer to dry.
Bottom Line: These sandal-style water shoes are made to be easy to slip on but stay on all day. The colors and patterns range from sporty chic to boho, and with their lightweight, flexible fit, you’ll want to keep them on.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a vacation or a summer hike along a creek, it may be good to grab a pair of water shoes for ultimate protection and freedom to tread wherever you like. Water shoes come in various shoe styles to keep you comfortable and safe, so consider some of our options as you go on your next water adventure.
