The Best Water Shoes for Women

Buying Guide for Water Shoes for Women

Why buy women’s water shoes?

If you frequent a public pool, enjoy lake or beach trips, or 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, particularly from sharp rocks or stray shells, reducing your risk of accidental cuts, bruises, or even infections. Most water shoes also help prevent you from slipping and falling. This is particularly important if you know you’re going to be walking on slippery rocks, wet sand, or mossy surfaces. And they’re quite versatile—water shoes can be worn for a variety of water-based activities, from swimming to snorkeling to kayaking, and even hiking through rivers and streams.

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

Pros: These water shoes are light and comfortable, great even 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, providing a layer of cushioning and support. There are plenty of color options from which to choose, solid and multiple colors alike, and they are quite inexpensive. Better yet, they’re super easy to clean. They’re safe to tumble through the washer (though you’ll have to air dry them since they’re not safe for the dryers).

Cons: The inside soles of these water shoes may come loose, which can cause discomfort or difficulty when walking. You may end up having to remedy this with a little bit of glue or adhesive to keep them in place.

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.

 

Pros: These water shoes are extremely comfortable thanks to their full-coverage sneaker mesh construction. They also dry quickly to ensure they don’t not retain moisture, which not only keeps your feet dry but free from rashes or blisters as well. And best of all, they don’t feel heavy or slow your natural movement walking in the water. This is an especially key feature for anyone who likes to engage in water activities that require swift and agile movements, such as swimming.

Cons: The thin weave of the shoe allows sand and sediment to get in, which can be uncomfortable or annoying for the wearer. You’ll want to avoid wearing them in sandy or dirty environments is possible, or pair them with water socks to prevent discomfort.

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. And you don’t have to worry about your feet getting waterlogged or weighed down, as is sometimes the case with sneaker-like water shoes.

 

Pros: These form-fitting water shoes are comfortable and sturdy with an ergonomic fit that is flexible to your feet wherever they tread thanks to the individual toe prints that make up the sole of each water shoe. 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 or neutral color choices. And unlike some women’s water shoes, there are half sizes available to further better fit your feet.

Cons: These don’t have the best tread for walking or running on dry surfaces. This means that they may not provide the same level of traction or grip that is needed for walking or running on surfaces such as pavement or trails.

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, so you’ll be able to get them on and off with minimal time and effort.

 

Pros: It’s impressive how quickly these shoes drain water, keeping your feet dry and comfortable and helping to avoid a waterlogged feeling. The grips on the bottom are fantastic for balance, and they’re thick enough to keep your feet safe from harm. They come in an impressive array of colors and patterns—43 in total—so it’s easy to find a pair that suit your personal preferences and match your bathing suit. The Velcro closure is nice and secure yet easy to undo in a pinch. As an added bonus, these shoes are machine washable, as long as you air-dry them.

Cons: These are a touch heavier than some other water shoes. This likely won’t be an issue when you’re fully submerged in water, like during swimming, or sitting down, like when kayaking, but it will make walking in them a bit harder.

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, provided you don’t mind a bit of extra weight around your feet.

 

Pros: If you like your foot freedom or want some more breathability from your water shoes, this sandal-like design should suit you well. One of the standout features of these water sandals is their form-fitting design. They’re comfortable and sturdy with an ergonomic fit that is flexible to your feet wherever they tread. The thicker sole and less straps on the sides make them even more comfortable and sturdy, providing great support for your feet. Yet they’re lightweight and provide protection for your feet while allowing your feet to breathe. Additionally, the closed-toe design offers extra barrier for protecting your toes and makes them perfect for a variety of activities. And there’s some fun color options, including a tie-dye pattern.

Cons: The only real downside to these sandals is that they may not have the best tread for walking or running on dry surfaces so they’re not as versatile as some other water shoes. They also don’t offer quick as much protection due to the open straps, even with the closed-toe design.

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 all day.

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.