Water shoes are essential for anyone who likes to spend time near the water. Whether it’s at the beach, a river, or a lake, there’s no denying their advantages. Regular shoes simply don’t work around wet surfaces as they quickly become waterlogged, squishy and overall uncomfortable. Not to mention, they take a long time to dry.
The best water shoes, on the other hand, are flexible, breathable, drain fast and dry quickly. This makes them essential for fishing on rocks, sailing or even walking along the banks of a river. They also help protect your feet from cuts on rocks and other underwater hazards and the extra layer of insulation can help keep your feet warmer in cold water. With a superb range of features that include water drainage, underfoot traction, and thermal protection, water shoes have come a long way to help us make the most of the ocean. But their uses don’t stop at the surf line – there are also water shoes designed to travel with you in the rare event that you find yourself waterlogged out on the trail.
So, whether you’re into kayaking, boating, scuba diving or simply relaxing at the beach, there’s an aqua shoe designed to be your perfect water buddy. But before you splash out, we’ve put together a list of the best water shoes for men that offer both comfort and functionality.
- Best For Beach And Poolside: Crocs Swiftwater Mesh Water Shoe
- Great fFor Sand And Surf: Speedo Men’s Surfwalker 3.0 Water Shoe
- Excellent Protection: Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoe
- Highly Versatile Shoes: ALEADER Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoe
- Best For Water Sports: Neo Sport Premium Neoprene Wetsuit Boots
- Quick-Drying And Comfortable: KEEN – Men’s EVOFIT ONE Water Sandal
- Comfy In And Out Of The Water: UBFEN Water Shoes
- Unbeatable Summer Style: Quiksilver Men’s Amphibian Plus Athletic Water Shoe
- A Second Skin fFor Your Feet: Adidas Outdoor Jawpaw 2 Water Shoe
The Best Water Shoes For Men
1Crocs Swiftwater Mesh Water Shoe
The Croc’s Men’s Swiftwater Mesh Sandal has been manufactured for both function and style. It features a synthetic sole with a quick-dry mesh upper that makes it perfect for land or water. The hook and loop closure also makes it easy to get the shoes on or off, depending on what you’re doing, making them ideal for summer days near the water.
Crocs Swiftwater Mesh offers great traction around water which you’ll really appreciate while walking along river banks or fishing off the rocks. The wider water ports make for better drainage and the footbeds feature massage pods making these an incredibly comfortable pair of shoes that you can wear all summer long. These are ideal to take with you when you hit the trails as you can wear them around the campfire too.
Lightweight Croslite foam cushion for iconic comfort
Excellent traction around water and wet areas
Adjustable hook and loop closure for a secure fit
Fast-drying mesh uppers
Wraparound toe bumper for extra protection
Roomy, relaxed fit
- BrandCrocs
- ModelSwiftwater Sandal M
- Weight6 Pounds
Extremely comfortable thanks to the Crocs foam cushioning
Protective toe bumper to shield from bangs and scrapes
Practical, tough and hard wearing
Sand can get caught in straps
Not the most stylish kid on the block
2Speedo Men’s Surfwalker 3.0 Water Shoe
Speedo Surfwalker shoes give you the perfect foot protection when you hit the surf. They offer a barefoot feel that allows you to walk over sand and rocky shores without the bulkiness of other types of footwear.
The Surfwalker shoes feature breathable and stretchy fabric and a fantastic water-shedding design that is also quick drying. They also have a thick foam arch support and fit more securely than most water shoes. If you’re looking for the best beach shoes for men, these are a great choice. They’re comfortable, safe and surprisingly stylish for water shoes. Slip them on with ease anytime you’re near the water, whether you’re on the shore or in a boat.
Air mesh insert panel promotes quick drying
Four-way stretch upper provides a secure fit
S-trac outsole offers a no-slip grip
Sole bottom is designed to disperse water
- BrandSpeedo
- ModelMens Surfwalker 3.0-M
- Weight1 Pound
Protects feet well from rocks and rough terrain
Fit means feet are kept snug and don’t move around, even when wet
Great arch support
Can get weighed down a bit by heavy sand
3Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoe
The Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoes offer a kinetic fit base that contours to your feet for complete comfort. These water shoes are made from 100% synthetic materials with a full-grain leather upper that is both durable and stylish. The neoprene stretch collar makes the shoes easy to pull on and take off which makes them the perfect slip-on water shoes. The Vibram rubber soles, on the other hand, provide additional traction on unsteady surfaces.
These water-friendly trail shoes are suitable for wet or dry land and they also have a protective toe cap to prevent your toes from getting stubbed on rocks while river walking. The flexible sole prevents slipping and the removable contoured insole gives you flexible support and you can wash the insole to prevent them from developing a nasty smell. These water shoes are perfect for hikers, camping, or just hanging out with friends at the beach.
Breathable and lightweight construction
Neoprene collar for easy on and off, even when wet
FRESH antimicrobial agents reduce shoe odor
Comfort midsole to keep you connected with the ground
Bungee lacing for added security
Tough rubber sole
- BrandMerrell
- ModelJ65243
- Weight2.54 Pounds
Takes the transition from land to water in its stride
Lightweight and quick-drying helps to protect against blisters
Great for general walking, hiking and traveling
Lacks a little internal support, so distance could become an issue
4ALEADER Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoe
The Aleader Aqua Men’s Water Shoes are an exceptional pair of water shoes if you don’t want to announce or even look like you’re wearing water shoes. These are easy to slip on and feature a breathable mesh and a ComforDry sock liner that keeps your feet cool and dry and gives you extra cushioning. The water draining outsoles give you excellent traction on wet and slippery surfaces so you can have fun around water, without losing your footing.
If you want a pair of water shoes that easily go from the beach to the clubhouse, these are quick-drying and feature the open air mesh that means your feet breathe while you keep your cool. To increase comfort and prevent foot fungus, blisters or other infections, the design of these shoes by Aleader features uppers made of mesh for exceptional breathability. While you’re enjoying these water shoes, check out our review of the best water shoes for hiking for our top picks.
All-purpose, quick-drying water sports shoe
Fluid flow features for instant drainage
ComforDry sock liner for extra cushioning
Lateral contrast stitching support system offers secure fit
- BrandALEADER
- Model8859M
Extremely lightweight, quick-drying and versatile
Great grip makes the Aqua an ideal boat shoe
ComforDry sock liner offers extra cushioning and keeps your feet cool and dry
Instant water drainage
Large mesh holes are a bit of a sand and gravel magnet
Suited to short casual hikes rather than more challenging terrain
5Neo Sport Premium Neoprene Wetsuit Boots
The Neo Sport Premium is a clean-looking, multi-purpose neoprene water boot that has a bit of an aqua socks vibe. These water shoes protect your feet in a couple of very significant ways. Firstly, the sole is puncture-resistant which you’ll really appreciate when walking over sharp rocks and they also offer good thermal protection when you’re walking through colder water. They come in three different thicknesses so you can grab a few pairs for year-round water activity so you can enjoy your favorite aquatic sports anytime.
This is a tough water boot that keeps your feet safe and warm. They feature strong zips and a high ankle cuff that act as a water entry barrier. This set completes a wetsuit for diving, paddleboarding, and other watersports. The rugged traction rubber soles make these durable water shoes exceptional for a variety of different activities including kayaking, boarding, scuba diving and more. While you’re delving into the deep blue sea, check out our waterproof camera review and capture those underwater adventures.
Available in 3mm, 5mm and 7mm thicknesses
Puncture-resistant sole
Web water entry barrier stops water from flowing into the boot
Durable glued and sewn construction
Side zip entry
- BrandNeoSport
- Weight2.05 Pounds
A well-made, durable and comfortable water boot at a good price
Great thermal properties with choice of three thicknesses
Ample protection when walking over wet and rocky terrain
Can be a little snug when dry, but will stretch comfortably in the water
No built-in drainage so your feet can become waterlogged
6KEEN – Men’s EVOFIT ONE Water Sandal
The best men’s water sandals are those that can take you from land to sea with a minimum of fuss and that’s exactly what you get with The KEEN EVOFIT ONE water sandals. These water shoes have been designed for rugged terrain such as beach rocks, riverbeds and even walking up a mountain trail on a sunny day.
These are the ultimate pair of summer shoes. They are extremely breathable and quick-drying making them a great pair of outdoor sandals. They offer lots of support for your feet with a sturdy rubber outsole and they can keep your feet stable and protected no matter where you step. These men’s water shoes have plenty of traction so you can trek over wet rocks and other surfaces with confidence. Don’t forget to get a good hiking watch and you are all set for your next adventure.
Quick-dry KEEN EVOFIT engineered synthetic upper
Aquagrip rubber outsole maximizes traction
Removable PU insoles with arch support
Cleansport NXT™ for natural odor control
Machine washable
- BrandKEEN
- Model1019150-Triple White-9.5-P
- Weight2.3 Pounds
Superior grip sticks like glue when out on a slippery trail
Really comfortable and works as hard as you do
Good arch support for tougher terrain, on land and in water
Can be a tad tight if you prefer to wear socks
7UBFEN Water Shoes
The best men’s water shoes are the ones that don’t actually look like water shoes. This, among a few other things, is what makes the UBFEN Water Shoes so awesome. These lightweight water shoes look like classic sneakers so you can easily wear them on land. The shoes feature stretchy and breathable uppers to ensure your shoes are comfy and dry quickly once you step out of the water.
The real fun starts when you hit slippery surfaces as the soles of these outdoor shoes are durable and anti-skid for your safety. They’re stable but soft so they offer a perfect combo of safety and comfort. This is a fantastic pair of water shoes for men that you’ll want to have this summer as they look good, perform well on both land and water, plus they’re pretty stylish too with the look of a tennis shoe that can take you from the beach to the boat club with confidence.
Durable soles with anti-skid properties
Lightweight, quick-dry design
Stretchy, breathable mesh upper enhances airflow
Adjustable lacing system provides secure fit and lockdown
Heel tab for easy on-and-off
- BrandUBFEN
- Weight8.47 Ounces
A super swim shoe that thinks it’s a conventional sneaker
Provides good protection on rocky waterlines and sea beds
Tough and comfortable enough to wear out of the water
The sole is somewhat on the thinner side, meaning it can wear out quickly if you’re rough
8Quiksilver Men’s Amphibian Plus Athletic Water Shoe
Ditch the flip flops this summer and step out in these Quiksilver Men’s Amphibian Plus Water Shoes. These men’s water shoes look like a classic pair of sneakers but when it comes to water sports, these play by their own rules. They are ideal for a variety of wet conditions such as fishing off the rocks, hanging by the pool, paddle boarding, or sailing out to sea. This also makes them a great boat shoe that you can easily pair with a great pair of shorts and a shirt. They are lightweight and as you can wear them for multiple uses, they make ideal shoes for traveling thanks to their versatility and comfort.
Rubber pods on the outsoles give you all the grip and traction you need and the upper features quick-drying breathable mesh that allows your feet to breathe and the strategically placed drainage holes help you avoid running around in waterlogged shoes. These are great as hiking shoes as well so jumping through creeks, walking muddy trails, or wading through water is not a problem. If you want to wear water shoes but look like you’re wearing regular sneakers, get this pair. For more great footwear, check out our white sneakers review.
Cinch laces and one-piece mesh upper
Mesh liner for comfort and breathability
Cushion layer between footbed lining and outsole
Lava anti-odor technology to keep your shoes smelling fresh
Hydrobound cushioning, custom Michelin compounds for traction
Rubber Sole
- BrandQuiksilver
- ModelAQYS700027-XBBG-8-A
- Weight12 Ounces
A great urban/water hybrid shoe that’s one of the best looking on the market
Comfort and breathability make it a great traveling shoe
Well-designed outsole for effective drainage and traction
Its style over substance means it may struggle with more demanding water activities
Limited foot support for longer hikes
9Adidas Outdoor Jawpaw 2 Water Shoe
When it is time to hit the water, you want water shoes that feel like a second skin or a pair of water socks. These Adidas Outdoor Jawpaw shoes are ideal for wet surfaces and are a must-have for water sport enthusiasts. The simple design makes them ideal for kayaking, boating, and swimming on rocky beaches with the soles feeling a lot like sticky rubber to give you the grip you need when you’re trying to keep your footing in the kayak or anywhere around the water.
These are ideal for most activities around water and are an excellent choice for beachcombing or walking around the pool as they offer great underfoot support and protect your feet from underwater hazards. The Climacool upper ventilates the foot while the snug fit and perforated mid and outsoles maximize water drainage. All-in-all, this is a great performing, understated aquatic sports shoe that takes the marine environment in its perfectly capable stride.
Breathable, quick-drying textile upper with synthetic overlays
Adidas drainage system for maximum water drainage
Climacool provides 360-degree cooling for the entire foot
Water specific outsole featuring stealth rubber for unbeatable grip
Slip-on style for comfort and easy on and off
- Brandadidas
- ModelCM7531
- Weight1.38 Pounds
Easy to slip on…and stays on
Decent arch support which you don’t always get in water shoes
Superior grip for the most slippery of situations
Insoles are not fixed so can slip or come out when removing the shoe
A tad on the pricy side but great quality and hardwearing
Why Trust Us
We take our gear seriously and when it comes to outdoor activities, the right shoes are a must for the comfort and safety of your feet. We love the great outdoors but we also want to make sure our experiences are safe and comfortable and this means making sure the shoes we wear are made for the purpose. In this case, water shoes specifically made for activities around water.
Our team has a wealth of experience when it comes to outdoor gear and this includes shoes and boots. We've checked the best sellers, asked our editors for recommendations, and read hundreds of customer reviews before narrowing down the best water shoes for men.
Who This Is For
We put this guide together for those who love to get active around the water. Water shoes are an essential piece of gear for a variety of water-based activities and ensuring your feet are comfortable and protected is a must. Whether your favorite aquatic activity is kayaking, sailing, fishing or hiking through streams and river beds, the right water shoes will ensure you keep your footing and stay safe.
How We Picked
We sifted through countless reviews on water shoes and based on our experiences, we chose water shoes that were comfortable, easy to wear, and offered great foot support. We also wanted to make sure the shoes in this guide would minimize the risk of the wearer slipping in and around water as well as protect the feet from being harmed while walking on rocks and other debris hidden under the surface of the water.
Features To Look For In Water Shoes
Size - A snug fit is essential when it comes to water shoes as they tend to expand a little when wet. A snug fit will prevent your shoes from slipping or sliding off when you are engaged in your chosen water activities and reduce the chance of chafing. Many manufacturers offer a range of standard sizes and some also offer wide or slim-fitting water shoes. Also, check out the fastening system to ensure you can secure your shoes and keep them firmly on your feet.
Insole - Water shoes are not designed to be waterproof but to let some water in (and out). The inner sole of a water shoe should be flexible and provide cushioning and breathability as well as be easy to drain and quick to dry. Some water shoes have fixed insoles and this can slow down drying but are more robust and stay put when you pull your wet shoe off at the end of the day. With water shoes with removable insoles, you have the advantage of washing the insoles separately and keeping the shoes from developing an odor.
Outsole - You may want your water shoe to fit like a sock, but it needs a rock-solid bottom to keep your feet protected against wet, rocky terrain. A thicker sole with grip points and water drainage is ideal for hiking across wet and rough ground, while you can get away with a more flexible, thinner outsole if you are spending your time solely in the water. Whatever style of water shoes you choose, make sure they have a durable outsole with good grip and traction and have some method of draining away water.
Material - Water shoes are made of synthetic mesh or neoprene, depending on the type of activity they are used for. Mesh water shoes allow water ingress and are great for ventilation, so you could pick this material for hiking, boating, swimming, paddle sports, and general beach or pool time. If cold is a concern or you need a boot that doesn’t let in too much water, then neoprene water shoes offer a good level of thermal insulation protection. Choose neoprene water boots for scuba diving, open water swimming, surfing, and board sports where toasty feet matter.
Comfort - A shoe that keeps you comfortable both wet and dry is essential, so check out the materials, design, and cushioning in the water shoe before you buy. Rubber outsole, heel and cuff padding, and tabs for easy pull on and off all help to keep your feet happy in the water but it is also how your water shoe behaves on the quayside that counts when it comes to comfort. Lightweight, easy draining, and quick-drying water shoes prevent your feet from becoming waterlogged and irritated and your shoe from weighing you down.
Durability - Although you’ll want a lightweight water shoe, it also needs to be tough enough to weather a variety of wet and dry terrains and to last more than one summer. Watersports shoes with a thicker sole will last longer but make sure you are still choosing the right shoe for your activity (e.g. when swimming, you want something along the lines of water socks and not a clog-like shoe weighing you down). Check for materials used and look at brand reviews to see which aqua shoes or water sandals are the most durable for your sport.
Breathability - Water shoes are often made with mesh material for breathability, helping to keep feet cool and quick-drying when out of the water. Good ventilation - either through mesh material or drainage holes in the upper and midsole - also allows for good water flow in and out of the shoe when submerged and better drainage once out of the water.
Water Shoe FAQ
Q: What are water shoes?
A: A water shoe is a type of tough but lightweight footwear used for activities where your feet are likely to get... well… wet! They’re typically made of mesh and/or neoprene with a rubber sole, to keep you on your feet while also protecting them. You could wear flip flops, but even if they have a rubber sole they are likely to slip off without something on your heel.
Water sports shoes are specifically designed for water-based activities such as surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, and paddleboarding as well as hanging out on the beach and surf line. The best water shoes are made of lightweight material that allows water to flow out and a harder sole to cushion and protect your feet when walking or wading in wet and rocky environments. Hybrid walking/aqua shoes are also available, which are built strong enough for everyday hiking but can cope when the conditions get soggy or there are rivers and creeks to wade.
Q: Why get water shoes?
A: Your feet are your stability anchors so to keep active, you need to make sure they are protected and comfortable in any situation you put them in. With the added element of water, ordinary sports shoes or everyday sneakers simply won’t stand up in aquatic activities. At best you will get waterlogged and blistered, at worst you will slip and could get seriously hurt.
Protection and support, grip and traction, comfort and warmth, lightweight, quick draining and quick drying – these are all the specific features of a water sports shoe that will make your time in, on, and under the water a total blast. The best water shoes will make your water activities safer and more fun.
Q: What are the best activities you can do with water shoes?
A: There’s a water sports shoe for most types of water-related activities so do your research first to get the perfect match. The best water shoes are essential to get the most out of a wide range of water-based sports, including boating, paddle sports, surfing/windsurfing, scuba diving, fishing, swimming, coasteering, and hiking in wet terrain. Water shoes and beach shoes are also advisable when exploring the coastline and beaches and can offer extra protection around the swimming pool. Of course, you can also ditch the flip flops and opt for shower shoes when using the facilities at your local fitness center to prevent slips and prevent your feet from picking up something nasty from previous visitors to the shower.
Q: Are water shoes slip-resistant?
A: The hallmark of a good pair of water shoes is a good grip and surface traction. These are some of the key features you should look for in any water sports shoe as wet environments are unpredictable underfoot and can be quite hazardous. The soles of water shoes are possibly the most important feature as their main purpose is to keep your secure and upright.
Look for a strong rubber sole with additional grips or ‘plugs’ that will create the right level of traction with the water on slippery rocks or surfaces, creek boulders, waterlogged boards, and boat decks, even by the poolside (you don’t want to slip and spill your margarita!) Additionally, many shoes should also have drainage ports or holes to allow water to slip out of the rubber sole.
Q: Do you wear socks with water shoes?
A: Most water shoes and sandals are designed to be close-fitting and warm enough to wear without socks, in fact, many scuba or surfer-type shoes are almost sock-like themselves. In most cases, socks will not be necessary, but there will be times where when you may want to consider teaming your water shoes with a pair of socks and this will depend on the activity and the shoes.
Some water sports shoes may not offer enough thermal protection to keep your toes warm, so you could look at getting a pair of neoprene socks to turn up the heat. Similarly, if you are looking for a water shoe as a hiking hybrid and plan to do some off-path, rough terrain walking, or prolonged hiking, then a pair of socks can help prevent blisters and rubbing.
Q: How do you wash water shoes?
A: By the nature of the synthetic materials they are made of, the water environments they are made for, and the feet that go in them, water shoes do have the tendency to get a bit stinky if you don't practice a bit of shoe hygiene. The secret is to rinse your water shoes in fresh, clean, and lukewarm water after every use and dry them thoroughly. Then regularly give them a full wash treatment with warm, fresh water and either a wetsuit soap or mild shampoo. Give them a bit of an internal scrub inside before hanging out to dry. If they are still a little ripe, sprinkle the insides with some bicarb and leave overnight, before rinsing and drying thoroughly. Even the best water shoes need some love.
