15 Best Water Hiking Shoes Get a Grip for Your Next Adventure

Written by Ankita Kandade, Certified Fashion Expert
Updated on Feb 20, 2024
Water Hiking Shoes Get a Grip for Your Next Adventure
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If you ever have gone wading, wake-skating, or hiked through a rainforest, there is a high chance that you have slipped due to bad footing at some point. By using the best water hiking shoes, you can completely safeguard yourself from something like that happening again. Even as simple as walking on the beach, you can step on some unseen sharp object or just rock in general. Regular shoes are not meant to provide protection or the stability to hike on all types of surfaces. Not only do they feel uncomfortable, but they also get soaked and become heavy too. Unless you want to be dragging your legs throughout your journey, you need the best shoes to protect your feet.

The ones we are going to tell you about are specifically crafted to remove water from the shoes as and when they get in, allowing your feet to dry quickly. This way, your leg can stay clean and avoid any unpleasant odor. If you’re worried about its usage when you’re not hiking, then don’t worry, these shoes can be used for daily activities too.

Choosing a shoe can get overwhelming quite quickly when looking at hundreds of options in the market. But rest easy, we have curated and made a list of the top 15 best water hiking shoes to make the process painless for you. Scroll away!

15 Best Water Hiking Shoes

On the top of the list are these unisex bare-foot slip-on water shoes from Vifuur which are not only functional but also look great! Made from 100% polyester material, the product comes in a wide range of attractive designs. What sets it apart from others is its round neck elastic design which protects your foot from chafing during long usage. It is made from a breathable and smooth fabric that wraps around your feet nicely just like socks. And, not just for water sports, it can also be used in other activities like yoga, bicycling, gardening, family outings, and more!

Pros
  • Pocket-friendly
  • Quick-drying fabric
  • Non-slippery rubber sole
  • Sizes available for all ages
Cons
  • Low durability
  • Not for rugged and slippery terrain
  • Best for Comfortability

    Zhuanglin Women's Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes

    Zhuanglin Women's Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
  • If you want to hit the water at the beach or river, then you need these breathable and extremely comfortable hiking water shoes from Zhuanglin. Specially designed for women, the shoes are made from 90% fabric so that it fits your feet perfectly. The air mesh on it is super durable and creates good airflow for your foot to breathe easily. The midsole is made from solyte which is flexible, allowing for good durability and bounce back. Your feet will receive the optimum cushioning performance all thanks to its ComforDry sock liner. And, by using its adjustable tape on the top, you can change the tightness of the shoes as you like.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Budget-friendly
    • Water-resistant
    • Non-slip rubber sole
    • Multiple color options to choose from
    • Water grip outsole with excellent traction
    Cons
    • Slow to dry
    • Sand or debris can get through the mesh
  • Best for Full Feet Coverage

    DLGJPA Men's Lightweight Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes

    DLGJPA Men's Lightweight Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
  • Made from 90% high-quality lightweight fabric material, these water shoes from DLGJPA are engineered to provide a tailored-fit wearing experience. Your feet will always be well-ventilated owing to the pair’s open mesh upper and unique drainage holes at the soles. It provides enough room for your feet to breathe easily and dry quickly keeping them clean and healthy. It has excellent flexible capabilities so that you can move around freely and make the best of your time. Looking at all its multi-functional usage, we are not surprised that it is rated as one the best water hiking shoes on Amazon.

    Pros
    • Slip-on
    • Very stable
    • Elastic straps
    • Anti-slip soles
    • Water-resistant
    • Full feet coverage
    Cons
    • Clumsy shoe laces
    • Small rocks get stuck in the sole
  • Best Quick Drying Fabric

    Aleader Women's Mesh Slip-on Water Shoes

    Aleader Women's Mesh Slip-on Water Shoes
  • Be it on land or water, these slip-on shoes from Aleader will provide the ultimate comfort anywhere you go. They have a traction non-slip sole that helps you keep your feet firm on the ground. Also, they are covered with a hydrophobic-engineered material to keep your feet warm and cool depending on the weather. Moreover, the water drain outsoles leverage the benefit of XDrain technology to allow the shoes to quickly dry. The open mesh and the hole on the soles are exceptionally useful for breathability. And, the ultra-lightweight build will make you forget that you have your shoes on, even on your long journeys.

    Pros
    • Flexible
    • Solyte midsole
    • Free adjustment laces
    • Synthetic upper mesh
    • Attractive color options
    Cons
    • Low durability
    • Small debris can get stuck in the holes
  • Best for Both Slim and Wide Feet

    JointlyCreating Water Sports Shoes for Men and Women

    JointlyCreating Water Sports Shoes for Men and Women
  • Combining fashion and performance, JointlyCreating has built this sleek and flexible shoe for all your water activities. It is meticulously crafted with a wide-toe design to have enough space for people with wide feet. The outer rim of the shoes is made from a thicker anti-collision material to keep your toes safe from colliding with hard objects. With its 11 drainage holes on the sole, you can be sure that the water is pushed out quickly leaving your shoes and feet clean and dry. It has super high traction rubber padding to maximize flexibility for your foot movement. Despite all these amazing features, the shoes are extremely lightweight.

    Pros
    • Slip-on
    • Anti-slip outsole
    • Elastic shoe mouth
    • Perfect for all occasions
    • Unique anti-slip rubber sole
    Cons
    • Low endurance
    • Ineffective velcro strap
  • Aleader Women's Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes

    Aleader Women's Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
  • We’ve got another amazing Aleader water shoe that is built with high-quality and breathable materials to survive in all kinds of conditions. Its easy slip-on capabilities and the backstrap greatly enhance the wearing experience. The mesh and the water drain outsole will keep your feet safe inside and outside the water. Its free adjustment laces allow you to easily adjust how tight you want your shoes to be. And the material retains the flexibility and freedom that your foot needs during all activities. With over 6700+ positive reviews on Amazon, we can easily say that it is one of the highest-rated water hiking shoes for women.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Traction non-slip sole
    • Full coverage over the feet
    • XDrain technology for easy water drainage
    Cons
    • Prickly mesh
    • Does not dry quickly
  • Best for Water fitness and Outdoor Water Activities

    Ryka Women's Hydro Sport Training Shoes

    Ryka Women's Hydro Sport Training Shoes
  • Made with 100% synthetic material, these stylish shoes from Ryka are designed specifically for the unique shape of a woman’s feet — narrower heel, softer foot cushioning, and roomier toe. They are crafted based on the “Q angle” of the quadriceps muscle on the woman’s leg. It also includes an innovative multi-part drainage system for getting rid of the water to keep your feet from getting soaked. And, these are supported by a quick-drying, chlorine-friendly mesh as well as faux leather overlays for additional endurance. If that is not impressive enough, the insole is made from compression-molded EVA foam for a heel cushioning feel. What more does anyone need?

    Pros
    • Padded collars
    • Sticky rubber outsole
    • Easy-to-use toggle lacing system
    • Excellent built-in support for the midfoot
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Gets heavy when soaked
  • Most Attractive Design

    SOBASO Water Hiking Shoes

    SOBASO Water Hiking Shoes
  • These multifunctional water hiking shoes from SOBASO have a unique honeycomb drainage system that uses a non-hole outsole design to drain out the water. The upper is made from a lightweight and flexible mesh material with cross ventilation for high abrasion resistance. With the help of its elastic band and locks for laces, you can easily put on and take off the shoes. The laces can also be reinstalled in case they fall off. Considering all its features and attractive design, you can even pair them with other clothing options too. Now, can we agree that it is one of the best shoes for hiking in water that you’ve probably seen?

    Pros
    • Slip-on closure
    • Non-hole outsole
    • Anti-slip rubber sole
    • Soft and comfortable
    • EVA insoles for heel cushioning
    • Multiple color combinations to choose from
    Cons
    • Lacks arch support
    • Could cause blisters
  • SUOKENI Men's Quick Drying Slip-On Water Shoes

    SUOKENI Men's Quick Drying Slip-On Water Shoes
  • The mesh on these SUOKENI water shoes is crafted with tight weaves to provide maximum comfort. The soft mesh upper works extremely well with stretchy MD outsole which is a flexible, cross-ventilated, and skin-friendly material for a cool and warm feeling. The open mesh on the upper and the holed sole disperse the water and sweat quickly. And at the bottom, the elastic sole is sturdy enough to protect your feet from debris collision as well as increase overall stability. SUOKENI claim that these shoes are perfect for hydro-fit water exercise as they hang on tightly even when stretched — hence it is a great idea to give them a go!

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Toe protection
    • Everyday wear
    • Elastic shoe laces
    • Complete feet coverage
    • Anti-slip outsole with strong track adhesion
    Cons
    • May not fit wide feet
    • Prone to easy wear and tear
  • Best Barefoot Design

    Body Glove Men's 3T Barefoot Cinch Water Shoes

    Body Glove Men's 3T Barefoot Cinch Water Shoes
  • Designed with adventurous people in mind, these unique 3-toe barefoot shoes from Body Glove are built to withstand harsh conditions and minimize injuries. Its patented design lets you enjoy all outdoor activities with a barefoot feeling yet with reliable protection. They feature a stretch-fit upper with an adjustable elastic shock lace system for easy wear and removal experience. The reduced sole height and ergonomic design reinforce a natural balance for unrestricted movement capabilities. And the ultra-grip sole allows for strong traction and stability on wet surfaces. Owing to its compactness, it can be used in restrictive spaces like kayaks.

    Pros
    • Breathable
    • Multiple color options
    • Flexible and lightweight
    • Integrated drainage system
    • Ultra-grip for maximum traction
    Cons
    • Low durability
    • Catches debris between the toe spaces
  • SIMARI Water Shoes

    SIMARI Water Shoes
  • These water hiking shoes for men and women from SIMARI have soles made from high-quality rubber which allows you to have good slip resistance on any surface. To further protect your feet, the sole provides soft cushioning with a separated toe guard. The anti-slip outsole has 85 quick-drying drainage holes to push out the water; at the same time, its ergonomic design makes it flexible, and lightweight and ensures protection from outside objects. To boot, the upper mesh offers good elasticity and wraps around your leg quite comfortably.

    Pros
    • Breathable
    • Shock-absorption
    • Bumpy-textured rubber sole
    • Smooth neck design to prevent chafing
    • Elastic-shoelace with locking mechanisms
    Cons
    • Not enough padding
    • No ankle protection
  • Best Ergonomically Designed Shoe

    SAGUARO Barefoot Water Shoes

    SAGUARO Barefoot Water Shoes
  • These hiking water shoes for women and men from SAGUARO are crafted to support healthy posture and protect your feet. The upper is made from spandex material for the ultimate comfortable and breathable experience for your feet. You can take advantage of its tensile strength and use it for hardcore activities both outdoors and indoors. It has an elastic drawstring tie system that lets you slip in and out of them with ease. Also, they have a removable insole that you can take out for easy cleaning.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Wear-resistant
    • Wide-toe design
    • Minimalistic look
    • Anti-slip rubber sole
    Cons
    • Not enough padding
    • Unpleasant odor after long usage
  • Best Drainage Technology

    MAINCH Women's Hiking Water Shoes

    MAINCH Women's Hiking Water Shoes
  • MAINCH uses a high-quality recyclable polyester material on the uppers to allow your feet to breathe easily and is resistant to debris collision. It has a thickened rubber sole that prevents easy wear and tear ensuring long durability. To improve the overall flexibility for the feet, the outsole is made from thermoforming EVA foam and long-lasting traction pads. The ultra-light mesh fabric allows for easy airflow which keep your feet clean and comfortable. The midsole uses an omni-directional water permeable hole technology to enable rapid water drainage.

    Pros
    • Quick-dry fabric
    • All terrain usage
    • Elastic opening
    • Adjustable shoe laces
    • Synthetic ribbons on both side
    • Back strap for easy carrying
    Cons
    • Catches odor quickly
    • Small debris enter the shoe easily
  • Merrell Men's Waterpro Maipo 2 Water Shoe

    Merrell Men's Waterpro Maipo 2 Water Shoe
  • This men’s water hiking shoes from Merrell is loved by the majority of its Amazon users as it offers an excellent and breathable material while facilitating a quick drying system for a hassle-free experience. They use an integrated webbing lacing system to ensure it fits your feet firmly. It takes advantage of the EVA midsole to bring great comfort. Its Vibram sole technology provides some optimum traction on both wet and dry terrains. It also features a Kinetic Fit™ BASE removable EVA insole for easy cleaning. So, for your next hiking adventure, you need this one!

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Synthetic mesh upper
    • Bumpers for protection
    • Back strap for easy carrying
    • Ethylene vinyl acetate sole for firm grip
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Not enough ankle support
  • TANGYUGEN Outdoor Hiking Shoes

    TANGYUGEN Outdoor Hiking Shoes
  • Available in multiple attractive designs, these unisex water hiking shoes from TANGYUGEN are a great choice! These shoes promise that their breathable knit mesh upper offers a quick drying ability. It uses a stretchy and thick rubber sole to enhance stability and protect your feet from slipping. The outsole has an exclusive pattern designed for reliable traction and to increase friction and track adhesion. The pull tap at the heel lets you put on and take off the show effortlessly. So, be it water park, beach activities, yoga, or even camping, you can use them everywhere!

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Extremely flexible
    • Matches your casual clothing
    • Quick adjustable shoe laces
    • Honeycomb mesh pattern for insole
    Cons
    • Not ideal for wide feet
    • Debris can get stuck easily

    There you go! Now, we have some great pointers that you need to consider before you buy one of these. Read on to our buying guide to know what those factors are. After that, we are going to tell you how to effectively use them too.

    How to Choose the Best Water Hiking Shoes?

    Purpose: You need to consider what is the main reason to buy water shoes. We mean, do you need them just for a walk on the beach, surfing, or for all your basic hiking needs? Some of these shoes are built specifically for water activities and shoes like VIFUUR water sports shoes can be used for casual occasions as well.

    Comfort: With shoes, comfort is everything one looks for as a top priority. So, choosing shoes with soft, breathable, and lightweight fabric is extremely important. And, since they are going to be submerged in water or drenched in rain, the fabric needs to be good enough to retain its comfortability. With breathability, the shoes can get rid of the odor carried out by water or sweat and provide enough space for fresh air to flow through.

    Size: This is a pretty obvious factor to consider. Most of these shoe measurements are mentioned in the US scale, so it should not be an issue. But always double-check the size before you checkout.

    Traction: One of the main reasons to buy water shoes is to have a good footing in all your water activities. Depending on how frequently you are going to use it, or how intensely, you need to choose between soft and hard rubber soles.

    Drainage: A water shoe without a proper drainage system is not a water shoe. The holes in the shoes are going to push out the water, keeping them dry and light. But, these holes are also prone to pebbles or other debris getting stuck. So ideally, shoes with small holes are usually the best choice.

    Durability: Everybody wants their money’s worth or maybe even exceeds it at most times. Since you are going to be using these shoes on the beach or other uneven surfaces, which usually wear down ordinary shoes, you need shoes that are built to sustain on uneven terrains. So, Look for shoes that are made from materials that can endure your activities.

    Multi-purpose: Buying shoes for just one-day activity might seem redundant. So why not choose something that you can use on other occasions too? It could be cycling, golfing, or even gardening, there is something for everything. More importantly, all of the shoes on our list are very attractive and have a sleek design, we are pretty sure they are going to match your casual outfits too.

    How to Use Water Hiking Shoes?

    We know that using a shoe is pretty intuitive, but water hiking shoes can be different. So here is a guide for how to use them effectively.

    - Loosen the laces before you wear the shoes.

    - Adjust your feet until it is comfortable and tighten the laces

    - When you are done using them, wash them as instructed by the brand and remove all the debris manually if there is any.

    - Once washed, remove the insole, loosen the laces, and let it dry in the sun for a few hours.

    Conclusion

    There is a lot that can go wrong if you don’t use the right kind of shoes or do not use any shoes at all. Be it on the beach or up on the mountain on a rainy day, your leg is bound to get soaked and start stinking badly which in itself can cause a lot of health issues. So, treat your legs nicely and give them comfort and flexibility by using the best water hiking shoes. Now that you know our list and everything else that there is about water hiking shoes, it’s up to you which one you are going to choose. If we haven’t said it enough, all of the above-mentioned shoes are super responsive and are well-crafted to be used in water activities. So, buy away!

    FAQ's

    What shoes to wear when hiking in the water?
    Shoes that are specifically made to be used in water, just pick any from our list.
    Are water shoes good for hiking?
    Yes, water shoes can be used for hiking.
    Which hiking boots are waterproof?
    Unless the shoes are deeply submerged in water, most boots should hold up well to a certain amount.
    What boots do Navy SEALs wear in water?
    Out of the many types, Gore-Tex shoes are one of the brands that the Navy SEALs are issued with.
    Is Gore-Tex better than waterproof?
    Although Gore-Tex does have an advantage over water hiking shoes, they are much more expensive.

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    Ankita is a budding journalist and a certified fashion expert. If the fashion police were an official organization, Ankita would be a member of it as she patrols the internet for new trends and blunders that are associated with the fashion industry. Ankita makes sure that her experience and knowledge become the foundation of all the content she puts forward to her readers. Here, she has researched and listed her recommendations for the best water hiking shoes. 

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    Ankita Kandade
    Certified Fashion Expert

    Ankita is a budding journalist and a certified fashion expert. If the Fashion police were an official organization, A More