Water shoes are a must-have for keeping our feet safe while we tread along a river bed or hike through a stream or actively participate in water sports or simply stroll around the beaches. The best water shoes for women will provide you with comfort, protection, and safety. They come with features like water drainage, thermal protection, anti-slip traction, anti-blister design, and cushioned footbed.

We tried and tested several water shoes and we determined through our tests that the following 11 are the best water shoes that ticks off all the boxes of functionality and aesthetics. They include water shoes with breathable mesh fabric, strong underfoot traction, excellent fluid flow technology, adjustable elastic closure, easy slip-on design, protective toe caps, thick rubber soles, and beautiful colors and patterns.

• 1
  Most flexible

  VIFUUR Water Sports Shoes

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Make the most out of the watersports you love without worrying about the comfort of your feet with the best water shoes. VIFUUR’s water sports shoes are designed as barefoot socks slip-on with breathable and stretchy fabric that are convenient to wear and take off. The smooth shoe opening does not cause any irritation to your legs, preventing chafing and sore ankles. The outsole is constructed with rubber that keeps your feet cushioned, protecting them from getting hurt by stones or other sharp objects. You have the option to select these shoes from a wide array of colors and they come in sizes for both men and women.

2

Best overall

DOUSSPRT Women's Water Shoes

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A pair of water shoes that can also be worn as casual shoes is the choice everyone wants. These shoes are made from durable fabric and have the upper layer of breathable air mesh fabric. The presence of air mesh on top and holes in the sole provides super breathability and quick-drying features to the shoes. There are around 3 dozen different color options to choose from and sizes range from US 5.5 to US 11. The DOUSSPRT women’s water shoes are ideal to wear as sports shoes or casual shoes in the summer due to their breathable quality. They are suitable for wearing on beaches while walking, swimming, surfing, fishing, sailing, boating, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, wakeboarding, windsurfing, cycling, jogging, gardening, or while playing beach volleyball and water activities.

3

Most shock-absorbing

Zhuanglin Women's Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes

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The aqua water shoes from Zhuanglin are perfect for women who thrive on water sports and activities. These colorful shoes, ranging from size US 6 to US 11, have lightweight fabric, a breathable open mesh top layer, water-resistant soles, and adjustable elastic shoelaces. The midsole is made from Solyte resin that has strong foaming properties which makes them lighter compared to ordinary sponges. It also provides 20% more shock absorption, making the shoes extremely bouncy and durable. The outsole has a water grip feature that offers excellent traction in wet and slippery conditions. If you’re walking on risky terrains, this pair of shoe can withstand the pressure of sharp rocks as well as slippery rocks.

4

Most breathable

BARERUN Barefoot Quick-Dry Water Sports Shoes

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Numerous designs to choose from, in solid colors, patterns, and gradients, the Barefoot Water Sports Shoes by BARERUN have high-quality fabric, thick soles, and various size ranges. Made from a blend of polyester and spandex, the fabric is smooth and breathable with good stretch on the upper layer. The smooth neck design prevents chafing and premium quality rubber soles protect your feet from getting hurt. This pair of water shoes boasts of flexible material allows you to easily fold the shoes after use.

5

Most durable

Aleader Women's Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes

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Standing true to the brand’s tagline ‘Enjoy Adventure Life with Aleader Shoes, these slip-on water shoes are perfect for transitioning from water to land. This pair of shoes are ultra-lightweight Solyte midsole provides excellent durability and exceptional shock absorption while the water drain outsole quickly drains the water from the shoes, offering great mobility in water. The sole has rubber pods that provide grip and traction in wet and slippery conditions. The hydrophobic-engineered upper mesh layer gives superior breathability and keeps the feet cool and comfortable. These cute water shoes, in different colors, can also be worn as sneakers.

6

Best for Outdoor Activities

SEEKWAY Water Shoes

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Splash around in the water all day long with SEEKWAY’s aqua water shoes that provide all-around protection along with comfort and flexibility. With thick rubber soles and toe caps, you do not have to worry about hurting your feet from sharp objects. They provide great cushioning and the 3D non-slip treads offer you excellent protection in wet and slippery surfaces. The barefoot slip-on design makes them pretty convenient to wear or take off at will while a vamp elastic provides added support for a snug fit. The upper spandex fabric is super breathable with tiny air holes for quick drying and the outsole, and insole are designed with drainage holes for quick drainage of the water. Take a pick from a variety of colors and sizes and be travel-ready.

7

Best multi-functional

SUOKENI Women's Quick Drying Slip-On Water Shoes

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SUOKENI is known for its multi-functional water shoes. It provides very lightweight and comfortable water shoes which can also be used as walking shoes. This pair is in an orange-pink shade but you can also select from around 2 dozen different shades and hues in regular US sizes. The cute water shoes have an open mesh upper part and an outsole with drain holes. The mesh fabric has a tighter weave as compared to the mesh fabric of other shoes, preventing the accumulation of sand and small grit in the perforations. The stretchable material and quick-drying system keep your feet cool. The elastic insole is soft and lightweight, offering great stability while the outsole is constructed with strong track adhesion for firm grip on slippery surfaces.

8

Most comfortable

NORTIV 8 Women's Quick Dry Water Shoes

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These easy-to-carry flexible water shoes will be your perfect travel partner. Available in women’s regular US sizes, these shoes come in dual-toned colors. The NORTIV 8 women’s water shoes are quick-drying, non-slippery, and easy to slip on and off. The rubber outsole has a unique pattern design for a high-traction grip, protecting you from slippage, and toe caps for keeping you from hurting yourself on sharp objects. The upper body is made from a breathable and lightweight elastic fabric that fits snugly around your barefoot skin, keeping you comfortable. The insole has a removable, shock-absorbing cushion that offers great support and stability while the outsole has 10 drainage holes for proper flow of fluids.

9

Best for hiking

Swim Water Shoes for Women Men

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Unisex water shoes by Centipede Demon have thickened outsole for better grip and traction. The durable and anti-slip sole protects you on slippery terrains, letting you enjoy your water activity without the fear of getting hurt. These barefoot water shoes have a stretchable and breathable upper body made with lightweight mesh fabric. The open mesh allows fast draining and proper ventilation while the stretchable fabric allows freedom of movement. The most loved feature of these shoes is their hook and loop buckle design that makes wearing and taking them off quick and easy. With so many designs and patterns in sizes for both men and women, flaunt these cute water shoes on your next water adventure outing.

10

Best amphibious

Water Shoes Men Women

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Investing in some budget-friendly water shoes will make your water activities smooth and pleasurable. Maxome's water shoes for women and men are functional and easy on your wallet. They are crafted from breathable and lightweight fabric with a smooth neck design that prevents blisters and sore feet. The outsole is made of anti-slip rubber and the insole has cushioned lining for shock absorption. These flexible and stretchable water shoes are suitable for activities in the water as well as on land.

11

Women's and men's Water Shoes

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Made from 92% polyester and 8% spandex fabric, these barefoot aqua socks shoes are quick-drying and stretchable with a water-resistant sole. The blend of spandex in the material lends elasticity and flexibility to the shoes while the mesh design promotes proper cross ventilation. The sole with a non-slip bump texture design protects your feet from sharp objects and the thickened heel with a reinforced design keeps your ankle safe. These lovely shoes in beautiful gradient tones are easily portable which makes them convenient to carry along on vacations or hiking trips.

There are so many water shoes available in the market but every one of them is not perfect. To buy the best water shoes, keep the following points in mind:

• Material: The most important aspect of a pair of water shoes is its quick-drying and breathable factor. Water shoes should be constructed with open-air mesh, non-wicking, and hydrophobic materials. The mesh fabric forms a ventilation system letting your feet breathe and stay cool. Non-wicking and hydrophobic materials repel water making your shoes stay lightweight and dry faster after absorbing water.
• Use: If you will be on your feet the whole day, it is necessary to select water shoes that have strong arch support and cushioned insole. You also need to find shoes that can withstand wet rocks. 
• Features: Look for the different features that water shoes normally portray. The most vital feature is a thick rubber outsole with drain holes and a non-slip grip. Water means slippery surfaces. So, choose water shoes that provide optimum traction to keep you safe in wet conditions. The presence of drain holes will ensure proper water drainage, keeping your feet cool and comfortable. A smooth shoe opening will prevent your ankle from getting chafed and a slip-on design allows convenient wearability. 
• Customer Reviews: One of the best things about browsing products online is the customer reviews. They give you an idea of what you can expect from your chosen pair of water shoes. Whether a particular pair will fit you right or offer you arch support, you can gauge them from the reviews.

Drawing from our experience and after going through this article, you can conclude water shoes are your feet's ultimate savior in the water. Rocky river beds, sandy beaches, underwater tree stumps and sticks, and mossy rocks can be the death of your feet and merriment. Investing in some of the best water shoes for women will let you have all the fun you want without worrying about the safety and comfort of your feet. Clean them after every use and they will last you long. Our contributor Thomas Floyd, a passionate outdoor enthusiast at Wildside Outdoors, shares, “Water shoes are essential for protecting your feet during water activities. To clean them, start by rinsing with clean water to remove dirt and debris. Use a mild detergent and soft brush to gently scrub the shoes, then rinse thoroughly and air dry completely before wearing again.” You can wear these stylish water shoes in water as well as onshore without compromising on your fashion look.

Contributor: Thomas Floyd, Outdoor Enthusiast - Wildside Outdoors