The Best Water Shoes of 2023

If you’ve spent any amount of time near water then you’re sure to have heard of Speedo, but did you know that they make more than just tiny mens bikinis and swim caps? The Tidal Cruiser water shoes from Speedo are a top-rated style water shoe with over 1,400 glowing reviews on Amazon. Comfortable, with the quality that we’ve come to expect from Speedo products, these shoes come in four colors in women's shoe sizes 5 to 11.

While they may not be as versatile as some other options on this list that you can walk or hike in, these rubber-soled shoes feature quick-drying mesh and plenty of ventilation so you can avoid stinky feet post-adventure. Reviews mention that these shoes protect feet without limiting movement while offering impressive traction on slippery surfaces.

Many agree that these are the best water shoes for women, and they’re even swim instructor approved! A snug fit ensures safety when navigating uneven terrain but users say that these shoes are still easy to get on and off thanks to the neoprene collar.

Said to be comfortable for most, the Tidal Cruiser shoes may run on the narrow side, so those with wider feet should consider one of the other options on our list. Looking for the style in men's sizes? Speedo makes a men’s option in this style as well as children's and toddler's sizes, so you can grab a pair for everyone in your family.

If you’re looking to pack light but still need a durable water shoe, look no further than this stylish option from Watelves. Great for walking around on rocky terrain both wet and dry, these water shoes are durable enough to protect your feet with their thick soles while providing a nice sticky grip to keep you from slipping around.

Water is said to drain easily from the sides of the shoes, so you shouldn’t feel weighed down as you walk or swim in uncharted territory. On top of being durable and grippy, reviews mention that these are a great option for quick-drying water shoes.

Though they run large, reviewers often mention that they’ve purchased multiple pairs of these stellar shoes for their families and themselves because they like them so much.

Made of single-injected EVA and equipped with an articulated heel and strap for a secure fit, the Merrell Hydro Moc Water Shoe is a super comfortable, classically ugly water shoe that’s slightly cooler-looking than a Croc. We love that they have great arch support, and that the material makes them easy to clean no matter what adventures you get into.

These water shoes are said to dry quickly thanks to the large aeration holes, making them a great choice for the beach or a kayaking trip. The soles don’t have a lot of variation in the grip, so we’d steer clear of them if you’re looking for something more substantial for scaling rocks or challenging hikes.

The Merrell Hydro fits large, so you’ll want to order an entire size down to avoid a misfit, and you should be aware that some reviews complain of the high heel back causing blisters.

With plenty of sizes available, these lightweight water shoes from Simari boast a durable sole that is tough enough to be productive but not so thick that they won’t bend. These super versatile water shoes are great for making your way to swim spots or just walking along the beach, but we wouldn’t rely on them as hiking shoes.

The thin upper keeps these shoes lightweight while also keeping out rocks and debris that other water shoes fail to protect your feet from; bungee laces ensure that they fit more like a sock than a traditional sneaker. Reviews mention that these water shoes have great traction, but they aren’t super supportive, and there’s no arch support whatsoever, so if you already have arch issues, these wouldn’t be a good pick.

The L-Run athletic hiking water shoes look like a velcro slip-on mixed with a running shoe. With lots of color options to choose from, it’s easy to find a pair that speaks to your style. After reading through reviews we think it’s a good idea to size down to ensure a good fit, as these are meant to feel tight like a sock.

These water shoes are a great choice for people who like the feeling of a toe shoe but are looking for a more traditional look. They’re light enough to feel like you’re barefoot, without sacrificing grip.

Better looking than a lot of water shoes out there, we're particularly sold on the variety of styles available and the fact that this style is gender-neutral. That being said, keep in mind that this is not the pick for an all-in-one shoe. When worn at the beach, they don’t protect from sand as well as other water shoes, and are said to dry pretty slowly.

Built for both land and water, these water shoes from Astral are a versatile option that is a great choice for anyone looking for adventure. When it comes to water shoes for men, these responsive and flexible shoes are top-notch in protecting your feet.

A top pick for outdoorsy types, all Astral shoes are vegan and use recycled polyester. We love that Astral makes it a point to source materials as sustainably as possible.

The Brewer 2.0 shoes have an extra grippy and sticky proprietary rubber outsole, a built-in polygiene-treated sockliner that helps to eliminate any odors, and front and back drainage holes. The quick-drying mesh helps to vent the shoes so you won’t have to worry about your shoes getting hot and uncomfortable, and reviews mention that they’re lightweight enough that you’ll feel like you’re barefoot.

While these shoes are on the expensive side, reviewers agree that you get what you pay for so these would be a good choice if you’re looking to invest in a water shoe that you’ll use often. One reviewer mentions that they had their first pair for three years and wore them three times a week in a chlorinated pool. Reviews suggest sizing up when shopping the Brewer 2.0.

If you love the idea of a high quality and eco-friendly water shoe, you can shop the women’s version too!

If you’re a bit of a sneakerhead, then you may like the look of these water shoes from Sobaso. Certain colorways resemble the popular Nike VaporMax. Designed for outdoor adventures, these unisex water shoes are said to have excellent traction in rivers and on rocks, and their thick soles help protect your feet from anything you might run into on your excursions.

Reviewers are generally pleased with their comfort but mention that there isn’t any ankle support. What we like about the Sabaso water shoes is that they’re built well, and look cool enough to wear as a regular sneaker—so you won’t have to worry about changing in and out of them for your journey from your car to the water.

There are mixed reviews on the drying time, but it seems that overall these shoes dry just as quickly as others when they aren’t on your feet. The only downside is that some people report sand getting on the inside of their shoes.