Fashionable shoe brands have begun to notice that there’s a need for footwear that is on par with the latest workout trends, but still offers supreme comfort and support for everyday wear.
As a result, the development of the water shoe has become a priority.
What Are Water Shoes?
Water shoes are a specific style of shoe that have a close resemblance to water sandals in terms of comfort, fit, and durability, but they differ in that they have a harder bottom that is often made from plastic.
This allows the wearer to walk with more stability and traction.
Water shoes are commonly worn by water sports enthusiasts.
What Is Not a Water Shoe?
One common misconception people have about water shoes is that they are just flip-flops.
Flip-flops are a type of sandal and do not have structural support. They work best for activities like sunbathing or sightseeing where you don’t need extra ankle support.
What Can Water Shoes Be Worn For?
Water shoes can be worn for a number of activities.
Yoga – water shoes are widely used in yoga studios to allow practitioners to grip the mat and provide some cushion for the foot.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Speedo Men's Water Shoe Surfwalker Pro 3.0 | Best Overall |  |
| ALEADER Men's Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes | Budget Pick |  |
| KEEN – Men's EVOFIT ONE Water Sandal | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Speedo Men's Water Shoe Surfwalker Pro 3.0
The Speedo Men's Water Shoe Surfwalker Pro 3.0 meets the needs of any man searching for a basic water shoe. Made with durable materials, users claim that they are long-lasting.
The shoe's low-cut design will keep you from overstretching, which will aid the development of your Achilles tendon. It is also simple to get into and out of this water shoe.
Those who have used previous Speedo models find the Surfwalker Pro 3.0 more durable than the thin model 2.0. The material does seem to be a little thicker, but is still soft. The shoe's durability is consistent with what owners have said about other Speedo shoes.
2. Merrell Men's All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoes
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Comes with a lace fastening
- Padded footbed
If you want a water shoe that will help you easily negotiate rocky river beds, then the Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve will easily maintain grip while remaining comfortable, thanks to the Nubuck leather and mesh upper.
This water shoe is roomy, comfortable, and adaptable. Remove the hook-and-loop strap, and you'll have a pure running shoe. This versatile shoe can survive anything from the garden to the pavement to the trail.
The M-Select footbed comes with M-Select fresh naturally derived antimicrobial technology using silver ions to prevent any microbes from growing.
3. Neo Sport Premium Neoprene Men & Women Wetsuit Boots
Pros:
- Anti-slip sole;
- Available in various sizes and colors;
- Made from quality materials;
Cons:
- Some found sizing to be off.
Easy to clean.
4. ALEADER Men's Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
If you are looking for a pair of water shoes to wear on a hot summer day or to the yoga gym, this will make for a good fit for you.
It is made from soft fabric combining cotton, lycra, and polyester. And each pair is meant to last you a long time. That is because the sole is made from high quality rubber.
A lot of rocking water shoes have thin soles, but this one most definitely doesn’t. It is incredibly durable and can stand up to all kinds of rugged situations. It can also take on water walks and with its extra thick sole, it will keep your feet from slipping and sliding around.
5. Quiksilver Men's Amphibian Plus Water Shoe
Pros:
- Breathable, comfortable and durable
- 100% non-marking rubber
- Anti-odor technology
This Mens Amphibian Plus shoes by Quicksilver is perfect for swimming, wake boarding and boating. Quicksilver Amphibian Plus is the successor of the Quicksliver Men's Amphibian shoes.
It is the ultimate water shoe with reinforced toe and heel. Quicksilver Amphibian Plus is currently in the middle of our protocol, which means it is a reliable shoe.
It is lightweight, only 9.6 ounces, and is very comfortable. The comfort is because they have put shock pads in the heel. Shoes are expensive and its not wasting a dime for Quicksilver Men's Amphibian Plus.
6. Speedo Men's Seaside Lace 5.0 Athletic Water Shoe
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable and sexy design
- Very wide – suitable for people with wide feet
- Comfortable well-fabricated sleek design
- Extremely lightweight
Cons:
- Too lightweight
- Not ideal for people who need good arch support because of their flat feet
- The back part is a little slippery, so we recommend you wear socks with them
The Speedo Men’s Seaside lace 5.0 have a beautiful, light, elegant, sturdy and fashionable design that would increase your confidence and appreciation for them. This would be a great gift for anyone who is starting to be serious about swim practice and those who are participating in races.
7. Crocs Men's Swiftwater Mesh Sandal
Pros:
- Designed for water adventures
- Lightweight & durable
- Precisely crafted
- Designed to fit close to foot for comfortable wear
- Easy to adjust
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Starts off tight
- Not waterproof
The Crocs Swiftwater Mesh Sandal is a freshwater sandal that is designed for water adventures and therefore heavy use. This sandal looks rugged, yet is surprisingly lightweight. It is made of three layers. The first layer consists of a sturdy, yet flexible exoskeleton and a plastic midsole. The second layer contains breathable mesh fabric. The third layer acts as a waterproof membrane.
The two strapping system ensures that it fits your feet closely. This allows your feet to breathe easily. This sandal is comfortable to wear on both wet and dry conditions. It can be worn for a wide variety of water activities and outdoor activities. The equestrian center will also be a relatively good place to wear them.
8. KEEN – Men's EVOFIT ONE Water Sandal
The KEEN Men’s EVOFIT ONE Water Sandals is a lightweight and flexible water sandal that also works well as a comfortable day-to-day shoe. The EVOFIT one is what KEEN calls their “first shoe”, which means that they were trying to make it the best first impression they could. The water sandal itself is very light, weighing in at only 9.8 ounces. It’s also extremely flexible and comfortable, and easy to get used to even if you have never worn a sandal before.
The EVOFIT one gives your foot a lot of room to breathe due to the specially designed FootShape design. The FootShape design also forms right to your foot for a perfect fit, and helps drain excess water that may collect in the footbed. An insole is included, which is made from natural plant fibers that provide a soft and comfortable in-shoe feeling. The insole helps support your foot while you are wearing the EVOFIT one.
One of the best features of this water sandal is the heel loop that allows you to just slide your foot in and out. Your foot is already in a comfortable position so you can walk right away. Your heel doesn’t have to slide around like it would in other sandals.
9. adidas outdoor Men's Terrex CC Jawpaw II Slip-On
Pros:
- Breathable and lightweight
- Supports and cushions legs and feet
- Great for walking, hiking, running or climbing
- Very comfortable
- Has a shock-absorbing EVA midsole
- Durable
- Decent ankle support
- Rustproof buckle and laces
The Terrex CC Jawpaw II Slip-On Shoes from adidas Outdoor is a versatile shoe that works well for sport climbing, camping, hiking, and all types of outdoor activities. The design of the shoe makes the wearer feel like he or she has running shoes on, but the added support and stability in the ankle area ensures that the wearer won’t have to worry about ankle sprains.
The shoe also features a 5 mm cushioning up the back, and a strong built-in 3D traction.
Even though the shoe is fairly good quality, the design could use some work. The laces can create a pinch point when they rub up against the wearer’s ankle; however, this is not a common problem.
10. Vibram Men's Signa Athletic Boating Shoe
Sometimes the most important thing to look for in a water shoe is that it is water-resistant. That will keep your feet protected when you are near or in the water.
For that reason, the Vibram Men's Signa Athletic Boating Shoe is one of our top picks as the best water shoe for the money in 2018.
Sold: Water Sports
11. Columbia Drainmaker III Men zinc/Voltage
Pros:
- * Great looking * Well-made * Great ankle support * Sturdy outsole
This is an all-terrain shoe that will be at home in the city, on the beach, and even in the mud thanks to its unique outsole design. It will protect your feet in sticky and slippery situations, thanks to its Twinface mesh upper, and lace-up design.
The Drainmaker III is one of the most water-resistant shoes on the market. It will keep your feet dry and comfortable all day long.
A molded Polyurethane midsole keeps this shoe stable and sturdy. A combination of a friction upper and its lightweight design makes it very comfortable. This is a great shoe for long treks across rocks and mud.
12. Nike Aqua Sock 360
Pros:
- It has a webbed built-in arch for support and flexibility
- It has a neoprene upper that provides a snug, sock-like fit and minimizes water absorption
- It has strategically placed rubber for extra durability
- The insides are cozy and extremely comfortable
- The toe and heel are made with a thicker rubber strap for extra durability and protection
- The traction is exceptional and the grip is great
- It also has a thicker sole that is perfect for running and every day use
- It is easy to clean with just soap and water
The Aqua Sock 360 is a well-made water shoe that is handcrafted in Mexico and the stylish urban styling makes these water shoes a hit.
These stylish water shoes are made from neoprene material with an arch support and extra thick rubber. They are available in a variety of colors and sizes.
Nike Aqua Sock 360 water shoes are built with an X-rib pattern that is designed to provide support and flexibility during durability underfoot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best river shoes?
Most river shoes are made with at least one strong strap wrapped around the heel of the shoe. This provides added support to the heel area, and adds comfort. The toe area of the shoe should have a hole in the middle of the shoe, allowing for extra breathability. The sole of the shoe should be flexible, with most of the shoemaker’s attention focused on the sole.
Although stiffer soles won’t sink as easily as softer soles, they can be uncomfortable when walking, especially over long distances.
What are the best shoes for swimming?
Water shoes are probably the most popular shoes for diving, kayaking, snorkeling and swimming. Here are the top 12 rated water shoes.
They are high-quality, comfortable and easy to clean. We have thoroughly reviewed their characteristics and reviews from other users.
What size water shoes should I buy?
Water shoes come in an array of sizes and choosing the right one mostly boils down to personal preference. They do not come in half sizes but come in full sizes. This means that if you are a size 11.5, you will have to go for a size 12. Although water shoes come in European size, you will never need to convert it to US size as all water shoes are delivered from the US.
To choose the right size, measure your feet before placing an order. Many brands have a conversion chart on their website that you can use as reference. If you’re between sizes, pick the smaller size if you would like to feel a snug fit. Larger size is the best way to achieve comfort and roominess.
What are the most comfortable waterproof shoes?
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best water shoes for men, you probably know that there are plenty of brands out there that make them.
Like any other type of gear, the market has a ton of different brands trying to carve into the same niche and customers are often confused about the differences between them all.
We’ve created this buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision about which water shoe is best for you. We looked at all the top brands and the best models on the market to bring you our top recommendations.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Speedo Men's Water Shoe Surfwalker Pro 3.0 | Best Overall | |
| ALEADER Men's Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes | Budget Pick | |
| KEEN – Men's EVOFIT ONE Water Sandal | Upgrade Pick | |