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MORE PICKS TO CHOOSE FROM
- Best Sandal-Style Water Shoes | Chaco | Find On Chacos
- Best Flip Flops | Oakley | Find On Oakley
- Most Stylish | The North Face | Find On The North Face
- Best On A Budget | Speedo | Find On Amazon
- Most Comfortable | Merrell | Find On Amazon
- Best For Water Aerobics | Speedo | Find On Target
- Best Water Socks | Body Glove | Find On Amazon
- Best Boat Shoes | Cole Haan | Find On Cole Haan
- Most Versatile | Teva | Find On Amazon
Engineered to improve traction on slippery surfaces and protect your feet from sharp rocks, water shoes are an essential addition to your repertoire of water sports equipment. Their functional designs feature water-friendly materials and innovative drainage systems to keep your feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions. Perfect for kayaking, SUP, fishing, swimming, and so much more, a water shoe can be worn for many adventures!
To help you find the best pair for your preferred activities, we've rounded up twelve of the best men's water shoes below. From surfing-friendly aqua socks to treaded sneakers, we've got practical footwear options for every water enthusiast out there.
The 12 Best Men's Water Shoes for Every Outdoor Activity
Teva Men's Omnium 2 Sport Sandals
Best Overall
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
No matter the outdoor adventure, these Men's Omnium 2 Sport Sandals from Teva are up for the task at a reasonable price. They're equipped with a quick-drying mesh upper, lightweight EVA foam midsole, and a Spider Rubber outsole designed for use in wet, slippery conditions. Sturdy hook-and-loop closures create a customizable fit for better comfort, while elastic gore makes it easy to slip them on and off without undoing the straps.
Made entirely from synthetic and plant-based materials, they're suitable for any type of wet-dry fun! Consider them the perfect water shoes for hiking, white water rafting, kayaking, and other high-intensity water sports that require superior traction for safety reasons. With that being said, there's nothing wrong with wearing them during a leisurely day on the boat or a long walk on the beach.
Material
EVA-foam, Nylon
Weight
15 ounces
Best For
water adventures, Day hikes
Pros:
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Birkenstock Men's Arizona EVA Sandals
Best Land-to-Water
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Birkenstock's Arizona EVA Sandals reimagine the German shoe company's iconic two-strap sandals in a lightweight, water-friendly material. They're versatile, comfortable, and stylish enough to wear on land and on the water. Needless to say, they'll be your new go-to sandals for the beach, pool, or lake, making them one of the best summer shoes.
The minimalist design is molded from a single piece of ethylene vinyl acetate (known as EVA for short) with an anatomically-shaped footbed, two adjustable straps, and a traction pattern on the sole. Lightweight and buoyant, they'll float on top of the water for easy retrieval should one slip off. Available in every color option one could ask for, they're a timeless addition to any man's footwear repertoire.
Material
Synthetic upper, lining and sole
Weight
N/A
Best For
beach, in the garden, or around the gym and after workouts.
Pros:
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Columbia Men's Okolona Water Shoes
Best Sneaker-Style Water Shoes
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
For waterside hikes, swap your usual hiking boots for a pair of water-friendly sneakers like these Okolona Men's Water Shoes from Colombia. They combine the support of athletic shoes with the breathability and traction of water sandals for all-day comfort in any setting. It's like if your running shoes come with drainage holes.
The versatile water shoes feature a breathable synthetic upper, speed lacing system, mesh ventilation panels, and bootie construction for a sock-like fit. A Techlite™ midsole provides excellent cushion and arch support while vent ports whisk water away. Equipped with Omni-Grip™ rubber outsoles, they'll stabilize your footing and protect the bottom of your feet from sharp rocks.
Material
Mesh, Techlite™ EVA, Omni-Grip™ Rubber
Weight
N/A
Best For
land or sea
Pros:
Cons:
Chaco Men's Z/2 Classic Water Sandals
Best Sandal-Style Water Shoes
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Dependable since 1989, Chaco's Classic Z-Sandals are undoubtedly some of the best water shoes on the market. Their upgraded Z/2 Water Sandals now feature an improved ChacoGrip™ rubber outsole and a podiatrist-certified LUVSEAT PU footbed. Intended to promote healthy foot alignment, they'll keep your arches supported and feet injury-free during long hikes and intense outdoor activities.
Adjustable webbed straps wrap around the heel, midsole, and big toe for a customizable fit that keeps your feet blister-free. Offered in two widths and countless color iterations, there's a pair of Chacos for every water enthusiast out there. Repairable through Chacos forward-thinking ReChaco program, they're the type of shoes you keep forever.
Material
Polyester, Rubber
Weight
N/A
Best For
N/A
Pros:
Cons:
Oakley Super Coil Sandal 2.0
Best Flip Flops
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
While most flip-flops fall short on traction and support, Oakley's Super Coil Sandals offer all-day comfort and protection. They're designed to traverse any terrain, from rocky riversides to splintery boardwalks. Wear them at the beach to protect your feet from the hot sand or at the pool to keep from slipping on wet concrete.
Equipped with deep flex grooves and a tough rubber outsole, they improve traction for added peace of mind on slick surfaces. A plush footbed and molded strap contour to your foot for a sturdy fit that won't cause rubs or blisters. Lightweight and flexible, they're the perfect sandals to toss in your suitcase before a beach vacation.
Material
100% Polyester
Weight
N/A
Best For
N/A
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The North Face Men's Skeena Sport Sandals
MOST STYLISH
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
The North Face's Skeena Sport Sandals strike the perfect balance between fashion and function. Intended to be worn both in the water and on land, they're the ideal water shoes to pack for a beach vacation or day trip to the lake. With four eye-catching color options to choose from, they'll please even the pickiest of shoe lovers.
The sandal-style men's water shoes are constructed using water-friendly materials that dry quickly and let your feet breathe. An anti-slip molded footbed and cushy EVA midsole offer all-day arch support, while Surface Control™ rubber outsoles improve traction on slick surfaces. The translucent straps across the top and heel boast a foam backing for added comfort and a fun pop of color.
Material
Foam, EVA, Rubber
Weight
N/A
Best For
rivers, lakes, beaches
Pros:
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Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0 Men's Water Shoes
Best on a Budget
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Shopping on a tight budget? Stick with a trusted water sports brand that offers quality products at an affordable price. These Surfwalker Pro 3.0 Men's Water Shoes feature a versatile slip-on design that works for everything from windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding to a casual day at the pool.
The practical water shoes feature a 100% neoprene upper that's stretchy for easy entry and snug for a secure fit. Speedo's thoughtfully-designed S-Trac™ outsoles channel water away from the foot for superior slip resistance. Priced at less than $30, they're a must-have for summer.
Material
100% neoprene
Weight
8.8 ounces
Best For
swimming
Pros:
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Merrell Men's Hydro Moc Shoes
Most Comfortable
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Few men's water shoes offer the comfort and support of Merrell's Hydro Moc Shoes. Constructed from single-density, injected EVA, the amphibious slip-ons transition easily from water to dry land. Wear them while swimming at the lake, kayaking at a nearby lake, or hiking to your favorite hidden, hot springs.
Equipped with contoured arches and articulated heels, they support your feet without weighing you down in the water. A single back strap ensures a secure fit when wet, while 2MM deep treading improves your footing on slippery rocks and wet docks. Simply rinse or wipe them clean when you're finished, and they're ready for your next watery adventure!
Material
100% Fabric or Textile, Rubber
Weight
N/A
Best For
N/A
Pros:
Cons:
Speedo Men's Surf Strider Water Shoes
Best for Water Aerobics
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Speedo's Surf Strider Men's Water Shoes are the perfect pool or water park choice. Wear them during water aerobics, trips down the water slide, or laps around the lazy river. Intended to be worn both in the water and on dry land, they'll keep your feet dry and comfortable during long days in watery settings.
Knit from the swimwear brand's innovative Surf Knit™; they dry quickly and hold their shape well when wet. Plus, they're equipped with pull tabs for easy entry and exit, ensuring they're suitable for water lovers with limited mobility. On the bottom, non-marking thermoplastic rubber outsoles improve your footing without weighing you down.
Material
Polyester, Rubber
Weight
N/A
Best For
beach, lake, pool
Pros:
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Body Glove Men's Riverbreaker Aqua Socks
Best Water Socks
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Sick of being weighed down by swampy sneakers? Switch to Body Glove's Riverbreaker Men's Aqua Socks. Their lightweight, next-to-nothing feel is perfect for surfing, paddle boarding, swimming, and other outdoor activities where you'd prefer to go barefoot.
The slip-on water shoes feature an integrated draining system for superior ventilation and a shorter drying time. Their grippy rubber outsole, snug-fitting mesh, and neoprene upper protect your feet from sharp rocks and improve your footing on wet surfaces. Adjustable drawstring closures ensure they don't slip off in the middle of your adventure. Priced at just $20, they're an affordable option that doesn't fall short on quality.
Material
Neoprene/Mesh, Rubber
Weight
N/A
Best For
kayaking, paddle boarding, or any on water activity
Pros:
Cons:
Cole Haan Men's 4.ZERØGRAND Regatta Boat Shoe
Best Boat Shoes
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
For a day on the boat, slip on Cole Haan's Men's 4.ZERØGRAND Regatta Boat Shoes. Designed with modern sailors in mind, the practical slip-on provides all-day comfort and superior performance both on and off the water. Plus, they're stylish enough to go straight from your sailboat to a lakeside restaurant or bar.
The supportive style boasts a breathable mesh upper made from recycled ocean plastic for a reduced environmental impact. A Tidalflow™ water drainage system channels water away from the foot while Anchortrac™ outsoles ensure excellent traction on slippery boat decks, docks, and poolsides. Offered in an array of versatile color options (including this effortlessly preppy blanc-de-blanc), they make an easy addition to any men's boating attire.
Material
Mesh, Nylon
Weight
N/A
Best For
land and water adventures
Pros:
Cons:
Teva Men's Hurricane Xlt2 Sandals
Most Versatile
overall
Quality
Durability
Ease of Use
Cost
Features:
Teva's best-selling Hurricane Sandals are versatile enough to tackle any outdoor adventure. The new-and-improved Xlt2 version updates the iconic silhouette with soft heel-strap padding and a new rubber sole for superior comfort, traction, and support. Constructed using Unifi recycled polyester straps, each pair saves four plastic bottles from ending up in a landfill.
With two strap widths and countless color combinations to choose from, finding the right pair has never been easier. Strap them on for a day hike, kayaking trip, or a long walk on the beach. Quick-drying and super durable, they're up for any adventure, no matter the terrain.
Material
Textile, EVA
Weight
11 ounces
Best For
day hikes, light hikes, beach, kayaking
Pros:
Cons: