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WHETHER YOU’RE into hiking, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, or any water sports, having a pair of water shoes can make your water experience so much better. The right water shoes can protect your feet from hazards you might not see underwater, and offer extra traction on slippery rocks, sand, and other slick surfaces.
Water shoes can be worn in and out of water—though they shine most at the latter. Their water-friendly build protects the bottom of your feet, with breathable mesh uppers that can even be perforated for quick water drainage to keep your feet dry—and keep your footing light. Their hard outsole often provides superb traction and grip on all terrains as well.
Best athletic water shoes
Under Armour UA Micro G® Kilchis Fishing Shoes
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Best affordable water shoes
Zhuanglin Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
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Best toe water shoes
Body Glove Store Men's 3T Barefoot Max Water Shoes
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The common misconception of water shoes is that they look gimmicky like toe shoes, but today’s best water shoes for men have elevated themselves to look everyday-friendly like waterproof shoes or slip-on shoes. Below, the 15 best water shoes for men we've tested will put you in good shape whenever your feet get wet.
Best Summer Shoes | Best Walking Shoes | Best Swim Trunks | Best Travel Shoes | Best Casual Shoes | Best Boat Shoes
Best athletic water shoes
Under Armour UA Micro G® Kilchis Fishing Shoes
Best athletic water shoes
Under Armour UA Micro G® Kilchis Fishing Shoes
Pros
- Breathable, quick-drying upper
- Grippy outsole even on slippery surfaces
- Midsole built for rapid drainage
- Great for both in and of the water
Cons
- Stiff sole
Thinking about water sports (the actual ones, thanks)? These shoes from Under Armor have a quick-dry, breathable textile upper and welded synthetic overlays that are anti-abrasive. The midsole is also designed to drain water out. They’ll keep it together while keeping your feet safe and active.
| Size | 8-14 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Textile upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole |
best barefoot water shoes
Merrell Men's Vapor Glove 6
best barefoot water shoes
Merrell Men's Vapor Glove 6
Pros
- Breathable and offers odor control
- Improved grip on wet, smooth surfaces
- Great for trail running
Cons
- Not waterproof
One of the most comfortable water shoes is also one of the coolest looking. These treads from Merrell have a hardy Vibram sole that provides optimal traction and grip, a breathable mesh upper, and a tongue that keeps the debris out. They also come in awesome colorways.
| Size | 7-15 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Textile upper, foam midsole, synthetic outsole |
Best affordable water shoes
Zhuanglin Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
Best affordable water shoes
Zhuanglin Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
Pros
- Good traction even on slippery surfaces
- Drainage holes at the outsole
- Versatile for lots of water activities
Cons
- Gimmicky-looking
These kicks are undeniably simple but effective. They’re made from mostly fabric with a rubber role, and they’re a budget-friendly pick, making them among the best water shoes for snorkeling—an activity you’ll only do a few times. At under $30, they provide breathability, excellent grip, nice bounce, water drainage, and an effective style
| Size | 7-14 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Textile upper, Solyte midsole, rubber outsole |
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Best value water shoes
Sperry SeaCycled™ Headsail Sneaker
Best value water shoes
Sperry SeaCycled™ Headsail Sneaker
Pros
- Adaptive Wave Siping™ technology provides insane grip
- Drainage ports for quick-drying
- Great for walking in water
Cons
- Upper is partially made with polyester which is not breathable
Simple and under $100, these kicks are made with a flexible polyester and mesh upper that dries quickly and a comfortable foam footbed. With drainage ports for when you're in the water to help disperse water, and a grippy outsole that enhances traction in wet conditions, it’s one of the best water shoes for your sea activities.
| Size | 7-14 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Recycled polyester textile upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole |
Best water shoes for swimming
Nike Swim Fins
Best water shoes for swimming
Nike Swim Fins
Pros
- Helps produce propulsion and faster kicks
- Slip-on design
- Tested in and out of water
Cons
- Not for everyday use
- Low in stock
These Nike water shoes turn your feet into flippers with a fin blade that helps you glide through the water as you swim. There’s an open-toe box with grooves that keep them comfortable, and the balance of rigid and flexible pieces ensures a perfect fit.
Read more: Best Swimming Goggles for Men
| Size | 2XS-XL |
|---|---|
| Materials | 100% silicon |
Best water shoes on Amazon
Astral Loyak Water Shoes
Best water shoes on Amazon
Astral Loyak Water Shoes
Pros
- Even the laces are water-resistant
- Dries fast and drain water
- Extra grippy outsole that maximizes traction
- Great for hiking
Cons
- No arch support
When you think of tough-as-hell water shoes, these have to be top of mind. Astral’s kicks are made from durable, lightweight, hydrophobic canvas upper that dries quickly and also ventilates, as well as rubber Flex-Grip outsoles that will stick to the ground. In the water, the holes in the sole will drain water.
| Size | 8-14 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Canvas upper, rubber outsole |
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Best everyday water shoes
Xtratuf Riptide Water Shoes
Best everyday water shoes
Xtratuf Riptide Water Shoes
Pros
- Upper provides air and drainage
- Non-slip outsole
- Everyday design
Cons
- Might collect sand in the ocean or beach
These have to be the best water shoes for your everyday water-y situation: Ultra-tough and ultra-cool, with a chevron grippy outsole that's slip-resistant and a Van’s-like sleek design. With a breathable mesh upper that dries fast and drains, you can wear them in and out of the water; they’re perfect for each.
| Size | 7-14 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Textile upper, PU/EVA insole, polyurethane outsole |
Best hybrid water shoes
Crocs Men's Swiftwater Mesh Deck Sandals
Pros
- Large ports channel away water and dirty
- Breathable, stretchy mesh upper
- Easy slip-on style
Cons
- Out of stock styles—running low in sizes and colors
Yep, you can’t do a list of great water shoes without mentioning Crocs—sorry. This combo of water shoes and sandals is ideal for breathability with a stretchy mesh upper and rubber outsoles designed specifically to channel water away—the ports especially help shed water and dirt, and the outsole provides traction on loose ground.
| Size | 7-15 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Mesh upper, rubber sole |
Best toe water shoes
Body Glove Store Men's 3T Barefoot Max Water Shoes
Pros
- Barefoot feel
- Easy slip-on style
- Quick-dry with drainage and ventilation
Cons
- Very gimmicky-looking
If you want a truly natural feel in the water, opt for a toe shoe like this pair from Body Glove—just make sure the fit is right. It has a three-toe design to maximize comfort and an integrated draining system that takes water out of the shoe as you wade or run through it, and takes the air in to keep the odor at a minimum. The grippy outsole also provides enough traction for walking and hiking.
| Size | 7-13 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Synthetic upper and sole—100% Synthetic |
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Most versatile water shoes
Speedo Men's Surfwalker Rush
Pros
- Grippy outsole disperses water
- Quick-drying, adjustable upper
- Versatile for in and out and around water
Cons
- Some colors are low in sizing
Featuring one of the best uppers we've tested—hydrophobic, quick drying, and breathable—these water shoes are easy to slip into. Their outsole not only disperses water but also grips the ground, whether it's in or on or around water. Whether you're launching a kayak or fishing from a paddle board, Surfwalker Rush keeps you adventure bound.
| Size | 7-14 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Textile mesh upper, rubber outsole |
Best waterproof water shoes
Reef Water Coast
Best waterproof water shoes
Reef Water Coast
Pros
- Waterproof, breathable upper
- Molded footbeds for comfort
- Lightweight and versatile
Cons
- Only three colors available
No quick-drying needed here: Reef’s water shoes are almost entirely waterproof—only the mesh lining and laces get wet. The upper is perforated also for max breathability as well as drainage, and the bouncy EVA insole and outsole keep you sure-footed. Overall, these shoes are ready for the waves to wash all over them.
| Size | 7-13 |
|---|---|
| Materials | TPU upper, EVA insole, EVA outsole |
Best casual water shoes
Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandal
Best casual water shoes
Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandal
Pros
- Water-ready, quick-drying webbing
- Nylon shank stabilizes foot on uneven terrain
- Rugged Durabrasion outsole
Cons
- Not for hardcore water activities
Rubber sandals make great water shoes for casual activities such as playing by the beach or walking on wet surfaces, since the outsole itself is waterproof and there’s not much upper to be wetted. Teva’s iconic model is made even more water-friendly: the synthetic webbing dries fast, and the traction supports your foot even on unfriendly terrains. Built with a foam midsole, the Hurricane is also ready for some movements such as hiking.
| Sjze | 4-17 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polyester/nylon PET webbing, EVA foam midsole, rubber outsole |
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Best hardcore water shoes
Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport
Best hardcore water shoes
Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport
Pros
- Drain holes quickly shed water
- Flexible FeelTrue® sole with all-terrain traction chevron lugs
- Quick-drying, breathable mesh upper
- Zero-drop heel
Cons
- Not for everyday wear
Adventure-bound, these zero-drop water shoes are built for water activities, from paddling boarding to running on muddy bottoms. The breathable mesh upper is quick-drying, and perforated with holes for water drainage. And the all-terrain outsole keeps you sure-footed. The zero-drop style, lastly, provides a balance you’ll need in hardcore water activities.
| Size | 6.5-15 |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester upper, synthetic insole, rubber outsole |
Best slip-on water shoes
Native Shoes Jefferson Shoes
Best slip-on water shoes
Native Shoes Jefferson Shoes
Pros
- Fully waterproof EVA/rubber build
- Easy to put on, take off, and walk in
- Lightweight and odor-resistant
Cons
- Traction is not too impressive
Native's Jefferson shoe is an elevated water shoe. It's made of perforated EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate), a rubber-like material, and its breathability is guaranteed to be off the chart—just look at all those holes. It is also shock-absorbent, odor resistant, and hand-washable. And as water shoes, its entire build is waterproof.
| Size | 3-13 |
|---|---|
| Materials | EVA upper and midsole, rubber outsole |
Best low-profile water shoes
Columbia PFG Bahama™ Vent Loco Relaxed III Shoe
Best low-profile water shoes
Columbia PFG Bahama™ Vent Loco Relaxed III Shoe
Pros
- Looks like a pair of regular sneakers
- Razor-siped outsole for on or around water
- Great cushioning and bounce
Cons
- Not for in-water activities
This excellent-looking pair of water shoes is made from a mix of canvas and leather on the upper, making it feel more like, well, a regular shoe. But with a water-resistant treatment, vent ports in the midsole, and a wet-grip outsole, they’re an ideal water shoe.
| Size | 7-17 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Canvas and leather upper, Techlite™ midsole, rubber outsole |
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What to Look for When Buying Water Shoes for Men
Materials:
Water shoes are often made with a mesh/textile upper and a rubber outsole. The upper should be durable and quick-drying—not only for the sake of dryness but also for combatting odor. Breathable fabrics, as such, make the best uppers, especially if they’re perforated. Plus, they should survive in water, so ditch your cotton or leather, or suede, and opt for any outdoor-friendly materials.
The rubber outsole, on the other hand, is just that—meaning that any water shoes should have a rubber outsole since the material is waterproof and durable. But there is a rubber-like alternative worth highlighting: EVA, a plastic foam polymer that is lighter and more flexible than rubber. EVA can be better than rubber since its lightweight qualities make it excellent for walking with water shoes.
Drainage:
Water shoes should get wet, but shouldn’t stay wet. Having a drainage mechanism helps water shoes—specifically the upper—stay dry, therefore keeping your feet dry in the meantime. Most of the time, the drainage comes from perforation—often in the form of holes and ports—at the upper or outsole. These holes or ports channel the water inside the shoe out, even when your feet are in the water. A great example of water shoes with drainage is Crocs’ slogs—those holes!
Of course, for sandal-style water shoes, the drainage is almost a given—since there’s barely any upper and the water touches your feet and toes directly.
Traction:
Water shoes are designed to walk on slippery, wet, slick surfaces—sometimes even under water. Hence, getting the right traction—i.e., how grippy the outsole is to the surface—is important. The best water shoes often have specifically designed outsoles (razor-siped, lugged, grooved, deeply ridged, etc.) to increase friction and therefore traction. An outsole with deep-cut teeth, for instance, can really grip on sand or wet rocks. Grippy outsoles also make water shoes better for hiking or on any unfriendly terrains.
Occasion:
Not all water shoes are built equally—some are rugged enough for hiking on watery trails, some are designed to be submerged underwater and walk underwater, some are meant for fishing and canyoneering, and some are good for paddle boarding, kayaking, and even snorkeling/swimming. Water shoes with zero-drop or a barefoot build, for instance, go with water-heavy activities, whereas water shoes with a thick sole are better for walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Water Shoes Recommended for?
Simply put: when you know your feet will get wet. Thus, active guys who spend a lot of time in water sports or near water environments will definitely need water shoes to get their feet protection and traction in, on, or around water.
But out of the water, water shoes make great summer shoes thanks to their breathability, as well as waterproof shoes for surviving rainy days. With better traction than most other shoes, water shoes are also an alternative for hiking and walking on muddy, rocky grounds.
Are Water Shoes Meant for Swimming?
Professionally and competitively? Let's pass on water shoes. But casually and recreationally? Yes, you can swim with water shoes—in fact, they're sometimes worn inside the scuba-diving gear. Water shoes with a zero-drop build or toe-like construction are great for snorkeling and walking on ocean rocks. And if your water shoes are light and fit well enough, you can definitely paddle your legs in them to swim.
How We Tested
To review and curate the best water shoes for men, our style and gear editors have put on a dozen water shoes and tested them on water grounds. For instance, we washed Reef’s Water Coast with a shower head to test its waterproofness, wore Astral Loyak to the beach and submerged them in shallow water, or went for some light hiking on slippery, muddy roads in Merrell’s Vapor Glove 6. Our gear editors also wore Under Armour’s Kilchis to fishing and kayaking.
From there, we made our picks of the best water shoes for men based on price, style, durability, comfort, materials, and how water-ready they are—how fast they dry, what water activities they are good for, and what the traction feels like in wet conditions.
Christian Gollayan
Deputy Editor, Commerce
Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.
Maverick Li
Former Style and Commerce Editor
Maverick Li is a former Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covered clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.
