5 Best Water Shoes for Women, According to Experts and Reviewers

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Sometimes you just need a trusty water shoe to do the job—whether you trek waterfalls, kayak down rivers, tackle rainforest hikes, or perform any activity where you can get your feet wet. After all, they provide safety from slipping on wet surfaces or when traveling on rough terrains. To help my search on the best water shoes for women, I talked to a podiatrist and footwear expert to provide me with a few expert insights.

Meet the experts: Michael Clarke, International Corporate Director of Water Sports for Sandals Resorts; Gregory Alvarez, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., podiatrist with Ankle & Foot Centers of America.

“Water shoes often offer a rubbery grip on the sole of the foot, which is great for climbing up smooth and slippery surfaces while also protecting the sole from rocky bottoms and sharp edges,” advises Michael Clarke, International Corporate Director of Water Sports for Sandals Resorts. “Water shoes are often lighter than regular outdoor shoes. They’re great for situations in which one would be stepping in and out of water or swimming, as they do not add any unneeded weight to the activity.”

According to Gregory Alvarez, D.P.M,. F.A.C.F.A.S., podiatrist with Ankle & Foot Centers of America, there are a few standout features to look for when shopping for the best water shoes for women. “I always recommend looking for water shoes with a sturdy sole and durable material and adjustable straps or laces—these allow for a more secure fit and wearability,” Alvarez says. Plus, he suggests finding water shoes that are easy to wash and dry.

Below, find the best water shoes for women to consider for your next adventure.

Stine Amphib

For those with adventurous spirits, outdoor excursions should be met with a formidable water shoe. While pricier than competitor models, the quality and durability can’t be beat. It makes sense for the user to get their money’s worth by using the Stine Amphib in as many occasions as possible: from rivers, to mountains, to trails.

The water shoe features lightweight EVA interior support, rubber outsole for traction, and a breathable and quick water draining footbed. The quick-lace fit and multi-terrain outsole was made for easy slip-on and slip-off.

What a reviewer says: “Bought these shoes for cruise excursions. The style is closed toe so I can wear them on ATV, snorkeling, hiking, and exploring caves.”

Quick Dry Water Shoe

For sneaker-style water shoes, look no further than the budget friendly Nortiv 8 Quick Dry Water shoes. The unisex water shoes are available for around $25 and are constructed with generous toe room to fit a wide variety of foot shapes.

The ultralight outsole is said to have a barefoot feel, while the shoes’ breathable mesh upper and quick-drying capabilities means you can go from water adventure to land easy. If you choose to do an activity like hiking or light climbing, you can rely on the traction of the slip-resistant rubber outsole.

What a reviewer says: “These shoes look great and are extremely comfortable,” says one Amazon user who explores rivers and lakes. “The front of the shoe comes with a high strong toe kick area which is great for navigating rocks in a river. The laces have a clamp pull lock to tighten them easily and quickly. The bottom of the shoes are slip resistant and durable so walking on rocks isn’t painful.”

Hydro Sport Water Shoe

Those “OW!” moments that you get when doing water activities for hours on end? It could be your water shoes don’t have the necessary built-in arch support for those repetitive motions.

Fortunately, the Ryka Hydro Sport Water Shoe which was constructed with women’s feet in mind. It features a narrower heel, roomier toe, and soft foot cushioning. The insole is also removable if you prefer to wear the water shoes without, while the “chlorine-friendly” mesh means you can do water aerobics in your local swim gym.

What a reviewer says: “The shoes are just what I wanted/needed for water yoga and water aerobics. They fit perfectly.”

Omnium Sandal

The Teva brand was founded in the 1980s by a Colorado river guide, which makes the Ominum Water Shoe a time-tested construction. This water shoe features a quick-drying synthetic upper and a spider rubber outsole for necessary traction on wet surfaces. The foam midsole provides cushioning designed so you can go about your day in comfort.

Ready to lace-up? You actually don’t have to: the shoe is constructed with a buckle strap plus hook-and-loop backstraps so you can just slip on and go.

What a reviewer says: “I have wide feet and I have to have a shoe with a good arch in it, or I get heel pain. If you have chunky wide feet and you need that support and some comfort, these shoes will definitely work for you. Also, they have a string on it so they can get much skinnier, so they’re also good for narrow feet. They’re very versatile.”

Lightweight Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoe

DLGPA’s Quick-drying Water Shoes that comes at a good price: around $30. Plus, it comes in a large selection of colors. The water shoes are constructed with breathable fabric, elastic straps for an adjustable snug fit, and a durable rubber sole to provide excellent traction.

The lightweight and flexible design is paired with the anti-slip sole make the shoe well rounded.

What a reviewer says: “When I put them on, it feels like I’m wearing nothing at all, which is perfect for extended use. The lightweight design allows for unrestricted movement and prevents fatigue even after hours of wearing them. Whether I’m swimming, kayaking, or simply walking on the beach, these shoes provide the utmost comfort.”

How to choose the best water shoes for women

✔️ Sturdy sole and durable material: “The sole should have good traction and grip to prevent slips and falls,” advises Alvarez.” “Additionally, the material should be quick-drying and breathable to keep your feet comfortable and avoid any unpleasant odors.”

✔️ Adjustable straps and laces: The straps and laces are necessary for vigorous activities like water sports or hiking.

✔️ Drainage holes: Alvarez suggests checking if the shoes have drainage holes to prevent water from pooling inside and causing discomfort.

✔️ Ease of cleaning: Alvarez recommends choosing water shoes that are easy to wash and dry. “Look for materials like neoprene or mesh, which can be easily rinsed off and air-dried,” he says. “Avoid shoes with too many seams or crevices, as they can trap dirt and make cleaning more challenging. Since water shoes are designed to get wet, they should also be able to withstand repeated washing without losing their shape or durability.”

What is the difference between waterproof shoes and water shoes?

While easily confused, water shoes and waterproof shoes differ. “For example, waterproof shoes like rain boots are often made to protect your foot from water and puddles and remain undamaged when wet,” says Clarke. “Water shoes not only remain undamaged from water but also offer the ability to climb, step, and swim with ease. Unlike waterproof shoes, water shoes do not protect the foot from getting wet since water is meant to flow in and out of the shoe to keep it light while changing its environment.”

Clarke also advises that the sole of a water shoe is often more flexible than that of a regular running or waterproof shoe. This flexibility allows the foot to mold and latch onto unusual environments like large rocks or uneven paths, and it can be a huge differentiator between the two.

Can you wear water shoes as everyday shoes?

Some water shoes are designed to look more like regular everyday shoes and can be worn as such, advises Alvarez. However, water shoes may not provide the same support and comfort as traditional sneakers or sandals.

“The thin sole and lightweight material may not be suitable for activities that involve a lot of walking or standing— you may start to feel aches and pains in your feet,” says Alvarez. “Additionally, water shoes may not have as much arch support or cushioning as regular shoes—which, again—can lead to discomfort over time.”

How we chose the best water shoes for women

We consulted an adventurous spirit, Michael Clarke, International Corporate Director of Water Sports for Sandals Resorts, who frequently directs activities that are relevant to the use of water shoes such as kayaking and waterfall hikes in Jamaica and other islands. We also consulted Gregory Alvarez, DPM, FACFAS, Podiatrist with Ankle & Foot Centers of America. We then scoured dozens of online reviews of water shoes.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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