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The best water shoes for women

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Water shoes can come in handy when you’re walking somewhere that may hurt your feet, or even when you’re just participating in an activity where your feet might get wet and you don’t want to ruin a pair of street shoes. If you’re into hiking, rafting, or any other aquatic adventure, it also helps to gear up with the right footwear for full coverage, protection, and support while you explore tough trails. 

When it comes to water shoes, you have a lot of different options. For a casual day at the beach with some light water sports, options such as sandals and barefoot slip-ons should work well enough. For more rugged exploits, however, we recommend heavy-duty and bulkier shoes for optimal feet performance and protection. Still undecided? Get started by taking a look at our compilation of the best water shoes for women. Whatever kind of adventure you plan on going on this summer, you’re sure to find here a pair that you can count on for excellent comfort and functionality.

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At A Glance:

  • Most comfortable:

    Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Mesh Sandal

  • Best multipurpose:

    Crocs Classic Clog Slip On Water Shoe

  • Best adjustable sandal:

    Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandal

  • Best for surfing:

    Simari Water Shoes Quick Dry

  • Best for easy storage:

    Vifuur Water Sports Shoes Barefoot

  • Best for rafting:

    Astral Loyak

  • Best for paddling:

    NRS Paddle Wetshoe

  • Best for hiking:

    Under Armour Kilchis Water Shoe

Most comfortable: Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Mesh Sandal

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The Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Mesh Sandal is a water-friendly sandal. It has a 100% mesh upper, making it very breathable and fast-drying. It also features an adjustable closure for a secure snug fit, a pull tab at heel for easier on and off, and an outsole with flex grooves for easier range of motion. If you’re looking for versatile, extremely comfortable, and quick-drying water shoes, this pair is perfect for you.

Best multipurpose: Crocs Classic Clog Slip On Water Shoe

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The Crocs Classic Clog is a slip-on casual water shoe made with comfort in mind. It’s very lightweight and breathable, complete with a synthetic sole that provides you with the extra support you need. There are ventilation ports in place to help shed sand and water quickly plus pivoting heel straps for a secure fit. Available in different vibrant colors, this is a great water shoe if you’re after simplicity and comfort. Although ideal for the pool and beach, it can also be worn in various settings, including walking, gardening, and lounging at home.

Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandal

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With a robust EVA footbed, this Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandal offers the ultimate comfort. Its Durabrasion rubber outsole provides the stability and traction you need, while its universal adjustable strapping system and easy hook-and-loop closure let you find the perfect fit for your feet. We recommend this pair for those on the hunt for a very comfortable and breathable water sandal. It comes in various prints and color combinations so you’re always in style.

Best for surfing: SIMARI Water Shoes Quick Dry

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For surfing and other beach activities, you might want to consider the Simari Water Shoes. These are made of ultra-breathable and lightweight Lycra material, complete with salt- and wear-resistance for longevity. They also feature a unique sole design with ergonomically molded shock-absorption performance cushioning, plus rubber soles with excellent air permeability and non-slip resistance. It’s a great pair of quick-drying water shoes that provide traction in slippery and wet conditions, including surfing, swimming, and diving.

Best for easy storage: Vifuur Water Sports Shoes Barefoot

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This pair of slip-on water shoes from Vifuur flaunts a soft, breathable, and quick-drying fabric that’s super comfortable on the feet. They’re very convenient to put on and take off, thanks to their smooth neck design that also helps prevents chafing. The upper is elastic and flexible so you can move with ease, while the non-slip rubber sole offers support and protection against sharp objects, gravel, stone, and rough ground. Bendable into small pieces, they don’t take much space when packing.

Best for rafting: Astral Loyak

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Don’t be deceived by the stylish look of the Astral Loyak. This model has the flexibility, traction, and durability you need for your whitewater rafting or stream-splashing adventure. Its stitched Cordura fabric upper is not only durable and highly abrasion-resistant, but also quick-drying and breathable, thanks to the drainage holes that let water escape while minimizing entry of sand and silt. The outsole, on the other hand, is made of rubber, which helps keep your footing on slick rocks and slippery river beds, complete with flex grooves so your feet can flex naturally.

Best for paddling: NRS Paddle Wetshoe

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The NRS Paddle Wetshoe is specifically made for paddling but it’s also great for any water activity. Its super stretchy Terraprene neoprene upper uses a titanium laminate to keep your foot warm, complete with a fleecy VaporLoft lining that repels moisture and quickly dries so your foot remains comfy. Additionally, it’s built with a 5mm neoprene insole for comfortable paddling all day and rubber sole wraps for toe and heel protection. Traction is also on point, which means you can walk confidently on slippery stones. This pair truly is fun to wear in the water.

Best for hiking: Under Armour Kilchis Water Shoe

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If you’re planning to spend a day hiking on the lake, protect your feet with the Under Armour Kilchis. This pair of water shoes boasts a breathable, open construction so water drains quickly, backed by a self-draining system in the midsole to accelerate the drying process and prevent the uncomfortable feeling of soaked, heavy shoes. Exploring islands and trails is also comfortable, thanks to the Michelin J-Step rubber material on the outsole that ensures reliable traction on wet rocks and terrain. Complete with a bungee lacing system, the shoes are easy to put on and take off and will fit your feet securely without loosening up even when submerged in water. They can also be used for ocean, flat water, and river paddling.

If you want to protect your feet from rocks or even just prevent yourself from slipping in wet areas, water shoes are the answer. Whether you go with the casual and comfortable slip-on shoe, the durable yet breathable water sandal, or the versatile, quick-drying shoe, we’ve provided you with the information you need to choose the perfect water shoe for your feet.

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