When planning a water adventure—whether it’s swimming in a local river, lounging at the beach, or hiking around a rocky creek—a good pair of water shoes is essential. These shoes are more than just waterproof footwear; they are specifically designed to keep your feet safe and stable in wet environments, offering protection, traction, and comfort. Water sneakers, unlike waterproof sandals, usually feature closed toes for extra protection.

Key Factors to Consider in Water Shoes

When choosing the best water sneakers, it’s important to look for three key features: grip, foot protection, and stability. Water boots should provide a solid grip on wet and dry surfaces, protect your feet from stubbing or injury, and offer stability on rugged terrain. Dry time is also crucial to avoid unpleasant odors, and eco-friendly materials are a bonus.

Top Water Shoes: Tested and Reviewed

After testing 12 different water sneakers we’ve narrowed down the best options based on comfort, durability, grip, and performance in both controlled and real-world conditions.

1. Teva Outflow CT Universal Water Sandals

Best Slip-On Water Shoes

Teva is renowned for its durable and comfortable hiking sandals, and their Outflow Universal Water Sandals are no exception. With an eco-friendly design, these sneakers provide an extra-grippy sole, making them perfect for both dry and wet terrains. They dry faster than most water sneakers we tested and offer excellent toe protection, which is essential when navigating rocky, underwater surfaces.

Credits: TEVA

Pros:

Quick-drying
Superior grip on wet rocks
Comfortable and durable
Eco-friendly materials
Available in full and half sizes

Price: $100 at Teva, $90 at Amazon

2. Crocs LiteRide 360 Pacers

Best Lace-Up Water Shoes

While Crocs might not immediately come to mind for functional water sneakers, the LiteRide 360 Pacers surprised us. These lace-up shoes dry incredibly fast—under an hour! They provided excellent grip, especially on slippery creek rocks, and were comfortable enough for a casual stroll after a swim. The lightweight, foam construction makes them a top choice for water adventures and outdoor activities.

Credits: Pack hacker

Pros:

Quick-drying (under an hour)
Comfortable with LiteRide foam
Great grip on wet and dry surfaces
Stylish and versatile
Easy to slip on and off

Price: $65 at Crocs, $33 at Amazon

3. Astral Brewess 2.0

Best Grip

For those who prioritize stability on wet rocks, the Astral Brewess 2.0 offers the best grip of all the shoes tested. These shoes are designed for serious water adventures and are ideal for boaters and hikers. While they take longer to dry, their performance in water is unmatched. The durable construction and high-traction soles make them perfect for tough conditions.

Pros:

Exceptional grip on wet surfaces
Comfortable and durable
Great for water sports
Stylish design

Price: $125 at REI, $88 at Amazon

How We Tested the Water Shoes

Our team of testers subjected each pair of water shoes to a rigorous set of tests to assess their performance in different environments. We walked on slick creek rocks, took short hikes, and evaluated their durability and drying time. Comfort, fit, and ease of use were also key factors, as well as the materials used in the construction of each shoe.

Other Water Shoes We Tested

While the Teva Outflow CT and Crocs LiteRide 360 Pacers stood out, we also tested several other notable options:

Speedo Surfknit Pro – Great grip but less versatile.
Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc – Comfortable but lacked traction.
NRS Kicker Wet Shoes – Ideal for cold water but not great for hiking.

Conclusion

When it comes to water shoes, the Teva Outflow CT Universal Water Sandals and Crocs LiteRide 360 Pacers are the clear winners for their performance, comfort, and durability. Whether you’re hiking, swimming, or enjoying other water activities, investing in a good pair of water shoes ensures a safer, more comfortable experience.