If your plans this summer include hitting the beach or taking in long hikes in the mountains
slushing through puddles, rocky rivers and white water waves, you’ll need sturdy water shoes
to equip and protect your feet. Here is a curated list for your next adventure.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, Rafting, Kayaking, Windsurfing, Boating … If you love water sports in or on watercraft, traditional shoes won’t get the job done because they hold too much water and your feet, once wet, become heavy lugs tied to your ankles. Better to invest in water shoes that are made to keep you dry or drain the water out once the shoe is wet. Shoes with quick-dry uppers, full coverage, excellent grip capabilities and heavy duty anti-slip sole lugs are the top picks.
Adidas Outdoor Terrex Boat DLX Parley with ClimaCool technology: you get an allover, breathable shoe with a loose-knit fabric upper, lace-up closure, heel pull loop, no-tongue design and elasticized collar, breathable textile lining, perforated textile footbed, traxion outsole for strong grip and perforated outsole for maximum water shedding. ⇑
Merrell Tetrex Crest Wrap close-toe sandal is ready for your next hike with ventilation for fast dry-out time and a sipped sole for traction in or out of the water. The perforated EVA footbed controls moisture and M Select Wet Grip sipped lugs provide plenty of traction, whether you are in or out of the water.⇑
For Runners, The North Face Lightwave Amphibious II is hassle-free in and out of the water. The shoe is versatile and lightweight with quick-dry mesh uppers and insoles. It’s also finished with UltrATAC rubber outsoles for stable footing, whether you are running on wet or dry ground. ⇓⇒
Columbia gets in on the action with the Drainmaker IV TrailShoe, a quick-drying and drainable hybrid shoe whether you are on land, boat or water. It’s hassle-free running, because the shoe is so lightweight, with quick-dry mesh uppers and insoles. It also has extreme grip and enough shock absorption and cushioning to give you a comfortable run wherever/whenever.⇓
If you’re really not a water sports person and prefer beach activities instead, a simple pair of aqua socks or sandals will keep the hot sand and sharp shells away from your feet so you can enjoy the day, with the added bonus that they’re sturdy enough but flexible enough to fold easily in your suitcase, leaving more room for your bathing suit.
Body Glove ‘3T Barefoot Cinch’ Water Shoes were worn by Sarah Lacina in the 2017 Survivor Game Changers series. Sarah was so impressed with the 3T Barefoot shoes that she submitted a testimonial to Body Glove …“The durability of the 3T Barefoot shoe is phenomenal. It was able to last me 39 days of outdoor island life, never once stepping foot inside, wearing them 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Sarah agreed to talk with Body Glove on camera about her experience wearing the 3T Barefoot Water shoes. Click here to listen or click on the photo.⇓
Seavenger SeaSnug Low-cut Aqua Socks are made of Neoprene/Lycra to withstand what you slog through and are quick-drying. They come in a variety of colors and patterns for more fun in the sun! ⇒
The Keen ‘Uneek’ Water Shoe features a quick-drying braided upper with a bungee-lacing closure for a secure fit. The microfiber footbed offers great support and the high-traction rubber soles offer stability regardless of the play surface.⇓
OluKai offers multiples styles of water shoes for men and women that are water-resistent, soft, quick drying and anatomically molded. And with every purchase, OluKai donates a portion of all proceeds directly to the Ama OluKai Foundation, honoring those who preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of Hawai‘i. The Nohona is a flip, but definitely not a flop. The outsole offers a non-marking wet grip rubber with razor siping for added traction on wet surfaces, dual-density EVA footbed with ocean-inspired texture for under foot traction and a comfortable nylon toe post.⇑
Photos courtesy Adidas Outdoor, Merrell, The North Face, Columbia, Body Glove, Seavenger, Keen, OluKai. Video courtesy Body Glove
