Nine Must-Have Water Shoes for Hiking

As a child of the ‘70s and ‘80s, I grew up running around barefoot. In 30 years nothing has really changed. The following are some of the most effective ways to improve your own language skills. When I want to buy shoes, I choose from a wide range of options. hiking sandals Water shoes. As a former sea kayak and rafting guide, I’ve worn both types of footwear while traveling across six continents, including Antarctica (although I confess I only wore the shoes on the ship). 

With decades of experience across a broad range of activities under my belt, I know for a fact that adventure doesn’t end where the trail meets water—it only gets more exciting. If you want to explore tidal swimming pools, navigate rocky riverbeds and chase waterfalls off the beaten trail, or navigate rocky riverbeds while chasing them, then the right footwear will make or break your trip. Water shoes Hiking sandals can be worn in these situations, because they are designed to dry quickly and grip slippery surfaces. They also protect your feet from every kind of splashing, scrambling, and striding. 

With so many choices, it can feel like you’re navigating rapids with no paddle. No matter where the water takes you, I’ve got you—and your feet—covered with 9 of my favorite water shoes, below. Here you will find my favourite styles from brands such as Hoka, The North Face, TevaYou can find out more about us by clicking here.

Best Overall Water Shoes

Keen Newport H2 Water Sandal

Keen Newport H2 Water Sandal

It’s not that I am counting, but there are about 12 pairs of shoes in my closet. Keen shoes and sandals In my closet right this moment. My favorite Keen model is my Keen Newport H2 Sandals This might be my favorite pair from the brand. I wear them for a casual bike ride or to the beach. I also keep them in my trunk for any unexpected adventure. They are easily recognizable thanks to their iconic closed‑toe design, which shields your toes from stubbing. They have a quick‑dry webbing and hydrophobic lining that both help the sandal shed water quickly, while also resisting odor from repeated wear. You can choose from a wide range of colors to suit your style.

Hoka Hopara 2 Hiking Sandal

Hoka Hopara 2 Hiking Sandal

Hoka sneakers are the shoes that you didn’t know that you needed—that is, until you wear them for the first time. If you walk into a restaurant, doctor’s office or business, it’s likely that someone will be wearing a pair. Although I was initially sceptical, these shoes are actually very comfortable. It’s not surprising that podiatrists, nursesPeople who stand all day long swear by these shoes.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Hoka Hopara 2 The perfect sandal for a day that involves a mixture of hiking trails, crossing rivers, and casual touring. The sandals were designed for travelers looking to combine plush cushioning from the brand with rugged utility. The adjustable strap at the heel is revolutionary, and the single pull toggle lace allows for a snug and secure fit. This is an excellent shoe for those who want a shoe they can wear on the trail, in the water and then back again.

Chaco Z/2 Rapid Pro Adjustable Strap Sandal

Chaco Z/2 Rapid Pro Adjustable Strap Sandal

I’m not trying to be bias, but this is what I’ve been wearing Chaco sandals Since the late 1990s, I have been doing it religiously. Over the past two decades, my feet have been tanned in a Z-shape. I’ve worn these sandals to travel, hike, do watersports and more on five continents. Once, I even backpacked for four days through a riparian ecosystem (we spent ninety percent of our time walking in water) in Arizona—all while wearing Chacos. 

In the early years of the brand there were two choices: with or sans toe-loop. The brand now offers a wide range of footwear. However, the Z-models remain its flagship. The Chaco Rapid Pro Sandal The outsole is grippy and ideal for extreme water activities. It also works well on the trail. The Chaco hiking sandals I have used over the years as well as other Chaco variations, have always been a solid platform for my adventures. Although my Chacos are my favorite, I wear many other water shoes, since no two adventures will ever be the same. 

The North Face Platte canyon Water Shoes

The North Face Platte canyon Water Shoes

The tagline “Never Stop Exploring”, has been used for many years. The North Face This inspiring mantra has been reflected in the gear, apparel and footwear of this company for some time. Platte Canyon Water Shoes were designed for adventure and versatility, whether you’re paddling or exploring wet trails, or navigating rocky streams. These shoes are designed with outdoor performance and feature quick-drying uppers that shield from debris. They also have integrated drainage holes for excess water. The shoes are designed with a supportive fit and grippy outsole to seamlessly transition between land and water.

Teva Hydratrek Closed-toe Water Sandal

Teva Hydratrek Closed-toe Water Sandal

I procured my very first pair of adventure sandals—originally called “utility sandals”—in the late 1980s. In the 1980s, they released their first collection of utility sandals. Teva The brand became known as “Nature” (in Hebrew). Teva sandals have grown immensely since those humble beginnings 40 years ago. 

It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Teva Hydratek Closed-toe Water Sandal It’s your best friend for water sports where comfort and protection are paramount. Let’s face it: Some activities are easier to  enjoy when your toes have a little bit of extra protection. The closed-toe sandal protects feet from rocks and roots while still allowing for water drainage. You can also choose the open-toed version. Teva Hydratrek Water SandalIt has the same basic layout but less coverage.

Xero Aqua X Sport Water Shoes

Xero Aqua X Sport Water Shoes

The first time I bought my first pair Xero Aqua X  Sport shoesI was instantly transported back to 1984 when I was a high-school track athlete, lacing up my low-top racing shoe. But unlike those antiquated low-profile shoes, these shoes blend barefoot freedom with water‑ready performance. 

I’ve been a sea-kayaking guide for more than 20 years. Bulky footwear can make it difficult to move around when your heels are on the bottom of the boat, or can cause a tight fit if you place your feet under the deck. These light and flexible adventure shoes, however, are ideal for kayaking—and paddling, beach walks, or any other impromptu trek involving water. They are designed with an ultra‑breathable, drainable mesh upper and non‑absorbent lining, plus toe‑guard drain holes. 

Astral Loyak Water Shoes

Astral Loyak Water Shoes

On hot summer days, I prefer to stay on the South Carolina coastline. stand up paddleboard While barefoot. It’s nice to have my feet close to the deck, but there are often visible and invisible oyster beds. In order to protect my feet, I often compromise with a sleek, high‑performance water shoe that doubles as a stylish everyday slip‑on—and the Astral Loyak The shoe is perfect for the job. 

This shoe is made from a hydrophobic canvas with stretchy mesh. It dispels the water quickly through drainage holes on the toe and heels, so your feet stay dry and light even when submerged in water. The rubber outsole has razor siping, which grips slippery decks of boats and rocks with confidence. The zero‑drop footbed and wide toe box deliver a barefoot-like ground feel and natural comfort, and the versatile style makes them suited for a wide variety of activities. These shoes have been worn on extended SUP trips to Germany and Newfoundland. I’ve also worn them straight from dinner to small German towns near the Mosel River.

Merrell Maipo Explorer Aerosport Hiking Shoe

Merrell Maipo Explorer Aerosport Hiking Shoe

Merrell is the brand with the largest selection of outdoor footwear. Merrell produces everything from rugged hiking boots to casual walking shoes for urban pursuits and more. Merrell Maipo Explorer  Aerosport hiking shoe It falls somewhere between those two. It is a lightweight trail runner that can handle water and warm days. The shoe’s breathability, grip, and drainage are all important. It features a quick‑dry mesh and synthetic upper with a bellows tongue to keep out debris, plus a rugged lug pattern that helps water escape, so you stay stable while traversing wet trails and river crossings. These shoes are ideal for trail running, especially if you live in the Deep South where humidity and heat can be a constant problem. Sometimes I wear socks, but I usually go sockless to benefit from the added breathability and drainage. 

OluKai ‘Ahi

Hawaii-based shoe brand was the first I heard of it OluKai About 15 years ago, I was searching for a more dressy sandal to compliment my Hawaiian shirt phase. (Which, in truth, has now become a staple of mine). After a few more years, I found that there were other styles available besides the beach flip-flops. A case in point? The OluKai ‘AhiThis water shoe combines coastal elegance and practical performance. This water-friendly shoe has a drop back that turns it into a slipper. It was designed for fishermen, boaters and coastal adventurers looking for both comfort and function. Its lightweight mesh upper sheds droplets effortlessly, while cleverly-placed drainage windows move water out just as quickly—so you can stay dry and light on your feet no matter how much water Mother Nature throws your way. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter Each week, we will send you our top travel products.