For whatever reason, humans are like fish out of water; dying to hop into a pool, the ocean, a river, etc., especially in the warmer months. Not to mention the countless amount of water activities humans have invented over the years: sailing, water-skiing, diving, surfing, kayaking… you get the idea.
While most of us regularly participate in these activities, not many of us own a pair of water shoes; we tend to go barefoot or wear sneakers. But this is a grave mistake! You wouldn’t expect an ice skater to compete without skates, and you wouldn’t go for a run without cushioned and supportive sneakers. We should all own a pair of water shoes to protect us from injury.
Why Water Shoes Are An Essential
Water shoes provide protection not only to your entire foot but to YOU as well. Your soles will be protected from hot surfaces and sharp objects, your toes will be protected from stubbing, and with treads and rubber outsoles designed for grip on slippery surfaces, you’re less likely to slip and potentially badly injure yourself.
Plus, unlike regular footwear, water shoes are lightweight, drain water out, and are quick-drying, meaning you won’t feel weighed down while submerged, and you won’t feel uncomfortable or develop blisters while on land. Finally, water shoes are breathable and insulated, and will keep your feet cool in warmer weather, and will keep your feet warm (and will help regulate body temperature) if you’re going in cold water.
Different Styles of Water Shoes
If you’re a water-lover and you need a pair of water shoes, but you’re not sure what to look for in a water shoe; we’ve got you covered. There are a few different styles and types of water shoes so it does depend on what you’re planning to do. If you’re surfing or swimming in deep waters, go for a slip-on traditional water shoe, if you’re hiking near rivers and may swim during the hike, you’ll need a hybrid water shoe (which looks like a sneaker), if you’re just spending the day at the beach or poolside, a sandal style of water shoe will be best, or if you’re on a boat, most of the shoes below will work for you so go for whatever style appeals to you.
You May Also Like:
If you still need help choosing a water shoe, we’ve curated the best brands and styles of water shoes available. We’ve featured a wide variety of water shoes, that are all high-quality and durable, so no matter what water-based activity you need water shoes for, you’ll find the best water shoes for men below!
Body Glove
1/18
Price: From $20
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Mesh
It’s contested over who first invented the wetsuit; it was either O’Neill or the Meistrell brothers, the founders of Body Glove. Either way, the Meistrell brothers and their brand, Body Glove are pioneers in the surfing and water sports industry, and today still make some of the best equipment available; water shoes included.
Body Glove has a huge range of water shoes for men including bonafide slip-on aqua water shoes, water sandals, and hybrid water sneakers. All of their water shoes have quick-dry capabilities, ultra-grip rubber soles, and are perfect for any water activity or wet conditions.
Merrell
2/18
Price: From $55
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Single-density injected EVA
Merrell is a name now synonymous with all things outdoor. The company was founded over 30 years ago with the sole aim of designing and developing boots for outdoor enthusiasts. They were a hit, with many praising them as being the “best hiking boots ever”. Safe to say then, that Merrell knows how to craft a shoe that can cope with outdoor conditions.
If you’re after a water shoe that you can wear hiking, the Tetrex Crest Wrap is the water shoe for you. The perforated EVA footbed helps control moisture, whilst a siped sole gives you great traction in & out of the water. The hiking and water shoe hybrid also features a ventilated construction for fast drying times.
Columbia
3/18
Price: From $85
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Sustainable materials
Based in Oregon, Columbia has been creating innovative outdoor gear and technologies since 1938. Founder and perfectionist, Gert Boyle’s statement “it’s perfect. Now make it better” still guides the company today, and drives them to make the absolute best outdoor gear on the market.
The Drainmaker Water Shoe from Columbia is a hybrid between a sneaker and a water shoe, perfect for a wide range of water-based activities. The mesh upper provides quick-drying breathability and midsole ports enhance airflow and water drainage to help keep feet dry. The shoe also has enhanced cushioning and traction for ultimate grip.
Under Armour
4/18
Price: From $90
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Quick-dry textile
Founded in 1996, Under Armour has a sole vision: to inspire you with performance solutions you never knew you needed and can’t imagine living without. Under Armour was actually one of the first companies to introduce moisture-wicking fabrics to the world, beating out the likes of Nike, Reebok, and Adidas. The American sportswear giant saw immediate success for its products and today is the official sponsor of several major sports teams around the world.
The Micro G Kilchis Fishing shoes are made for water and are an excellent hybrid water shoe. They feature a highly breathable, quick-drying textile upper, contoured midsoles designed for rapid drainage, and non-marking rubber outsoles for grip on smooth and wet surfaces. While originally designed for fishing, these hybrid men’s water shoes are suitable for a wide range of water activities.
Crocs
5/18
Price: From $44
Sizes: 4-15
Material: Croslite™ foam
Many of us may associate Crocs with ‘daggy’ or ‘ugly’ or ‘shoes only my parents would wear’, but there’s a reason they have sold well over 300 million pairs. Crocs’ top priority is comfort. They are “unbound by trend or tradition” and are solely focused on producing shoes that everyone will feel comfortable in.
The Swiftwater Sandal, while not technically a water shoe, is perfect for summer days and nights spent in or near the water. Featuring durable cushioned outsoles with flex grooves for added traction and to channel water away, fully adjustable straps for a secure fit, and an open profile for breathability, the Swiftwater Sandal by Crocs are extremely comfortable, and dare we say it, stylish!
Salomon
6/18
Price: From $120
Sizes: 8-14
Material: Gore-Tex® membrane
Founded in 1947, Salomon is a company passionate about outdoor sports, new technologies, and impeccable craftsmanship. And with a two-year quality warranty on all products, it’s obvious why Salomon is one of the best sports manufacturing equipment companies in the world.
Salomon’s water shoes are ultra-versatile, quick-drying, and grippy on slippery surfaces. They all feature excellent water-wicking properties, seamless comfort, and breathability; these water shoes are comfort meets practicality.
Hunter
7/18
Price: From $120
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Rubber-mesh neoprene
British footwear manufacturer, Hunter was founded in 1856 and holds two Royal Warrants; therefore, if Hunter shoes are good enough for the Queen of England, they must be top-notch. Hunter is committed to producing function-driven pieces designed for outdoor performance in both rural and urban environments.
The Original Mesh Shoe is engineered with an original Hunter moulded rubber outsole for exceptional grip. Constructed with neoprene and natural rubber for all-day wear and a mesh lining for breathability, and featuring an Ortholite footbed for comfort, these handmade water shoes are pretty impressive.
The North Face
8/18
Price: From $129
Sizes: 8-14
Material: Textile
The fundamental mission of American outdoor recreation products company, The North Face has remained unchanged since it was founded in 1966: provide the best gear for athletes and modern-day explorers, support the preservation of the outdoors, and inspire a global movement of exploration.
The Skagit Water Shoe features a quick-drying, lightweight, antimicrobial air mesh upper for anti-odour protection, mono-mesh screens to prevent debris from entering the shoes and allow water to drain from the footbed, an EVA midsole drainage system that allows water to drain from the shoe during water activities, and toggle closure, these are honestly some of the best men’s water shoes on the market.
Sperry
9/18
Price: From $50
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Foam
Sperry, founded in 1935, introduced the first boat shoe to the world after founder, Paul A. Sperry slipped on the deck of his boat, fell overboard, and became driven to develop a non-slip shoe.
The Authentic Original Float Boat Shoe features an ingenious system of “portholes” and “gills” for breathability and to drain water out. Complete with the signature Sperry Molded Wave-Siping technology in its non-marking outsole, these water shoes have enhanced traction, and will keep you comfy both at sea and on land.
Musto
10/18
Price: From $125
Sizes: 4-13
Material: Synthetic mesh
Founded by British Olympic sailor and engineer, Keith Musto, Musto has grown to be the world’s leading sailing brand and a renowned outdoor apparel brand. Musto products are where style meets high tech performance, and are famous for their durability.
The Dynamic Pro II Adapt is a hybrid between a sneaker and water shoe, and is specifically built for boat wear, whether it be racing or sailing. However, thanks to its Grip Flex multi-directional outsole grip for outstanding grip, Grip Deck sole with a sticky rubber compound for grip on wet surfaces, and an EVA midsole for shock absorption, comfort, and protection, these hybrid men’s water shoes can be worn for almost all water-based activities.
Keen
11/18
Price: From $110
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Polyester, rubber
Keen changed the water shoe scene forever with the introduction of the Newport Sandal, invented in 1999. Featuring a distinctive rubber toe bumper, grippy supportive soles, and a footbed that conforms to the wearer’s foot shape for personalised comfort, the Newport Sandal became THE shoe staple for sailors, but in recent years has become loved by river guides, hikers, and pretty much anyone who needs a water shoe. Keen, of course, has the Newport Sandal, but they also have a few other styles of water shoes, all perfect for any waterside adventure.
Speedo
12/18
Price: From $24
Sizes: 8-14
Material: Mesh, rubber
Built to last, Speedo’s water shoes for men are perfect for every adventure, whether taking a stroll down the beach or traversing the rocky bottom of a stream. With nearly a century of expertise in swim accessories, Speedo guarantees there’s something to fit your needs.
Quiksilver
13/18
Price: From $45
Sizes: 6-14
Material: Cotton
Founded in 1969, Quiksilver has grown to a globally known surf-inspired apparel and accessories brand. The Amphibian Plus Slip-On II are ‘water sneakers’ with a one-piece breathable no-sew upper, engineered drainage ports in the soles, and strategically placed rubber pods with specialised compounds for grippy traction in and out of the water. With a lightweight and sleek design, these water shoes are perfect for all water activities!
Astral
14/18
Price: From $95
Sizes: 8-13
Material: Cordura nylon, airmesh
Founded in 2002, Astral is deeply committed to building the best-performing products for wilderness athletes and is focused on building them in the least toxic, lowest impact way. Over the years, Astral has grown and accomplished some impressive feats including developing the stickiest rubber ever worn on wet rock and inventing breathable life jackets.
Astral water shoes are incredibly durable, feature self-draining holes in the midsoles, and have incredible grip. Astral water shoes are also designed to look like a stylish men’s sneaker, rather than the traditional slip-on design, so you can wear these water shoes for long periods on land, and no one will notice that you’re ready for water action.
Academy Sports
15/18
Price: From $30
Sizes: 6-16
Material: Mesh
American sporting goods store chain, Academy Sports was founded in 1938. Known for their quality products at very affordable prices, if you’re after a pair of water shoes but you’re unwilling to fork out a lot of cash on them, Academy Sports is the way to go. The O’Rageous Aquasock II are very affordable but durable men’s water shoes featuring sturdy outsoles, air mesh uppers for breathability, and EVA insoles for comfortable cushioning.
Teva
16/18
Price: From $55
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Polyester
Teva was born when in 1984 when founder Mark Thatcher noticed there was a lack of shoes appropriate for river activities in the market, and thus, created the first sports sandal. Today, the company has expanded and is arguably best known for its wide array of stylish sandals perfect for everyday wear. However, Teva also still stocks sports sandals.
The Omnium 2 provides support and protection during any kind of water-based activity. Featuring a quick-drying upper, Rugged Spider rubber outsole (specifically designed for wet conditions) for great traction, lightweight EVA foam midsoles for cushioning and comfort, and a nylon shank to stabilize and support feet on uneven terrain, the Omnium 2 are an outstanding pair of water shoes.
Ecco
17/18
Price: From $135
Sizes: 5-16
Material: FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology
You know a brand is good when their company vision is “to be the best leading premium brands for shoes and leather goods”, and trust us, Ecco does not disappoint. Founded in 1963, Ecco is dedicated to creating shoes with pure passion, and apply the utmost attention to detail and quality.
The X-Trinsic Water Sandals were designed for water-related adventures. Completely fresh and salt waterproof, fast to drain and dry, and able to grip any surface thanks to rugged rubber outsoles, these hybrid water shoe sandals are comfortable and will suit most water-based activities.
Lands' End
18/18
Price: From $52
Sizes: 8-13
Material: Polyester, mesh
Lands’ End is dedicated to providing comfortable, quality products that let you enjoy the great outdoors, no matter the season. Their shoes are crafted with top-quality materials, ensuring a great fit and guaranteed comfort.
If you’re after a pair of reliable water shoes for men, look no further than Lands’ End’s collection. They have a fantastic range of water shoes, all designed for different purposes; so if you’re after a water shoe for the pool, beach, boat, river, or hiking, Lands’ End will have a durable and suitable pair of water shoes for you.