The 11 Best Men’s Water Shoes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our pick of the best aquatic footwear for every occasion

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Best Men's Water Shoes

TripSavvy / David Hattan

No matter where your travels take you, there are countless reasons to include a pair of water shoes on your packing list. From sailing trips to adventurous hikes up spray-drenched waterfall trails, these purpose-built shoes are designed to offer quick-drying traction and support. Some, including five-fingered athlete’s shoes, prioritize performance, while sandals and boat shoes look just as stylish in the bar after your adventure as they do in the midst of the action.

To help you find the best water shoes for your chosen activity, we tested 14 popular brands in a variety of real-life scenarios over the course of two weeks. Each pair was scored from one to five for comfort, drainage, protection, durability, traction, and value—creating an overall score that we used to choose winners for a wide range of categories whether you’re looking for support, traction, or budget-friendly options. Here are our favorite men’s water shoes for every kind of traveler.

Best Overall

Chaco Sandal

Chaco Men's Zcloud Sandal

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Drainage
    5/5
  • Protection
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Traction
    5/5
What We Like
  • Completely customizable fit

  • Superb wet and dry traction

  • Vegan-friendly construction

What We Don't Like
  • Nothing yet!

Scoring perfect fives across the board, the Chaco Men’s Z/Cloud Sandal was the clear winner during testing. The shoes come in a medium or wide fit, with adjustable polyester jacquard straps that wrap around the foot and through the midsole so that you can tighten or loosen them to fit your precise foot shape. Because of this, we found that they fit as if they’d been made especially for us. The podiatrist-certified, dual-density PU footbed includes an ultra-soft top layer for instant cushioning and we can confirm unrivaled comfort right out of the box. We loved the just-right level of arch support and the fact that comfort only increased with each wear.

We wore the shoes in the river multiple times during the testing period and each time we were impressed with the traction offered by the 3.5-millimeter-lug ChacoGrip outsole. We were able to walk on wet, moss-covered rocks with absolutely no worries. The fact that the outsole is made of non-marking rubber is a plus for boaters, while the quick-drying midsole meant we were never left with that soggy, slippery feeling underfoot. Finally, we feel that these sandals are constructed so well they’ll last for many years, and if not, you’re protected by a warranty against defects in the materials or workmanship for the entire life of the product.

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Materials: Polyester jacquard webbing upper, PU midsole, rubber outsole

A pair of wet and sandy Chaco Men's Z/Cloud Sandals

TripSavvy / John Somerall

Best Budget

Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0

Speedo Men's Water Shoe Surfwalker Pro 3.0

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Drainage
    4.5/5
  • Protection
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Traction
    5/5
What We Like
  • Mesh upper is quick-drying and water resistant

  • Protection from small pebbles and sand

  • Lightweight

What We Don't Like
  • Fit can be a little tight around the ankle at first

  • Limited sizes available

The Speedo Men’s Surfwalker Pro 3.0 water shoes have a bungee lace system that you can adjust quickly for a custom fit. We found them a little tight around the ankles when donning for the first time, but once on, they fit perfectly. There was a minimal break-in period (around one hour), during which time we experienced some pinching on the Achilles tendon. After that, they were so comfortable and lightweight that we pretty much forgot we had them on. The mesh upper is hydrophobic and dries quickly.

We found that even when wading into deep water, our feet remained mostly dry. When we returned to dry land, the shoes drained so quickly that they didn’t feel waterlogged at all. One of our favorite aspects is the protection these shoes offer from small pebbles or irritating sand—both of which are kept out by the tight ankle we mentioned earlier. The rubber outsole provides good traction in the water and on dry land, and we enjoyed ample support when we wore them hiking. At roughly a third of the price of our overall winner, these shoes are a steal.

Sizes: 7 to 14 | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole

A person wearing the Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0 while walking in a sandy area

TripSavvy / Mike Navarro

Best Splurge

Vivobarefoot Primus Trail III All Weather Shoe

Vivobarefoot Men's Primus Trail III All Weather FG Shoe

Vivobarefoot

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Drainage
    4/5
  • Protection
    3.5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Traction
    5/5
What We Like
  • Superior traction on all terrains

  • Athlete-level performance

  • Recycled, vegan materials

What We Don't Like
  • Considerable breaking-in period

  • Quick-adjust lace system is a little awkward

At the other end of the price spectrum we have the Primus Trail III All Weather FG water shoes, which we recommend only for serious trail runners (or any athlete likely to use them frequently enough to justify the expense). Designed as a water-resistant version of the brand’s original trail-running sneaker, they noticeably repel water when stepping in a puddle or running through creeks (but will take on water if submerged for any period of time). The materials are exceptionally high quality, although we found that this results in a considerable breaking-in period.

The ortholite insole provided excellent support even after several hours of wear. The "firm ground" outsole delivers on its promise of superior traction on all terrains, while the puncture-resistant finish protected our feet from all hazards we encountered. We also liked that the broad forefoot prevented our feet from sinking into soft mud, while the shoes’ tread pattern prevented hydroplaning on wet grass. The downside? We disliked the quick-release closure system, which left us with an annoying length of lace leftover. Choose from three colors (obsidian, dark olive, and solar yellow), and size up if you’re between sizes.

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Materials: RPET/spandex upper with a TPU coating, RPET insole, polymer/silica/vulcanized chemical outsole

A close up of a person walking in the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail III All Weather FG Shoes

TripSavvy / Steven Schrimpf

Best Support

Doussprt Men’s Quick Drying Water Shoes

Doussprt Men’s Quick Drying Water Shoes

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Drainage
    4.5/5
  • Protection
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Traction
    3.5/5
What We Like
  • Impressive arch support

  • Zero breaking-in period

  • Lightweight flexibility makes them easy to pack

What We Don't Like
  • Traction on wet grass isn’t great

  • Average-quality materials

Intended for a whole range of in-water activities from surfing to snorkeling, these Doussprt water shoes fit true to size and formed to our feet like a sock. There was no breaking-in period or uncomfortable chafing and one of us who suffers from plantar fasciitis loved the level of arch support these shoes provided. While this team member typically struggles to find shoes that are comfortable for extended periods of time, these are now his go-tos for outside wear. The only time they let him down was on wet grass, when the lack of traction had him slipping over.

The shoes performed well on all other terrains and we were pleasantly surprised by the level of protection offered. The breathable polyester mesh upper and rubber outsole are lightweight and easy to pack (although we reckon they’re unlikely to last more than a few seasons of hard wear). They also drain water quickly. We never struggled with waterlogged weight and the shoes dried completely when left overnight with the insoles in. Use the elastic rubber shoelace to adjust the fit and choose from a range of colors including red, black, and army green.

Sizes: 7 to 16 | Materials: Polyester mesh upper, rubber outsole

A close up of a person's feet wearing the DOUSSPRT Men’s Quick Drying Water Shoes on the grass

TripSavvy / Steven Schrimpf

Best Traction

Keen Men's Water Sandals

Keen Men's Drift Creek H2 Water Sandals

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    3.5/5
  • Drainage
    5/5
  • Protection
    3.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Traction
    5/5
What We Like
  • Comfortable lining adds protection

  • Great traction, even on a steep incline

  • No signs of wear and tear post-testing

What We Don't Like
  • Sand and pebbles may collect inside

  • Can be difficult to put on correctly

We love the Keen Men’s Drift Creek H2 Water Sandals for their combination of lightness and durability, with quality materials that showed no sign of wear and tear after our tests were over. The uppers consist of multiple webbing straps for a summery aesthetic and a comfortable, 10-point fit. The lace-lock bungee system was a little difficult to get right and we found ourselves having to adjust the tongue every 20 minutes or so. But, there was zero breaking-in period and no discomfort or chafing. The sandals don’t repel moisture; rather, they drain water and dry quickly.

We love the sock-like liner and closed toe for the protection they offer against larger rocks when wading through the water. We did find that sand and small pebbles tended to collect inside the sandals, though, which was somewhat irritating. However, the traction afforded by the rugged rubber outsole more than made up for this inconvenience, offering good grip on wet and dry surfaces (and even when climbing a steep hill). The contoured EVA insole is built for comfort with good arch and heel support, and we like that the sandals are machine washable and built to resist odors.

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Materials: Recycled PET upper, EVA insole, rubber outsole

A close up of a person's sand-covered feet, wearing the KEEN Men's H2 Water Sandals

TripSavvy / Ben Anderson

Best Sneakers

Olukai Moku Pae Shoes

Olukai Men's Moku Pae Shoes

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Drainage
    4.5/5
  • Protection
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Traction
    5/5
What We Like
  • Stylish aesthetic fits in anywhere

  • Ample support and protection

  • Lightweight and easily packable

What We Don't Like
  • Takes a while for water and sand to drain

The Moku Pae shoes from Olukai offer a contemporary take on traditional boat shoes with a breathable mesh upper and no-tie laces. We love how great they look—at first glance, it’s easy to mistake them for regular sneakers. They come in a choice of stylish colors from trench blue/off white to black/blue coral and did not suffer any wear and tear during our testing thanks to their high-quality construction. We found them lightweight, but still plenty protective and supportive. The drop-in heel is a bonus, making it easy to slip them on or off when transitioning from deck to dock.

The footbeds are removable and washable, and anatomically contoured to give you natural, lasting support. We found that they fit well and were very comfortable, with no hot spots or breaking in required. The outsole is made from non-marking wet grip rubber, which afforded great traction on every terrain we tested, from slick boat and kayak decks to sandy river beds. The shoes were as easy to swim in as they were to walk in. The only drawback was how long it took to drain water and sand once they were completely soaked. The shoes run large, so consider choosing a half size down.

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole

A close up of a person's feet wearing the OLUKAI Men's Moku Pae Water Shoes

TripSavvy / Dylan Thompson

Best Five-toe Design

Vibram Water Shoe

Amazon Vibram Men's Five Fingers V-Aqua Water Shoe

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    3.5/5
  • Drainage
    5/5
  • Protection
    2/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Traction
    5/5
What We Like
  • Extra-grippy, barefoot feel

  • Perforated soles drain quickly

  • Silicone-printed liner prevents internal slippage

What We Don't Like
  • Limited protection from sharp objects

  • No ankle support

Light, thin, and incredibly flexible (but never flimsy), the Vibram V-Aqua Men’s Water Shoes offer superior ground feel in and out of the water. If you’re not used to the five-toe style, they’re likely to feel odd at first since the experience is closer to being barefoot than actually wearing shoes. We loved the gecko-like grip they gave us, with great traction on mud, wet grass, and slippery rocks.

With no arch or ankle support and limited protection from sharp objects, they’re not necessarily suited to long treks over uneven surfaces, however. They’re ideal for canyoning, tubing, canoeing, and kayaking, with a silicone-printed lining that prevents internal slippage and a perforated megagrip sole that drains water quickly. Finally, we appreciated that we could roll them for easy packing and that there were no signs of wear and tear after testing. Sizing can be tricky (go up if you’re between sizes), while colors include black and gray.

Sizes: 39 to 49 | Materials: Mesh upper, EVA insole, Megagrip Outsole

A person wearing the Vibram Water Shoes and standing in a creek bed

TripSavvy / Brendan Harkness

Most Versatile

Teva Outflow CT Sandal

Teva Men’s Outflow CT Sandal

Teva

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    3.5/5
  • Drainage
    4.5/5
  • Protection
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Traction
    5/5
What We Like
  • Snug, adjustable fit

  • Highly protective closed toe and sole

  • Reliable traction on all terrains

What We Don't Like
  • Open sides allow sand and pebbles to enter

After testing the Teva Men’s Outflow CT Sandals, we thought they were the best option for anyone seeking a water shoe or sandal that’s versatile enough for hiking yet lightweight enough for spending time in the water. We love the extra protection afforded by the closed toe (we never worried about scrapes, bumps, or stubbed toes during our testing outings) and the snug, supportive fit. We found that the sandals fit as expected and were very comfortable right off the bat—albeit with relatively limited arch support. The mesh upper is lightweight, breathable, and quick to dry.

The sandals feature a microfiber lining for added comfort, while an antimicrobial treatment prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria. We also appreciated the adjustability of the bungee cord lace system and the all-terrain traction afforded by the durable “spider rubber” outsole. Drawbacks? The sandal’s open sides let in more sand and small pebbles than we’d like and water drains a little too slowly from the closed toe box. Otherwise, this is a high-quality option that also scores sustainability points with a focus on recycled materials.

Sizes: 7 to 14 | Materials: Mesh upper, EVA top and midsole, rubber outsole

A close up of a person's foot in still water and wearing the Teva Men’s Outflow CT Sandals

TripSavvy / Eric Stegeman

Others We Liked

Astral Men's Loyak

Astral Men's Loyak

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    3/5
  • Drainage
    4/5
  • Protection
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Traction
    5/5
What We Like
  • Stylish enough to transition from day to evening wear

  • Effective drainage ports

  • Secure fit keeps all dirt and debris out

What We Don't Like
  • Fit was not particularly comfortable for us

  • One eyelet came unglued during testing

If you want boat shoes that look as good socializing at the clubhouse as they do on the water, you’ll love the Astral Men’s Loyak Water Shoes. With an extra-durable, hydrophobic canvas upper and a non-marking flex-grip outsole, they tick all our boxes for function and fashion. Unfortunately, despite the EVA midsole and the fact that the shoes have been designed to mirror the foot’s natural position with a wide toe box and level footbed, we struggled with a seam that rubbed uncomfortably across the top of our feet. This was alleviated as the shoes stretched in the water, so it may be an isolated issue connected to poor fit.

We did love the way that after submerging the shoes, almost all of the water dispersed through drainage ports in the outsole within 10 steps on dry land. The high-abrasion flexi-grip material feels extra grippy on all surfaces and won’t leave black marks on your newly scrubbed deck. The shoes excelled at keeping pebbles, rocks, and other debris out and we felt confident in the amount of protection they offered. Choose from several smart colorways including cedar green, navy/brown, and gray white—and size up if you fall between sizes.

Sizes: 8 to 14 | Materials: Canvas uppers, EVA midsole, flex-grip outsole

A close up of a person's feet wearing the Astral Mens Loyak Water Shoes

TripSavvy / Michael Weisbaum

Others We Liked

Body Glove Men’s 3T Barefoot Cinch Water Shoe

Amazon Body Glove Men’s 3T Barefoot Cinch Water Shoe

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    2/5
  • Drainage
    5/5
  • Protection
    1.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Traction
    4/5
What We Like
  • Easy to put on and adjust fit

  • Mesh-covered drainage holes prevent sand intake

  • Quick to dry once removed

What We Don't Like
  • Not particularly protective

  • Fit wasn’t quite right for us

If you’re buying shoes for activities that involve a lot of time in the water (think: paddling or surfing), the Body Glove Men’s 3T Barefoot Cinch Water Shoes could be a good fit. We wore them on a week-long fishing and canoeing trip in northern Minnesota and found that they performed well, with the caveat that they weren’t particularly protective or comfortable to wear on an extended portage over rough ground. The unique three-toed design is easier to don than five-toed shoes, but with the same barefoot feel. Because the shoes are so flexible, there’s no break-in time required.

The neoprene stretch-fit upper feels like a second skin and offers some insulation in cold water. In tropical climates, the integrated drainage system not only disperses water quickly, but also increases airflow. We particularly liked that the drainage holes are fitted with a fine mesh screen to prevent sand and other debris from entering. These shoes offer great traction on wet and dry surfaces, and once taken off, dry quickly (think just over an hour when placed outside in a slight breeze). Despite their lightness, they’re substantial and well-made with no signs of premature wear and tear.

Sizes: 7 to 13 | Materials: Neoprene upper, rubber outsole

A closeup at a person's feet in water, wearing the Body Glove Mens 3T Barefoot Cinch Water Shoe

TripSavvy / Patrick McGowan

Others We Liked

Racqua Water Shoes

Amazon / Racqua Water Shoes

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Drainage
    1/5
  • Protection
    2/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Traction
    5/5
What We Like
  • Grippy, barefoot feel

  • Durable materials and construction

  • Lightweight flexibility

What We Don't Like
  • Excess lace caused by drawstring closure

  • Slow to dry

Another one for the barefoot shoe fans, this pair from Racqua is super light and flexible, cutting down on bulk for improved streamlining and comfort in the water. Your natural foot position is encouraged by a wide toe box, zero heel lift, and a low-profile outsole, while the molded toe guard follows the lines of each toe. We found that they fit true to size and were snug yet comfortable, with moderate arch support and a quick break-in period. Scrambling over wet rocks and tidepools? No problem, although we could feel sharp surfaces more than we would have with regular shoes on.

Our one major gripe was the drainage system. Although water drained quickly, the holes were too small to allow for any significant airflow, so the shoes were still damp after we left them out overnight to dry. Putting on wet, cold shoes had us docking major points in this category. We also found that sand had no problem getting in, but didn’t circulate back out again. Despite these issues, the shoes are well-made yet affordable, likely to last at least a few seasons, and are well-suited to in-water activities. Colors include black, blue, and Apple.

Sizes: 4.5 to 15 | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole

A person walking on the beach in the Racqua Barefoot Water Shoes

TripSavvy / Lars Peterson

Others We Liked

Vivobarefoot Ultra Bloom III Men’s Water Shoe

Vivobarefoot Ultra Bloom III Mens Water Shoe

Vivobarefoot

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Drainage
    3/5
  • Protection
    3.5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Traction
    4/5
What We Like
  • Good traction on wet surfaces

  • Drawstring laces for an adjustable fit

  • Vegan-friendly, proprietary materials

What We Don't Like
  • Significant sand intake

  • Expensive considering limited usefulness

The Vivobarefoot Ultra Bloom III Men’s Water Shoes are a niche option that we feel deserve a place on this list due to their innovative design and aesthetic. Meant to be truly amphibious, they’re also light, rollable, and super packable. The open honeycomb uppers are made from the brand’s proprietary Bloom foam, which utilizes algae biomass in an effort to clean and restore the marine environment. We liked that we could customize the fit using the drawstring laces, although we felt that it took a full day’s wear to properly break the shoes in.

With no insole, you can expect to feel a much greater connection to the ground than with regular shoes. However, we felt that we had sufficient support and protection and liked how well the shoes gripped to wet, rocky surfaces. We also swam in them comfortably. The only drawback was a major one: the holes in the upper are so big that sand and small pebbles are a constant aggravation if you wear the shoes in places where these types of terrain prevail. Not beach shoes, then, but perhaps a good fit for canyoning or river expeditions.

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Materials: EVA/Bloom upper, Bloom outsole

A person wearing the Vivobarefoot Ultra Bloom III Men’s Water Shoes and standing on a rock

TripSavvy / Mike Navarro

How We Tested

We tested 14 popular water shoe brands in real-life scenarios over a period of two weeks. Upon receiving each pair, we unboxed them and inspected all features including laces, straps, soles, midsoles, and uppers in order to gain an overall impression of material and construction quality. We also evaluated how heavy they were. We wore them around the house to check fit, comfort, and arch support. Then, we wore each pair of shoes on a minimum of two aquatic outings that lasted at least an hour.

A person wearing the Vivobarefoot Ultra Bloom III Men’s Water Shoes on a sandy beach

TripSavvy / Mike Navarro

On the aquatic outings we evaluated how well the shoes repelled water, their traction and drainage, and how well they supported and protected our feet on a variety of different terrains. We also noted whether the shoes fit differently or chafed when wet and whether they showed any signs of wear and tear afterward. Finally, we recorded how long it took each pair to dry when left in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

The shoes were scored on a scale of one to five for comfort, drainage, protection, durability, traction, and value, and the overall scores were used to determine our category winners.

What to Look for in Men’s Water Shoes

Protection

If you’re planning on wearing your water shoes to get in and out of a watercraft from a sandy beach or dock, then protection may not be your main priority. You can opt for the lightness and flexibility of a barefoot sole design or the breathability of open-toed webbing. But, if you’re likely to encounter rocks, sticks, or other sharp objects, you’ll benefit from a sturdier sole and a closed toe capable of preventing painful stubbing. Protection is also key for hiking through unknown bodies of water, where you may not be able to see submerged obstacles in front of you.

Drainage

A decent drainage system is key for any shoe that will be repeatedly transitioning between wet and dry conditions. Otherwise, you’ll get that disconcerting squelching feeling with every step you take and have to wait hours (even days) for your shoes to dry in between excursions. Drainage also helps any sand or dirt that gets into your shoes to flow out again. Look for open-sided designs that drain water naturally, or closed shoes with special drainage ports in the soles. We like the idea of mesh guards for these holes to help minimize sand intake, too.

Traction

Traction is an essential safety feature when it comes to water shoes because the chances are high you’ll regularly be in contact with slippery surfaces such as wet grass, mud, or algae-covered rocks. Look for grippy rubber soles with razor siping and a deep lug (three millimeters or more). Many people also find that five- or three-toed water shoes give them better traction because they allow each toe to grip individually. You can also look for innovations such as Vibram’s silicone-printed liner, which prevents internal slippage.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How should water shoes fit?

    Water shoes should fit more snugly than regular shoes. This is because the materials used often relax when wet and if the shoe becomes loose, you’re likely to lose it in the water. A snug fit also helps to prevent rubbing and therefore, painful hot spots or blisters, and reduces the likelihood of sand and other matter finding its way in around the collar. With that being said, there is such a thing as too snug. Water shoes should never constrict blood flow, be painfully tight, or apply pressure to any part of your foot or toes.

  • Do water shoes keep sand out?

    The level of sand intake depends on the style and fit of the water shoes you choose. Some (like those with webbing straps instead of a closed upper) have large holes that sand and even small pebbles can easily enter through, but they’re also large enough to disperse them again quickly. Others are meant to keep debris out, but the success of this will depend on how snugly they fit at the collar and the size and design of their drainage ports (if relevant). Minimize intake by choosing well-fitting shoes with a fully enclosed upper and mesh-screened drainage ports.

  • How do I know what type of water shoes I need?

    Consider the activities you’re most likely to use the water shoes for, then think about what that means for your requirements in terms of protection, traction, and overall aesthetic. Looking for a boat shoe to wear sailing? Choose a closed-toe design (to protect you from painful cleat collisions), a non-marking sole, and a style that transitions well to the bar afterwards. Planning a river trek or canoe expedition with portage sections? You need a thick, protective sole and excellent drainage capabilities. For mostly in-water activities, a lightweight, flexible, and quick-drying barefoot design is best.

Why Trust TripSavvy

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and Commerce Updates Editor. From stand-up paddling on Scottish lochs to exploring the waterfall trails of Indonesia’s central islands, she has plenty of experience using different types of water shoes. Products featured in this article were selected from a longlist of 14 products according to the results of real-life testing carried out by TripSavvy’s team of travel experts.

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