The Best Women’s Water Shoes For Those Long Walks On the Beach (2024)

The DLGJPA Women's Water Shoes provide the same style and support as running sneakers, but they’re lightweight and have quick-drying abilities that make them the perfect shoe for any water sport. They’re made with a hydrophobic mesh upper, and the material is breathable to keep your feet cool whether you’re in the water or walking. The RB/EVA foam outsole adds to the lightweight feel, and thanks to tiny drainage holes at the bottom of the soles, these water shoes dried extremely fast. These water shoes are equipped for handling all types of terrain due to their anti-slip rubber sole that delivers traction and a strong grip for walking on wet surfaces — they're ideal to pack for a lake trip.

The shoe has a toggle shoelace to adjust the fit of the upper, and we loved how easy it was to tighten up the slip-on sneakers with one quick pull. Notable for having a comfortable and snug fit, the sneaker has a mesh midfoot webbing system that tightens around the middle of the foot to reinforce arch support and prevent the shoe from moving around and causing blistering.

The Details: Size 6-11 | Mesh and ethylene vinyl acetate

For budget-friendly travelers, the Aleader Women's Mesh Slip-on Water Shoes offer a comfortable fit and sturdy construction. We wore the shoes at the beach and noted the excellent quality of the sole that could be worn on all types of terrain comfortably, from sand to pavement. This pair of Aleader shoes resembles the style of slip-on sneakers and feels like a sporty option with support and durability. We also loved the athletic construction of the mesh upper and nonslip sole, if we needed to run or move swiftly, this shoe would be able to provide the proper support. While the shoe didn’t dry as quickly as other water shoes we tried, we liked that it has a versatile design that doesn’t look like a regular water sock and makes these sneakers ideal for a variety of outdoor activities.

The Details: Size 6-11 | Mesh and rubber

The best part of the Sea Star Beachwear Espadrille Water Shoe is that you would never know they are a pair of fully functional water shoes. These casual espadrilles have the iconic rope-soled look, but the upper is made of neoprene fabric, making them the perfect water shoe for the fashionable traveler. They look so stylish like an espadrille, and not at all like a stereotypical water shoe. After two weeks of wearing these water shoes to the beach and beyond, the white espadrilles still looked surprisingly new. Neoprene is the same soft and lightweight material used to make wetsuits, so these shoes are not only durable, but they dry quickly. They also come with a matching neoprene bag to store your shoes and other beach accessories.

The Details: Size 6-12 | Neoprene and rubber

The Merrell Hydro Moc water shoes are made of an injected EVA foam — also known as expanded rubber or foam rubber — that is commonly used to create sports equipment padding that absorbs shock. These slip-on water shoes have holes on the upper part of the shoe to allow water to filter through the foot and drain out of the sides. We wore the Merrell Hydro Mocs while hiking on a dirt trail and swimming in a lake and a river. Although the water inside the shoe drained out immediately, our foot felt slightly slippery inside of the shoe. Additionally, the shoe was comfortable to wear during a hike to the river, but it irritated our heel on the return journey because it hadn’t fully dried. The Merrell Hydro Mocs might not be the best water shoe for hiking, but the bottom of the shoe has circular grooves that provide excellent traction for traversing slippery rocks. Since these water shoes are incredibly lightweight and can float, they are perfect slip-ons for swimming in rocky lakes or rivers where a strong grip can prevent slipping or falling.

The Details: Size 5-11 | Rubber

We love how supportive the Ryka Hydro Sport Water Shoes are for hiking on a trail and swimming in a river. The sneaker-style water shoe looks identical to regular athletic footwear but has water shoe-specific features like a thick rubber outsole with drainage holes and a breathable mesh upper. Ryka Hydro Sport Water Shoes are designed for high-intensity water activities like aerobics or kayaking. They offer foot protection in the water, and the bottom of the shoe has a solid grip for walking on slippery surfaces in a lake or river. Although there are holes in the bottom of the shoe for draining water, our tester said that no rocks or pebbles snuck in through them, and the shoe dried after about 20 minutes out of the water. The shoes were comfortable to wear in and out of the river, but after walking in them while they were wet, our heels were slightly irritated. Nonetheless, the shoe provided excellent support and comfort during our water activities, and we think travelers who value a stylish design and durability would be satisfied with this choice.

The Details: Size 5-12, regular and wide | Synthetic and mesh

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I clean water shoes?

  When shoes get wet, they can often get a mildew smell if they don’t dry properly or get cleaned often. To prevent that smell from lingering, you can place your shoes in warm water with soap or detergent and let them air dry completely. You can also try odor-eliminating sprays or home remedies like vinegar to combat stinky shoes.

• When should I wear water shoes?

  Whether you’re in a river, lake, or ocean, there is never a wrong time to wear a pair of water shoes to protect your feet. Water shoes are designed to keep your feet cool and protect them from jagged rocks, hot sand, or other surfaces that may cause damage to the foot. Most water shoes have traction on the bottom of the shoe, which can stabilize you on slippery rocks in a river or lake, too.

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