These Water Shoes Prove Style and Function Can Co-Exist

What looks like a glorified sock is actually one of the most popular water shoes around today. The VIFUUR Water Sports Shoe is a best-seller on Amazon, thanks to a construction featuring breathable, comfortable fabric atop a cushy rubber sole that'll protect your feet when you're out and about. 

But don't take it from us — these water shoes have more than 2,000 rave customer reviews. Take this one, for instance: "Love these shoes!!! Water aerobics and water yoga are so much more enjoyable. No scraping feet on the pool bottom, and weightless! I have tried every kind of ‘water shoe’ over the last 30 years ... These are the best." 

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This hiking water shoe by Merrell will carry you swiftly across river rocks and rough terrain without tripping you up. The breathable kicks are airy, which means they'll dry faster after you wade into the water with them. Even better: no “squish” sounds like those regular old sneakers make when wet. 

The coverage this shoe offers up was designed specifically to keep debris out, so even when things get scrappy in the stream, you won't have to feel any of it on your skin. Wash with mild soap and water to bring them back to brand-new condition after some rugged use. 

Shop the men's version here.

Keen's Newport H2 is a super versatile option that blends the comfort and support of a shoe with the airiness of a sandal, and it's as water-ready as a newborn sea turtle. That's why they're our choice for the best overall water shoes for men. 

They're truly confidence-inspiring, no matter what kind of mischief you're getting into, with a quick-lace system and supportive upper that work together to cradle your foot in every which way, as well as a razor-siped outsole (think thin slits) with multidirectional lugs that grip the most moss-covered rocks at the bottom of the lake. 

A soft lining is hydrophobic, and the entire shoe is machine-washable, in case you find yourself jumping in mud puddles with the kids! 

Shop the women's version here.

OluKai's Eleu Trainer is basically an athletic shoe with water-shedding capabilities, making them our frontrunner and choice for the best overall water shoe for women. 

Everything about them was made for active water dwellers, including uppers that are quick-drying and breathable, a gusseted tongue to keep out debris, a quick-lace system for easier on-and-off, and sticky rubber outsoles for superb traction on slick rocks. They even have an exoskeleton, similar to running shoes, that provides structure and keeps your feet supported where you need it most. 

If the river is your second home, make these agile shoes your all-day slippers.

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Looking for some footwear that's part shoe, part sandal? Look no further! These shoes have a full knit upper that continues into the footbed for a true sock-like feel that gives you all-day comfort. 

They also used Teva's new Floatlite construction in the midsole to reduce weight, which makes these the perfect second pair to pack for European travel or alpine backpacking. You'll also appreciate the weight savings when you're exploring that new, never-before-seen watering hole! 

Shop the men's version here.

This is a serious shoe for water sports enthusiasts, and it's our favorite full-coverage choice for men. When you're kayaking through the Grand Canyon or lugging your canoe along a rugged trail, you'll need a shoe with a high-friction sole, ankle support, and reinforcements at the toe and heel like Astral's Hiyak. 

The style sets it apart from most others, too, so you can head from river to tavern in the same pair of kicks. 

At last — water shoes that don't look like water shoes! Under Amour's Kilchis have the look of your favorite gym sneaker, but they have a textile upper that's breathable and quick-drying, plus a contoured midsole and footbed design that resists water like oil. 

They're incredibly easy to put on and off, too, thanks to a snug-fitting bungee lacing system that can be managed with one hand! 

Shop the men's version here.

Crocs are known for their amphibious clogs, and they nailed it with the Swiftwater — the slimmer, sleeker little brother of their classic pair. The shoe still features the same water-shedding design, but the sole is made from a softer foam for a more comfortable feel. 

Slits in the outsole help to channel water away, while a fixed heel strap keeps you locked in, so you can hold a firmer grip while cliff-jumping on the next rafting drip. 

Shop the women's version here.

Keen has been leading the industry in outdoor-ready sandals for years now, and this update to its ever-popular Whisper is no exception. 

Wear them while you're doing yard work, tending to the campfire, or getting thrown from the raft into white-water rapids — the premium rubber sole will protect your feet! It also features a cushioned metatomical footbed, which provides added arch support and cradles your foot, so you can wear the Whispers all day long without getting sore feet!

Looking for a barefoot feel, but still want added protection from sharp rocks and grip on slick surfaces? Step into the minimalist Body Glove — they separate your first and second toes but keep the last three bundled together, which helps with balance and agility for water sports. 

The outsole is super grippy, and they're made of a quick-dry mesh with drainage ports in the sole, so they won't stay wet for long.

For paddleboarding, you'll need a shoe that makes you feel surefooted. These minimalist booties will answer the call, thanks to a flexible rubber sole that allows you to sense, through your feet, even the most minor shifts in your board. 

The stitching lines are carefully placed to prevent chafing, too, so these booties will fit like your favorite pair of socks.