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Occasionally, water adventures call for the right pair of shoes. But not all vacations require the same style. Whether you’re hiking through creeks, snorkeling off the shore, or strolling along a romantic beach, this guide will help you find the perfect pair of water shoes for your activity!
Best Water Shoes for Women
Table Of Contents
When you think of “water shoes,” you might picture something for activities like snorkeling or beach lounging. However, there are plenty of other occasions that call for specialized water shoes, whether you’re hiking through wet trails, navigating rocky beaches, or simply walking along the shore without worrying about soggy shoes.
From swimming in the sea with tricky underwater terrain to enjoying outdoor adventures in and around water, this curated list of the best water shoes for women has you covered for all your watery excursions.
Whether you need durability, comfort, or style, these roundup of best womens water shoes are designed to support you through every splash and step!
Best Water Shoes for Hiking
Shop: Nordstrom | Dick’s Sporting Goods
Keen Whisper Sandal
The KEEN Whisper sandals are probably the water shoes you’re most familiar with. It seems to be the one included in the majority of checklists online.
However, it’s not the one that’s needed for all trips. It’s best for an adventure trip through a mountain when encountering muddy trails or even rivers you’ll need to cross. Our readers voted this particular style as the best water shoe for outdoor adventures.
You can see the full round up of their best womens outdoor sandals here!
Shop: Chaco
Chaco Z/X2 Classic Athletic Sandal
With strong durable materials, the Chaco Z/X 2 sandals offer sufficient protection while letting your feet breathe in the hot weather. This may be a practical shoe for outdoor adventures but is not suggested for regular travel.
When it comes to traditional outdoor water sandals like the ones shown above, avoid trying to choose “stylish” options. Just stick to neutral colors.
Learn more about how active travelers can choose non-traditional women sport sandals!
Teva Tirra Sandal
The Teva Tirra is a highly rated sandal to tackle water when you’re out exploring the outdoors. It has lots of traction in the outsole so even when walking on wet surfaces or creeks you can keep your footing.
It has an EVA midsole and topsole and has multiple straps with velcro closure so you stay secure. Overall, a sturdy, supportive shoe that’s water-ready. Comes in a variety of colors so choose your style!
Best Water Shoes for the Beach
Shop: Reef
Reef Cushion Vista Hi Cute Beach Sandals
A great way to tackle water in style is with the Reef Cushion Vista Hi Vintage sandal.
This elevated slide looks like a chic, everyday sandal but offers the convenience and ease of a beach-ready flip flop. It features a cushioned footbed, a sturdy platform sole, and water-friendly materials that make it perfect for walking along the shore or slipping on after a dip in the ocean.
Stylish yet functional, it’s ideal for everything from casual seaside lunches to romantic sunset strolls on the beach.
Find out what’s the best womens flip flops for travel!
Shop: Nordstrom
Olukai Ohana Water Shoes
The Olukai Ohana is beloved by travelers everywhere because they go with everything, are water resistant, and comfortable enough to walk around in for long periods of time.
Choose a fun beachy print or a classic color, they’re casual and versatile enough to wear throughout the day on any vacation—in and out of the water!
Shop: Nordstrom | Dick’s Sporting Goods | DSW | Dillard’s
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandal
The Birkenstock Arizona sandal is both supportive and light and allows you to walk on uneven terrain with comfort. The “Essentials” line is beach-friendly because you can get these wet yet they have support due to the EVA material. They’re also cheaper than other Birkenstocks too!
Did we mention there’s no break-in period? That’s right—put them on after purchasing and their soft, supportive footbed will feel like a second skin immediately, so you can focus on enjoying your beach surroundings.
Take a look at these beach sandals our readers rave about!
Best Shoes for Water Activities
Nike Aqua Turf Non-Slip Rubber Sole Shoes
If you’re planning a trip with beaches, snorkeling, and other ocean activities, the Nike Aqua Turf Shoe is an excellent choice for your water footwear needs.
These shoes are designed for versatility and comfort, making them ideal for travelers and families on vacation. They perform well on rocky beaches and areas with sand-filled broken shells.
The lightweight, compact design makes them easy to pack and practical for walking onto small boats from the shore. Their quick-drying material and strong grip also make them great for paddleboarding, kayaking, and casual coastal adventures.
Most travelers agree that you only need three pairs of shoes for any trip. Find out how with Pack Light Stylishly!
Shop: Nordstrom | The North Face | Dillard’s
The North Face Platte Canyon Quick Dry Water Shoes
If you’re looking for something less like a boot and more like an everyday sneaker, the Platte Canyon Water-Friendly Sneaker offers a sleek, modern look while still being built for water.
These sneakers feature a breathable upper and water-friendly materials that dry quickly and feel comfortable even when wet. The supportive sole helps protect your feet from sharp rocks or hot sand, while the overall design feels more like a regular shoe—making them easy to wear straight from the beach to the boardwalk.
Tip: The best way to know what type of beach to expect is to research. Ask your resort or ask a question on Tripadvisor.
Shop: Nordstrom | Dick’s Sporting Goods | DSW
Keen Uneek Water Sneaker
For more active water adventures like rafting, kayaking, or snorkeling, the Keen Uneek Water Sneaker is a durable and reliable option designed to stay secure no matter how intense your activity.
These sneakers feature a unique cord construction with a secure fit lace system, allowing for a custom, snug feel that moves with your foot. They’re breathable, quick-drying, and lightweight—ideal for comfort both in and out of the water.
The sturdy sole provides great grip on wet surfaces, and the open design helps them drain and dry fast, while still offering protection. Available in multiple colorways for a stylish, sporty look.
Take a look at these scuba diving essentials for first time snorkelers!
Best Casual Water Shoes for Walking
Shop: Nordstrom
Columbia PFG Castback Water-Resistant Fishing Shoe
The PFG Castback Water-Resistant Fishing Shoe is a fantastic option for those seeking both comfort and practicality on water-based adventures. Designed with a breathable, quick-drying upper and a durable, slip-resistant sole, this shoe is ideal for walking around the beach or participating in light water activities.
The sleek, casual design ensures it transitions easily from water to land, making it a versatile choice for beach town sightseeing or a casual stroll along the shore.
Read this post for cute and comfortable walking sandals that offer arch support!
Shop: Nordstrom | Land’s End
Lands’ End Sneaker Water Shoes
The Land’s End Sneaker Water Shoes are a practical and stylish option for casual water activities. Whether you’re strolling along the beach or walking through wet terrain, these shoes offer a comfortable, water-friendly design with a durable sole for grip.
The breathable upper keeps your feet cool and dry, while the cushioned insole provides all-day comfort, making them perfect for sightseeing and light outdoor adventures. They combine the look of a sneaker with the functionality of a water shoe.
Packing cubes make the perfect shoe bags to protect your luggage from your dirty water shoes. Take a look at other shoe bag ideas here!
Shop: Vessi
Vessi Weekend Waterproof Sneakers
The Vessi Weekend Waterproof Sneakers are an excellent choice for casual water activities and everyday wear. With their fully waterproof design and lightweight feel, these sneakers provide comfort and protection whether you’re exploring coastal towns or walking in wet conditions.
The sleek, modern design and breathable knit upper ensure your feet stay dry and cool, while the slip-resistant outsole offers traction on various surfaces, making them ideal for short walks or light outdoor adventures.
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
How to Pack Swim Shoes
Now that you’ve picked out you water shoes; it’s time to pack them! Maybe you want to store your shoes after wearing them on the plane or choose to wear a different pair home, start by selecting a container such as a shoe bag or a packing cube, then pack according to your type of luggage.
Many of our readers use Compass Rose Packing Cubes to organize and compress their clothing and other items they plan to bring. These packing cubes are the only ones on the market with a number and color-coded system, so you know where you packed everything.
And now the Compass Rose Packing Cubes are offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13” x 5” x 2.8”, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8” x 13” x 8.5”. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase. Users say the medium size is great for bulkier items! If you want to learn how to use packing cubes, watch the video below.
Watch this video to start learning how to organize with packing cubes!
Whether you have a front loading or top loading backpack, it’s crucial to put your shoes first, at the bottom. If you’re planning to pack shoes in a rolling carry-on, remember that it stands sideways, so it’s important to note how it functions when it is upright. Most often, your shoes will need to be packed close to the wheels, so that the luggage maintains its balance in transit.
What are your favorite water shoes for women? Comment below!
For more ideas on travel shoes, please read:
- Best Waterproof Sneakers to Keep You Dry In a Downpour
- Best Beach Sandals for Women
- Most Comfortable Flip Flops for Walking
- Comfortable Walking Sandals
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I love my Keens! They’re great for water shoes. Don’t forget to protect that big toe when you are shopping for water shoes.
I am completely stumped over a shoe quandary, and hope you can help! I’ve been an overpacker in the past, but I’m trying to hold myself to 3 pair of shoes for a trip, 4 max. I have neuromas in my feet (cannot wear heels and need supportive shoes, but don’t want to look hideous).
I’m going to the Seychelles on the 23rd of this month, and I’ll be spending a lot of time at the beach (obviously) which can be rocky, and also hiking – need shoes for those activities. Will be staying at a high end resort – need dressy sandals. Will need attractive walking shoes for exploring the capital and shopping.
I have Keen Whispers that I used for hiking in Hawaii, but I’m wondering if they’ll offer my feet enough protection for the terrain in the Seychelles.
Metalllic Stuart Weitzman Gelfisher sandals for evening
Naot Dorith Sandals for walking around the city, also for a 12 hour layover in Dubai
I need sneakers for the airport, I’d freeze in the Keens sandals on the plane and the idea of wearing the Keens with socks makes me shudder….
It seems like I need the waterproof Keens for the beach (my foot problems are such that I can’t walk barefoot), hiking shoes (can’t wear Stan Smiths on a hike, not enough traction), Stan Smith sneakers for the airport (and sometimes I have to use them for general walking if my foot pain flares up and Naots aren’t cutting it), Naot sandals for walking, and Stuart Weitzmans for evening. But that’s too many shoes! Help!
Hi Lauren! I would definitely find a casual/beach pair of sandals, hiking shoes, and a dressier pair of sandals. Try to find a pair of shoes that can double as casual walking shoes and for your hiking needs! Hope that helps!
i have the same problem, but with the addition of finding shoes that fit my feet. i typically wear size 4 in adult ladies, size 2 in kids. it’s hard to find the form and function (adult dress functions in particular, or slip resistance that you need on slippery surfaces) that you get in adult shoes for kid-sized feet–on top of having to minimize the number of shoes you have to carry around when travelling
I’m sorry to hear that Den 🙁
Thanks for the ideas for water shoes. I have a pair of Speedo water shoes I picked up on sale about 5 years ago, They are still going strong, but am seriously considering buying a pair of Keens. Love your blog! Ann
You’re welcome Ann 🙂 Glad you found it useful! I hope you find some you love!
LOVE your blog. Your sense of adventure and style inspire me every day. My favorite water shoes are ones that protect my feet and look adorable out of the water as well. I found the perfect pair at Astral Footwear. They are called “Mary Jays” and I cannot get over how awesome they are. They look like regular shoes but they are made to go in the water and they have tread that can go from shopping to hiking. This already seems like a commercial. Sorry. I just love them and honestly think you would too. Here’s a link to the shoe. I have the red ones and I wear them all the time – home, out and about, in the lake, in the river, hiking…and I get so many compliments on them it’s crazy.
https://www.astraldesigns.com/shop/footwear/womens/mary-jay#MJWRR
Cheers to you and thank you for sharing all your beautiful adventures with the world. 🙂
Thanks for the suggestion Ginny! I’ll have to check them out!