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Occasionally water adventures require special shoes. But not all trips require the same type. Find out what water shoes to wear with which activities!
Water Shoes for Women
Table Of Contents
When the term “water shoes” come to mind, usually it’s associated with an activity like snorkelling; however, there are many activities that call for specific water-resistant shoes while on vacation.
Whether you want to wade through creeks while hiking, swim in the sea with a rocky bottom to contend with, and or want to walk on the shore without worrying about getting shoes wet, this roundup of best womens water shoes is perfect for those occasions!
Best Water Shoes for Hiking
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: Amazon | Nordstrom | Chaco
Chaco ZX2 Classic Athletic Sandal
With strong durable materials, the Chaco ZX2 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 Snorkeling or Swimming
Shop: Amazon
Mares 2mm Neoprene Non-Slip Rubber Sole Boot
If you have a trip planned with beaches, snorkeling, and other ocean activities then these Mares non-slip rubber boots are the best water shoes for your trip.
They’re very practical for traveling and are a favorite for families on vacation. They work great for rocky beaches or sand filled broken shells.
I personally use the Mares style for scuba diving because I travel with fins that require booties. I chose them because they’re compact and lightweight. I’ve found them to be extremely practical when walking onto small boats from the shore.
Most travelers agree that you only need three pairs of shoes for any trip. Find out how with Pack Light Stylishly!
Shop: Amazon
VIFUUR Quick Dry Water Shoes
If needing something less like a boot, the VIFUUR water shoes have a sleeker look with wearable top-quality rubber sole which protects your feet from being hurt by sharp objects. It’s also breathable and smooth fabric with fine stretch on uppers. Feels like socks, flexible and comfortable.
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: Amazon
Spesoul Unisex Quick Dry Barefoot Athletic Aqua Shoes
If you’re really into rafting, kayaking, snorkeling, or more the Spesoul aqua shoes are non-slip, durable, and have elastic straps and a lace-up lock so they stay put and you can adjust the tightness as you see fit.
Breathable, quick-drying, and lightweight, you’ll be able to move comfortably in them and they also fold for easy storage! Comes in many colors to choose from!
Take a look at these scuba diving essentials for first time snorkelers!
Best Beach Water Shoes
Shop: Amazon
Reef Cushion Threads Flip-Flop
A great way to tackle water in style is with a pair of Reef sandals, and thisstyle looks like a regular pair of sandals but boasts the convenience of a flip flop and beach-friendly shoe. Perfect for a romantic stroll along the beach!
Find out what’s the best womens flip flops for travel!
Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos
Olukai Water Shoes
The Olukai Ohana W 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!
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 Walk on Water Shoes
Native Shoes Jefferson Lightweight Waterproof Sneaker
Rubber shoes like these Native Shoes are versatile and could also be worn casually to sightsee in beach towns if you don’t require much support or if you’ll only be walking for short periods of time. The sneaker style shown above offers a bit more security than a flip flop.
Read this post for cute and comfortable walking sandals that offer arch support!
Shop: Amazon
Columbia Bonehead Mountain PFG Boat Shoe
Perhaps you’re into sailing or an outdoor adventure that involves a bit of water, the Columbia Bonehead shoes are great for those activities that don’t require a neoprene shoe but still need the water-resistant coating. And plus, it’s also stain resistant.
The outsole has great traction and it’s designed with a lot of cushion and an EVA. Comes in several different colors and in wide sizes!
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: Amazon
Aleader Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoe
These Aleader quick drying shoes are perfect on trips where you’d be doing light hiking or zip lining outdoor adventures as it has a secure sole and will work in the mud or rivers.
These come in a variety of colors too!
Shop: Amazon
Speedo Water Shoe Tidal Cruiser
If you want something lightweight but effective in the water, the Speedo Tidal Cruiser shoes are mesh, quick drying and have a neoprene color to easily put on and remove.
Take this to use in bodies of water with rocky bottoms or thick monkey grass and you’ll be comfortable and secure. And it’s sleek enough to even be a short distance walking shoe.
Shop: Macy’s
Ryka Kayak Trek Aquas
If you’re into sporty adventure on the water, you could probably pack these functional yet cute Ryka water shoes. With good bottom grips, they’re awesome for all kinds of boating activities, and smaller crafts, like a kayak.
They’re made to be quick-drying and are resistant to chlorine, so you could enjoy your ocean adventures and transition to walking the streets and not having to change shoes!
They also have cushioning and easy velcro for adjustment and taking on or off.
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:
- How to Choose the Best Travel Shoes for Any Trip
- Cute Walking Shoes for Travel
- Best Travel Shoes of All Time: Reader’s Choice
- Are these the Best Shoes for Travel to Europe?
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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!