Finding the right pair of water shoes for women can make all the difference when participating in water activities. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which water shoe is truly the best for your needs. This article will examine the key factors to consider when shopping for women’s water shoes and provide recommendations on the top shoes available.
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What Activities are Water Shoes Designed For?
Water shoes are designed to be worn in and around wet environments, providing protection, support and traction on slick surfaces. Here are some of the most common activities women wear water shoes for:
- Beach walks, swimming and playing in the ocean or sea
- Lake and river activities like kayaking, canoeing and rafting
- Water aerobics or water exercise classes
- Hiking through streams and wet terrain
- Walking through water parks or water amusement park rides
- Surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and other water sports
- Boating, sailing, paddle boarding and fishing
- Showering at public pools, water parks and campgrounds
Having a shoe specifically designed to get wet protects your feet from sharp rocks and slippery algae or moss. The tread helps grip onto wet surfaces to avoid falls and the quick-drying materials keep your feet comfortable even when soaked.
Key Features of Women’s Water Shoes
When evaluating the best womens water shoes, here are some of the most important features to consider:
Drainage
The best water shoes will drain water quickly and efficiently to keep your feet drier. Look for mesh uppers or holes in the sole to allow water to flow out of the shoe. Some styles have drainage ports specifically for this purpose.
Traction
Slip-resistant rubber outsoles provide the traction you need on wet surfaces, whether it’s a slippery pool deck or mossy river rocks. Look for deep tread or lug patterns for the best grip.
Comfort
Cushioned footbeds and insoles offer support during water activities. Neoprene and spandex uppers are soft, flexible and form-fitting. Make sure any straps are adjustable so you can achieve the perfect fit.
Quick Drying
Shoes made of lightweight mesh and synthetic materials designed to dry within minutes rather than hours. This keeps your feet cooler and minimizes chafing.
Security
Features like heel pull tabs, adjustable straps and toe protection ensure your shoes stay securely on your feet in the water. Some have bungee laces or cinch cords to customize the fit.
Breathability
Mesh panels not only aid drainage but also ventilation, preventing water shoes from getting overly hot. Look for seamless constructions and anti-odor technologies for enhanced breathability.
Versatility
Many water shoes work well for activities like beach walking, kayaking, surfing and sailing. But the most versatile shoes transition seamlessly from water to trails, beaches to boats and beyond.
Durability
Water shoes take a lot of abuse on rugged shorelines and through repeated soakings. Synthetic leather or webbing uppers tend to be more durable than plain mesh. Reputable outsole materials like rubber, EVA foam and thermoplastic urethane also enhance longevity.
Easy On/Off
A rear pull tab allows you to slide water shoes on and off without needing to bend over or untie them every time. Bungee laces, toggle closures and slip-on styles also facilitate quick and easy on/off.
Style
Just because they’re designed for functional performance doesn’t mean water shoes can’t also be cute! Many are available in fun colors and prints. Streamlined silhouettes mimic athletic shoes with feminine styling details.
Types of Women’s Water Shoes
Women’s water shoes fall into a few broad categories, each with their pros and cons:
Water Shoes/Wet Shoes
- Pros: Lightweight, extremely breathable, drain water quickly
- Cons: Minimal protection for feet, not very durable
Aqua Shoes/Amphibious Shoes
- Pros: Versatile from land to water use, protective and secure fit
- Cons: Often don’t drain as quickly as water shoes
Water Sandals
- Pros: Airy and breathable, easy on/off
- Cons: Less foot protection, may come off in strong currents
Clogs
- Pros: Completely waterproof, protective toe bumper
- Cons: Heavy, not very breathable, long drying time
Consider when and how you plan to use your water shoes to pick the style that offers the right benefits for your needs.
The Best Women’s Water Shoes Reviewed
Based on the criteria outlined above, here are my top picks for the best womens water shoes in 2022:
Merrell Siren Bravada Water Shoe
Type: Aqua shoe
Key Features: Air cushioned heel, mesh upper, bungee lacing system, femalespecific Q-Form Comfort midsole, Vibram outsole
The Merrell Siren Bravada checks all the boxes for a versatile, high-performance water shoe. The breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool while the M Select GRIP tuned outsole provides excellent traction even on wet surfaces. A womenspecific fit and EVA footbed deliver custom comfort and support. Pull tabs in the front and rear plus bungee laces make them a cinch to get on and off. The Merrell Siren Bravada works equally well on land and in water.
Speedo Surfwalker Pro Water Shoe
Type: Water shoe
Key Features: S-trac outsole, drainage ports, air mesh upper, elastic heel retainer
Designed with the needs of water aerobics enthusiasts in mind, the Speedo Surfwalker Pro has excellent slip resistance and rapid drainage capacity. The lower profile fits easily into a swim fin while the elastic heel retainer ensures a stay-put fit. Cushioning around the ankle collar enhances comfort and protection. With an affordable price point, the Surfwalker Pro is the perfect minimalist water shoe for group water fitness classes.
OluKai Hiapo Water Shoe
Type: Water sandal
Key Features: Drop-in heel for easy entry, compression-molded EVA midsole for cushioning, non-marking wet-grip outsole, quick-drying lining
The sporty OluKai Hiapo is engineered for rugged marine environments but stylish enough for everyday wear. The sturdy high quality straps won’t stretch or shrink when wet. It conforms perfectly to the foot thanks to the custom fit lace-up design. While secure enough for moderate hiking, the open-toe construction provides substantial ventilation for water use. Don’t let the masculine name fool you – reviewers say this practical sandal works great for women too.
KEEN Clearwater CNX Sandal
Type: Water sandal
Key Features: Cleansport NXT odor control, rubber outsole, compression molded EVA midsole, multi-directional tread
The KEEN Clearwater CNX is a sporty sandal that excels when things get wet. The washable polyester webbing upper is ready to submerge. KEEN’s patented toe bumper provides durability and protection against rocks and debris. This lightweight sandal has plenty of airflow thanks to the open design. It sports an adjustable bungee lace capture system for a customized fit. With fun pops of color in the outsole, the Clearwater CNX is stylish enough to wear anywhere.
Aleader Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes
Type: Water shoes
Key Features: Breathable upper mesh, comfort dry sock liner, Solyte midsole for lightweight cushioning, ComforDry sockliner
For a basic water shoe at an ultra affordable price point, the Aleader Mesh Slip-On is a great choice. It has all the key features you need: breathable mesh fabric, slip-resistant outsole and quick-dry lining. The solyte midsole provides reliable cushioning thats lighter than EVA foam. Pull tabs in the front and rear plus elastic bungee lacing across the upper make them a cinch to get on and off. While the Aleader may lack some bells and whistles, it performs admirably as a no-fuss water shoe.
Zhuanglin Womens Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
Type: Aqua shoes
Key Features: Mesh and TPU upper, slip-on bungee lacing, rubber outsole, comforDry sockliner
Crafted with premium materials like breathable mesh and thermoplastic polyurethane, the Zhuanglin Aqua Shoe blends comfort, protection and performance. The elastic bungee lace system ensures a custom and secure fit that adapts as you move. Small drainage holes facilitate quick water release. While cushy enough for all-day wear, the durable outsole also grips slippery surfaces to prevent falls. For women seeking a versatile and stable aqua shoe, the Zhuanglin is a solid choice.
Crocs Swiftwater Water Sandal
Type: Water sandal clog
Key Features: Croslite foam construction, slip-resistant tread, pivoting heel strap, easy on/off design
Those familiar with the signature Crocs comfort will appreciate the lightweight Croslite foam construction of the Swiftwater sandal. The toe and heel bumpers protect against rocks and obstacles in the water. The pivoting heel strap ensures a secure fit for active water play and swimming but releases easily when its time to remove them. While they may not be the most stylish, Crocs water sandals are a tried-and-true favorite thanks to their simplicity, comfort and functionality.
How to Choose the Right Women’s Water Shoes
Now that you’re familiar with the top rated options, keep the following tips in mind as you shop for the ideal pair of womens water shoes:
- Consider the primary activities you plan to use them for. More rugged terrain calls for beefier construction while pool settings can get away with minimalist styling.
- Prioritize quick draining capacity for the type of water environments you frequent most: lakes, oceans, rivers, etc.
- The type of closure system directly impacts the ease of taking your shoes on and off, so opt for speed laces, bungees or slip-on styles if frequent removal is important.
- If you’ll use your shoes hiking to and from the water, focus on wet/dry traction and a stable fit that locks the heel in place.
- Don’t skimp on comfort – cushioned footbeds provide crucial shock absorption during water activities.
- Mesh fabric uppers offer superior ventilation and cooling compared to rubber and neoprene materials.
- Find the right balance of durability versus weight based on your plans – rugged adventures call for robust construction while poolside lazing allows thinner, lighter materials.
- Water shoes tailored specifically for womens feet feature narrower heel widths and reduced volume through the instep.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect pair of water shoes allows women to comfortably participate in a wide range of outdoor aquatic activities. With performance features like mesh uppers for drainage, slip-resistant soles for traction and adjustable closures for a secure fit, water shoes allow the wearer to traverse slippery docks, rocky coastlines and all kinds of water terrain without worry.
While specialty water shoes are great for boating, paddling and surfing, amphibious water shoes transition seamlessly from water to land environments, providing versatility for active lifestyles. Ultimately the “best” water shoe depends on the needs and preferences of each individual. By taking into account factors like intended use, comfort, support and styling, women can find their perfect pair to make the most of water play.