Image
(Inga Hendrickson)
2019 Summer Buyer's Guide

The Best Water Shoes of 2019

Footwear for land and sea

Image
Image

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Keen Damaya Lattice ($85)

(Courtesy Keen)

This sleek, lightweight sandal marries per­formance and style. The upper, made of washable, quick-drying polyester, repels some water and allows the rest to evaporate. On your feet for hours? The molded, microfiber-lined EVA footbed and midsole lend comfortable all-day support.

Buy Now


Reef Ortho Bounce ($60)

(Courtesy Reef)

People who normally can’t wear flip-flops, rejoice! Reef sought the expert input of doctors and athletic-performance specialists to make the Ortho Bounce one of the most supportive on the market. It features a cushioned, shock-absorbent footbed to reduce impact and a deep heel cup to help align the arch.

Men's Women's


Astral Rassler 2.0 ($130)

(Courtesy Astral)

Perfect for kayaking, rafting, canyoneering, and fishing, the closed-toe Rassler, made with hydrophobic canvas, dries and drains quickly when it gets wet. The super-sticky rubber outsole provides impressive purchase when rock-hopping across creeks, and the padded ankle is a godsend on long portages.

Buy Now


OluKai Miki Trainer ($120)

(Courtesy OluKai)

The lightweight Miki is an exercise workhorse and a water shoe in one. The breathable knit upper has a socklike fit, and the grippy outsole is exceptionally stable on wet surfaces. The collapsible heel gives this trainer both shoe and slide functionality, and the toggle lace system is easy to adjust for performance and comfort.

Buy Now


Superfeet Outside 2 ($60)

(Courtesy Superfeet)

We have yet to find a more comfortable flip-flop. The Outside 2 has a contoured footbed and deep heel cup for great arch support, making it worthy of all-day wear. The slip-resistant synthetic-rubber outsole keeps wet feet from sliding around while you’re treading slippery surfaces.

Men's Women's


Chaco Torrent Pro ($130)

(Courtesy Chaco)

Designed and developed with input from whitewater rafters, this technical shoe is ideal for boaters, with a low-profile sole and rounded heel that fit into the tight spaces of kayaks and pack rafts. Drainage ports in the midsole flush out liquid, the knitted polyester upper dries quickly, and the toe cap adds protection.

Men's Women's

From Summer 2019 Buyer’s Guide Lead Photo: Inga Hendrickson

When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.

sms