best water shoes
(Courtesy the Companies)
2021 Summer Buyer’s Guide

The Best Water Shoes for Summer Adventures

Splash and wade with abandon

Image
Image

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

Astral TR1 Loop ($125)

(Courtesy Astral)

For hikes with lots of stream crossings, protect your feet with this full-coverage shoe. The recycled-polyester mesh upper cradles the foot and dries quickly. It’ll pass for a casual sneaker when you head into town, but the five-millimeter lugged tread is hardcore enough to handle any adventure.

Buy Now


Teva Hurricane Verge ($80)

(Courtesy Teva)

The Verge pairs a robust and rugged EVA foam footbed with an adjustable cross-strap upper to keep your foot locked in. The polyester webbing is lined with lightweight padded mesh to dry fast and prevent chafing. Our favorite part: unclip the buckle to free your feet without undoing the fit.

Men’s Women’s


Ecco X-Trinsic ($100)

(Courtesy Ecco)

This is a performance sport sandal you won’t want to take off after the expedition is over. Its shock-absorbent footbed is supportive and prevents fatigue for all-day wear. The rubber outsole grips even on slippery rocks, and the three adjustable, quick-fastening Velcro straps make the fit fully customizable.

Men’s Women’s


Body Glove Dynamo Vortex ($60)

(Courtesy Body Glove)

The Dynamo looks like an athletic river sandal but has the protection of a water shoe, yielding a comfy hybrid that will stay secure through ocean waves and river rapids. The footbed drainage system and stretchy mesh upper shed water, and the ultra-grippy rubber outsole keeps you on your feet. Two adjustable straps cinch easily when wet.

Buy Now


Keen Terradora II Strappy ($110)

(Courtesy Keen)

Don’t be fooled by its casual look: this sandal is based on Keen’s popular women-specific Terradora hiking boot, with an all-terrain rubber outsole and multidirectional lugs. This strappy number is best for those who want the wind on their toes, even on technical terrain. (Men: check out the Targhee Open Toe sandals.)

Buy Now


OluKai Moku Pae ($120)

(Courtesy Olukai)

Don’t want to choose between a sneaker and a slide? OluKai’s signature foldable heel gives you both. The Moku Pae’s minimally lined upper and mesh tongue are designed for breezy sockless wear. Meanwhile, the dual-density anatomical foam footbed has a gel insert for maximum cushion, and the wet-grip rubber outsole provides stability on deck.

Buy Now

From Summer 2021 Buyer’s Guide Lead Photo: Courtesy the Companies

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