The Best Women’s Water Shoes for Your Next Beach Vacation

Courtesy of Retailers

A good pair of water shoes is essential if you plan on hitting the beach or taking long hikes in the mountains this summer. Regular sneakers are just not made to handle puddle splashes, rocky river basins, or sneaky waves. You need footwear that’s sturdy enough and equipped to protect your feet from water, rocks, and everything in between.

If you’re into water sports like windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, rafting, or kayaking, opt for a water-ready shoe that provides your feet with full coverage and has excellent grip capabilities. Speedo and Merrell’s styles feature a quick-drying mesh upper construction and heavy-duty anti-slip sole lugs.

Running and trekking fans should look into The North Face and Columbia’s hiking water shoes for their arch support and cushioned soles. And while they perform great on land, you can also walk through lakes and streams thanks to their drainage systems that will keep your feet from sloshing for the next three hours.

And who doesn’t like sailing? For a cute pair of boating shoes, look no further than Adidas Outdoor, with a design in the brand's signature black and white stripes.

And finally, if you’re not really a water sports enthusiast and prefer beach activities like yoga, volleyball, or frisbee, a simple pair of aqua socks will keep the sand away from your feet (and home) while making sure that stepping on a sharp stone or the hot sand doesn’t end up ruining your day. Aqua socks usually have a slip-on silhouette and soft but sturdy enough soles. An added bonus is their flexibility. Just fold them in two and pack a pair for your vacation — they will take up a lot less suitcase space than a separate pair of beach water shoes.

And, of course, we scouted out some cute water shoes, too, and were surprised to find quite a few pairs that could pass for a regular sneaker and even one by Sea Star that looks just like a chic espadrille.

Now, take a look at the best water kicks and aqua socks that will let you enjoy your favorite outdoor activities to the fullest.

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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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Adidas Outdoor 'Terrex Climacool' Boat Sleek Sneaker

Courtesy of Zappos

This classic black-and-white sneaker has a perforated footbed and outsole that allow water to drain out of the shoe. The breathable mesh lining will ensure your feet stay cool throughout an entire day of sailing.

To buy: zappos.com, $60

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Aleader Women's Quick-drying Aqua Water Shoes

Courtesy of Amazon

These water shoes have almost 2,000 positive reviews on Amazon. People are impressed with how lightweight and comfortable they are as well as their flexibility and sturdy construction. Wear them while rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, or simply walking along sea cliffs — they have excellent anti-grip capabilities and won’t slip.

To buy: amazon.com, $35

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Sea Star Slingback Espadrille Water Shoe

Courtesy of Nordstrom

This shoe combines the casual, vacation-worthy look of an espadrille and the functionality of a water shoe. It is crafted from quick-drying fabric and features an elastic slingback strap for a secure fit.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $95

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Land’s End Women’s Water Shoes

Courtesy of Lands' End

We love that these water shoes look just like your standard pair of sneakers so you can wear them on and off the beach. The mesh upper will keep little stones and grains out while the cushioned insole guarantees you comfort. They also come in wide sizing.

To buy: landsend.com, $33 (originally $55)

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Speedo 'The Wake' Water Shoe

Courtesy of Zappos

This amphibious workout shoe allows you to get your daily dose of exercise in or out of the water. It has a drainage system in the upper and the outsole as well as excellent slip-resistant capabilities and additional rubber pods at the front and back of the soles.

To buy: amazon.com, from $26

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Ryka Women's 'Hydro Sport' Water Shoe

Courtesy of Amazon

Perfect for cross-training and water aerobics, these shoes are quick to dry and have a chlorine-resistant upper. The sole is flexible and features a water drainage system and superior traction.

To buy: amazon.com, from $37

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Keen 'Uneek' Water Shoe

Courtesy of Zappos

This sandal features a quick-drying braided upper with a bungee-lacing closure for a secure fit. The microfiber footbed offers excellent support, and the high-traction rubber soles deliver on stability regardless of the terrain.

To buy: zappos.com, $100

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Pooluly Water Shoes

Courtesy of Amazon

Perfect for hiking, camping, or windsurfing, these lightweight water shoes deliver comfort and stability. Together with the mesh upper, the drainage system in the soles will keep your feet puddle- and sweat-free.

To buy: amazon.com, from $10

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Columbia Women's 'Drainmaker III' Trail Shoe

Courtesy of Amazon

The updated version of Columbia’s "Drainmaker" shoe now drains water even faster thanks to bigger and more plentiful ports. With a shock-absorbent and cushioned midsole, it guarantees your comfort during long waterside hikes.

To buy: amazon.com, from $67

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Myley Water Shoes

Courtesy of Walmart

Diving, beach yoga, volleyball, surfing… Your next vacation could be packed with fun outdoor activities thanks to these aqua socks. They can be folded, too, so they won’t take up much of your packing space.

To buy: walmart.com, $14

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C9 Champion Women's 'Lucille' Water Shoes

Courtesy of Target

This slip-on water shoe is easy to put on and take off thanks to a side snap closure. It has sturdy outsoles that cover the toe area and is ideal to wear while practicing your favorite water sport.

To buy: target.com, $18

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Seavenger SeaSnug Low-cut Socks

Courtesy of Amazon

Practice any beach sport without worrying about searing hot sand underfoot. These aqua socks are made from durable and quick-drying neoprene and Lycra fabric.

To buy: amazon.com, $25

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Cudas 'Catalina II' Water Shoe

Courtesy of Amazon

These beach shoes have a classic ballet silhouette and a cushioned, elasticized mesh upper for a great fit. The anti-slip soles cover the toe and heel areas for extra protection.

To buy: amazon.com, from $19

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The Best Women’s Water Shoes for Your Next Beach Vacation

1 of 13

Adidas Outdoor 'Terrex Climacool' Boat Sleek Sneaker

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Aleader Women's Quick-drying Aqua Water Shoes

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Sea Star Slingback Espadrille Water Shoe

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Land’s End Women’s Water Shoes

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Speedo 'The Wake' Water Shoe

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Ryka Women's 'Hydro Sport' Water Shoe

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Keen 'Uneek' Water Shoe

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Pooluly Water Shoes

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Columbia Women's 'Drainmaker III' Trail Shoe

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Myley Water Shoes

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C9 Champion Women's 'Lucille' Water Shoes

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Seavenger SeaSnug Low-cut Socks

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Cudas 'Catalina II' Water Shoe

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