A good pair of water shoes is essential if you plan on hitting the beach or taking long hikes in the mountain this spring and 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.
Related: 11 Waterproof Walking Shoes to Make the Most of a Rainy Trip
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.
Adidas Outdoor 'Terrex Climacool' Boat Sleek Sneaker
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
Aleader Women's Quick-drying Aqua Water Shoes
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, from $22
Sea Star Slingback Espadrille Water Shoe
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
Land’s End Women’s Water Shoes
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, $55
The North Face 'Lightwave Amphibious II' Running Shoe
Regardless of where your daily runs take you, this lightweight shoe will keep you and your feet comfortable. It features a removable cushioned insole, cutouts at the heel, and is crafted with quick-drying mesh.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $90
Speedo 'The Wake' Water Shoe
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: zappos.com, $75
Ryka Women's 'Hydro Sport' Water Shoe
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 $30
Keen 'Uneek' Water Shoe
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
Pooluly Water Shoes
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
Columbia Women's 'Drainmaker III' Trail Shoe
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 $38
Merrell 'Tetrex' Water Shoe
Crafted from lightweight, breathable mesh, this hiking shoe features Hydramorph technology — which drains water quickly — and grip lugs for superior traction in and out of the water.
To buy: merrell.com, $120
Myley Water Shoes
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, $12
C9 Champion Women's 'Lucille' Water Shoes
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
Jambu 'Cheyenne' Water-ready Slip-on
These pretty lace-up slip-ons are perfect for long walks on the beach. The stretchy quick-drying mesh fabric molds to your foot and the built-in drainage system will keep your soles from becoming a marshland.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $99
Seavenger SeaSnug Low-cut Socks
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
Body Glove '3T Barefoot Cinch' Water Shoes
Whether you’re into surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking, these water shoes have you covered. They provide exceptional grip on wet and dry surfaces and the rubber upper molds perfectly to your feet.
To buy: sierratradingpost.com, $30
Cudas 'Catalina II' Water Shoe
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, $30
