Some of the women’s water shoes we tested for this guide. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

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If you’re anything like us, you love aquatic adventures. Whether your jam is trekking across rivers, rafting through canyons, stand-up paddling, or splashing around in tidepools, ordinary shoes aren’t going to get the job done. You’ll want a pair of shoes that drain well, dry quickly, and offer protection underfoot. Cue  the best women’s water shoes.

We spent a few months on the island of Oahu and then on the Colorado River, trying out some of the top water shoes in the business. Here are some of our favorite pairs.

Navigate To: Comparison Table | Buyer’s Guide | Best Women’s Sandals | Best Men’s Water Shoes

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide in November 2024 with more testing and comparison information, a new pick, and updated navigation.

The Best Women’s Water Shoes of 2024

Best Overall Women’s Water Shoe: Astral Brewess 2.0
Best Budget Women’s Water Shoe: Body Glove Horizon Water Shoes
Warmest Women’s Water Shoe: NRS Arroyo Wetshoe
Best Women’s Water Shoe For Hiking: Hoka Hopara 2 Sandals
Most Comfortable Women’s Water Shoe: Merrell Hydro Moc
Best Sandal Style Women’s Water Shoe: Teva Hurricane XL2

Jump To Best of the Rest

Best Overall Women’s Water Shoe

Astral Brewess 2.0 ($125)

Pros: Built-in sock liners, cool aesthetic
Cons: Not quick to slip in and out of

Weight: 14.7 oz
Upper: Canvas/mesh
Outsole: G.15 rubber

Astral has been a favorite among raft guides for years, and the Brewess 2.0 is proof of why. The Brewess 2.0 looks like an ordinary sneaker but is designed for the water.

It has mesh uppers and drainage and ventilation holes in the fronts and the backs of the midsoles that effectively drain out water. Where some water shoes rub, the Brewess has built-in sock liners that aren’t noticeable, save for the fact that they prevent rubbing. The rubber outsoles provide good traction and just enough support to wear for short hikes. Our tester loved that she could wear these shoes all day on the water and then slip into a pair of jeans and sport them for a night on the town. The Astral Brewess 2.0 sits at the top of our list thanks to its versatility and comfort.

If closed-toe water shoes aren’t your jam, the Teva Hurricane XL2 Hiking Sandals are our favorite sandal-style water shoe. They have a grippy outsole and reliable straps, but rocks sneak in much easier with the open design.

Read our full review of the Astral Brewess 2.0 water shoes.

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Best Budget Women’s Water Shoe

Body Glove Horizon Water Shoes ($15)

Pros: Low profile, easy to take on/off
Cons: No support and minimal protection

Weight: 12.63 oz
Upper:  Neoprene/mesh
Outsole: Rubber

The Body Glove Horizon Water Shoes are the most low-profile shoes on our list. They essentially only cover the soles of your feet with a little bit of mesh up top, which is both a pro and con. If you need shoes that prevent the bottom of your feet from getting scraped without getting in the way, these are a good option. We found that they worked well for surfing or standup paddling, but fair warning, you may be called a kook.

On the flip side, these shoes offer no support and minimal protection, so if you’re planning on hiking or walking on a treacherous surface, you’ll want to look elsewhere. The Horizon Water Shoes were easy to slide in and out of and comfortable enough to forget you’re wearing them. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for extra support and a more durable shoe, our top pick the Brewess is like a crossover between a hiking shoe and a water shoe.

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Warmest Women’s Water Shoe

NRS Arroyo Wetshoe ($45)

Pros: Neoprene, stretchy
Cons: Runs a little big

Weight: 8 oz
Upper: 1.5 mm neoprene
Sole: 1.8 mm rubber

Added warmth and protection wrapped up into one compact shoe? Sign us up. The NRS Arroyo Wetshoe is constructed from 1.5 mm neoprene, which adds a bit of warmth for chilly rivers or seas — a game changer. These shoes are on the narrow side, so they work well for rafting, kayaking, paddling, or exploring tidepools. They’re also super packable, which is nice.

Our tester particularly enjoyed wearing these for stand-up paddling and SUP surfing. The 1.8 mm rubber outsole isn’t wildly protective but adds just enough support to keep your feet safe from abrasions. These shoes are super stretchy, making them easy to take on and off and cozy and comfortable to wear. To top it off, they have an ankle pull table to make it even easier to slide them on and off. Our tester found these shoes to run a smidge big, so you may consider ordering a size down if you want a snugger fit. If the Arroyo Wetshoe is warmer than you need, the Body Glove Horizon Water Shoes is another bootie but the neoprene is a lot thinner and less durable.

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Best Women’s Water Shoe For Hiking

Hoka Hopara 2 Sandals ($130)

Pros: Quick-dry properties, crossover between a shoe and sandal
Cons: Bulky

Weight: 20.8 oz
Upper: CORDURA brand rPET/engineered knit
Outsole: Durabrasion rubber

The Hoka Hopara 2 Sandals are like a cross between a closed-toe hiking shoe and sandal-style water shoes. Although technically sandals, the Hoparas have a generous outsole that provides reliable support and grip whether you’re navigating a slippery creek bed or a hiking trail.

The Hoparas have a toggle lacing system that makes it easy to take the shoes on and off as well as an adjustable heel strap for a customized fit. Another big perk of the Hoparas when it comes to water adventures is that they dry quickly, making transitions from the water to land seamless. Finally, the Hoparas have PFC-free water repellant treatment that prevents them from soaking up lots of water, further adding in their quick dry properties. If you prefer a true pair of sandals, the Teva Hurricane XL2 Hiking Sandals are our top pick, or if you want a fully enclosed hiking water shoe the Wildwood Aerosport performs nicely.

Most Comfortable Women’s Water Shoes

Merrell Hydro Moc ($60)

Pros: Super lightweight, breathable
Cons: Not the most secure fit, look a little dorky

Weight:  6.17 oz
Upper: EVA foam
Outsole: EVA

The Merrell Hydro Mocs are hands down the most comfortable water shoes on our list. In fact, they’re some of the most comfortable shoes we’ve ever worn. If you’re familiar with Crocs, the Hydro Moc is similar but with even more ventilation and an even lighter feel.

The Hydro Mocs are great for splashing around, but the fit isn’t the most secure, so if you’re crossing a river with any amount of current, you’ll want to be careful that they don’t slip off.

Available in a bunch of fun colors, these shoes look a little silly, but they sure do feel good. And believe it or not, Croc-style shoes have been making a comeback in recent years, becoming trendy and, in a sense, fashionable. If you need a more secure pair of water shoes, the Teva Hurricane XL2 Hiking Sandals also have an open design that allows air and water to pass through, but they the strategically placed straps ensure the sandals will stay on your feet.

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Best Sandal Style Women’s Water Shoe

Teva Hurricane XL2 ($75)

Pros: Extra padding on the heel strap, hook-and-loop closure straps
Cons: Require a break in period

Weight: 15.6 oz
Upper: REPREVE recycled polyester
Outsole: Rubber

The Teva Hurricane XL2 Hiking Sandals were originally designed for hiking, but they double nicely as water shoes. They have grippy rubber outsoles that ensure adequate traction on slippery surfaces. They also boast quick-drying Velcro-style straps that are easy to adjust and take on and off.

Like a lot of good shoes, the Hurricane XL2s take a little time to break in and tend to rub a bit in the beginning, especially when wet — you’ll want to spend some time breaking them in before embarking on a big trip. Available in a range of fun colors, these are a good option if you plan on hiking in areas with lots of stream crossings or simply want to splash around in the water while keeping the soles of your feet protected. If you don’t mind a little extra weight, the Chaco Z/1 Classics are another wildly popular pair of water shoe sandals. They are more durable but we think they are slightly less comfort, but many would argue this point depending on if they’re Team Teva or Team Chaco.

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Best of the Rest

Merrell Wildwood Aerosport ($74)

Pros: Great ventilation, enough support to hike in
Cons: Rubs on longer hikes

Weight: 17.64 oz
Upper: Synthetic and mesh
Outsole: Rubber

Merrell thought of everything with its Wildwood Aerosport shoes. Designed for hitting the trails during summertime, these shoes are essentially lightweight hiking numbers with lots of drainage and ventilation thanks to a breezy synthetic mesh upper.

The Aerosports are cushy, supportive, and have great traction on both wet and dry surfaces. Our tester felt that if she was doing a hike of any length, she would prefer to wear socks with these for a little added protection against rubbing/chafing. But on short hikes and aquatic adventures, it was a non-issue. The quick lace system is easy to adjust and even has room to tuck in the extra string so it doesn’t drag while you walk.

If you don’t need quite as much support and grip as the Aerosports have to offer, the Brewess have a lower profile but still have enough grip and support for shorts walks and hikes.

Read our full review here.

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Chaco Z/1 Classic ($105)

Pros: Durable, adjustable straps provide custom fit, work well for hiking too
Cons: Heavy, not the best fit for narrow feet

Weight: 21.2 oz
Upper: Polyester Webbing
Outsole: Non-marking ChacoGrip rubber

Although the Chaco Z/1 Classics are traditionally thought of as hiking/walking shoes, the company was born on the river, and their shoes are designed for submersion. The Z/1 sandals are made from just eight component parts, so they have a simple yet effective design.

The continuous strap design is adjustable, allowing for a custom fit. But our tester has narrow feet and found that she had to cinch the straps super tight to get them to fit, resulting in some drag from the extra strap. And once grit and dirt get packed down where the straps run into the sole, it becomes much more difficult to dial in the fit.

The outsoles are thick and heavy but provide reliable traction and grip on both wet and dry surfaces. We have hiked in these sandals, cruised town, played in tidepools, and rafted down rivers and found that they are durable and perform well in a wide range of conditions. If the Z/1 Classics are a bit heavy for your liking, the Teva Hurricane XL2 Hiking Sandals are about 5 ounces lighter and reliably secure, albeit slightly less durable.

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Xero Aqua X Sport ($130)

Pros: Wide toe box, zero drop, dry quickly, speed laces allow for easy adjustments
Cons: Not a lot of support

Weight: 14.4 oz
Upper: Synthetic mesh/polyurethane
Outsole: FeelTrue rubber

Designed with minimalism in mind, the Xero Aqua X Sport waters shoes feature a wide toe box and zero drop heel that allow your feet to move naturally. And at 14.4 oz, they are lightweight to boot!

The Aqua X Sports fit snuggly, and the speed laces allow for quick and easy adjustments. The rubber soles are super grippy, so you know you won’t be sliding around, but the midsoles don’t provide a ton of support for lengthier adventures. Thanks to the mesh upper, nonabsorbent tongue, and toe guard drainage holes, these shoes dry out quickly, which is exactly what we want in a water shoe.

The Aqua X Sport provides a barefoot feel and experience while keeping feet nice and covered. If you prefer ultra-minimalistic water shoes with an open design, the Xero Aqua Cloud Sandals are worth a look as well. Or, if you want a pair of water shoes with extra support for hiking, the Wildwood Aerosport are an excellent pick.

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Astral Webber Sandals ($110)

Pros: Super durable, zero-drop design, made from recycled materials
Cons: Straps rub during prolonged wear

Weight: 14.6 oz
Upper: Postconsumer recycled polyester
Outsole: Flex Grip with G.ss rubber

The Astral Webber Sandals are great multi-purpose hiking sandals and water shoes. The webbing and straps are made from recycled personal flotation devices (PFDs) and they sport PFD-grade buckles, so they’re extra strong and durable. The straps are adjustable, so it’s easy to create a custom fit.

The zero-drop footbed and wide toebox promote a natural stride, and the rubber outsoles have a reliable grip. Our tester wore these sandals on a 16-day rafting trip and found they worked well for time on the river as well as for hikes along the way. The only issue she had was some rubbing along the straps after multiple days on the river. We really love the aesthetic of the sandals and the way they complete an outfit, even when you’re nowhere near water. If zero-drop is not your jam, the Teva Hurricane XL2 Hiking Sandals have a more traditional design but are also strappy sandals that perform well in the water and on the trails.

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Birkenstock Kalahari ($145)

Pros: Footbed cradles your feet, easy to clean
Cons: Take time to break in, heavy

Weight: 22.4 oz
Upper: Birko-Flor Futura
Outsole: Light polyurethane sole (PU) 

Birkenstock has a reputation for making comfy and stylish slides, but who knew they made hiking/water shoes as well? The Birkenstock Kalahari sandals sport three Velcro-style straps, allowing for quick and easy sizing adjustments. The footbed cradles your foot, and the PU lining feels soft underfoot.

These sandals do feel a bit stiff at first, but they get more comfortable with each wear. The soles are grippy and work well for water adventures as well as hitting the trails for a short hike. The Kalahari sandals are easy to spray down after a muddy day of adventures, keeping them looking shiny new for next time. If you’re looking for a lighter-weight option, the Birkenstock Boston Essentials is a less secure shoe, but is lightweight and comfortable. Or, if you don’t like the plasticy feel of the soles of the Kalahari, the Astral Webber Sandals have a rubber outsole which we felt conformed better to our feet.

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Women’s Water Shoes Comparison Table

How We Tested Women’s Water Shoes

Rebecca Parsons took the lead on women’s water shoe testing. She lives in Oahu, Hawaii, where she regularly hikes on trails that include mud, multiple creek crossings, and waterfalls. She also spends a lot of time on a standup paddleboard, often crossing rough and rocky terrain to enter the water. Oahu also has lots of tidepools that are even more fun to explore with extra protection on your feet.

In addition to testing on Oahu, our tester spent 16 days river rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon where she had ample opportunity to put her top picks of these shoes to the ultimate test. An avid water woman, our tester knows a thing or two about playing in the water in the great outdoors.

We first ran this review in February of 2024. After some additional testing, we updated it in November of 2024, deleting an out-of-stock option and adding in the worthy Hoka Hopara 2 Sandals which stole the award for best water shoe for hiking.

Some of the best water shoes on the market. And we tested them all! Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Women’s Water Shoes Buyer’s Guide

Water Shoes: A Broad Category

There is no hard and fast definition of a water shoe. But in general, they are footwear designed to transition well from land to water and back again. They are great for folks who live an amphibious lifestyle and want a little protection and traction on their feet for aquatic pursuits.  Traditionally, water shoes have closed toes, but we’ve expanded our list to include some open-toe and sandal-style options as well. We believe there is a time and a place for both.

The Teva Hurricane XL2 is great for hiking and playing in the tidepools. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Choosing Water Shoes Based on Activity 

Before purchasing water shoes, you’ll want to consider how you plan on using them. If you expect to do a lot of hiking in your water shoes, then you’ll want a pair with a sturdy outsole that covers the toes and provides support and traction on a wide array of surfaces like the Merrell Hydro Moc or the Hoka Hopara 2 Sandals.

The Hoka Hopara 2 Sandals perform well in the water and on the trails. Photo: Beth Parsons//The Inertia

If you need water shoes for hanging at the beach or lake, you’ll want a less bulky shoe with a little less support. If you expect to be river rafting, paddling, or kayaking in your shoes, you most likely will want a blend of a streamlined yet supportive and protective design like the Astral Brewess 2.0. If you will be wearing your water shoes in a colder region, you’ll want a water shoe with some neoprene for added warmth like the NRS Arroyo Wetshoe.

Water shoes are great for standup paddling. Photo: Jenna Miller//The Inertia

Water Shoes Should Fit!  

Like all shoes, the fit of your water shoes is extremely important. You’ll want a snug fit — tight but not too tight. When your water shoes get wet, they may stretch a little, so a snug fit will help them stay on once you enter the water. A tighter fit also helps minimize friction points and rubbing, which in turn will help prevent chaffing and blisters. Many water shoes, like the Xero Aqua X Sport (pictured above) have laces or straps that you can adjust in order to customize the fit.

The Astral Brewess 2.0 was our top pick water shoe. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Water Shoes: Performance Considerations 

Although everyone has different priorities when it comes to water shoes, there are some general features to look for. A solid pair of water shoes has good traction, a ventilation/drainage system, is comfortable, and offers some degree of protection. It’s also worthwhile to consider the closure system and whether or not the water shoes provide added warmth.

Traction

You will undoubtedly be wearing your water shoes in a wet and potentially slippery environment. As such, you’ll want to make sure your water shoes have reliable grip and traction. If you plan on being active in your water shoes, look for a rubber sole that’s super grippy with deep lugs and intense tread patterns like those on the Chaco Z/1 Classic that provide traction on sand, mud, loose dirt, and other slippery surfaces.

Good traction is especially important when traversing slippery surfaces. Photo: Beth Parsons//The Inertia

Ventilation/Drainage

As you’ll likely be spending a fair amount of time getting your water shoes wet, you’ll want to make sure they have multiple drainage points to ensure the moisture drains out and you’re not walking around in sloshy, squishy kicks once you exit the water. Most water shoes feature a mesh upper — the more mesh, the more drainage capacity your water shoe is going to have. The Body Glove Horizon Water Shoes sport a blend of neoprene and mesh on the uppers, resulting in a warm water shoe that provides reliable ventilation/drainage.

Our tester wore the Astral Webber Sandals on a sixteen-day rafting trip down the Colorado River. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Comfort

When you get your shoes wet, there is an increased chance of rubbing/chaffing. Most times, when you’re wearing water shoes, you won’t be wearing any socks, so you really want to make sure your water shoes are made of a soft material with strategically placed seams. Good drainage will also help prevent rubbing and blisters. It’s also worthwhile to consider if you plan on doing any type of hiking in your water shoes, in which case you may want some support underfoot. The Astral Webber Sandals proved themselves comfortable on a sixteen-day river rafting trip, although they did rub on occasion as do many shoes when continuously wet.

Quick laces make it easy to take water shoes on and off. Photo: Beth Parsons//The Inertia

Closure System

Different types of closure systems include laces (quick and regular), Velcro-style straps, adjustable straps, buckles, or slide on/off. Our tester enjoyed Velcro-style shoes like those on the Teva Hurricane XL2 Hiking Sandals and quick lace systems like the one on the Wildwood Aerosport for the ease of taking the shoes on/off and for quick adjustments. But regular laces and adjustable straps can allow for an even more custom fit, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Consider how you’ll be using the shoes and what will be the best fit for you.

The Merrell Wildwood Aerosport offers plenty of protection and excellent support and traction for hiking. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Warmth

If your adventures will be taking you to particularly cold waterways, you’ll want some warmth from your water shoes. In that case, you should opt for some form of neoprene construction like the NRS Arroyo Wetshoe. These types of water shoes aren’t usually designed for hiking, but they’re good for rafting, kayaking, paddling, and surfing.

Best Overall Water Shoe

The Astral Brewess 2.0 looks like an ordinary sneaker, but it is so much more. With mesh uppers, multiple ventilation points, built-in sock liners, and grippy rubber outsoles, these shoes will take you safely from the water to dry land and back again.

Price: $125

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Protection

Some water shoes are closed-toed with thick soles and offer lots of protection. Others are open-toed or thin and flexible. If you will be doing lots of hiking, you’ll want a stiffer, closed-toed shoe that will keep your feet covered. If you’ll be at the beach or doing water sports, a shoe that sacrifices some protection to be thinner and more flexible should get the job done. Sandal-style water shoes tend to be a best-of-both-world option — they have lots of support and protection underfoot but are open — we’re big fans of the Teva Hurricane XL2.

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 Editor’s Note: Time to show your piggies some love. Don’t miss our Gear Guides for Best Women’s Hiking Shoes, Best Women’s Hiking Boots, or Best Hiking Socks.  For even more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

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