The Best Water Shoes for Women of 2026

The Salomon Techamphibian 5 Women’s Water Shoe ($110) is an all-terrain lightweight footwear option that comes to life while climbing over bedrock through the desert southwest, rafting down the waters of the Payette River, or hiking up the mountains of Colorado. We love this shoe because it can’t be pigeonholed into one particular sport, it’s truly made for all types of adventure on land or water.

We found that the Techamphibian doesn’t shy away from the river and can be comfortably worn with a drysuit, neoprene socks, regular socks, or just as is. This means that regardless of the temperatures, this shoe can provide additional warmth or enable you to go skin-to-the-wind as needed. While kayaking down the Payette River on a hot summer day, our tester opted to wear just the shoes and was happy with the temperature regulation.

Some other unique, enjoyable features on the Techamphibian 5 include a collapsible heel, heel-tightening strap, and reinforced toecap. The most innovative aspect is the collapsible heel, which makes it easy to slip on the shoe without using the heel piece, making it act more like a clog. The quick lace system also quickly tightens up the shoe, although our tester noticed that on days with prolonged use, she had to readjust and retighten them often. 

Despite this, another excellent design aspect was the ability to tighten the heel of the shoes (which didn’t periodically loosen). Most blisters come from shoes that wiggle around too much in the heel, either because the size is too big or just because the fit is wrong. The heel adjustment negates the need to worry about that. One downside is the extra flappy material, as there is nowhere to tuck it. But it didn’t get in our way while wearing the shoes. Plus, in the quick-dry test, these shoes were the third fastest to dry.

Our tester noted that she tends to kick quite a few loose rocks when she hikes around. Thus, we found the reinforced toecap extremely helpful. While the reinforcement on the toecap is still moderately thin compared to a hiking boot, that toecap is still a huge plus, especially since the other water shoes don’t include that feature. This feature alone is one of the reasons it edged out the Xero Shoes for best overall. 

The Salomon Techamphibian 5 Women’s Water Shoe shines on day hikes with water crossings, from slot canyons in the desert to creek crossings in the Pacific Northwest, on river trips where you might want a little more protection than a typical sandal, and even on casual strolls around town.

It’s a high-performance shoe that will keep your foot snugly in place, but it’s probably not the best option for running or thru-hikes. The shoes certainly work in a casual setting, though you will scream to the world, “I’m granola!”

One of the best aspects of the DLGJPA Women’s Leisure Sport Shoes ($30) is the low price tag. This water-specific shoe quickly drains water and boasts a flexible construction with a foam sole. But it’s not the highest-quality shoe we’ve ever worn. If lost in the ocean or river (as we all know happens sometimes), it won’t be heartbreaking (or break the bank, either), as these shoes already have a short lifespan.

We hiked along a sandy shoreline for our first outing in these shoes. The DLGJPA is easy to slip on and adjust snugly to the foot. A unique feature of these shoes is that the sole drains via small holes throughout the bottom of the shoe. No other shoe had this feature, so we were not surprised that the DLGJPAs were the quickest to drain compared to the others on the list. (Putting the shoes in the sand was also a bit of a goofy experience, as the sand just drains straight through the holes).

Despite minimal material used in construction, the material did not dry quickly (nor does the product website state what specific materials comprise the upper). In our hour-long comparison test of dry times, the DLGJPA ranked in the bottom four next to the more sneaker-like shoes: Astral Brewer 3.0, Astral Loyak W’s, and Teva Women’s Outflow Universal Sandal.

A peculiar aspect of the DLGJPA is the mesh pattern, which imprinted on our tester’s foot after just a short duration of wear. This happened during a short hike along a sandy shoreline. Though it wasn’t a dealbreaker, while wearing shoes over a longer period of time (specifically, on a 3-mile hike along a creek in the Pacific Northwest) we began to notice some discomfort from the material on the upper. The shoe base also did not provide enough support for our tester’s arches, which led to achy feet. 

While we wouldn’t anticipate a pair of the DLGJPA Women’s Leisure Sport Shoes to last for years to come — if you’re on a budget and need a pair of shoes for a holiday to a waterpark or light use on a tropical vacation, these would be easy to stuff into a suitcase to do the trick. They’re flexible, low profile, and get the job done.

The Astral Brewer 3.0 ($135) is a versatile water shoe with a sneaker-like design made by Astral Designs, a reliable and popular brand with whitewater enthusiasts. These shoes are made specifically with river activities in mind and are an excellent choice for rafting, kayaking, and SUPing from hot temperatures in the Colorado River to the cold glacier-fed White Salmon River. Design-wise, the Brewer 3.0 offers a quick-drain system, 3D air mesh to reduce sandy feet, and a step-down heel for easy foot entry.

The latest iteration of the Brewer improves upon a water shoe we already prized as one of our favorites for its versatility and reliability. Astral improved the heel lock so these shoes stay in place even more securely, and the upper is now made of 100% recycled materials in a blend of breathable mesh with durable canvas. Astral also improved fit, added grip, and upped the soft feel of the inside.

We tested the Astral Brewer 3.0 on countless river trips, including an overnight rafting trip down Ruby-Horsethief, a scenic section on the Colorado River. Our crew battled less-than-ideal March weather conditions in the high desert, and we encountered freezing temperatures, torrential rainfall, and sporadic bursts of sunshine throughout the journey.

These shoes held up well on the trip through the mud, cold, and rain. Despite the harsh environment, they rinsed off quickly and didn’t have any notable signs of wear. We also found that the Brewer 3.0 fits well with socks, without socks, or with a drysuit/sock combo. This versatility is a crucial feature we look for in a water shoe because, in colder climates, it’s common to layer up.

As far as drawbacks, these shoes don’t protect your ankles, so if you’ll be hiking a lot on tough terrain or walking your boat through treacherous rocky areas, you might want to go for something with ankle support. It’s also a bit challenging to get all the sand out of them, but this is a minor annoyance.

Regardless, due to their versatility off the river and their ability to visually pass as regular sneakers, the Astral Brewer 3.0 has become our tester’s regular shoes for whitewater kayaking and other river sports in cold and hot temperatures. In a testament to their versatility, they’re also hardy shoes for hiking, traveling, or wandering around town.

One important note: previous versions of this guide highlighted the Astral Brewess 2.0 as a versatile option. However, in 2025, Astral discontinued this women-specific water shoe and returned to having the Brewer as its unisex option in this category. The Brewer performs, fits, and feels just as comfortably as the Brewess, and it looks great, too. We don’t really notice any difference, but wanted to mention the change.

Cute as a button is how our tester described the colorful Xtratuf Women’s Kiata Drift Sneaker ($115), a delightful turquoise and pink shoe design that contrasts the typical waterproof rubber boots Xtratuf is known for. Thanks to the upper’s unique, flexible, and unlined fabric, the shoe fits like a glove and slides on easily.

We first took these shoes out in the dry shrublands in Nevada, working long days in the backcountry, which is quite devoid of water (unfortunately). They held up as hiking, walking, and running shoes, proving support and comfort to our feet, but since Nevada isn’t known for its water features, we quickly jumped ship and headed north to the Pacific Northwest.

There, the Kiatas began to show some issues with athletic performance. While the shoes fit snugly with socks, once the upper material stretches out, it doesn’t snatch back up (even when dunked in water). Part of that problem could be the lace system design itself — the placement of the threading doesn’t seem wide enough, with no extension to the sides of the foot. The other issue is that the eyelets have a lot of friction against the laces themselves — so a tug on the laces doesn’t extend to the full length of the threading.

The fabric used in the upper construction is a textile fly knit mixed with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which can best be described as some sort of soft, thin-woven yarn mix. While we aren’t able to create the same conditions to include the Kiatas in the quick dry ranking list, after leaving them out in the summer sun for less than an hour, they were surprisingly dry (significantly more so than the Teva Outflows, the other sneaker-like water shoes in that same timeframe).

Overall, we felt they drained at a moderate rate compared to the other shoes. Water didn’t get stuck in the shoe, a problem we saw with other thickly-soled water shoes.

Regardless, we love the Kiatas and are excited to see what Xtratuf thinks of next. We’d best describe the Kiatas as hiking shoes that can definitely get wet thanks to their unlined quick-drying fabric, but we will likely use these more on drier trails. They find their stride without socks – providing all-day foot comfort while looking stylish on the trails.

The Astral Loyak W’s ($95) is a fashionable, low-profile footwear option that seamlessly blends into any occasion, from a day outside to a social hour at night. These shoes are great whether you’re on a sailboat, wading through small creeks, or traveling through countries from adventure to adventure.

While our tester doesn’t have the luxury of owning a sailboat, she can’t help but envision how great these shoes would look on them. The Loyaks’ real-world testing took place on hikes on the muddy trails in the Pacific Northwest. With cold feet and wet socks, the shoes turned the color of dirt, so perhaps that was a less-than-ideal situation for the Loyaks.

These shoes worked much better along a warm desert river. However, after months of testing, the once-white shoes are now a permanent shade of gray. Friends are surprised to hear they started with a crisp white color.

We enjoyed the Loyaks while traveling on road trips. The low profile is comfortable with breathable fabric for a very extended time. We noted that they held up on a 15-hour road trip from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Marfa, Texas. The stylish versatility of the shoes makes it easy to change from travel clothing to normal clothing without needing a change in footwear. While the shoes don’t have a strong amount of foot support (a trade-off for how lightweight they are), they’ve proven to be a great daily driver.

In the quick dry and drainage test, these ranked mid-pack with no significant results. Nevertheless, there are still lots of positive aspects about the design that make our tester keep wearing the pair. The Loyak is bendy and compressible, which makes it easy to squeeze into the last couple of open spaces in a travel bag or suitcase. The shoe is also stylish and available in colors beyond white.

While these shoes are charming, they lack the ruggedness and durability required for more demanding environments and outdoor pursuits. While Emma was scouting a rapid in her Loyaks, the water caused her feet to slip around from the wet rubber insole. She tied the laces tighter, which helped a bit, but is hesitant to continue using them for river-specific activities.

Another thing to note is that the Loyaks do not offer half sizes. If you’re a half size, we recommend sizing up if you plan to wear socks or size down if you’re going barefoot. These shoes are not compatible with a dry suit or neoprene socks and aren’t generally recommended for hardshell kayaking (but might be a good option for a small old-school playboat in which you’ll either wear low-profile shoes or go barefoot).

Despite these considerations, the Astral Loyaks find their niche in casual settings. A night out dancing? Walking down a boardwalk? A 15-hour road trip? These shoes are a cute addition to any outfit. We highly recommend looking elsewhere for more supportive shoes for burlier outdoor adventures.

Teva took its fan-favorite open-toe Hydratek sandal and gave it a rugged upgrade: meet the new Teva Hydratek Closed-Toe Sandal ($100) — a legit all-terrain water shoe built for whatever you throw at it. From riverbeds to rocky trails, it’s got the grip, drainage, and toe protection to keep up.

We tested the Hydratek CT on everything from full-day paddleboard sessions to an overnight trip down Wyoming’s Snake River, plus a few chill spring and summer hikes. Wet, dry, sandy, or rocky—they handled it all. The outsole sticks like glue, and the closed toe saves you from those painful stubs when you catch a root or slam into an underwater rock. Which, let’s be real, happens.

They’re light, super breathable, and comfy enough for long hours on your feet. The quick-pull lacing is clutch when you’re in a rush to hit the trail or jump onto the water. That said, the heel vents can let in some pebbles if you’re hiking loose terrain, but that’s par for the course with water shoes that drain well. We feel this is a fair tradeoff for the versatility offered by these shoes. Plus, they’re super cute and stylish, so they seamlessly transition from river to restaurant or trail to town.

The bottom line is that if you want a do-it-all water shoe that won’t break the bank and actually performs, the Hydratek CT is a smart choice.

The KEEN Newport H2 ($130) earned a reputation as one of the market’s most dependable hybrid water shoes. Designed for active women who split their time between trails, rivers, and casual outdoor adventures, the Newport H2 balances durability, support, and water-readiness in a rugged, comfortable package. With their signature protective toe cap and secure fit, these water shoes are ideal for those who want more than just flip-flop functionality in warm weather.

The Newport H2 boasts a roomy toebox, true to KEEN’s signature design, and a contoured footbed that supports natural foot shape and arch. As a result, this is an extremely comfy shoe. The quick-dry lining and soft straps help prevent chafing, even when worn without socks. They fit true to size for most wearers, though those with narrower feet may find them a bit spacious.

Traction and stability are equally impressive. The non-marking rubber outsole has multidirectional lugs that grip well on everything from slick river rocks to loose gravel trails. The secure lace-lock bungee system and heel strap keep the sandal snug to the foot, reducing slipping or instability during activity. While unsuited for technical climbs, the Newport H2 performs admirably in uneven and wet environments, giving wearers confidence across various terrains.

The Newport H2’s defining feature is its closed-toe design. While some may prefer the breathability of open-toe sandals, the protective toe cap makes this model a favorite for those who frequently hike in rocky areas or work in environments where toe protection is necessary. This extra protection doesn’t come at the expense of comfort, though it does give the sandals a bulkier profile than some sleeker, minimalist options.

Overall, the KEEN Newport H2 women’s sandals are a top choice for anyone needing a versatile, adventure-ready sandal that doesn’t sacrifice support or protection. They’re not the lightest or most stylish sandals on the market, but they’re hard to beat for performance in wet, rugged, and variable conditions. Whether crossing streams, hitting the campsite, or just spending a weekend outdoors, the Newport H2 is a reliable and well-crafted companion.

The Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc ($60) reminds us of those hairless cats — so strange-looking that they’re kind of cute. Crafted as a comfortable slip-on, the Hydro Moc is constructed from lightweight foam and has a locked-in heel design that makes it perfect for wearing 24/7.

Our tester’s initial experience with the shoes left a lasting impression, to say the least. So much so that she wore these shoes for consecutive days without wanting to switch out for another pair. Sitting in a coffee shop? They’re fabulous. Walking down the block to the post office? They’re a crowd pleaser. Even on short walks in the park, the Hydro Moc makes its mark. They’re comfortable, easy to put on, and, due to their unique holes, were quite the topic of conversation among friends and strangers.

The thoughtful design of the Hydro Moc includes a convenient foam heel strap that makes it easy to take the shoes off and on and secures the foot in place. However, the additional heel piece means the shoes are always in “sport” mode without a convenient way to slip them on like clogs.

These shoes are comfortable because of the unique combo of materials used to make them. The Hydro Moc utilizes BLOOM Performance Foam, an algae biomaterial, and EVA foam (often seen in yoga mat materials) to create the shoe. This combination ensures a comfortable fit that’s quick-drying since the material does not absorb water.

Emma, our lead tester, even ran around town in the pouring rain with the Hydro Moc. While she was initially concerned that the holes would lead to wet socks, she stayed dry walking from the car to the store a couple of times. (Just watch out for puddles, since socks will immediately get wet.) However, if she were outside for a significant amount of time, the story might differ.

Our tester also brought the Hydro Moc on an overnight rafting trip as day sandals, and they slayed. They were super quick to dry and clean, easy to squish into the drybag, and stayed on her feet with no problem. A downside is these shoes are not meant for swimming, as they fall off in record time once you enter the water.

Overall, the Hydro Moc shines for short walks, errands around town, or relaxing around the house. They work well with or without socks, are lightweight and squishable, and are easy to clean off. For more intense outdoor activities, even if there’s a hike with loose rocks on a path, there are many better options than these shoes. The Hydro Moc is meant for casual, not climbing mountains.

With a snug and comfortable fit, the Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport ($130) is a unique low-profile water shoe ideal for someone looking for a pair of “barefoot shoes.” These are flexible, bendy shoes meant to move harmoniously with your foot’s natural curves.

When our tester opened the box, she had reservations about the Aqua X Sport. This was an unknown brand, and the shoes seemed minimalist in both coverage and foot protection. She changed her mind after one hike in the Aqua X Sport shoes. The design immediately fit snugly and comfortably against her feet with one point of adjustment — the quick lace system, which worked great to snatch up the foot shape.

The low-profile design made it easy to squish the pair in a backpack and contributed to the overall lightweight design. These were also the third fastest in the quick dry test, just behind the Techamphibian 5, which has a similar snug-fitting, high-performance design.

In the drainage test, these ranked in the middle of the pack. But, while wearing the shoes through the creek, the tight fit prevented water from getting into the shoe, which was a welcome change of pace compared to other bulkier shoes we tested.

While our tester wouldn’t categorize herself as a dedicated runner, she noticed that these shoes worked great for trail running. Generally, she uses shoes that offer more support, so this was her first experience with “barefoot shoes.” While we can’t speak to the long-term differences between using these barefoot shoes versus regular runners, it will be an exciting endeavor to continue trying these shoes out on soft trails.

On the downside, the small toebox on the shoe gave our tester some difficulties due to some toe deformities thanks to her ski boots, worn almost daily in the winter. The tightness of the design led to some blistering of the toes, which stuck out more, an average, a bummer, since it’s otherwise a stellar shoe.

The Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport are great for someone looking for a high-performance, low-profile design for low-impact hikes, jogs, and trail runs. From their snug fit to quick-drying capabilities, the Aqua X Sport would be a great addition to any quiver of shoes.

Upon first sight, the NRS Women’s Kicker Wetshoe ($58) is a familiar pair of water shoes. The design is completely specialized for running rivers in a raft, kayak, or canoe — and not at all versatile for hiking on trails or walking. They pair well with a dry suit or wetsuit, and thanks to the cushy, comfy neoprene, socks are optional.

We threw on the shoes for a quick dip in the pool-like desert creeks outside of Moab. While our feet stayed warm thanks to the 3mm-thin neoprene insulation (no other pair of shoes on the buyer’s guide is made from neoprene!), the shoes weighed even heavier when wet, as the fabric absorbs water. Is it possible to swim in the shoes? Yes. Is it enjoyable? Not so much.

The Kicker Wetshoe is easy to slip on, with Velcro straps allowing the user to tighten it quickly. But there will be some wiggle room, especially without socks or a dry suit. This extra space is a partial reason why the shoe is difficult to hike around and leads to some discomfort. The other reason is likely due to the lack of foot support in the design.

Thus, they don’t perform well on hikes, walks, or burlier portages on the river. While the shoes have a low-profile design, they weigh a pound and can drag down the feet while swimming. When wet, the neoprene insulation provides warmth — a contrast to the many other water shoes tested in the cold Pacific Northwest.

When we tested which shoes dried the fastest, the Kicker Wetshoe won by a landslide and was completely dry in the direct desert sun within a half-hour. However, if not given time to dry and thrown directly into the back of a car or bag, the neoprene bag held on to a wet-dog mildew-type smell.

Our tester has raft-guided and been around whitewater for some time and recognized these shoes as the “booties” given to customers to wear down the river. They last a long time, and she can speak highly of their durability from years of professional use.

While the shoe excels at day trips for aquatic activities, there are better options for multisport adventures (or even walking around town). Our tester is a true size 8, and these shoes ran a little big on her, making walking awkward.

For someone with limited space in the different variety of shoe options she can bring with her, the NRS Women’s Kicker Wetshoe wouldn’t quite make the cut. This product is best for day trips on the river or a lake.

Fun! Xtratuf is diversifying its shoewear line-up with the Riptide Sandal ($55), a one-piece foamy slip-on sneaker. While the holey design of the construction might be a familiar sight (look at the Hydro Mocs), the tighter fit and toebox of the Riptide means these shoes will stay on your feet better than their similar counterparts during casual creek crossings.

Constructed out of BioLite foam, the material boasts that it is more eco-friendly than regular EVA foam. We couldn’t find additional information on the BioLite textile other than on Xtratuf’s website, which states that the shoes will break down in a bioreactor landfill. According to the EPA, this type of landfill uses a liquid that helps bacteria break down waste — luckily, this means the shoes won’t randomly begin to decompose if left outside.

We first decided to wear these shoes on a short hike, where they proved themselves to be an easy and comfortable fit. The design is well-thought-out to keep the shoes on the feet, but these likely won’t be a pair we take while on the river with strong currents (otherwise, they might be floating downstream without us).

Xtratuf is known for its fishing-friendly shoes, which are popular in Alaska, especially on summer fishing boats. We theorize that the Riptides are meant to be breathable, easy-to-slip-on shoes during boat downtime. Again, we do not own a boat to test this theory, but we can imagine these would do just the trick as an extension of the iconic Xtratuf rubber boot line. The rubber is grippy, wet, or dry, and the material is water-resistant, meaning it repels, unlike other materials used in shoe construction.

The Riptides are best used in more casual, downtime settings—from a quick hike with a creek crossing to road-tripping up the coast or just to let your feet relax (and breathe) after a hard day’s work.

With the KEEN Women’s Hyperport H2 Sandal ($120), we were keen to get that spicy pink camo print out of the box and tested in our outdoor adventures. The hybrid sandal design brings the best of both worlds: A supportive sole with closed-toe construction like a typical sneaker water shoe and breathable open construction of the upper, in tune with a sandal.

We sent our tester stand-up paddle boarding down the Deschutes River in Bend, Ore., as the first outing for the Hyperport. The shoe is easy to slip on, so we wanted to test just how well they stayed on in light river currents. We also wanted to gauge just how quickly the polyester webbing dried in comparison to the other water shoes (though we are unable to replicate the conditions of the first quick dry test) and if the outsoles continued to maintain friction while wet.

The Hyperports started out strong, allowing for an easy grip on the SUP board while moving in casual current downstream. While there are many holes in the construction, no small peddles or rocks got into our tester’s shoes, however, the same can’t be said about sand. There was a lot of sand in the shoes.

It was difficult to gauge just how quickly the polyester webbing dried, as the shoe is mostly rubber. After an hour in the evening sun, the fabric was still wet, but the impact was more minimal than that of a sneaker-like design, as it doesn’t fully encapsulate the foot.

Now, we all know the saying that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and our tester noted that in her eyes, these shoes weren’t quite the style she was looking for. The pink camouflage color (called Nostalgia Rose) sticks out like a sore thumb in casual settings and against most outfits, though by the water, they blend in quite a bit better.

That being said, the KEEN Hyperport thrives in most river activities like short hikes through creeks or to waterfalls where you need a bit of extra shoe grip. They’re also ideal for hanging around the house where nobody else will see the shoes since, regardless of looks, they are quite comfortable.

Out of all the water shoes featured, the Teva Women’s Outflow Universal Sandal ($110) stands out for the greatest sole support, characterized by thick rubber at the base. While the shoe’s design is cute, the overall experience left much to be desired from an athletic water shoe.

This shoe offers an appealing design complimented by modern, chic color options. The grippy rubber sole provides the necessary traction for navigating across the rocky and dirt terrain along the trails of the desert southwest … or just to the grocery store. While not quite as grippy or lightweight as a climbing shoe, the shoes handle the sandstone without a hitch, but that’s about where the positive aspects end.

However, we found three major design flaws that created significant drawbacks in the Teva Women’s Outflow Universal Sandal.

One of those is the Velcro straps, meant to create a tight fit around the foot. Each shoe uses three straps (two on the front and one encircling the heel), but our tester could not tighten any of them enough to fit her foot shape. If she had sized down, the shoe would be too small and cramp her toes. 

Secondly, the shoes performed poorly in terms of drying capabilities. They were close to last in the quick dry test. An hour in, there were still puddles of water on the rubber sole of the shoe. The upper mesh was also still wet to the touch.

Lastly, in the drainage test, the Teva Women’s Outflow Universal Sandals scored in the bottom three, only slightly better than the Astral Brewer 3.0. The nonabsorbent nature of the rubber material led to increased water sloshing within the shoe. That same rubber material is bulky, heavy, and difficult to pack down for travel.

Despite the shortcomings, we recommend the Teva Women’s Outflow Universal Sandal for day hikes in which the extra shoe weight won’t hinder your fun or basic water activities, like lounging next to a river or lake.