If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.
Best water shoes for women and men 2026
See more +
If you think of Memorial Day as the official start of summer, then the hottest and happiest season is just around the corner. What does this also mean? From kayaking and tubing to going to water parks and walking on the beach, warm-weather hobbies will once again involve water and the act of treading water. into the water.
To make this process as slip-free and comfortable as possible, you should treat the best water shoes for women and men as one of your most important summer purchases. There are some important considerations to keep in mind when purchasing shoes that you can wear while swimming, snorkeling, or even just hanging out on a boat. Mainly how well the style fits (without getting into blister territory), whether you can put it on and take it off freely, how many drainage points there are to prevent water seepage, and whether the outsole balances lightness with high traction.
Many summer activities require trekking to and from bodies of water. For example, consider the aforementioned kayaking expedition. Therefore, a good pair of water shoes should allow you to walk on land without holding on to nearby trees or fences, making you feel supported every step of the way.
OluKai water shoes for men are one of our editors’ favorite items in this shoe category.
Provided by: Orkai
And while the first thing that comes to mind for many of us when the topic of swimming shoes comes up is primary-colored, rubberized styles with closed toes, there are plenty of water shoes that can benefit from that, too. toes open The design also dries faster and increases the wearer’s foot mobility.
These days, the whole myth of primary-colored, tacky shoes in the world of women’s and men’s water shoes is being shattered by the efforts of brands like The North Face, Loeffler Randall (yes, designer brands are in on it!), and Hoka. These brands luxuriate in water-friendly silhouettes with flattering colorways, streamlined profiles, and accessories like golden hardware…to complement the chicest bikinis, of course.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best summer 2026 water shoes worth your attention along with your credit card numbers. Whether you’re planning on going for a lazy river or open water swim in the coming months, they’ll keep your toes safe, protected from the elements, and maximize your memories.
best designer
Loeffler Randall Reina Mesh Aqua Shoes
Just like choosing your next pair of sandals or walking shoes, your search for new water shoes should start with your destination. Here are some tips: Instead of choosing the cheapest option from a third-party seller on Amazon. designer Water shoes that pay off in style points, both in and out of the water.
From New York-based CFDA award-winning brand Loeffler Randall, this one will come in handy when you’re donning a swimsuit and cover-up to go paddle boarding or sipping cocktails by the bay. Equipped with meticulously crafted red mesh, they combine functionality (cushioned footbed, non-slip sole, slip-on convenience) with fashionable flair. The gold ball detail on our best-selling swimming shoes is the cherry on top and proof of the latter. This outsole is not only durable, but it also creeps up quite high on the Raina’s upper. Translation: As we trudged through mud and lake sediment, there is nothing To you and your fresh kicks.
Reviewer’s opinion: “I love how comfortable these shoes are. Well-made soles with good support. Really durable for a mesh shoe!”
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $250
Ideal for odor control
The North Face Pratt Canyon Shoes
92% of The North Face customers recommend this particular hybrid water shoe to women. What should we be grateful for? Equipped with holes in the upper, footbed, and sole, the Platte Canyon is fully functional for transitioning from land to sea and back. Antibacterial and deodorizing mesh. A grippy outsole that doesn’t add unnecessary strain to your walk (after all, it only weighs 6.7 ounces when purchased). It also has thermoregulatory features to offset the effects of humid heat.
Don’t like the colors in the photo? This fan favorite is also available in all black and greyish blue with lemon green accents. With The North Face’s limited lifetime warranty and free returns, you can rest assured that you can buy with confidence.
Reviewer’s opinion: “I’ve only used these water shoes during my trip last week, but I’m already totally in love with them. I’ve worn this style while hiking (without adding socks or inserts), snorkeling when I get to the shore from the boat and have to dive off the boat to cross a rocky beach area, and during general trekking around the island. No blisters or scratches, and the tread is heavy enough for all the rocky areas I’ve encountered.”
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $120
best hybrid sneakers
OluKai ‘Ahi Men’s Performance Marine Shoes
OluKai’s Ahi Performance Marine Shoes, a footwear destination that captures the spirit of Hawaii and are “designed for the waterman in your life,” according to the brand copy, are water resistant, dry incredibly fast, give you a barefoot feel, and have a sea-inspired pattern on the outsole to keep you stable on even the smoothest of surfaces. Meanwhile, side drainage windows allow you to say goodbye to trench foot completely, and the ‘Ahi’ lining can be folded down to recreate slipper-like comfort.
Reviewers share that this shoe fits true to size and has plenty of arch support, so you won’t be disappointed when traversing the beach. Olukai says this style is inspired by traditional island-going canoes, but believes it is most similar to a duck: “It’s like water coming off a duck’s back.”
Reviewer’s opinion: “I really like the new shoes. They’re breathable for summer. A home run.”
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $150
best for men
Crocs Men’s Swiftwater Mesh Deck Sandals
Forget about classic clogs — this is the under $60 stepper you need in your life if you plan on spending any time outdoors or in wet areas this season. Updated for maximum comfort and beauty, the Crocs Swiftwater Mesh Deck Sandal features an adjustable strap closure, stretchy mesh, and wider-than-average ports to efficiently drain unwanted H2O (or sand). Compared to the sneaker-adjacent sandals on our list, the sandals are open, but the toes remain protected, and the company’s signature 360-degree comfort is visible in every detail.
Shoes don’t have space for Jibbitz, but with a color palette that’s pleasing to the eye and evokes nature, you don’t need them.
Reviewer’s opinion: “I’m on my fourth pair of shoes and I use them for vacations and walks. I travel in these shoes all summer long. I have foot problems and these shoes are very helpful to me.”
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $59.99
best hiking sandals hybrid
hoka hopara 2 shoes
Introduced a few years ago, Hoka’s Hopara 2 model (dubbed the “amphibian-like” model) is a thoroughly excellent product. Featuring a 100% recycled knit upper, it’s your faithful companion from the trails to tube floats. No-tie toggle laces provide an ideal fit. Optimized water repellency. Rubber toe cap to fight (and win) unexpected splashes. Additionally, strategically placed holes around the heel. At Zappos, the Hopara 2 is available in white or black to accommodate your sun-kissed clothing choices.
When navigating rocky, slimy streams, you’ll need better water shoes on the sticky side. Hoka’s outsole does a great job in that regard.
Reviewer’s opinion: “The surprise for me was the stable and supportive footbed. Sole aside, I appreciate that this wears like a shoe. It’s not a sloppy fit, and there’s an adjustment in the heel strap, as well as a heel loop to grab on to if needed. I have anterior cruciate ligament, middle cruciate ligament, and meniscus tears in my knee, and I walked around all day at work in these shoes and didn’t find any problems. Would I recommend them? Of course. If other colors come out, I’ll buy another pair.”
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $139.95
best open toe
Adidas Terex Hydroterra Sandals
For summer, we present the adidas Terex Hydroterra, perfect for those who prefer to be untethered in every sense of the word. Light as air, lace-free (replace it with a hook-and-loop strap), the color-blocking aesthetic follows the contours of your foot and is just as reliable during heart-rate-boosting activities like whitewater rafting and water aerobics, as it is for casual walks in the park.
Adidas recommends purchasing a half size down. However, if things still don’t go as planned, our 30-day return policy can help. Are you wondering how popular these outdoor water sandals are? Perhaps the fact that they’re already sold out in Women’s 5, 6, and 9 should convince you to shop without wasting a second, just like Granola Girl’s plans for the future. depend on On top of that. Hint: Yes.
Reviewer’s opinion: “Comfort, style and elegance with every step. Withstands any terrain and lasts.”
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $55
Sign up for the WWD Shop newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style, including in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and a buyer’s guide to finding the products you need to try ASAP.
Why trust Shoe News?
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the authority on footwear. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, fashion, sports and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully selected all featured products, using extensive brand knowledge and thorough research to find high-quality, long-lasting items.
Why trust WWD?
Since 1910, WWD, also known as the “Fashion Bible,” has been the leading voice in the industry for senior executives from the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail, and beauty communities, as well as the consumer media that covers the market. Today, WWD’s latest news and trend coverage remains a trusted source for fashion professionals and consumers alike. Our shopping editors uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with expert, high-quality product selections. Learn more about us here.
meet the author
Stacia Datskowska Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked as an assistant digital editor at ELLE DECOR, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through the lens of design. Over the past five years, her byline has appeared in USA Today, the Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, the Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Before joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tent pole sales, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from New York University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskowska regularly reports on shoes that sit at the intersection of “trendy” and “technical.”
Source: Shop – wwd.com
