The best water shoes reviewed in 2024: we explore from streams to shores

With the joy of our beloved water pursuits comes a few pesky frustrations: sand between your toes, jaggy rocks and freezing feet when you step out onto shore. Water shoes are an easy solution, particularly for activities such as wild swimming where you find yourself scrambling over rocks, and hopping between land and water.

Activities such as kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding can all be made that little bit more enjoyable with the help of a pair of water shoes. They're great for the beach too, whether you're exploring Cornish rock pools, or nipping across the road for an ice cream.

In our review of the best water shoes, we've included a mix of designs - for men and women - with some resembling a sturdy shoe, and others offering a lightweight fit you can wear while swimming.

SQUIRREL_PLAYLIST_10136731

Take a look at our beginner's guide to wild swimming, best wild swimming spots in Britain and the best wild swimming spots near London. Or, if you know someone who also loves a dip, why not get them one of these beautiful and practical wild swimming gifts?

Best water shoes reviewed for 2024

Helly Hansen Supalight Moc One Watersport Shoe

Best for comfort

• Sole: 30% Recycled Rubber
• Slip on? Yes
• Fabric: More than 80% of the upper is made of recycled materials, mostly polyester

Thanks to an appealing aesthetic, supportive heel and comfortable fit, the Supalight Moc One Watersport Shoes proved a hit on review. We'd say this design is a solid choice for paddle boarders as you've got decent grip.

We had some issues with the water shoes filling with shingles, but if you're a sandy beach fan, you'll get great wear out of this high-quality water shoe model.

Pros: Great support for heel and toes, easy to adjust, durable build

Cons: Letting in shingles so quickly was the only drawback

Read our full review of the Helly Hansen Supalight Moc One Watersport Shoe.

SQUIRREL_13147564

Salomon Techamphibian 5 Water Shoe

Best for versatility

• Sole: Contagrip rubber
• Slip on? Yes - a collapsible heel allows for slip on wear
• Fabric: Synthetic / Textile

If you're on the lookout for a supportive water shoe that'll take you from footpath to waterside, Salomon's Techamphibian 5 water shoe is well worth considering. The versatile design features a collapsible heel so you can wear the shoe as a slip on model, for when you're pottering about a riverside after a quick dip, or as a more trainer-like shoe for casual rambles on a summer day out by the coast.

Featuring the brand's nifty quick-lace system, a grippy sole and a quick-drying fabric, we were impressed with both the quality of the build and aesthetics on test.

Pros: Quick drying, secure fit, high-quality build and design, great aesthetics

Cons: Lace system could be too fiddly/overkill for some

Read our full review of the Salomon Techamphibian 5 Water Shoe.

SQUIRREL_13148550

Regatta Jetty Aqua shoes

Best for beach-loving kids

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13148552

• Sole: Lightweight TPR outsole
• Slip on? Yes
• Fabric: Nylon/elastane stretch fabric

A water shoe option for young beach fans, Regatta's Jetty Aqua shoes are an affordable model, ideal for splashing around in streams and ponds. You could spend more on a more comfortable and technical design, but you can't go wrong with this pair for casual beach wear in the summer months.

Once wet, we found the grip was seriously reduced, so we'd say this design is more suitable for dry and flat land, or swimming pool edges, rather than wet slippery rocks. We’d recommend going down a size too, at least, for a more accurate fit.

Pros: Good value, comfortable, two colour options

Cons: Not true to size, lets in debris, not great grip

Read our full review of the Regatta Jetty Aqua Shoes.

SQUIRREL_13148552

Subea Aquashoes 120

Best for on a budget

• Sole: 10% Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, 90% Styrene Butadiene Styrene
• Slip on? Yes
• Fabric: Polyester

The Subea Aquashoes 120 are great for slinging in a bag when you’re heading for aquatic fun, but probably not the best for more serious water sports. These aren’t the easiest shoes to get on, plus there's no adjustability, but the lack of such features is reflected in the price.

We'd say the grip is the biggest selling point of the Subea Aquashoes 120 – the 5mm-thick studded rubber soles are great on pebbles. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option for snorkelling, paddle boarding and general aquatic wanderings, this pair will do the job nicely.

Pros: Cheap, comes in a variety of colours, good grip

Cons: Not the easiest to get on, especially when wet (the Achilles finger pull is irritatingly too small for a finger), small for the size, limited support/protection

Read our full review of the Subea Aquashoes 120.

For more of our tried and tested reviews, read our guide to the best changing robes.

How we tested

When testing our selection of water shoes along coastlines, through streams and across beaches, we took the following into consideration:

• Fit/comfort: Are the water shoes comfortable to wear, free of irritation and rubs? Do they feel secure?
• Gripiness: Do the water shoes offer sufficient grip when wet?
• Protection: Do the water shoes offer any level of toe protection for when you’re scrambling on rocks / in deep water?
• Durability: Do the materials feel long-lasting? Does the sole feel sturdy enough to handle rough terrain?
• Value for money: Are there enough technical features to justify a hefty price tag? Do the materials feel durable enough to justify the price tag?

Also consider…

As well as our reviewed list of water shoes above, we've also put together a roundup of alternative options, from leading brands and at varying price points, below.

Helly Hansen Crest Watermoc Water Shoes

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13133876

Key features

• Range of sizes: 3.5-12.5 UK
• Range of colours: Black, navy
• Sole: Rubber outsole with siped traction and HellyGrip rubber
• Slip on: Yes
• Fabric: Polyester

If you find yourself scrambling over rocks and vegetation while on your wild swimming adventures, you're likely to require a fairly sturdy sole. These Helly Hansen water shoes feature a rubber sole for added comfort and extra grip, so they shouldn't feel too clumpy, while still providing protection on rockier terrain. A nice balance for a number of water-based activities.

Their slip-on nature makes them a faff-free choice, ideal for busy family beach trips. Designed for women and recommended for inshore sailing, pop them on when pottering around the boat and avoid pesky splinters.

SQUIRREL_13133876

• Discover the best wild swimming spots in Britain

Speedo Surfknit Pro Watershoe

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13082961

Key features

• Range of sizes: 3-11 UK
• Range of colours: 4 options
• Sole: Outer rubber sole with S-Trac design
• Slip on: Yes
• Fabric: Polyester knit

Featuring Speedo's surf knit technology for a breathable design, these water shoes should offer a comfortable fit. Like the Helly Hansen water shoes listed above, this style of water shoe works well for wild swimming on rougher terrain, where stepping over rocks is all part of the fun.

They're at the higher end of the price scale, but from a reliable brand and with such a nice design, you're sure to get plenty of use out of them. As an added bonus, these water shoes are made with a quick drying material, perfect for water babies with lots of swimming and beach trips in the diary.

SQUIRREL_13082961

• S is for Swimming: mindfulness in nature

Speedo Men's Surfwalker Pro Mesh Water Shoes

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13082958

Key features

• Range of sizes: 6-13 UK
• Range of colours: 7 options
• Sole: Outer rubber sole with S-Trac design
• Slip on: Yes
• Fabric: Polyester

Another Speedo water shoe design, this time in a men's fit. The stretchy upper fit should allow for a snug and secure feel, and we like their stylish yet understated sleek black look. Feel the benefit of the grippy rubber soles on slippery surfaces, whether it's a rock face or pool side.

SQUIRREL_13082958

Bermuda Men's Aqua Shoes

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13148579

Key features

• Range of sizes: 6-10 UK
• Range of colours: Black, blue, navy, orange
• Sole: Rubber sole
• Slip on: Yes
• Fabric: Neoprene and mesh

A budget-friendly Mountain Warehouse design you can chuck in your bag for a day at the beach. With a straightforward pull on, soft neoprene design, pop them on and walk confidently into the sea. They're also available in a fetching green if you want to add a bit of colour.

If you're looking for something more robust and durable for rocky grounds, it's a wise idea to opt for something more specialised, but these water shoes are a handy addition to your holiday suitcase for relaxed times in the sea.

SQUIRREL_13148579?

Are water shoes comfortable?

Water shoes can provide a comfortable footwear option for outdoor activities in and around water. They offer a snug fit, cushioning, breathability, arch support, lightweight design, and often have built-in drainage systems. With their combination of these features, water shoes can help prevent discomfort, reduce fatigue, and keep your feet cool and dry. It's important to find the right fit and style that suits your preferences to maximize comfort during water-related adventures.

Are water shoes waterproof?

Water shoes are typically designed to be water-resistant rather than completely waterproof. While they offer a level of protection against water, they are not intended to keep your feet completely dry in all circumstances.

For more wet weather footwear, browse our list of the best wellington boots, tried and tested by our team.