Water Shoes Are Back and These 10 Pairs Are Our Favorite
Best for Travel: Tropicfeel Canyon Sneakers
Billed as a “water-friendly travel sneaker”, the unisex Tropicfeel Canyon Sneakers are a lightweight pair of water shoes disguised as a stylish everyday driver. The upper is crafted from a quick-drying, lightweight mesh made from recycled plastic bottles and the high grip rubber outsole has drainage holes to quickly shed water while providing stability on wet surfaces. As a bonus, it has an antibacterial treatment to fend off odors that can accumulate while you’re traveling.
Unisex
Type: sneaker
Material: polyester mesh, EVA
Weight (per pair): 14 oz
Sole: rubber outsole
Price: $129
Water Shoe FAQ
What is the purpose of a water shoe?
Water shoes are designed to provide accessibility to aquatic environments by protecting your feet and in some cases providing additional traction without getting saturated and heavy like regular shoes do. To do this, water shoes use porous materials and designs that include drainage. Water shoes also typically feature quick-drying materials so that they don’t stay wet for too long. You might wear water shoes for water sports, hiking, snorkeling, paddling, boating, and swimming in areas where there are sharp rocks.
Can you wear water shoes all day?
High-quality water shoes are comfortable and supportive enough for all-day wear. However, you probably wouldn’t want to adopt a pair of water shoes as your everyday go-to.
What are the disadvantages of water shoes?
The tradeoff for the protection that water shoes provide is a loss of foot dexterity and swimming efficiency (if you’ve ever swam with shoes on, you know what this feels like). More specific disadvantages vary from one water shoe to another, as each model is designed for different uses and scenarios. Common complaints include blisters, poor drainage, and lack of support. Good water shoes that fit your foot well with the right shoe size should avoid these issues.
