The Best Water Shoes of 2026

Full disclosure: We have tested the Astral Brewer shoe for years, purchasing pairs long before testing for GearJunkie. Why the Brewer and now the Astral Brewer 3.0 ($150) Simple: versatility, style, and performance. This lightweight water shoe drains water quickly and holds up over time.

We used these shoes on many paddleboarding adventures on Wyoming’s Snake River, getting chundered in Arkansas River whitewater trying to river surf, on side hikes during multiday rafting trips, and more. The Brewer 3.0 is not just a water shoe, but also a multipurpose tool you can use with flat pedals on mountain bike rides or one-wheeling down to the local brewery after work.

The latest iteration of the Brewer improves upon a water shoe we already prized as our favorite. Astral improved the heel lock so these shoes stay in place even more securely, and the upper is now made of 100% recycled materials, a blend of breathable mesh and durable canvas. We usually wore these shoes without socks anyway, but now Astral has improved the inside for a softer feel.

On a trip to see brown bears in Alaska, we wore these during a 20-hour day that included three airports, three flights, and 3 hours of driving. Our feet remained comfortable the whole trip. Once at our destination, we wore the Brewer 3.0 to hike to waterfalls, wade in streams, and even to dinner at the brewery. We are sold on these shoes and even spent cold, hard cash to get them for our friends and spouses, the ultimate compliment from a gear tester.

The only downside is that the Brewer 3.0 doesn’t protect your ankles and may not be low profile enough for extremely tight playboats or minimal enough for people who count every packable square inch. But if you’re looking for a water shoe that can do just about anything, the Astral Brewer 3.0 is the one you’ll want to pick up.

An offshoot of the ever-popular open-toed Hydratek hiking sandal, the newly released Teva Hydratek Closed-Toe Sandal ($110) is a water shoe built for adventures of all kinds. With ultra-grippy soles, uppers that dry in a flash, and bomber protection for your toes, the Hydratek CT moves seamlessly from boat to trail to water and back.

We took these lightweight water shoes on a couple of day-long paddleboarding adventures, an overnight river trip on Wyoming’s Snake River, and a few mellow early spring hikes. Whether we were walking in water, on sand, over gravel, or scrambling up a red rock slab, we felt stable and supported while wearing the Hydratek CT. And, when we inevitably kicked a rock or tripped, the protective toe cap did its job well, shielding our precious feet from roots or rocks or other hazards lurking on the trail or below the water.

These are extremely comfortable and breathable enough to wear for big days of paddling and moderate hikes. The quick lace system also means you can throw them on fast when adventure calls. Depending on the type of surface you’re hiking on, the holes near the back of the shoe allow small rocks in, which can get annoying. However, a breathable, versatile, quick-drying water shoe needs to let water flow in and out, so this is somewhat expected and can be managed without too much difficulty.

If you’re seeking a fairly priced, durable, supportive water shoe that can do it all, the new Hydratek CT Sandal is an awesome choice.

The KEEN Newport H2 ($130) is known as one of the most reliable adventure sandals out there. With a tough toe cap, supportive footbed, and quick-drying webbing, they’re built to handle almost anything, including river trips, lakeside hikes, or hot summer days at camp. We’ve worn them while portaging canoes, scrambling over slippery riverbanks, and even walking through airports en route to the next adventure.

What makes the Newport H2 stand out is its rugged build and solid toe protection. The closed-toe design offers more coverage than a typical sandal, which is helpful around sharp rocks or underwater obstacles. A secure bungee lacing system keeps the fit snug even when you’re moving fast or getting tossed around in the current. The outsole grips well on wet and uneven surfaces, and the midsole provides enough arch support for light hikes and long days on your feet.

They’re reasonably breathable for a closed-toe sandal, and the quick-drying polyester webbing makes them great for multi-day water trips or hot, humid weather. That said, they’re a bit heavier and bulkier than most open-toe options, and style isn’t the main draw. The chunky look is more about function than fashion. But if you want one sandal that can do a little of everything from water to trail to camp, the Newport H2 is a classic for a reason.

The NRS Paddle Wetshoe ($110) is a complete departure from traditional sneaker-style water shoes. While most models focus on draining warm water, the Paddle Wetshoe is specifically built to keep your feet warm and protected in frigid conditions.

At first glance, these look like standard neoprene booties. However, NRS utilizes petroleum-free Terraprene—a sustainable alternative made from limestone and recycled tires—and adds a titanium adhesive layer for extra warmth and durability.

We have trusted NRS booties for years, and this model continues that legacy of high quality. We initially tested them while fly fishing off the coast of a Caribbean island, walking across sand and extremely sharp rocks. Although the sole feels thin and flexible, it protects our feet exceptionally well. A 2mm plastic shim and 5mm insole provide crucial underfoot armor, while the mid-shin height keeps sand out. We also wore them while snorkeling down icy Colorado rivers and paddleboarding on high-mountain reservoirs. The 3mm Terraprene kept our feet comfortably warm in water that would have otherwise cut our days short.

The main drawback is the extra-wide toebox. It allows your toes to spread naturally, but depending on your foot volume, it can trap excess water. They also do not come in half sizes, making it harder to dial in a precise fit. Compared to the pared-down Kicker Wetshoe, the Paddle Wetshoe offers significantly more warmth, ankle coverage, and overall protection for cold-weather paddling days.

The Merrell Maipo Explorer Aerosport ($130) is built for summer days that blur the line between trail and water. It feels more like a light hiker than a true water shoe, offering the breathability and underfoot structure needed for wet approaches and warm-weather hikes.

The synthetic mesh upper dries faster than a traditional hiking boot. A bellows tongue also keeps grit out when transitioning from dusty trails to riverbanks. Underfoot, a removable EVA footbed and lightweight midsole provide a cushioned ride for long miles, while Merrell’s FLEXconnect grooves allow the shoe to flex naturally over uneven ground.

We tested the Maipo Explorer on multiple SUP and rafting adventures along the Snake River, especially when hopping out to hike longer distances. We also wore them on hikes in Alaska that required a lot of time in the water. The sticky rubber outsole confidently grips damp rock better than most casual water shoes. Traditional laces also lock the foot down securely, which helps when rock hopping or navigating muddy, shallow crossings.

The tradeoff is drainage. It doesn’t dump water quickly once submerged and can feel soggy after deeper wades. Because of this, we wouldn’t recommend them for multi-day river trips where they simply won’t dry out. While not as travel-friendly or fast-drying as the Astral Brewer 3.0, it delivers a strong mix of breathable comfort, wet-surface traction, and trail stability.

The Salomon Solamphibian Water Shoes ($130) are built for days spent bouncing between dry trails and wet ground. More technical than a casual dock shoe but sleeker than a hiker, they are perfect for paddle launches, rocky shorelines, and warm-weather travel where fast drainage is key.

The durable, perforated mesh upper allows water to escape quickly, speeding up dry time after wading. A protective toe cap buffers against submerged rocks and roots, while Salomon’s SensiFit construction and Quicklace system firmly lock in your foot. The one-pull closure is especially handy when your digits are cold and wet.

Underfoot, the Fuze Foam midsole — made with 40% recycled material — delivers soft EVA cushioning without unnecessary weight. We took the Solamphibian on local SUP adventures and warm-weather multi-day river trips to see exactly how they handled constant soaking. Salomon’s Contagrip FD rubber and specialized lug geometry handled transitions easily, gripping slick rock, boat ramps, and damp riverbanks far better than most water shoes.

Compared to the Merrell Maipo Explorer, the Solamphibian drains faster, feels more water-specific, and uses an easier closure system. For paddling, travel, and water-adjacent adventures where grip and drainage matter, the Solamphibian is a top-tier hybrid.

The Astral TR1 Mesh 2.0 Shoes ($160) are designed for amphibious adventures, blending the grip and drainage of a river shoe with the stability of a lightweight hiker. Featuring a low-profile platform, a grippy rubber sole, a breathable mesh upper, and a wide toebox, they perform well on slick rocks, muddy trails, and fast-moving streams with ease.

We choose the TR1 Mesh 2.0 for days involving trail miles and water crossings. During our rafting and paddleboarding trips in Idaho and Wyoming, which included many side hikes, we found they grip well on slick surfaces, drain efficiently, and dry quickly. The mesh upper offers good breathability on hot days, and the low-profile design provides stability on uneven terrain. They’re not particularly cushioned, so we avoid them on long, dry miles. However, for wet, technical, or varied terrain, these make excellent all-around adventure shoes.

The Astral TR1 Mesh 2.0 Shoes are lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable water shoes that shine during multi-sport adventures.

The Xero Aqua X Sport ($130) was spawned from the barefoot running movement, created by runners from Boulder, Colo. Initially, the founders of Xero offered a completely minimal “shoe” consisting of a couple of strings and a thin rubber sole, inspired by sandals used by Tarahumara runners in Mexico’s Copper Canyon.

They took their creation to Shark Tank but didn’t secure a deal. Luckily for us, they persevered, and today, Xero offers a wide range of shoes. The Xero Aqua X Sport is a lightweight, capable water shoe, but it’s also a running shoe designed to protect your feet on coastal runs that mix beach, rocky paths, and pavement.

We love this water shoe because it fits well, and the fit can be dialed in with a low-profile set of elastic laces. The shoe’s tops are open mesh, making them light and breathable. However, this feature also lets in a lot of sand when running on the beach.

The lightweight rubber-lugged soles protect your feet and stick to the ground while letting you feel the sticks, stones, and sand you’re running over. These shoes are also ideal for SUP paddling, kayaking in tight boats, and rock-hopping along the riverbank.

Finally, the Xero Aqua X Sport packs down very small and, when traveling, won’t take up much room in your bag. On its website, Xero states that it has donated $52,000+ (USD) to the Tarahumara Children’s Hospital Fund, so you can also feel good about this purchase.

XtraTuf, the brand that became famous for rubber boots in Alaska and other extreme environments, has branched out into a wide variety of shoe styles. The XtraTuf Kiata Drift Sneaker ($115) is a lightweight, fully enclosed sneaker-style water shoe that will appeal to those who embrace the XtraTuf name.

These shoes look more like traditional sneakers than water shoes, and they perform similarly. The upper material has a variety of hole sizes to allow water to enter and exit. A rubber band lightly reinforces the toe and heel, and the non-slip rubber sole offers foot protection and a bit of arch support. A traditional lace system tightens the whole system. The fully enclosed shoe offers complete sun protection.

For all the XtraTuf Kiata Drift Sneaker’s many good points, it won’t be a shoe for everyone. It feels like the ideal use for this shoe is casual boating, walking on the pier, or on the boat deck, where sun protection and the non-slip sole perform well. The stylish upper and sneaker-like design means these also transition easily from trail to town or from boat to brewpub.

The TUFGRP sole features many separate knobs that provide excellent grip, but can tear off individually over time. The shoe also runs about ½ size big, so the 10.5 we tested fit more like an 11.

Overall, the Kiata is not an all-around water shoe for a variety of outdoor adventures but a more specialized shoe ideal for use on or around docks and boats.

Keen footwear has always elicited a strong response, and the Keen Hyperport H2 Sandal ($120) is no exception. With its exceptionally chunky sole, colorful webbing, and massive side vents, this shoe is visually snazzy and undeniably built for play rather than a dinner out in town.

We wore these heavily during all-day sessions—walking the dog on rough riverside paths, throwing sticks on sandy beaches, and taking quick lake paddles in a sit-on-top kayak. Through it all, the Hyperport H2 proved to be a highly capable hybrid. It delivers massive toe protection, a spacious toe box, and excellent arch support. The stretchy inner neoprene hugs the foot comfortably, while the bungee lacing allows for quick, secure adjustments.

The oversized side cutouts provide massive airflow (just remember to put sunscreen on your feet) and let water wash right through. Like most open designs, sand enters easily, but the slip-on nature makes it simple to take them off and rinse them out. Additionally, the heavy-duty toe bumper can cause your toes to run hot if you aren’t regularly splashing them in the water to cool off. Underfoot, the Aquagrip rubber outsole actively channels water away to maintain solid traction on slick boat decks and muddy shores.

Compared to the classic Keen Newport H2, the Hyperport has a thicker, more bulbous foam midsole that offers extra cushioning for long days on your feet, though it sacrifices some of the Newport’s rugged, streamlined feel. It won’t win any style awards for subtlety, but if you love the signature Keen fit, this is a supremely comfortable water shoe.

Foam clogs are dominating the footwear world right now, and the Merrell Hydro Moc is Merrell’s unapologetically weird answer to the trend. While the aesthetic is entirely polarizing—our camo test pair looked a bit like baby alligators wrapped around our feet—it’s surprisingly functional as a water shoe.

We wore these on local river days, during an offshore boat trip in the tropics, and for casual beachside lounging, and they easily held their own. Thanks to the heavily perforated design, they breathe well and drain instantly. More importantly, they actually stay on your feet. The contoured arch and articulated heel lock the foot in much more securely than a traditional open-back clog, and the sole reliably grips slick shore rocks without sliding.

The build utilizes flexible EVA foam mixed with 10% BLOOM algae biomass, making it lightweight and slightly more eco-conscious. Compared to standard Crocs, the Hydro Moc provides a significantly more secure heel hold and vastly superior wet-surface traction, making it much safer to wear in moving water or on muddy banks.

Whether you wear them barefoot on the boat or with thick socks at a fall campfire, the Hydro Moc is affordable, durable, and confidently embraces its own weirdness.

Depending on who’s testing, the Astral Loyak ($110) could also be in the running for the best water shoe. The Loyak offers many of the same great features that made the Astral Brewer 3.0 our favorite shoe: a wide toebox, zero drop, level fit, good-quality construction, lightweight, fast-drying, sticky G.15 rubber sole, and traditional laces. The Loyak is good for paddleboarding, side hikes, kayaking, and other light-pressure sports.

The Loyak is a lower-volume shoe and quite flexible, so it allows one to fit the feet into tighter spaces like small kayaks. It also takes up less valuable real estate when packing for a trip. Like the Brewer 2.0, the Loyak is multifunctional and can be worn on the water or out to dinner. But unlike its cousin, the Loyak has a removable insole, making it easier to wash sand out of the shoe after a day at the beach or in the river.

The Brewer provides more foot protection, the main feature that led our tester to choose it over the Loyak. The Loyak also comes only in full sizes, not half sizes, so depending on your foot size, you may not get as good a fit in the Loyak. Be aware that the Loyak runs big, so order half a size down or the shoe will be too big.

Overall, it’s a close call, and the Astral Loyak will be an ideal choice for many, especially those who don’t need as much support and want a thinner, more flexible water shoe. The fact that it costs $30 less than the Brewer 2.0 may tip the scale in its favor for some.