Seeking out a protective water shoe? Over the last four years, we've tested over 17 options of the top men's water shoes and women's water shoes, selecting a few top contenders that stand out among the rest. A desire to keep your feet protected during long days on the water is a need we understand. We used over 15 comparative tests to assess comfort, traction, warmth, versatility, sensitivity, and durability in the field. We wore different shoes on each foot to see how the performance compared while swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and canyoneering. After purchasing each pair, we have gathered the necessary details and data to help you find the best water shoe for your adventures. A low-cut water shoe with a barefoot design, this model is versatile, showing great performance in and out of the water

Value depends on how you want to use your new water shoes. You can get a neoprene bootie for a lower price than a more versatile shoe, but those booties will be limited purely to boating. If you need shoes that can protect your toes on a side hike, you'll want something more versatile, but that increased versatility will likely come with a higher price tag. Suppose you're doing more of a water-accessed canyoneering or hiking trip. In that case, it's worth spending the extra money on a more durable shoe like the Salomon Techamphibian 5, which sacrifices a bit of sensitivity and flexibility on the water but offers improved comfort and traction over traditional booties. If you’re looking for a casual trail-to-town shoe with an exceptionally comfortable fit and stylish look, the Hemp Loyak trainer is an excellent choice.Proper traction for beach walking is important to prevent slips and falls, as well as to ensure comfortable walking, Pinker says. Both experts recommend wearing shoes with comfortable, supportive insoles and flexible rubber outsoles that have enough grip for mixed terrains.

With two of the brand’s most popular hemp trainers in our collection, the Astral Hemp Donner and the Astral Hemp Loyak, we’ve taken a look into the specifications of each one to help you decide whether Astral hemp shoes could be the right choice for you. Upper Material: 77% Hemp / 23% recycled polyester with welded reinforcements on the heel, eyestays and toes. This comfortable water shoe offers a wider toe box, and is best for gals with a bit wider feet looking for something that will last both on the river and off-trail Our water shoe testing uses six different metrics with the following percentage weightings of the overall score:The molded footbed offers good arch support, while texture inside the shoe and on the outsole provides stability and traction as you walk. Drainage holes on top of the upper allow air to circulate to keep your feet cool and enable water to flow in and out of the clogs freely. There are dozens of colors to choose from, but we also love that you can add Crocs’ shoe charms (called Jibbitz) for a fun, personalized touch.

For those on the hunt for a water shoe that functions just as well on the river as it does on a side hike, reach for this versatile shoe

A minimally supportive water shoe with great drainage and traction that's perfect for a long day on the water Whether its the Hemp Donner or the Hemp Loyaks you opt for on your next venture, both Astral’s innovatively designed hemp trainers offer unrivalled comfort, fit and durability both on and off the trails. Note from the Editor: On November 3, 2023, we added videos to highlight our hands-on testing and included new recommendations for each award winner. Related: Best Water Shoes for Men The leather straps have a hook-and-loop closure for maximum adjustability, making these sandals easy to slip on and off. Although they’re one of the more expensive pairs on our list, we think their thoughtful, innovative design is worth the investment. Choose from two neutral color options that pair well with plenty of warm weather outfits. We performed more than 15 individual assessments on each shoe. During testing, the comfort and traction tests were the two most important metrics, each corresponding to 25% of the overall weighted score. Throughout testing, we kept in mind what paddlers, canyoneers, and water-loving folks like about their shoes, often asking friends for their thoughts on the variety of water shoes.