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 round up 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.
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 for 2024
Helly Hansen Crest Watermoc Water Shoes
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.
- Discover the best wild swimming spots in Britain
Aqua fit Water Shoes
Key features
- Range of sizes: 3-7 UK
- Range of colours: Red, Black, White, Light Melon, Dark Petrol Blue
- Sole: Polyester
- Slip on: Yes
- Fabric: Polyester
The most lightweight and flexible option on our list, ideal for wild swimmers who enjoy the freedom of moving naturally through the water. The fun pattern on these water shoes makes them a lovely choice, and they feature thin soles and drainage holes.
They're great for aqua fit or water aerobics classes too. While we tend to leave our footwear at the side of the pool when participating in a class, the motion of jumping on the tile flooring can be tough on feet. These water shoes are an affordable and simple solution, just slip them on before your class.
These water shoes should also be grippy enough for pool floors, so you can use them as an alternative to flip flops in the changing room.
Speedo Surfknit Pro Watershoe
- Buy now from Speedo (£34.00).
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.
Astral Brewer 2.0 Shoes
Key features
- Range of sizes: 7-12 UK
- Range of colours: Basalt Black, Carbon Black, Storm Navy,
- Sole: G.15 rubber outsole with low durometer construction and abrasion resistance
- Slip on: No, lace up
- Fabric: Built-in Polygiene treated sock liner; holes and mesh for ventilation; hydrophobic, quick-dry canvas and water resistant laces
For a much more structured, trainer-like design, give these Astral water shoes a go. Designed for wet and slippery surfaces, these trainers feature drainage holes at the front and back, a quick drying canvas and water resistant laces. They're much lighter and more flexible than their appearance suggests, but best suited to wet land, rather than a sea swimming session.
Thanks to their casual design, they could work as a lighter and more compact alternative to clunky waterproof hiking boots when you're heading out on a wet path. They're vegan-friendly too.
Speedo Men's Surfwalker Pro Mesh Water Shoes
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.
Bermuda Men's Aqua Shoes
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.
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.
