If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.
The Best Water Shoes for Women and Men 2026
If you consider Memorial Day the full-fledged start of summer, then the hottest and happiest season is finally upon us. What this also means? Your warm-weather hobbies, from kayaking and tubing to waterpark-attending and beach-rotting, are once again going to involve water — and the act of stepping into water.
Related Articles
To ensure this process is as slip-free and comfortable as possible, the best water shoes for women and men should be treated as one of summer’s most important footwear purchases. When shopping for shoes you can wear while swimming, snorkeling, or even hanging out on a boat, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind: primarily how snug-fitting the style is (without ever entering into blister territory), how easy it is to take on and off at will, the number of drainage points it features to prevent waterlogging, and whether or not its outsoles ace the balance between the lightweight and the high-traction.
Multiple summertime activities require trekking to and from a body of water — think aforementioned kayaking expedition — so a good water shoe also needs to be one in which you can walk on land without needing to hold onto nearby trees or fences, feeling supported every step of the way.
And while the first thing many of us visualize when the topic of swimming shoes comes up is closed-toe, rubberized styles in primary colors, there’s also a plethora of water shoes that benefit from open-toe designs, helping them dry even quicker and granting the wearer enhanced foot mobility.
These days, too, the whole primary-color, ugly-shoe myth in the world of women’s and men’s water shoes is busted through the efforts of brands like The North Face, Loeffler Randall (yes, even designer labels are in the mix!), and Hoka, which are pampering their water-friendly silhouettes with attractive colorways, streamlined profiles, and bells and whistles like gilded hardware… to complement your chicest bikini, of course.
Below, we’re rounding up the best water shoes of summer 2026 that deserve your attention and credit card number alike. No matter if you’ve got lazy-river floating or open-water swimming on the agenda for the next few months, they’ll be sure to keep your toes safe and insulated from the elements — maximizing the memories made.
Loeffler Randall Raina Mesh Aqua Shoe
Like picking out your next pair of sandals or walking shoes, the hunt for new water shoes should start from a place of intention. Here’s a tip: Instead of choosing the cheapest option from a third-party seller on Amazon, consider going with a designer water shoe that will pay dividends in style points, in and out of the ocean.
This one from NYC-based, CFDA award-winning brand Loeffler Randall will be at your service when you’re on a paddleboard or sipping cocktails by the bay — swimsuit and cover-up on. Outfitted in meticulously crafted red mesh, it merges functionality (cushioned footbed, non-slip sole, slip-on convenience) with fashionable flair. The bestselling swimming shoe’s gold ball detail, a veritable cherry on top, is proof of the latter. Said outsole is not only durable but crawls up quite high on the Raina’s upper. Translation: Trudging through mud or lake sediment will have nothing on you and your fresh kicks.
What reviewers say: “Love them — so comfortable. Well-made sole with support. For a mesh shoe, this one is really sturdy!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $250
The North Face Platte Canyon Shoe
92 percent of The North Face customers recommend this particular hybrid water shoe for women. What’s to appreciate? The Platte Canyon is more than qualified to take you from land to sea and back again, coming equipped with perforations on the upper, footbed, and underfoot; antimicrobial and anti-odor mesh; a grippy outsole that won’t put unnecessary bulk into your walk (the buy clocks in at just 6.7 ounces, after all); and thermoregulation for offsetting the effects of all that humid heat.
Not a fan of the pictured hue? This fan favorite is also sold in all-black and grayish-blue with lemon-green accents. Thanks to The North Face’s limited lifetime warranty and free returns, your peace of mind will be a natural part of the purchase.
What reviewers say: “Although I’ve only been using the water shoes while traveling this past week, I’m already loving them. I’ve worn the style while hiking (with no socks or added inserts), snorkeling when I had to dive from the boat to reach shore and traverse a rocky beach area, as well as just general trekking around the island. No blisters, no raw spots, and the tread is heavy enough for all the rocky terrain I’ve encountered.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
OluKai ‘Ahi Men’s Performance Marine Shoe
“Designed for the waterman in your life,” per brand copy, the ‘Ahi Performance Marine Shoe from OluKai — a footwear destination that captures the spirit of Hawaii — resists water, dries impressively fast, doles out a barefoot sensation, and has ocean-inspired patterning on the outsole that keeps you steady even on the slickest of surfaces. Side drainage windows, meanwhile, will allow you to wave goodbye to trench foot once and for all, and the ‘Ahi’s backing can fold in on itself to mimic a slipper’s step-in ease.
Reviewers share that the shoe fits true to size, with ample arch support that won’t let you down as you’re making your way across the beach. OluKai says the style takes a page from voyaging canoes traditional to the islands, but we think it most closely resembles a duck: “like water off a duck’s back” and all.
What reviewers say: “Absolutely love my new shoes! Breathable for summer. A home run.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
Crocs Men’s Swiftwater Mesh Deck Sandal
Forget the Classic Clog — this is the under-$60 stepper you need in your life if you’re planning to be outdoors, and wet, at any point this season. Updated for maximum wearability and aesthetic allure, Crocs’ Swiftwater Mesh Deck Sandal boasts adjustable strap closure, stretchy mesh, and wider-than-average ports for efficiently shedding unwanted H2O (or sand). Despite the sandal’s openness as compared to the sneaker-adjacent selections on our list, your toes will remain protected, and the company’s signature, 360-degree comfort can be witnessed in every last detail here.
There’s no space for Jibbitz on the shoe, but with that pleasing-on-the-eyes, nature-evoking color palette, you won’t need them.
What reviewers say: “I’m on my fourth pair, using these for vacations or just walking around. I travel in the shoes nonstop during the summer. I have feet issues and these work so well for me.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $59.99
Hoka Hopara 2 Shoe
Unveiled a few years ago, Hoka’s Hopara 2 model (dubbed “amphibian-like”) is an overachiever through and through. A loyal companion from trail to tube float, it takes advantage of a 100-percent recycled knit upper; no-tie toggle laces for nailing your ideal fit; optimized water repellency; a rubber toe cap for battling unexpected splashes (and winning); plus strategically placed holes around the heel. At Zappos, the Hopara 2 is available in either white or black — catering to your anticipated sartorial choices out in the sunshine.
When navigating a rocky, slimy creek, you’ll want water shoes that go the extra mile in the stickiness department. On that front, Hoka’s outsole delivers in spades.
What reviewers say: “The surprise to me was the stable and supportive footbed. Apart from the sole, I appreciate that this wears like a shoe. It is not a sloppy fit and has adjustability in the heel strap, as well as a heel loop to grab if needed. Had ACL, MCL, and meniscus injury to my knee — no issues found after walking all day at work in these shoes. Would I recommend? Absolutely, and if they come out with other colors, I would buy another pair.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $139.95
Adidas Terrex Hydroterra Sandal
Meet Adidas’ Terrex Hydroterra, an apt match for those who like to be unconstrained — in all senses of the word — come summer. Light as air, lace-free (swapping this feature for hook-and-loop straps), and foot-contouring, the color-blocked beaut is just as reliable during casual strolls through parks as it is in the thick of heart rate–elevating pursuits like whitewater rafting or water aerobics.
Adidas suggests buying half a size down; should something still not go according to plan, however, that 30-day return policy will come in handy. Left questioning how popular this outdoor water sandal is? Maybe the fact that it’s already sold out in a Women’s 5, 6, and 9 should convince you to shop without wasting a single second, like your upcoming granola-girl plans depend on it. Hint: They do.
What reviewers say: “Comfort, style, and grace in every step. Stands up to any terrain and lasts a long time.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $55
Sign up for WWD Shop‘s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.
Why Trust Footwear News
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
Why Trust WWD
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail, and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on footwear that sits at the intersection of “trendy” and “technical.”