The 3 Best Water Shoes For Hiking: Tested on Real Trails
Hiking is a great way to enjoy nature, and sometimes the best trails cross streams, creeks, or muddy patches. Regular hiking boots or shoes can get waterlogged and heavy, making your trek uncomfortable. That’s where water shoes for hiking come in. These shoes are made for both land and water, so your feet stay protected and dry out faster after getting wet.
When I started looking for a pair, I noticed that not all water shoes are made the same. Some are more like sandals while others offer more foot coverage. The most important things I looked for were comfort, traction, and how quickly they dried after getting wet. It’s also important to check the fit because loose shoes can cause blisters or slip off in water. Look for materials that don’t hold water and offer support over rocky or uneven ground.
Finding the best water shoes for hiking means looking at all these details. I spent hours researching and trying out different pairs to find the ones that keep my feet comfortable on both wet and dry trails.
Best Water Shoes for Hiking
I’ve found some of the best water shoes for hiking, and I’m excited to share them with you. These picks are great for keeping your feet comfortable and safe on wet trails and rocky riverbeds. Check out the list below to find the right pair for your next adventure.
Merrell Wildwood Aerosport Water Shoe
If you want a comfortable and strong water shoe that actually feels good on long hikes, this one’s worth checking out.
Pros
- Quick-drying, breathable upper keeps my feet cool
- Slip-on cord system is simple and secure
- Grip and support hold up well on rough ground
Cons
- Insoles feel thin and don’t add much cushion
- The cord laces can fray with regular use
- Not a good pick for deep sand or the beach
After walking a few hot trails and splashing through streams, I noticed the breathability right away with the Merrell Wildwood Aerosport. My feet stayed cool, even with a fast pace, and I didn’t get that soggy feeling when I crossed the creek. The mesh panels and quick-dry materials helped more than I expected.
The easy slip-on design with the cord lock system is a big win for me. I don’t have to mess with wet laces. The fit stays snug, so I didn’t slip around inside, even on steep dirt paths. However, after lots of use, the thin cord started to look worn, which made me wonder how long it would last.
These shoes grip rocks and dirt almost as well as regular hiking sneakers. The stiff sole makes tough ground easier on my feet. The biggest downside is the insole, which feels pretty thin if I’m out for hours. I might swap it out for a thicker one next time, but as a do-it-all water hiking shoe, this pair gives me what I need for most outdoor adventures.
Body Glove 3T Barefoot Cinch Water Shoe
If you want a water shoe that feels almost like going barefoot but still keeps your feet safe on rocky riverbeds, this one is a solid choice.
Pros
- The snug fit makes me feel steady on slippery trails
- Drains water fast so my feet don’t stay soaked
- Super easy to slip on and off with the stretchy material
Cons
- The separated three-toe design feels odd at first
- Sand and small stones sometimes get inside
- Fit can be tight if you have wide feet
I ended up really liking the way these shoes hug my feet. The three-toe design is strange at first, but after using them on a muddy trail, I found my balance felt better than with regular water shoes.
They dry out quickly and I can rinse them off without any trouble, the drainage holes at the bottom work great. I noticed the grip holds up on wet rocks, which saves me from any slipping.
One thing you might find annoying is how sand and little pebbles can get caught inside, especially at the beach. If your feet are wide, it’s probably best to size up. For hikes where I want better grip and protection from sharp rocks, the Body Glove 3T Barefoot Cinch Water Shoe has quickly become my go-to.
Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0 Water Shoe
If you want water shoes that offer solid comfort and stay on your feet during hikes, I think the Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0 is a solid pick.
Pros
- Lightweight design doesn’t bog me down
- Mesh lets my feet breathe and dry quickly
- Grippy soles help avoid slipping on wet rocks
Cons
- Takes longer to dry than some others
- Inside lining can feel slippery after a while
- Limited ankle support for rocky trails
As soon as I slipped these on, they felt snug without pinching, which is a huge plus for longer walks along streams or lakes. I noticed right away how easy they were to pull on and off, even when my hands were wet. The upper material stretches just enough, so my feet don’t feel cramped.
Moving from water onto trail, the grip on the soles held up pretty well. Wet rocks and muddy banks didn’t send me sliding, which made creek crossings a lot less stressful. The mesh panels actually do a decent job letting water drain out and air come in, but I did find the shoes took longer to dry than I expected after a full day out.
During a hike, I did feel my heel shift a bit inside when things got slippery, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker. I wouldn’t count on these for tricky mountain climbs since they don’t have much ankle or side support, but for easy to moderate trails with lots of water, they work well. If you want a water shoe for low-key adventures and don’t mind a bit of drying time, these are worth checking out.
Buying Guide
When I shop for water shoes to use while hiking, I focus on a few key features. First, I always check for good grip on the sole. A shoe that slips on wet rocks is not safe.
I also look at drainage. Water shoes should dry fast and not stay soggy. Mesh panels or small holes in the sole help water flow out quickly.
Comfort is a big deal for me. I want a shoe that’s soft inside but not too loose. I pay attention to padding and make sure the shoe fits my foot shape.
Here’s what I look for before buying:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Grip | Reduces slipping |
| Drainage | Keeps feet dry and light |
| Comfort | Avoids blisters or pain |
| Fit | Stops shoe from falling off |
| Durability | Lasts through tough use |
A quick checklist helps me compare options:
- Traction (good for wet or muddy trails)
- Quick drying (mesh or ventilated design)
- Sturdy materials (last longer)
- Easy to put on and take off
I avoid shoes that feel heavy when wet. Light shoes help me hike longer and more comfortably. A simple pull tab or elastic laces make life easier, especially when my hands are wet or cold.
I try on several pairs before making a choice because a shoe that looks good online may not actually fit my foot. I always wear the socks I plan to hike in when trying new shoes.
