Best Water Shoes for Men in 2023
VIFUURÂ Water Shoes
by Chris Riley Updated on February 2, 2023. In Beach
You love being outdoors, and water territories are not an exception for you. You enjoy walking on the beach, kayaking, swimming, paddling, surfing, rafting, or any other fun water activity.
It is important to be outfitted appropriately for these activities. Therefore, water shoes are a must-have. They offer foot protection, comfort, thermal insulation, and proper traction.
This article covers a wide range of information regarding water shoes for men, including reviewing the top 14 water shoes for men, answers to the most common water shoe questions, and a buying guide for water shoes.
14 Best Water Shoes for Men – A Detailed Review
Modern water shoes for men offer the wearer a wide array of features. The right water shoe for you entirely depends on your needs, preferences, and the activities you will be performing in them.
With that said, we know it can be challenging to choose from the numerous options available on the market. Therefore, in this segment, we feature some of the best water shoes for men for you to consider.
1. Mishansha Water Shoes
Key Features
- Spandex upper
- Rubber sole
- pull tap
- Snicker design
- Elastic straps
- Available in 39 colors
Mishansha Water shoes are unisex. They are designed for comfort, superb traction, and easy fit. The outer sole is made of rubber to offer adequate traction even on the most slippery surfaces.
The outsoles have several holes to promote the seamless flow of water in and out of the shoes. It is also flexible enough to ensure that the shoes feel comfortable on your feet. In addition, the shoe has a thick foam insole insert for adequate arch support.
The top part of the shoe is made of lycra material, salt-resistant, fast-draining, and promotes proper ventilation. It is also skin-friendly and feels comfortable on the feet. The Mishansha unisex water shoes have a pull tap at the heel for easy putting on and removing.
The elastic straps fitted on the top side of the foot allow for adequate fastening for a snug fit while avoiding the tediousness of tying laces.
Pros
• Versatile – they can be worn for a wide range of activities, including swimming, surfing, sailing, boating, kayaking, and beach walks
• Designed for a comfortable fit
• Offer adequate traction
• Easy to wear and remove
• Dries quickly
Cons
• Have a big fit hence may be difficult to determine the right size if buying online
2. VIFUURÂ Water Shoes
Key Features
- Fabric upper
- Rubber sole
- Pull tap
- Barefoot feel
- Available in 14 colors
If you are looking for a water shoe that feels like a water sock but sturdier, this is it. The VIFUUR water shoes are built to be super light yet durable, comfortable, and highly functional in water territories.
They have a hemming design on the edges to prevent splitting when being worn. They also have a pull tab for easy slip-on wear and take off. Besides, they offer excellent drainage and are quick to dry.
The upper part is made of flexible, sock-like fabric that provides a fine stretch for a comfortable and snug fit. They are compressible and foldable hence easy to pack and carry. The soles are made with PU non-slip material for optimum traction and slip resistance.
These shoes can be worn for different occasions, including a walk on the beach or by the lake, aqua sports such as surfing, paddling, kayaking, waterfall hikes, and swimming, among others.
Pros
• Super light and flexible
• Foldable and compressible
• Excellent traction
• Easy to wear and take off
• Great drainage and quick drying
Cons
• Soles are thin and not suitable for rocky terrains
3. Adidas Outdoor Terrex Water Shoes
Key Features
- Textile upper with open mesh
- Rubber sole
- Snicker style
- Pull trap
- Elastic adjustable shoe strings
The Adidas Outdoor Terrex Water shoes are smart-looking, snicker-style water shoes. They have a textile upper with some open mesh parts to allow for drainage and ventilation.
They also incorporate Climacool technology for fast drying and temperature insulation in extremely cold conditions. Their rubber soles provide sufficient grip on slippery surfaces. These shoes can be worn for both water and non-water activities.
Pros
• Fast drying
• Advanced breathability
• Light and slick snicker design
• Stretchable and flexible
Cons
• The cushioning is not sufficient for hiking on rough terrains
4. DLGJPA Men’s Water Shoes
Key Features
- Mesh fabric upper
- Rubber sole
- Snicker design
- Pull tap
- Elastic adjustment straps
- Available in 15 colors
The DLGJPA water shoes for men are lightweight, breathable, versatile, and comfortable. They can be worn for various activities, including water sports and beach sports. They can also be used for non-water related activities such as dancing, yoga, Pilates, and volleyball.
They have a full-coverage design similar to snickers but with key features for water shoes. Their rubber soles offer a non-slip grip, while the top part is made of ultra-lightweight mesh for breathability and quick draining. The rubber sole also has holes for easy draining and improved ventilation.
This shoe is also built for a comfortable and easy fit. It has elastic straps that help to adjust the shoe to the width of your foot. It also has a pull tap for easy wearing and removing. The full coverage snicker design offers a comfortable wrap on your feet and protects them from injuries or abrasion.
Pros
• Breathable and ultra-light
• Rubber soles with holes for support, comfort, and quick draining
• Full coverage snicker design for optimal feet protection
• Easy to wear, adjust, and remove
• Multipurpose use including water-related and non-water related activities
Cons
• Larger than usual fit
5. DOUSSPRT Men’s Water Shoes
Key Features
- Fabric top
- Rubber sole with holes
- Snicker design
- Pull tap
- Elastic straps
- Available in 12 colors
DOUSSPRT Men’s Water Shoes have a sneaker-like design for optimal foot protection. The upper part is made of open mesh for breathability. These shoes are quick-drying and provide a comfortable fit. The sole is made of rubber for a sturdy, comfortable feel.
The rubber sole has holes, allowing for easy draining and air ventilation. They have elastic rubber shoelaces for easy adjustments. These shoes can be used for a wide range of activities, including kayaking, swimming, sailing, windsurfing, boating, beach volleyball, and driving.
Pros
• Lightweight and quick-drying
• Fit well and comfortably
• Breathable
• Easy to slip on and take off
• Can be worn for a wide range of activities
Cons
• Too light for rough and rocky terrains
6. Zhuanglin Men’s Water Shoes
Key Features
- Mesh fabric upper
- Rubber sole
- Snicker design
- Pull tap
- Elastic straps
- Available in 21 colors
The Zhuanglin Men’s shoe is built for comfort and functionality in wet terrains. Its upper part is made of breathable mesh, while the outsole is made of rubber to provide exceptional traction in wet and slippery environments.
It also has a Solyte midsole that offers support and slight bounce back to your feet for optimal comfort. Furthermore, it has a ComfortDry sock liner that offers additional cushioning.
Pros
• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Has a midsole and sock liner for extra cushioning
• Excellent traction in wet and slippery conditions
• Fashionable
Cons
• Not ideal for the beach as sand gets in
7. Watelves Water Shoes for Men
Key Features
- Non-mesh fabric
- Rubber sole
- Snicker design
- Insole
- Elastic straps
- Pull tap
- Available in 36 colors
The Watelves men’s water shoes are designed for optimal comfort, safety, and a high functionality level in wet and slippery conditions. They have patterned rubber soles that offer a sturdy and comfortable feel on the foot while being anti-slip. The sole has holes to improve drainage and ventilation.
On the inside, they have a thick foam arch inner sole for flexibility, safety, and comfort even as you maneuver the roughest terrains. Â The upper part of the shoe is made with a non-mesh fabric that is breathable while preventing sand from getting into the shoe.
They have wide toe caps for optimal protection and support, especially when hiking or climbing. The design also incorporates an elastic lace-up stripe for easy adjusting to suit the width of your feet.
Their snicker design and bright color offer them a fashionable look. This shoe is most preferred by kayakers, surfers, rowers, and SUP fanatics. They can also be worn for paddling, zip-lining, jogging, swimming, river trekking, and rafting, among other activities.
Pros
• Fashionable yet practical
• Offers optimal comfort in all terrains
• Wide range of use including water and non-water related activities
• Lightweight, breathable, and quick draining.
Cons
• Larger than usual fit
8. Mayzero Water Shoes
Key Features
- Lycra upper
- Rubber sole
- Barefoot design
- Special five toes design
- Pull tap
- Available in 32 colors
Mayzero water shoes can be worn by both men and women. They are specially designed for comfort as well as functionality in water conditions. They are lightweight and have a barefoot feel.
They have a durable rubber outsole that offers slip resistance and comfort. Their outsoles have convex dots for enhanced grip and holes for quick drainage as well as proper aeration.
The top part is made of lycra to ensure that it is breathable, quick-draining, and offers a stretchy feel. Their special five-toes design offers wide toe slots and extra padding for comfort and extra protection on your toes.
Furthermore, they have an elastic lace design for quick adjustment. Their soft, breathable, honeycomb-like midsoles offer optimal cushioning, improved ventilation, and water drainage.
Pros
• Comfortable and breathable
• Slip and skid resistant
• Quick to dry
• Multifunctional
• Lightweight and flexible
Cons
• Larger than usual fit
9. Body Glove 3T Cinch Men’s Water Shoes
Key Features
- 100% synthetic upper
- Synthetic sole
- Minimalist barefoot design
- Adjustable shocklace
- Special 3 toes design
- Available in 3 colors
The Body Glove Men’s 3T men’s water shoe is designed for a comfortable barefoot cinch feel. It is super light and drains water quickly. The water shoe is most suitable for kayaking, fishing, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding.
It has a flat, low profile synthetic outsole that offers traction on wet or slippery surfaces. The upper part is made with a stretchy non-mesh synthetic material that offers a snug fit and ensures the shoe is breathable.
It is also fitted with an adjustable shocklace system for fit adjustment. Its 3 –toe pocket design leverages research findings to provide the first two toes with articulation. This feature optimizes performance while reducing the risk of injury on the last two small toes.
Pros
• Easy to slip on and take off
• Easily adjustable for the right fit with the shocklace
• Super lightweight and flexible
• Breathable and quick draining
• Ultra-grip soles for traction and stability
Cons
• Thin outsoles that are not ideal for use in extremely rocky and rough terrains
10. Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0
Key Features
- 100% neoprene upper
- Rubber sole
- Pull tap
- Available in 4 colors
Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0 is comfortable with a light, airy feel. The upper part is made of neoprene with mesh parts for breathability and ventilation. On the inside is an insole that offers extra cushioning for comfort and a good fit.
The shoe incorporates the signature Speedo S-trac rubber sole, which allows water to easily stream out of the shoe. It also provides traction and slip resistance. It has a pull tab for easy pull-on wear.
The Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0 is specially designed for surfing but can also be used to walk on the beach, riverside trekking, and as a shower shoe.
Pros
• Super light with an airy feel
• Easy to wear and take off
• Excellent traction and slip resistance
• Have a true fit
• Comfortable and breathable
Cons
• No arch support, so not ideal for people with fallen arcs or flat feet
11. Â SOBASO water shoes
Key Features
- Open mesh upper
- Rubber sole
- Elastic adjusting lace
- Pull tap
- Available in 4 colors
SOBASO unisex water shoe is designed for optimum foot protection and functionality. The upper part is made of knit mesh for comfort, breathability, and quick-drying. It has a tap for easy putting on and take off. It is also fitted with a unique elastic lace for easy adjustment of the shoe’s fit.
The shoe also has a foam insole for enhanced cushioning, even on rough terrains. Its rubber outsole is thick and stretchy for optimum comfort and traction. This shoe is perfect for water-related activities and are good for use as walking shoes.
Pros
• Thick sole for maximum foot protection and traction
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Easy to put on and remove
• Multifunctional: can also be used for hiking too
• Breathable and quick draining
Cons
• Wrong fit leads to blistering
12. ALEADER Men’s Aqua Water Shoes
Key Features
- Mesh upper
- Rubber sole
- Holes on the sole
- Pull tap
- Solyte midsole
- Sock liner
- Available in 16 colors
The ALEADER Water Shoes for men incorporate various features for optimal comfort. These include a Solyte midsole, durable air mesh upper, ComfortDry sock liner, and sturdy rubber sole. This is a lightweight and durable water shoe suitable for a wide range of uses, including walking on the beach, surfing, paddling, and kayaking.
It has a thick rubber sole for comfort, adequate traction, and slip resistance. The sole has additional rubber pods on the high wear parts of the shoe to promote better traction. Also, it has holes at the bottom for quick draining and ventilation.
The upper part of the shoe is made of hydrophobic engineered mesh for enhanced draining and breathability. Whereas the Solyte midsole provides bounce back. They have drawstrings for conveniently adjusting for the right fit.
Pros
• Has excellent drainage
• Breathable and comfortable
• Lightweight
• Superb traction
Cons
• The mesh upper takes long to dry
• Not suitable for use in terrains with loose rocks as they get stuck in the rubber pods
13. AFT AFFINEST Water Shoes
Key Features
- Mesh upper
- Rubber sole
- Pull tap
- Elastic drawstrings
- Available in 16 colors
AFT AFFINEST Water Shoes are designed for comfort, safety, convenience, and practical use in wet and slippery terrains. They have a sown shoe opening, elastic sole that takes the ankle’s shape, and elastic adjustable drawstrings for a comfortable fit. Their rubber soles are designed with a non-slip grip texture to offer excellent traction.
The outsoles also have 11 holes for easy flow of water out of the shoe. They have an additional invisible thin layer of insole foam that offers anti-collision protection on your feet to prevent blistering. These shoes can be worn for a wide range of water and non-water related activities.
Pros
• Lightweight and quick-drying
• Fit well and comfortably
• Breathable
• Easy to slip on and take off
• Can be worn for a wide range of activities
Cons
• The outsole is too thin for use in extremely rocky and rough terrains
14. Vibram Men’s Five Fingers V-Aqua Water Shoes
Key Features
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Rubber sole
- Pull tap
- Five fingers design
- Barefoot design
The Vibram V-Aqua men’s shoe is light and flexible, offering an almost barefoot feel. It has a pull tap that allows for an easy put on, while the synthetic and mesh upper offer a snug fit. The mesh part also provides the perforations through which the water flows out for quick drying. Its rubber sole is designed to be durable and to provide mega grip on slippery surfaces.
The sole has an additional distinct silicone print to reinforce traction and non-slip properties. These water shoes are ideal for river expeditions, tubing, SUP, kayaking, canoeing, and wet rock trekking. They can also be used for hiking or as house shoes.
Pros
• Lightweight and flexible
• Offer firm grip and excellent traction
• Comfortable fit
• Good drainage and quick drying
• Breathable
Cons
• Larger fit than usual American sizing
Key Features to Look for in Water Shoes
Breathability
The best water shoes are made with a breathable material that allows water to flow out of the shoes and dry up fast. The material also offers an easy flow of air into the shoe and feet for proper ventilation.
Durability
The shoe should be made with a material that does not tear easily when subjected to rough terrains and extreme weather conditions. Ideally, the inner and outer soles should be reasonably thick.
Comfort
Comfortable water shoes have a rubber outsole, adequate heel and cuff padding, and tabs for easy wearing and removing. They are also lightweight, breathable, and easily drain water.
Material
Water shoes upper is usually made from neoprene or synthetic material. While some have mesh, others have full fabric coverage. Mesh allows the water to drain easily and offers great ventilation. However, water shoes made with mesh are not ideal during cold weather as they do not provide thermal insulation.
On the other hand, neoprene water shoes do not provide good drainage, but they have better thermal insulation properties. While mesh water shoes are ideal for use when hiking, walking on the beach, paddle sports, or boating during warmer seasons, neoprene water shoes are better suited for scuba diving, surfing, and open water swimming, especially in the cold seasons.
Size
The right water shoe size fits snugly on your foot and does not slip or slide off easily. It also reduces the chances of chafing or getting blisters. A water shoe with fasteners or laces helps keep the foot in the shoe even in very wet and marshy conditions.
Most water shoes have a bigger fitting than regular shoes. Therefore, before buying a specific brand, check its reviews to find out whether it has a true fit or you would have to choose a smaller size. In addition, some manufactures provide wide and slim-fitting options usually denoted by W or D, and N, respectively.
Quality of Insole
The right insole for a water shoe should provide adequate support and padding for your feet while allowing easy water flow in and out of the shoe. While some water shoes have fixed insoles, for other types, the insole is detachable. A fixed insole may inhibit the easy flow of water out of the shoe which can result in longer drying times, but it stays put inside the shoe even as you maneuver the most slippery or rocky terrains.
Quality of the Outsole
The outer sole needs to be thick and tough enough to withstand rough terrains and keep your feet safe. It should also have grip points to offer adequate traction for slip resistance. Otherwise, you do not need a thick sole for boating and kayaking since you will not encounter rough terrain. As such, you can go for a lighter, thinner, and more flexible outsole. If your feet are in water long, go for shoes with holes in the outsole for enhanced drainage.
Lightweight and Quick-Drying
While regular shoes get clogged and heavy when they soak up water, water shoes allow easy and fast-draining to keep the shoe light. Even without being submerged in water, the shoe should feel light on the feet.
Choosing the Right Water Shoes for the Right Activities
The most important features to consider in a water shoe will vary depending on the activities you will be engaging in. Here are some specifications as per the activity you will be engaged in:
- Kayaking. Ensure that the shoe is breathable, fits snugly, and has excellent traction.
- Fishing. Since you will be spending a good amount of time on your feet, choose water shoes with thick rubber soles to ensure comfort and good grip.
- Walking on marshy areas. The ideal water shoe should be lightweight, breathable, and offer full coverage on your feet.
- Water shoes can be worn for short and relatively easy hikes, especially if you encounter wet or marshy areas on the hiking trail. In this case, opt for snicker style water shoes with a thick sole for optimal foot protection and comfort even on rocky areas. A water shoe with additional padding, such as a midsole, will offer you extra comfort and protection on your feet when hiking.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying Water Shoes for Men
Here are the key factors to consider when buying water shoes for men:
- There is a wide range of water shoes available at different price points. Choose the shoes that fit within your budget and meet your requirement for must-have features.
- Check user reviews for the various brands of water shoes in your consideration. What do other customers say about the shoe’s durability, fit, breathability, weight, and quality of material used to make them?
- Your personal style. While there might be a limited variety of water shoe designs and colors, check if you can find some that fit your personal style.
- Activities that you will be engaged in. As mentioned above, go for water shoes with the specific features that are most suitable for the water activity that you will be engaged in most.
Water Shoes for Men FAQs
What are water shoes?
Water shoes are a specialty type of shoes designed to offer traction and protection to your feet when engaging in water-related activities. Unlike water sandals, the toes and most of the top of the foot part of the shoes are enclosed. This serves to offer better protection on the toes and the entire foot.
What are the benefits of wearing water shoes?
Water shoes offer various benefits, including:
- Outstanding traction. Water shoes are designed to offer excellent grip on slippery or wet surfaces to prevent slip and fall. Therefore, you can easily walk on slippery surfaces without falling.
- Do not soak up water. Water shoes are designed with non-absorbent fabric such that the water drains almost as fast as it gets into the shoes.
- Offers top of the foot and toe protection. Since water shoes have a closed toe design, they offer protection against stabbing, bruising, and scraping, among other possible injuries.
- Offer temperature regulations. Whether you are outdoors on a cold day or a hot day, water shoes can come in handy to keep your feet at the right temperature. For instance, on a hot day, they prevent your feet from blistering due to excess heat, while on a cold day, they keep your feet warm.
- Can be used in a wide range of terrains: The excellent traction and enclosed design of water shoes enable them to be worn in all kinds of terrains, including sandy beaches, slippery lake or riversides, rocky hiking trails, etc.
Are there any drawbacks to water shoes?
Yes, there are a few drawbacks of water shoes as follows:
- Limited variety on the market. While the types and brands of water shoes have increased on the market in the last decade, the variety available is still limited compared to other specialty shoes such as hiking shoes. As such, there is only limited styles, colors, and designs to choose from.
- They are not proper hiking shoes. Although water shoes offer great traction, comfort, and foot protection, even on hiking trails, they are not the ideal hiking shoes, especially if you are an avid hiker. They do not have proper cushioning for long hikes.
- More expensive. Even though you can find hiking shoes for different price points, they are generally more expensive than other specialty water footwear such as water crocs, water sandals, and water socks.
Where and when can you wear water shoes?
Simply put, water shoes can be worn on any wet terrains. These include:
- Beach
- River
- Riverbanks
- Lakes
- Wet hiking trails
They can be worn for a wide range of activities, including:
- Kayaking
- Walk on the beach
- Adventure and exploration near rivers, lakes, or other water bodies.
- Bating
- Fishing
- Walking across streams or rivers
- Walking on marshy areas
- Hiking on wet trails
- Swimming
- Water sports
How do you clean water shoes?
Most manufacturers recommend that you gently scrub your water shoes with warm water and soap, rinse thoroughly, and then hang in the open air to dry. If they are a bit smelly, sprinkle bicarbonate soda and leave them 24 hours before washing, rinsing, and air drying.
Avoid machine washing them unless the manufacturer clearly indicates that they are machine washable. Otherwise, machine washing could breakdown the fabric and compromise fit and durability.
Should you wear socks with water shoes?
Most water shoes are designed for a soft, snug, and comfortable fit so that you do not need to wear socks. However, in extreme weather conditions, you may consider pairing them up with water socks for sufficient thermal insulation. If you are wearing your water shoes for long-distance hiking on rough terrain, you could wear regular socks to prevent blistering.
Regardless of your style and activities you will be engaged in, you can find the right water shoe. The options available include barefoot style, sneaker style, air mesh upper, and 100% synthetic fabric upper, among others. Whichever type of water shoe you choose, check its reviews to ascertain that it is lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, quick-draining, and has excellent traction even on the most slippery surfaces.
