15 Fantastic Water Shoes for Men who are Ready to Embrace the Great Outdoors

Best Water Shoes For Men

When it comes to stylish and attractive men’s shoes, water shoes come in near the bottom of the list. They are often the clunkiest non-stylish shoes of all. Designed for function, water shoes had stiff soles, mesh tops and prevented cuts and abrasions when hiking, kayaking, tubing, fishing, swimming, or almost any water sport. However, although they function the same, they have gotten more stylish as their popularity has increased.

15 Water Shoes that are Both Versatile and Sturdy

Water shoes are footwear worn during activities where feet might get wet. They keep feet and toes protected from rocks, shells, sand, or anything that can cut when in or near water.

Selecting the best water shoes for your needs may be intimidating, so we made a list of the best 15 brands and styles of water shoes for men.

1. Astral Loyak Water Shoe

Astral Loyak Water Shoe

The Astral Loyak water shoe is one of the top brands of minimalistic-style water shoes that can be worn daily as casual shoes. They resemble sneakers with entire foot covering canvas tops and water-resistant laces. These high-performance shoes offer durability, grip, and comfort on water or land. They have a flex grip sole that provides excellent balance and grip abilities. The soles also have divided lugs which are ideal for grip in loose dirt. Reviewers describe these shoes is perfect for a job where you are active, like hospital workers where comfort is necessary yet they are classy enough to dress up if necessary. The Astral Loyak water shoe is among the best water shoes for men.

More info: astraldesigns.com

2. Aleader Xdrain Venture Water Shoes

Aleader Xdrain Venture Water Shoes

For those shopping eco-friendly and vegan brands, Xdrain water shoes are perfect. Great for exploring waterfalls and water, these shoes got their name for their superior drainage technology. They also have optimal traction, cushioned insoles, are breathable, and make outdoor adventure safe and fun. Aleader Xdrain Venture water shoes have neoprene and mesh uppers with adjustable bungee fabric straps that stay put with toggle barrel lock closure. They are the perfect shoe for any water activity, and the details make them stylish without being overly chunky.

More info: aleadergear.com

3. Quicksilver Amphibian Plus Slip-On Shoes

Quicksilver Amphibian Plus Slip-On Shoes

These fashionable and popular water shoes for guys are slip-on water shoes have breathable one-piece textile uppers with drainage ports in the sole. They offer all-day comfort and promise to remain odor-free, wet, or dry. They have fabric, which protects feet from the damp insole of the shoe. The outsole pattern of this water shoe provides maximum support and flexibility and has specialized traction for help in or out of the water. Designed by a brand with a deep connection to nature and people, this shoe is the perfect balance of style and function and is among the top rated water shoes.

More info: quiksilver.com

4. Merrel Men’s Vapor Glove 5

Merrel Men's Vapor Glove 5

As a company that strives to make things better, Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 5 is the 5th version of this minimalist water shoe. Designed to resemble the shape of a human foot by studying and researching a foot in motion, Merrel’s design of this shoe keeps the foot in the position it would be in without a shoe.

Great for water sports, this shoe is one of the best water shoes for men as it enhances the foot’s natural ability to support the body during rapid changes in movement. This water shoe has mesh uppers, recycled material shoe laces, and a stretch collar for ease of putting on and taking off. They are considered among the best water shoes for men.

More info: merrell.com

5. Adidas Terrex Boat S.rdy Water Shoes

Adidas Terrex Boat S.rdy Water Shoes

As a company that works daily to ensure people be their best, powerful selves in sports and life, the Adidas Terrex Boat S.rdy water shoe has Adidas’ signature look and lives up to its pledge for those performing water sports. Their shoes are breathable, lightweight, and comfortable with mesh upper and durable outsoles.

These water shoes give phenomenal grip for a sure footing on wet surfaces and feature drainage in the midsole and outsole to keep feet as dry as possible in and out of the water. The Adidas Terrex Boat S.rdy is one of the most popular water shoes for guys.

More info: adidas.com

6. Columbia PFG Bahama Vent Loco Relaxed III Shoe

Columbia PFG Bahama Vent Loco Relaxed III Shoe

As industry leaders in design, the Columbia PFG Bahama Vent Loco Relaxed III shoes top for innovation and are perfect for boating. These popular water shoes for guys have soles that grip and provide sure footing on wet decks and surfaces and are multifunctional. With a combination canvas and leather upper, they closely resemble authentic boat shoes and are perfect for everyday wear.

These water shoes are among the best water shoes for men, are lightweight and comfortable with excellent cushioning. These shoes are made to get submerged in water which beads off the shoe and doesn’t leave you with stinky, musty-smelling shoes after they have dried.

More info: columbia.com

7. Land’s End Slip On Water Shoes

Land's End Slip On Water Shoes

These lightweight water shoes have polyester mesh uppers and adjustable cord fabric straps that stay put with toggle barrel lock closure. They have comfortable foam insoles designed to fit snugly on foot. They are stylish shoes and are great for land as much as water.

These water shoes make water sports, hiking, or biking safe and give added confidence to the wearer with absolute comfort and protection – whether on rocks, shells, hot sand, and other elements against your feet. Land’s End Slip On water shoes are some of the best water shoes for men.

More info: landsend.com

8. Crocs Swiftwater Mesh Wave

Crocs Swiftwater Mesh Wave

Made with the standard of the Crocs brand, these mesh uppers water shoes make some of the best, most active, water friendly shoes to date. They have large ports for maximum water drainage, debris removal, and breathability.

Crocs Swiftwater Mesh Wave water shoe is lightweight, soft, and flexible. They are top rated water shoes and have excellent traction in and out of the water. They also offer 360-degree comfort. Like other Crocs brand shoes, these water shoes slip on and off with ease.

More info: crocs.com

9. Tropicfeel Sunset

Tropicfeel Sunset

Designed by a brand bringing respect, responsibility, and a positive footprint into a shoe brand, this spectacular all-terrain water shoe is one that easily doubles as a sneaker in style and function. They are quick-drying, odorless, slip-on with ease, and crafted with responsibly resourced materials.

These perfectly designed water shoes also have sprint shoe laces that prevent knots and foldable heels that make them quickly and easily interchangeable into slippers. Reviewers everywhere consider these shoes the perfect pair for travel and they are considered among the best water shoes for men.

More info: tropicfeel.com

10. Xtratuf Men’s Riptide Water Shoe

Xtratuf Men's Riptide Water Shoe

Shopping for an extra rugged and tough water shoe is easier with the Xtratuf Men’s Riptide water shoe. This shoe has a non-slip Chevron outsole that is used to make fishing boats. They are comfortable and have a breathable, quick-drying airmass upper which provides excellent drainage. These top rated water shoes are slip-resistant and give your feet a sure footing on wet surfaces. In addition to style, they are incredibly comfortable and incredibly protective to keep feet dry.

More info: xtratuf.com

11. Speedo Seaside Lace 5.0

Speedo Seaside Lace 5.0

Speedo makes a splash with swimwear and has done it again with some of the best water shoes for men with the all-purpose Speedo Seaside Lace 5.0. Perfect for activities on both land and water, this comfortable shoe has a rubber outsole that manages water flow to improve traction around the pool, at the beach, decks, and on boats.

The upper of this water shoe is made with breathable mesh with a lace-up top. These top water water shoes are waterproof and excellent for water aerobics and bring the comfort of walking around wet public places safely.

More info: speedousa.com

12. Keen Evofit One

Keen Evofit One

These American-made and award-winning water shoes feel more like a second skin than a shoe. They grip the foot and offer more than superior benefits for a water shoe. They have an evolved performance lace system with multi-directional lugs with a razor design.

This water repellent shoe is made with Cleansport to control natural odors. These water shoes look like a cross between a sneaker and sandals and fully protect your toes but have plenty of drainage holes so that water doesn’t accumulate inside the shoe. They are flexible and comfortable and made from a strong fabric that doesn’t hold moisture.

More info: keenfootwear.com

13. Adidas Terrex Climacool Voyager Sleek Parsley Water Shoes

Adidas Terrex Climacool Voyager Sleek Parsley Water Shoes

This ambitious hiking shoe is another top rated water shoe from Adidas created with minimizing their environmental impact in mind. They are great for going between water and land. This Adidas water shoe is built with a great water drainage system, and has a quick-drying upper, and will keep your feet warm and dry. The sole makes this one of the best water shoes for climbing rocks, sand, or hills.

These shoes feature recycled waste such as Parley Ocean Plastic that is plastic intercepted before it reaches the ocean.

More info: adidas.com

14. Speedo Surf Knit Water Shoes

Speedo Surf Knit Water Shoes

These stylish shoes with water-resistant knit uppers are lightweight and make the wearer feel barefoot. This water shoe is made with advanced engineered fabric and will keep your feet dry. The knit is comfortable and minimizes water absorption, and the soles are non-slip, designed to manage water, sand, and debris flow.

These shoes give breathable support and comfort where needed. These water shoes provide the right amount of protection and support for feet and won’t slip off the foot and are among the best water shoes for men.

More info: speedousa.com

15. Aleader Xdrain Nova Water Shoes

Aleader Xdrain Nova Water Shoes

These lightweight, vegan shoes are water-ready for the water athlete. They provide total foot and toe protection with a snug, breathable fit. Aleader Xdrain Nova water shoe is stylish enough to be worn in advance of water sports and makes for an easy transition.

Their durable air mesh uppers allow the foot to breathe and do not trap odor. The outsole is excellent for traction on slippery, wet surfaces, and this fantastic shoe has a dry sock liner that provides optimum cushioning for a healthy foot environment.

More info: aleadergear.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Although this list of the best water shoes available will help on your shopping trip, there are still many frequently asked questions. Those questions, along with the answers, are here:

What are water shoes good for?

Water shoes keep feet and toes protected from rocks, shells, sand, or anything that can cut when in or near water. They also prevent slips and keep feet steady when fishing, kayaking, tubing, hiking, or rock climbing with water involved. Some benefits of water shoes are:

Water shoes offer a better grip on slippery surfaces like boat docks and water equipment with traction and support.

Water shoes are lightweight and quick drying. They don’t absorb water and get waterlogged like outside shoes not meant for submerging in water.

Water shoes keep feet comfortable and warm by allowing water to flow through the shoes to keep shoes drained.

What are water shoes called?

It’s easy to imagine some of the more stylish water shoes being called sneakers; however, some other names for water shoes are water socks, water sandals, and swim slippers.

How do I choose water shoes?

First, think about what you will be doing in the water, why you need the shoes. Then, consider the following:
Secure grip – make sure the grip is safe, even underwater, and the grip on the bottom – or outsole. You want your outsole made with a rubber material so that you don’t slip and feel confident and secure from falling.

Protection – your water shoes should protect all sides of your feet and toes. You don’t want to end up with cuts or abrasions from sand, rocks, shells, or glass. You want your outsoles thin but thick enough that nothing gets through them. Your toes should be covered. Keep in mind the purpose of your shoes that you select the suitable material for protecting your feet. Get heavier, more durable fabric shoes for rock climbing instead of mesh fabric.

Maintenance – picking the suitable material makes maintenance easier. If you plan to wear your water shoes on land and water, get a fabric that is easy to wash to extend the life.

Snug fit – select a pair of water shoes without compromising on a good fit.

Should water shoes be tight or loose?

Great-fitting water shoes should fit snug but not be so tight that they are uncomfortable. You want your shoes to stay on your feet in the roughest water waves. They shouldn’t be so hard to put on that they hurt but should not come off easily.

Can you wear water shoes all day?

Yes, some water shoes are comfortable, versatile, and stylish enough to be worn all day. If you are buying them to walk for extensive periods or hike, make sure you look for good arch support in your water shoes. Also, many brands of water shoes have fabrics made with technology that helps them dry faster once they have been wet. It makes wearing them all day much more manageable.

15 of the Most Stylish Water Shoes for Guys

Water shoes are footwear that is worn during activities where feet might get wet like swimming, rock climbing, boating, and fishing. They keep feet and toes protected from rocks, shells, sand, or anything that can cut when in or near water. Once stiff, clunky with very little style, water shoes have become more stylish as their popularity has grown.

Making an informed decision when selecting the best water shoes for your needs may be intimidating, but this list of the best 15 brands and styles of water shoes for men should make shopping and selecting the perfect pair for your needs much more effortless.

About the Author
Bruce Hess

Hey, I’m Bruce, a lifestyle advisor and coach who touches on all topics that can lead you to live your life to the fullest. Outside of work, I’m a hobbyist rock climber and a big fan of video games. More articles from Bruce.