18 Quick-Drying Water Shoes for Women, Men, and Kids

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Water shoes—shoes that are meant to get wet and dry quickly—have come a long way. No longer are your only water-friendly shoe options neoprene socks or flip-flops. Instead women, men, and kids can find water shoe styles to fit every adventure. From immersion-ready hiking shoes to footwear that blends in seamlessly at the beach and in the city, there are more options than ever.

Ready for Adventure: Water-Friendly Hiking Shoes

These quick-drying shoes look like sneakers but are sturdy enough for trail adventures.

For Women: Chaco’s Outcross Evo 2 Hiking Shoe

Chaco’s Outcross Evo 2 Hiking Shoe provides both good coverage and drainage for hikes that include rough trails and water crossings.

For Men: Merrell’s Hydrotrekker

Merrell’s Hydrotrekker is a trail-ready shoe that’s built to go in and out of the water while protecting your feet and drying fast.

For Kids: Merrell’s Hydro Choprock Sandal

Merrell’s Hydro Choprock Sandal offers slip-on ease and hiking-shoe features that boost traction, grip, and stability. The soft EVA footbed is gentle on feet, and the quick-dry lining keeps kids comfy.

Multi-Use Water Shoes: Single Pair All-Day Wear

These shoes are versatile enough to wear throughout the day.

For Women: Sea Star’s Beachcomber Espadrilles

Style and performance meet in Sea Star’s Beachcomber Espadrilles. These shoes look like classic espadrilles but can be worn in water and dry quickly. Or opt for Land’s End’s Mary Jane Water Shoes, which deliver water-ready casual style whether you’re brunching or boating.

For Men: Columbia Dorado CVO PFG

Columbia describes its Dorado CVO PFG Shoe as “part shoe, part fish.” It looks nice enough to wear on vacation but has serious water-shoe cred. Vivobarefoot’s Ultra III Bloom shoes are made using an algae-based foam that dries fast—and can be rolled up for easy packing.

For Kids: Stride Rite Made2Play Phibian Series

Stride Rite’s Made2Play Phibian series of shoes offers sneaker styling and slip-proof, water-friendly support (sizes for little and big kids are available). Plae’s Mimo line is constructed to allow water to flow in and out while protecting little feet. And Native’s water-friendly shoes for kids include the crowd favorite Jeffersons, which come in a kid-pleasing array of colors and prints.

Water Sandals: Fun in the Sun

Looking for sandals that can get wet? Try these.

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For Women: Crocs’ Swiftwater Webbing Sandal

Crocs’ stylish Swiftwater Webbing Sandal offers a secure fit, enhanced traction, and the brand’s classic cushioning for all-day comfort.

For Men: Keen’s Newport H2

Keen’s classic Newport H2 water sandal delivers serious toe protection and a washable webbing upper that lets water flow through.

For Kids: Teva Sandals

Teva has a full range of water sandals for kids, including the classic Hurricane and the toe-shielding Manatee.

Traditional Water Shoes: Compact Protection

These classic water shoes will protect your feet on boats, in lakes, or just about anywhere else.

For Women: Speedo’s Women’s Zipwalker 4.0 Water Shoes

There’s a wide range of classic and new Speedo water shoes, including the Women’s Zipwalker 4.0 Water Shoes, which have a water drainage system in their no-slip rubber sole.

For Men: Body Glove Water Shoes

Target carries a range of Body Glove water shoes, including the classic, minimalist Riptide Water Shoes and water shoes with toes like the Body Glove Max water shoes.

For Kids:  DBX Kids’ Water Shoes 

The ultra-affordable DBX Kids’ Water Shoes from Dick’s Sporting Goods offer simple, full coverage with traction.

 More from SmarterTravel:

• 7 Shoes That Are Good for Your Feet, According to Doctors
• The Essential Carry-On Bag Packing List
• Reversible Clothing and Accessories for Travel: 17 Items to Double Your Wardrobe

Follow Christine Sarkis on Twitter @ChristineSarkis and Instagram @postcartography for more advice about making every vacation the best vacation.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

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