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Ultrafine ripstop mesh, TPU reinforcements, water resistant laces
The Astral Loyak AC reigns supreme in versatility, seamlessly transitioning from water activities to social gatherings. Not only does it perform exceptionally well in aquatic environments, but it also has a stylish design suitable for casual events. In the water, it provides a glove-like fit with excellent drainage. The flex-grip outsole adheres well to various surfaces, including slick rocks, while delivering ample support for leisurely beach or town walks. The thin, neutral soles provide a sensitive yet protective experience, enhancing balance on uneven terrain and ensuring excellent swimming performance.
Although it excels in functionality in water and urban settings, some limitations exist. It offers minimal insulation if recreating in chilly waters, though you can wear a neoprene sock to improve warmth. The mesh upper is not as durable, particularly in abrasive rock environments. If you're seeking a water shoe that performs well in the water and transitions effortlessly to the street after a fun day, the Loyak AC is the perfect choice. The Astral Brewer 2.0 is a great alternative for those wanting more hiking capabilities from their water shoe.
The Loyak AC boasts excellent performance for many water sports and a stylish aesthetic.
The Astral Loyak is lightweight, high-performing, and looks great. The bomber outsole offers some of the best traction we've tested, with a flexible design that does well on slippery rocks and uneven surfaces. We tested it while swimming, boating, and exploring on land, where it performed excellently. It has a unique, stylish look for food and drinks around a campfire or beachside bar. While this contender has the look and feel of a shoe, it performs like a neoprene bootie.
While the Loyak boasts many pluses, it has its drawbacks. Given the canvas uppers and snug fit, it's not a very warm shoe. It's also hard to layer an insulative sock, so they are limited to only warmer days on the water. There was also noticeable wear after just a few months of testing. We love the stylish look and performance of the women's Loyak. It does well in the water, out of the water, and around town. If you need more hikability out of your water shoe, the Astral Rassler 2.0 does almost as well as the Loyak but with more burly construction. It is not sensitive but offers a hardier shoe for side hikes and rougher terrain.
We love the comfortable, snug fit of the Loyak, and its sticky soles helped keep our feet from slipping on wet surfaces.
We tested several inexpensive, slip-on models, and the Speedo Surf Knit Pro stood out for its comfort and excellent feel. Unlike lace-up shoes, these water shoes are easy to take on and off. They performed significantly better on trails and pavement compared to the other budget-friendly models, the DLGJPA and DOUSSPRT. While the DLGJPA and DOUSSPRT drained quickly and felt lightweight due to holes in the soles, these features made them less suitable for trails or walking for extended periods. Additionally, these holed soles limit their usefulness as everyday shoes, as your feet would get wet in even the slightest puddles or damp conditions. However, the Speedo Surf Knit Pro prevents water from seeping in through the bottom while providing a good sense of the ground beneath your feet.
While the Surf Knit performed well on short hikes, it's not for rugged terrain. Unlike sturdier water shoes designed for challenging hikes, like the Astral Brewer or Loyak AC, the Surf Knit offers less protection from sharp objects on the trail. For instance, testers felt twigs through the soles when walking on logs. This thin sole provides a more barefoot feel when wading in water but comes at the cost of reduced protection. Additionally, the Surf Knit's suitability for everyday wear is limited. On the bright side, the Surf Knit is a great choice for beach activities and paddleboarding due to its affordability and sensitivity. It excels as a budget-friendly option when feeling the ground and surfaces underfoot is a priority.
These water shoes offer decent performance at an accessible price.
Our favorite budget option for women is the DLGJPA Lightweight shoe. This comfortable water slipper has a cinch closure and dries quickly in the sun, even in humid climates. It's lightweight and can handle short hikes quite decently. We also tested the men's DLGJPA, which scored similarly.
However, durability is lacking, as one might expect from a budget shoe of this caliber. The thin mesh showed some fraying after our test period, so take care when encountering sharp sticks or rocks. The larger mesh openings are also prone to taking on small rocks or sand, and we also noted that these are not as supportive as some of the more structured shoes in our tests. The cinch elastic stretches out after some use, too. However, if you need water shoes for light-duty use, the DLGJPA will fit the bill. If you want more performance for a low price, see the NRS Kicker Wetshoe - Women's, which is not a great out-of-water option but performs pretty well during water activities for a good price.
The exceptional breathability of the DGJLPA allows it to drain and dry quickly.
The NRS Paddle Wetshoe is a top choice among our male paddling reviewers. This neoprene bootie features a soft fleece-lined interior and a flexible neoprene upper, creating a snug fit that keeps bare feet warm—ideal for water activities like swimming, kayaking, or paddle boarding. Its sticky rubber sole grips rocks securely, boosting confidence on uneven shorelines. Whether relaxing on your boat or exploring rocky areas, this bootie is a top pick for paddling.
While neoprene booties provide warmth and flexibility in the water, they sacrifice some comfort and support on land, making them less suitable for extended walks. The neoprene also dries slowly and lacks drainage. For those needing a water-focused neoprene bootie, the NRS Paddle Wetshoe is a standout. If the high-top design isn't your style, consider the very similar low-cut NRS Kicker Wetshoe, which is slightly more affordable but less warm or durable.
The Astral Brewer 2.0 performs on land and water. A cozy and adaptable construction makes it flexible enough to accommodate additional insulation layers for outdoor conditions. Of all the models tested, it is an all-terrain warrior. One staff member wore these on a 6-day rafting trip on the Colorado River and then hiked from the river to the rim of the Grand Canyon in them! The tread sticks well on uneven and technical terrain and offers the protection you'd expect from a top performer. The sole is responsive yet flexible, providing an excellent balance of sensitivity and protection. If you often go from the water to the land in your adventures, this is our top recommendation and one you must check out.
While these shoes are excellent for most water-related activities, they aren't as warm as paddling booties with heavy insulation. On the slick, slippery ground, the smaller lugs wouldn't grip as well as other models tested, but they did well on rocky and sharp surfaces. Caveats aside, the Brewer 2.0 is still a favorite because its design works well in and out of the water. It scored similarly to the Astral Loyak AC, which we highly recommend. If you prioritize traction above all else, check out the Astral Hiyak. Its traction was exceptionally impressive, though it wasn't as comfortable as the Brewer or Loyak AC.
The Astral Brewer 2.0 offers a robust construction that makes it ideal for a wide variety of water sports, also gifting a nice aesthetic.
Credit: Zach Lovell
How We Test Water Shoes
At GearLab, we have been reviewing water shoes for years, logging many days in real-world testing environments from rivers to oceans. We spent hours researching the best water shoes on the market to put through our hands-on testing for both men and women. Our review team has traveled nationwide to carry out our examination process on their water-focused escapades. From the Pacific Northwest to the coast of California, to the raging rivers of the Grand Canyon, we've tested each pair in all kinds of conditions and weather. We've waded up and down frigid meltwater streams, sauntered along on sandy beaches, stumbled over mossy shorelines, and tested them in an 18-foot gear boat. We wore different shoes on each foot to observe how they compared in performance. We dissected the construction and features while subjecting them to over 15 objective and comparative tests. Using this information, we could decipher the pros and cons of each product. We also tested on various boats, from stand-up paddle boards to kayaks. Finally, we handed out shoes to fellow water lovers to gather their input to help select award winners and provide expert recommendations. Read more about how we test water shoes.
We used six performance metrics in our testing of water shoes:
Comfort (25%)
Traction (25%)
Warmth (15%)
Versatility (15%)
Sensitivity (10%)
Quality of Construction (10%)
Between the men's and women's water shoe categories, we've logged hundreds of hours testing water shoes in lakes, streams, rivers, and oceans to ensure our testing process is exhaustive.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Why Trust GearLab
Our review team consists of three water-loving adventurers who spend most of their time on the water. Dan Scott is a devoted pack rafter who also loves canyoneering. He has spent years rafting and canoeing rivers from the Grand Canyon to the Main Salmon in the Western United States. Dan has made numerous first and solo descents in high-flow and low-flow canyons. His travels took him from the USA to Spain and Austria. He is also a river scientist with a Ph.D. and spends much of his time gathering information about and around rivers. Jacob Clark is a passionate kayaker and ocean enthusiast. Jacob has spent lots of time guiding in and around the oceans of Santa Barbara, canoeing on the Colorado River, and kayaking through the rivers formed by glacial runoff in California. Also joining this review is Zach Lovell. Zach has spent most of his life playing on rivers, lakes, and oceans, whether boating, kayaking, SUPing, or surfing. He's been in the product design and testing game for over ten years.
In charge of the women's review is Sara James and Monica Nigon. As a lover of the outdoors, Sara teaches for California Women's Kayak Collective during the summer months and has two decades of river experience under her shoes. Having the right footwear for the adventure is essential; she knows what makes a water shoe good and what makes it great.
Monica is an enthusiastic whitewater raft guide and paddling instructor who works on Colorado's Arkansas River. She learned to paddle a canoe and kayak on Minnesota's lakes and rivers. As a seasoned boater, she has taken numerous rafting adventures around the globe, from day trips in New Zealand to extended expeditions in the Grand Canyon.
Our testers went to the extremes, testing water shoes in the world's grandest canyons.
Testing water shoes often means wading through some very cold water.
Testing shoes takes us to all different places, and we love the rush.
Our testers went to extremes to see what these shoes could handle.
How to Pick the Best Water Shoes for You
Footwear can be tough for the most amphibious humans who can't get enough water. While sandals offer breathability on a hot day, they may not swim well or stay on your feet. Regular shoes will easily become water-laden, draining hours, leaving your feet water-logged and wrinkled. Water shoes are designed to get wet while keeping your feet dry and warm. So, what do you need to know before purchasing a pair? In this article, we dive into the different types of water shoes you'll find on the market and the attributes to consider before you purchase your next pair. While exploring this section, be sure to recognize what you will be using your water shoes for and the weather and climate where you'll be exploring. Let's get started.
Depending on what you plan to use your water shoe for, there are a few considerations you need to explore.
Credit: Spencer Knutson
Why Should You Buy a Water Shoe?
Water shoes are closed-toe shoes designed to protect your feet while recreating on water bodies. They are designed to breathe, keep your feet cool on hot days, and drain to keep your feet from sitting in soggy shoes. The special rubber and outsole will give you confidence on slippery surfaces, while the water's insulating properties will help warm your feet. Whether you love to boat, spend days on the beach, snorkel, or surf, a solid water shoe is a must-have addition to any water lover's gear closet. Water shoes offer safety and comfort on slippery surfaces, with better performance than sandals or hiking boots. So whether you're snorkeling at your favorite reef, exploring a new canyon, or adventuring in your favorite watercraft, a pair of water shoes is always a good purchase.
So when is a water shoe not a good choice? Any time you're on or around the water, a water shoe will offer the best performance of any other type of shoe. However, a sandal may be a good fit if you're walking alongside the water and not in it. Or if you are running or hiking through a few streams without your feet being wet all the time, consider a top-rated trail running shoe or one of our favorite hiking boots.
There are many types of water shoes on the market. To start your research you first must decide on the type that works best for your needs.
Credit: Monica Nigon
Men's Water Shoes
Our men's water shoe review goes deeper on the shoes we love and how each one in the lineup compares to the others. See the overall scores in the charts below.
Women's Water Shoes
We did a dedicated women's water shoe review to outline our favorite women's models. That review contains more specs and features of each shoe. See the women's scores for the shoes we tested below.
Types of Water Shoes
The first step to purchasing a solid water shoe is understanding the types you'll find on the market. Before we dive deeper into this section, take a moment to consider what you're buying your water shoes for, the weather you'll likely encounter, and any features that you need to best suit your adventures. Understanding your needs will help you narrow your search for the best shoe.
Neoprene Booties
A bootie may be best if you love swimming or surfing or immerse your feet in cold water for long periods. Constructed of neoprene, this type of water shoe is comfortable and warm. They're designed to fit snugly, like a glove. The neoprene will absorb and hold water in its porous fabric. When your body warms the water in the fabric, it acts like an insulation. These boots are incredibly comfortable as they are lightweight and flexible, designed to aid efficient swimming. They also have an outsole designed to stick to smooth surfaces, like the face of a surfboard or stand-up paddle board. The thicker outsole also offers insulation underfoot for cold days on the water. While these boots are an excellent choice for play in the water and on boats, they are not the most durable. As a result, if you're planning on doing a lot of water-based hiking, consider a shoe with a thicker and more supportive outsole instead.
Neoprene booties offer excellent insulation and comfort for long days in chilly water.
Credit: Carrie Mueller
Low-Profile Paddling Shoes
The low-profile paddling shoe may look like a regular shoe with water-specific features that offer more support and drainage than a neoprene bootie. It is more protective and stable, making it a versatile choice for going from water to land-based activities. It is constructed with a low-profile and minimalist design that is flexible and sensitive. The thin soles make it ideal for situations where you need to fit inside a small boat, like a kayak. It also has an outsole protective enough to perform on land.
The outsole typically lacks long or burly lugs and is made of smooth rubber. This allows for more surface area contact and better traction on soft, slippery, or smooth surfaces. The uppers typically feature a construction that maximizes drainage, such as a mesh upper or holes in the outsole's perimeter so it dries quickly. You'll find that most of these low-profile paddling shoes are low-cut for better flexibility.
These low profiles are comfortable to wear and highly functional
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Water-Focused Running or Hiking Shoes
Another category is the water shoe built for running or hiking. People who like to swim and run or find themselves hiking in a swampy or water-logged environment may want to look for this type of shoe. This category is a hybrid between regular running and traditional paddling shoes. It features more support than a paddling shoe and better drainage than a runner or hiker. It also has a thinner outsole than a runner to retain sensitivity while providing higher support.
Fall runs in the Pacific Northwest might be a situation where you seek out a shoe built to take on watery-logged trails and streets.
Credit: Ellen Daugherty
Boots and Canyoneering Shoes
In this review, we don't focus on this genre of shoes, but it's an important one to consider if you find yourself in the depths of the Earth, canyoneering. This type is usually burlier than a padding shoe with thicker and more durable uppers. The mid-heigh cut offers more protection in slots, prioritizing warmth over drainage. Sticky and durable rubber ensures the shoe can handle rough and wet terrain. These features equate to a more durable design for sliding, rappelling, scrambling, boulder-hopping, and jumping. With super sticky outsoles, many people who explore canyons look for these approach shoes.
Our testing team took to the depths of canyons to see how different water shoes performed in some of the most extreme of conditions.
Credit: Ellen Daugherty
Wading Boots
Wading boots are another genre we don't cover in this review but should be considered. This type of boot is designed to help you move confidently over slipper rocks and river bottoms. The outsoles feature felt or studded soles to prevent falls. Bulky and warm, it is a great option for the fisherman or river explorer who might spend lots of time wading through the water.
Attributes to Consider
Along with determining what type of water shoe you need, there are attributes for each shoe type to consider before your purchase. Depending on how and where you will be using your new pair of water shoes, there are a few construction details that you'll want to consider while you search for your perfect pair.
Depending on what activities you do, different shoes may excel.
Credit: Sara James
Warmth
Are you planning on recreating in cold weather most of the year? Then, you'll want to look for a shoe that offers insulation. Cold or frozen feet aren't only annoying while exploring but can be dangerous. Neoprene booties are a great choice as the neoprene insulates when wet. As you move, the heat your foot generates is captured, ultimately creating a warming effect. However, if you find your feet in cold water most of the day, you may benefit from adding a water sandal to the water bootie, which provides another barrier from the cold. If you're a fairweather recreator who sees cold weather on the odd day of the year, a neoprene bootie is all you need.
If you find yourself in cold water all day long, a warm water shoe is a consideration that needs to be taken seriously.
Credit: Spencer Knutson
Type of Traction
Slipping on mossy rocks is exactly what we want to avoid when purchasing a water shoe. Therefore, it's important to consider the different types of traction patterns and rubber used. Water shoes are designed to stick to surfaces like the bottom of your wet boat, mossy rocks, slick sandstone, or slippery logs.
Great traction is necessary not only for convenience but also to keep you from potential injury from slipping or stumbling on wet surfaces.
Credit: Nick Coulter
We've noticed that shoes built for smooth surfaces have smaller lugs, soft rubber, and razor sipes (or tiny slits). Shoes built for soft surfaces tend to have heavier, more protective rubber, stiff soles, and larger lugs. These softer rubbers do better at conforming to different surfaces sticking better but offer less protection. Heavier rubbers, built for soft surfaces, don't conform as easily and don't stick well to slippery surfaces, but they offer more protection from sharp objects or surfaces underfoot. Given their stiffness, they are also more responsive on soft surfaces.
The Loyak's sport impressive traction when fresh
Credit: Sara James
You should consider these traction attributes depending on where you plan to recreate. Unless you spend all your time on the beach or in a muddy river, we recommend looking for a shoe with softer soles built for smooth surfaces instead of soft surfaces. Shoes with a softer rubber are more versatile, offering performance on boats and surfboards or while scrambling over wet rocks on a canyoneering adventure.
Protection
How protective does your water shoe need to be? Will you be hiking for long days in wet canyons or just wearing them out on the beach? A stiffer, more protective shoe is best for long days over rocky surfaces, while a more flexible, less protective shoe offers more sensitivity and better swimming performance. If you're into boat sports or won't be on your feet as much, a less protective, more flexible shoe is better than a rigid, more protective shoe. But if you like to spend your days hiking along waterbodies, seek out a more rigid and protective outsole.
Protective shoes are imperative for slick rappels like these, but they're also helpful for seashore walks and uneven terrain.
Credit: Dan Scott
Fitting a Water Shoe
A water shoe is unlike your normal street shoe or one you use for running. Before choosing a size, you must consider how you will use it. If you plan on simply sliding your bare foot inside, feel free to purchase your regular street shoe size. However, if you are a glutton for cold adventures, you'll want a thick pair of neoprene socks to supplement the insulating properties of your water shoe. Therefore, you should consider sizing up a full size as a warm neoprene sock can add 4-5 millimeters of thickness to your foot. Sizing up will keep your feet warmer and more comfortable on your adventures. Additionally, many water shoes have a removable insole that will get you a little more top-to-bottom room if removed.
We test the shoes' fit to determine which has a little extra room for layering insulative layers. These are essential considerations that might limit or expand the versatility of your water shoe.
Credit: Ethan Kaandorp
Durable Construction
You've probably noticed that some water shoes are constructed for durability while others are minimalistic and light. Considering how you will use your shoe will help you determine how durable it needs to be. If you primarily find yourself boating, a simple low-profile kayaking boot with a neoprene and mesh construction will do the trick. If you're boating, you probably won't walk around too often on sharp surfaces. However, if you love to wade through rivers or add the occasional canyoneering trip to your itinerary, look for a boot with thick upper construction and a thicker outsole, as it will take the impact of crunching over sharp surfaces.
We've spent years putting water shoes to the test in some of the most gear-thrashing environments. We hope our experiences riding the rapids of the Grand Canyon and exploring seaside beaches has helped you find exactly what you are looking for.
Credit: Spencer Knutson
Conclusion
Whether a fairweather beach-goer or a white water kayaker, a high-quality water shoe will make your day much more enjoyable. Now that you've started your research and know what to consider, you're on your way to finding the best water shoe for your needs. We hope that the hours of work we've put into testing each product and the advice for buying have helped you with your amphibious ambitions.
