REASONS TO BUY
Simple slip-on
Comfortable
Great value for the price
REASONS TO AVOID
No fit adjustability
Lack of drainage
Little insulation
Speedo Surf Knit Pro Review
A simple, affordable slip-on great for relaxed days in the water and on boats
Credit: Chris McNamara
RELATED: Best Water Shoes for Men of 2024
Our Verdict
The Speedo Surf Knit Pro offers decent performance at a staggeringly low price, making for an excellent water shoe for budget shoppers. Throughout testing, our review team loved the next-to-skin feel of the knit upper, though its less technical fit makes it more ideal for casual outings. We also loved the sensitivity of this option, striking the rarely-found balance of ground feel and protection. As long as you don't mind the aesthetic of the Surf Knit Pro, it's hard to beat a water shoe at this price. Don't miss our complete article on men's water shoes to check out the competition.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Speedo Surf Knit Pro | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Value in a Water Shoe | ||||
| Price | $45 List $37.97 at Amazon | $57.95 at REI | $35 List $30.64 at Amazon | $30 List $29.99 at Amazon | $50 List $27.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A no-frills water shoe that boasts decent performance when considering its price | This is a great shoe if your endeavors keep you in or on the water | Great option for a simple day on the water, but may not do well with more advanced adventures | It is an inexpensive option with great sensitivity but is limited because of the holes in the sole | These shoes are light and an extremely good value. Just don't plan to walk far |
| Rating Categories | Speedo Surf Knit Pro | NRS Kicker Wetshoe | Speedo Tidal Cruiser | DLGJPA | DOUSSPRT |
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Traction (25%) | |||||
| Warmth (15%) | |||||
| Versatility (15%) | |||||
| Sensitivity (10%) | |||||
| Quality of Construction (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Speedo Surf Knit Pro | NRS Kicker Wetshoe | Speedo Tidal Cruiser | DLGJPA | DOUSSPRT |
| Measured Weight (per pair, US size 10) | 1.18 lbs | 1.80 lbs | 1.12 lbs | 0.66 lbs | 0.5 lbs |
| Drainage Features | Top mesh | Thick neoprene upper | Mesh upper, no ports | Top mesh and holes in sole | Top mesh and holes in sole |
| Removeable Insole? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Footwear Closure | Slip-on | Velcro | Slip-on | Slip-on | Slip-on |
| Upper Materials | Mesh | Neoprene | Neoprene collar and mesh | Mesh | Mesh |
| Midsole | EVA foam | None | EVA | EVA foam | EVA foam |
| Outsole | S-Trac Rubber | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber |
| Relative Fit | Narrow fit | Wide toebox, fits true-to-size, and stretchy. | Narrow fit | Regular sandal Fit | Regular sandal Fit |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Speedo Surf Knit Pro is among our favorite options in the realm of budget water shoes. It isn't the most stylish nor high-performing, but as an all-arounder option that won't put a dent in your wallet, it's hard to beat.
Performance Comparison
We thoroughly enjoyed wearing the Surf Knit Pro for many types of water outings throughout testing.
Credit: Carrie Mueller
Comfort
Comfort makes up 25% of the total score of the Speedo Surf Knit Pro. We wore each option in a variety of environments for hours on end, from coastline hikes in the Pacific Northwest to tranquil river paddles in the Sierra. This option came in above average in the review lineup.
The against-skin feel of the knit upper was a true delight for our feet and was a standout aspect regarding comfort. With a moderate amount of cushion to complement the upper and a subtle arch, the Surf Knit Pro is a pleasure to wear in more relaxed contexts, whether strolling on a beach or enjoying a day of pontoon boating. As we started to push this model in more rigorous water sports, its lack of fit tightening caused our feet to slide around a bit more, sometimes causing the shoes to nearly fall off, especially when scrambling over rocks. As long as you aren't demanding too much technical capability from your water shoes, the Surf Knit Pro offers decent comfort.
Whether on land or in water, these water shoes were very comfortable as long as we didn't get too intense with our recreation.
Credit: Carrie Mueller
Traction
We gave traction 25% of the total score of the Speedo Surf Knit Pro. We pushed each water shoe option's traction on dry and wet surfaces, from gravel to docks to rock slabs, taking detailed notes every step of the way. This water shoe performed okay in this metric.
From fallen trees to boulder-riddled shorelines, we were happy with the traction of the Speedo Surf Knit Pro as long as the terrain was generally flat. The diversity of outsole shapes made these effective on dry land or on wet surfaces.
The Surf Knit Pro has a well-constructed blend of outsole designs for improved traction on both dry or wet surfaces.
Credit: Carrie Mueller
As the terrain got steeper, the outsole performed fairly well, but our feet slid around inside. As previously mentioned, the knit upper felt great on the skin, but without a way to tighten it, there's a limit to what the shoe can handle with limited foot security.
The traction of the outsoles were impressively effective, though the foot security was less ideal in more technical terrain.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Warmth
We gave warmth 15% of the total score of the Speedo Surf Knit Pro. We kept detailed notes on each pair's warmth over the course of several weeks, also performing a brief cold plunge test with each option. This model wasn't the warmest pair of water shoes we tested.
With a somewhat minimalist design, it was no surprise the Speedo Surf Knit Pro offered less warmth, with the upper construction offering very little insulation. As we found with many other water shoes that were chilly in cool weather, these did very well in hot environments, offering decent breathability. If you're the kind of person who only plays in the water in hot, pleasant weather, the warmth of this option will likely suffice.
As long as you're in more temperate environments, the lack of warmth shouldn't be an issue.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Versatility
We gave versatility 15% of the total score of the Speedo Surf Knit Pro. We sized up each option's capacity to be used across multiple water sports, also looking at the around-town aesthetics in the event a day takes you directly from the water to the evening hangs. This water shoe model came in above average.
In any casual water sport environment, the Speedo Surf Knit Pro kept us and our feet happy. As previously shared, the main setback for this option is its lack of foot security, so this isn't the right model for more adventurous shoppers looking to play in rougher water or take their shoes through more complex terrain. We also didn't find these to be the most stylish for around-town hangouts, though these will certainly be comfy walking down the street.
As long as you're not getting too rowdy on the river or ocean, these water shoes are great for a variety of settings.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Sensitivity
Sensitivity makes up 10% of the total score of the Speedo Surf Knit Pro. We sized up each option's underfoot feel while walking along beaches, river beds, and rocky coastlines. We also considered the outsole protection of each shoe. This model came in near the front of the pack.
It's challenging to strike a balance between feel and protection, but the Speedo Surf Knit Pro does just that. We enjoyed the sensitivity of this model across many settings, whether enjoying a day of pontoon boating or stand-up paddle boarding, and the outsole still offered some shielding from sharp surfaces.
These offered the rare balance of sensitivity and protection, allowing decent underfoot feel but offering a buffer from sharp surfaces.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Quality of Construction
We gave this metric 10% of the total score of the Speedo Surf Knit Pro. We performed a series of drag tests with each water shoe across several surfaces, from dock wood to abrasive rock. We also kept detailed notes on the Surf Knit Pro's wear and tear while conducting several weeks of field testing. This water shoe option came in towards the middle of the pack.
The knit upper wasn't the most durable construction tested in our lineup. While it offers a great next-to-skin feel, it has minimal abrasion resistance. For those putting in heavier use with the Speedo Surf Knit Pro, you'll also notice the upper stretches out slightly over time, which can become both a quality of construction issue as well as comfort. As mentioned previously, this is an excellent shoe for casual use, and the durability of this model is excellent in that context.
The upper is so comfy yet so delicate in abrasive environments, however, this is a fairly durable shoe in the casual-use world.
Credit: Carrie Mueller
Should You Buy the Speedo Surf Knit Pro?
This well-made water shoe excels in relaxed settings and is undeniably offered at a great price. If you're shopping on a budget and aren't planning to get too technical for your water sports recreation, the Speedo Surf Knit Pro is worthy of your consideration.
What Other Water Shoes Should You Consider?
The Crocs Classic is offered at a similarly inexpensive price and is great for hanging out on the water. If you're needing more performance from your water shoes, check out the NRS Kicker Wetshoe, which features excellent insulation.
—
Zach Lovell
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