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Occasionally water adventures require special shoes. But not all trips require the same type. Find out what water shoes to wear with which activities!
Water Shoes for Women
Hiking Sandals
This is probably the water shoe you’re most familiar with. It seems to be the one included in the majority of checklists online.
However, it’s not the one that’s needed for all trips.
It’s best for an adventure trip through a mountain when encountering muddy trails or even rivers you’ll need to cross. Our readers voted this particular style as the best water shoe for outdoor adventures.
You can see the full round up of their best womens outdoor sandals here!
With strong durable materials they offer sufficient protection while letting your feet breathe in the hot weather. This may be a practical shoe for outdoor adventures but not suggested for regular travel.
When it comes to traditional outdoor water sandals like the ones shown above, avoid trying to choose “stylish” options. Just stick to neutral colors.
Learn more about how active travelers can choose non-traditional women sport sandals!
Snorkel Shoes
If you have a trip planned with beaches, snorkeling, and other ocean activities then these are the best water shoes for your trip.
They’re very practical for traveling and are a favorite for families on vacation. They work great for rocky beaches or sand filled broken shells.
Most travelers agree that you only need three pairs of shoes for any trip. Find out how with Pack Light Stylishly!
The best way to know what type of beach to expect is to research. Ask your resort or ask a question on Tripadvisor.
I personally use the Mares style for scuba diving because I travel with fins that require booties. I chose them because they’re compact and lightweight. I’ve found them to be extremely practical when walking onto small boats from the shore.
Take a look at these scuba diving essentials for first time snorkelers!
Ipanema Women’s Ellie T-Strap Sandals
Rubber Sandals
Womens flip flops are the ideal water shoe for many trips where you’ll spend most of your time around pools, beaches, and (non-cruise) boats.
They are versatile, lightweight, and easy to wear. These are best when you won’t need to wear shoes to walk inside the ocean water but they will help your feet from getting scorched in the hot sand.
Find out what’s the best womens flip flops for travel!
As a bonus, some styles are versatile that you can wear them off the beach, too. Read this post to find out my favorite women’s flip-flops – they look like regular sandals!
The style shown above is perfect for a beach or lake trip where you’ll only have the occasional walk on a rocky shore because it offers some security for your ankles and won’t fall of as easily as a standard pair of flip flops.
Take a look at these beach sandals our readers rave about!
Skechers Performance H2 Go Water Shoe
Rubber Shoes
Rubber shoes are also versatile and could also be worn casually to sightsee in beach towns if you don’t require much support or if you’ll only be walking for short periods of time. The sneaker style shown above offers a bit more security than a flip flop.
Read this post for cute and comfortable walking sandals that offer arch support!
adidas Climacool Boat Sleek Water Shoe
For the best water shoe offering maximum versatility, I’m very excited about the above style. It looks like a regular sneaker but offers all the benefits of a regular water shoe.
Packing cubes make the perfect shoe bags to protect your luggage from your dirty water shoes. Take a look at other shoe bag ideas here!
Aleader Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
These would be perfect on trips where you’d be doing light hiking or zip lining outdoor adventures as it has a secure sole and will work in the mud or rivers.
Speedo Women’s Tidal Cruiser Water Shoe
Sporty Styles
Instead of packing trainers or a traditional water shoe plus sneakers to sightsee, you could probably even get away with just taking one of these styles for many trips.
The Bay Slip On Athletic Aqua Socks
These styles are not as limiting with use as other water shoes and for the style conscious, you may prefer the look of these sporty styles. Hey, you might even like the way they look with your skinny jeans.
What are your favorite water shoes for women? Comment below!
For more ideas on travel shoes, please read:
- How to Choose the Best Travel Shoes for Any Trip
- Cute Walking Shoes for Travel
- Best Travel Shoes of All Time: Reader’s Choice
- Are these the Best Shoes for Travel to Europe?
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I am completely stumped over a shoe quandary, and hope you can help! I’ve been an overpacker in the past, but I’m trying to hold myself to 3 pair of shoes for a trip, 4 max. I have neuromas in my feet (cannot wear heels and need supportive shoes, but don’t want to look hideous).
I’m going to the Seychelles on the 23rd of this month, and I’ll be spending a lot of time at the beach (obviously) which can be rocky, and also hiking – need shoes for those activities. Will be staying at a high end resort – need dressy sandals. Will need attractive walking shoes for exploring the capital and shopping.
I have Keen Whispers that I used for hiking in Hawaii, but I’m wondering if they’ll offer my feet enough protection for the terrain in the Seychelles.
Metalllic Stuart Weitzman Gelfisher sandals for evening
Naot Dorith Sandals for walking around the city, also for a 12 hour layover in Dubai
I need sneakers for the airport, I’d freeze in the Keens sandals on the plane and the idea of wearing the Keens with socks makes me shudder….
It seems like I need the waterproof Keens for the beach (my foot problems are such that I can’t walk barefoot), hiking shoes (can’t wear Stan Smiths on a hike, not enough traction), Stan Smith sneakers for the airport (and sometimes I have to use them for general walking if my foot pain flares up and Naots aren’t cutting it), Naot sandals for walking, and Stuart Weitzmans for evening. But that’s too many shoes! Help!
Hi Lauren! I would definitely find a casual/beach pair of sandals, hiking shoes, and a dressier pair of sandals. Try to find a pair of shoes that can double as casual walking shoes and for your hiking needs! Hope that helps!
i have the same problem, but with the addition of finding shoes that fit my feet. i typically wear size 4 in adult ladies, size 2 in kids. it’s hard to find the form and function (adult dress functions in particular, or slip resistance that you need on slippery surfaces) that you get in adult shoes for kid-sized feet–on top of having to minimize the number of shoes you have to carry around when travelling
I’m sorry to hear that Den 🙁
Thanks for the ideas for water shoes. I have a pair of Speedo water shoes I picked up on sale about 5 years ago, They are still going strong, but am seriously considering buying a pair of Keens. Love your blog! Ann
You’re welcome Ann 🙂 Glad you found it useful! I hope you find some you love!
LOVE your blog. Your sense of adventure and style inspire me every day. My favorite water shoes are ones that protect my feet and look adorable out of the water as well. I found the perfect pair at Astral Footwear. They are called “Mary Jays” and I cannot get over how awesome they are. They look like regular shoes but they are made to go in the water and they have tread that can go from shopping to hiking. This already seems like a commercial. Sorry. I just love them and honestly think you would too. Here’s a link to the shoe. I have the red ones and I wear them all the time – home, out and about, in the lake, in the river, hiking…and I get so many compliments on them it’s crazy.
https://www.astraldesigns.com/shop/footwear/womens/mary-jay#MJWRR
Cheers to you and thank you for sharing all your beautiful adventures with the world. 🙂
Thanks for the suggestion Ginny! I’ll have to check them out!