If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that are perfect for hiking and water, you’ve come to the right place.
Hiking is an activity that can be enjoyed by almost anyone who is physically capable of walking. It’s also a great way to find some solitude in nature without having to cross long distances. And while hiking can be done year-round, it’s especially popular during warm weather months when you’re not dealing with snow or ice—and when there are more hours of daylight to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a new pair of shoes for your next hike, consider these options:
Best Shoes For Hiking And Water
Best Water Shoes For Hiking in 2022
If you love running around the hills or walking through the mountains you’ll be used to getting your feet wet. But no one likes to trudge along in a pair of soggy boots and squelching your way around a hilltop with wet feet is not very enjoyable.
Wet boots can lead to some smelly odors, athlete’s foot, blisters, and more. Plus, your boots aren’t going to last very long if they are constantly living in a damp world.
Luckily, there are some shoes out there that are made to solve this problem, enter the hiking water shoe. These shoes have great drainage to let the water out and are breathable to ensure your feet get some air which helps avoid those horrid smells
Hiking water shoes are also designed to grip on slippery surfaces and have a tight fit so your feet stay put inside the shoe, stopping any unwanted accidents and reducing any blistering.
At A Glance: Our Top 3 Hiking Water Shoes
- BEST UNISEX WATER SHOES Vivobarefoot SWIMRUN
- BEST MENS WATER SHOES Columbia Men’s Drainmaker
- BEST WOMEN’S WATER SHOES FOR HIKING KEEN Women’s Terradora Ethos
There are quite a few options when it comes to hiking water shoes and finding the right ones to suit your feet, as well as your walking/running style, can be a little trick. Luckily, you have stumbled on this review. We have taken the best water shoes for hiking and compared them against each other so that you find the best ones for you.
Best Water Shoes For Hiking
BEST UNISEX WATER SHOES
Vivobarefoot SWIMRUN
The Vivobarefoot SWIMRUN water shoes for hiking are made from recycled materials, so if you’re into sustainability and would like that extra Eco tick, these might be right up your alley.
The quick draining mesh that lets all the water out and keeps your feet breathing is made from recycled plastic bottles, how cool is that! While you’re running around in these your feet can feel quite smug about helping the environment too.
These hiking shoes are light, they are probably the lightest water shoe around. The grip consists of 3mm lugs on a rubber sole that ensure you have good traction on wet or dry surfaces and in the transition between them.
They are comfortable to use and feature a neoprene ankle cooler that helps to keep any small stones and dust from getting inside the shoe. There are some complaints from blistering though due to a tight fit, so be aware of this before you buy them.
They’re a great pair of water shoes and will suit any watery activity, they also look pretty damn cool. These hiking shoes are a little expensive though.
Pros
- Grippy
- Good drainage
- Light
- Ecofriendly
- Comfortable
Cons
- A bit expensive
Product Information
- Size 7-15
- Water Repellent Recycled PET Mesh
- Made from recycled materials
- Unisex
Best Water Shoes For Hiking
BEST MENS WATER SHOES
Columbia Men’s Drainmaker
Columbia are well known in the watery worlds and makes excellent fishing and outdoor clothing. The Columbia Men’s Drainmaker shoes are an awesome choice and will keep you steady on anything from wet stones to ice.
These shoes offer great water drainage and breathability to keep your feet fresh on those long hikes. They’re also super comfortable thanks to the Techlite footbed and frame that provide you with great cushioning and impact absorption.
They are easy to slide on and off, the adjustable straps in the instep, and the convertible heel means to you can tailor the fit to a point.
The grip featured on these shoes has good traction to stop you from slipping on wet and dry surfaces and the Omni grip ensures you’ll be stable on ice and snow thanks to the winter tread pattern they’ve used.
With all these features, one of the best things about these shoes is that they look good and could be used for everyday use. The only downside is that stones and dust can get through the webbing.
Overall a solid shoe with a good price.
Pros
- Great water drainage
- Good breathability
- Comfortable
- Toe protection
- Good for everyday use too
Cons
- Stones can get caught inside
Product Information
Salomon Men’s Crossamphibian
The Salomon Men’s Crossamphibian water shoes for hiking are awesome for running around the outdoors and give your feet the support they need on those slippery surfaces.
They’re breathable, with fast water drainage. On top of that, they are quick-drying and have an anti-debris mesh to help keep all those little stones out. This means you can keep going without having to take your shoes off to empty a bucket of stones every few hours.
They feature a wet traction Contagrip rubber sole that’s made to keep your feet on the ground regardless of the surface you’re on. Whether it’s slippery river stones, loose stones, or sand, these guys have you covered.
These hiking shoes are easy to put on and take off thanks to the collapsable heel and the sensifit technology means that they have a snug fit to support your feet. They are quite narrow to size though and it’s recommended to buy one size or half a size up.
They also come with a protective toe cap to keep your feet safe while running around rocky terrains.
Overall a good hiking water shoe with a great price and they come with a two-year warranty.
Pros
- Fast water drainage
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Good fit
- Great grip
- Ok price
- 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- Narrow fit
Product Information
Clorts Men’s Water Shoes
These Clorts Men’s Water Shoes are an ideal choice for spending time in the outdoors. They are awesome for hiking, kayaking, swimming, and pretty much any damp activity.
The first thing you notice about these shoes is their snazzy look. You’ll love using them in the outdoors and you might even start sporting them in town too.
They are made from 60% mesh, 40% PU, and are super comfortable to use. They have a tight fit to keep you supported while you wander around the outdoors. The size can be a little loose at times and its recommended to downsize by half.
This pair of hiking water shoes feature a quick drying mesh and holes on the soles that make them super breathable and give them great drainage. This means your feet will be fresh and free from that sloppy damp feeling.
The soles are made from rubber and leather that include drainage ports to let the water out. They also provide you with good traction in both dry and wet environments and in the transition between them. You’ll be able to stay steady on your feet no matter the terrain.
They’re a great pair of water shoes at a good price, the only downside is they can get a bit smelly.
Pros
- Good fit
- Light
- Breathable
- Drain well
- Affordable
Cons
- Downsize by half
- Can get smelly
Product Information
Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoes
Merrell are a well known outdoor brand and has made a name for themselves through making quality products. They came up with the Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoes which are a mix between a sandal and a hiking shoe.
These hiking water shoes feature an open heel strap (like a sandal) that makes taking them on and off exceptionally easy. Although the strap won’t give you as much support as a regular heel might.
They are made from 100% waxy waterproof leather with a neoprene stretch collar that makes them both flexible and durable. The shoes are really comfortable to wear and are great for long hikes.
The soles are Vibram soles and feature 3mm lugs for extra grip and drainage holes. They’re great for most terrains but some have complained they’re not the best on slippery surfaces.
Stones do find their way through the drainage holes and this can get annoying on a long day out. Overall they’re a well made, great pair of water shoes for hiking that come at a solid price.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy to put on/off
- Thick sole
- Good breathability
- Great drainage
- Durable
Cons
- Stones can get in
- Not so good on slippery stones
Product Information
BEST WOMEN’S WATER SHOES FOR HIKING
KEEN Women’s Terradora Ethos
These water shoes for hiking are specifically made for women’s feet and it puts them up there with some of the best. The KEEN Women’s Terradora Ethos water shoes are comfortable, supportive, and look great too.
The shoes have been designed to be light, water-repellent, quick-drying, breathe, and have great water drainage. There isn’t much more you could ask for from a water shoe. No more odors or athlete’s foot for you.
The sole is made from rubber and is padded to ensure your feet get the right support when you’re scrambling up hills and through rivers on your weekend hikes. The base also has a solid grip that keeps you steady on slippery surfaces.
They are made from a soft stretchy fabric that is kind to your feet and helps avoid blisters. Combine this with the padded foam insoles and secure bungee laces, and you’ll enjoy using them from the moment you put them on until you slip them off.
The only downside is that they are a bit expensive but it’s worth spending that bit extra if you would use them often. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with these water shoes.
Pros
- Made for women
- Light
- Breathable
- Comfy
- Great water drainage
Cons
- Expensive
Product Information
Clorts Slloop Womens Water Shoe
Clorts is an outdoor brand dedicated to making shoes for the outdoors. Their Slloop Women’s Water Shoes are ideal for those soggy hikes or stream runs that we all love to venture on in our spare time.
These water shoes for hiking are made to keep you on your feet in the wettest conditions while still being comfortable. The base of the sole is made from abrasion-resistant rubber for durability and is skid-proof, keeping you steady in all terrains.
The rubber outsole also features octopus suction cups to give you good traction in slippy areas and assist the shock-absorbing midsole in keeping your arches protected.
The outsole also features eight drainage holes to keep your feet squelch-free and the breathable mesh upper lets air in to keep everything nice and fresh. The insole also features some actifresh technology just in case you needed to be even fresher.
Wearing these is a comfortable experience and you can quickly whip them on and off thanks to the fast lacing buckle. Overall a great, quick-drying shoe but they do run a bit small, so maybe buy a size up.
Pros
- Breathable
- Quick drying
- Drain well
- Shock absorbing
- Good grip
- Good price
Cons
- Tight fit
Product Information
Teva Women’s Evo Water Shoe
Teva as a company has always supported the outdoor industry and was one of the first to go down the road of making a sport-sandal which today has evolved into their water shoes for hiking.
The Teva Women’s Evo Water Shoe is stylish while functional; they are perfect for wandering around nature in as well as going for a coffee in town.
The shoes feature a rubber sole with a multi-directional tread that gives you ample grip when running around on slippery and gravel surfaces. They’re not the grippiest shoes however and might not be suitable for clambering up loose slopes.
The sole is comfortable to walk and run on but it’s not the most durable and if you plan on using these often, you may find the sole wears thin quite quickly.
These water shoes come with a mesh upper for breathability and drainage to keep your feet aired and dry. There are no drainage plugs in the base, while this does give a little squelch, no small stones or gravel will find their way into your shoes.
There is also a covered toe cap to protect you from stubbing your toes thus reducing ventilation further but protecting your feet.
Overall they’re a great pair of shoes and are more suited to runners and walkers who aren’t in the water too often and prioritize toe protection and an anti-gravel system to true drainage.
Pros
- Breathable
- Ok drainage
- Good grip
- Affordable
- Toe cap
Cons
- Sole not so durable
Product Information
Astral Women’s Brewess 2.0
The Astral Women’s Brewess 2.0 water shoes for hiking are more of a stylish everyday shoe with some water shoe technology than the other way around. They are made from 100% vegan materials, so if you’re looking for an Eco tick, here’s one for you.
While these shoes do have drainage and breathability, they will not drain, dry, or breathe anywhere near as well as the other shoes in the review that are made specifically as water shoes for hiking.
These water shoes feature a grippy rubber outsole that will manage slippy surfaces, river crossings, and more but they’re not made for climbing or trail running.
They’re made from a hydrophobic, quick-drying canvas, mesh, and water-resistant laces at the top with some drainage holes in the side. There is also an in-built polygiene treated liner to reduce odors.
If you’re looking for a well-priced, quality, everyday water shoe that’s built for the tamer side of hiking and works for pottering around town, this is it.
Pros
- Look cool
- Breathable
- Hydrophobic
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not for serious hikes
- Drain slowly
Product Information
Chaco Women’s Outcross Evo 2
If you’re really into pushing yourself through soggy terrain then you might have found the water shoes for hiking you need right here. These Chaco’s are about as lightweight and durable as they get, plus they’re made specifically to support women’s feet.
The footbed has been designed to give women the ideal arch support they need while hiking or running around the mountains. it’s quite aptly called the polyurethane luvseat.
The upper part of the shoe consists of a combined mesh, jacquard polyester webbing, and synthetic leather that allow breathability and through the design, excellent drainage. The heel is semi collapsable to still give you a little support and the speed lace lock makes it very easy to take them on and off.
The rubber outsole is made from 25% recycled materials. The sole is non-slip and comes with 3mm lugs for extra grip when you’re clambering up slippy rocks. There is also a toe-cap to protect your feet even further.
The only downside of these otherwise awesome shoes is that they’re overall not so supportive around the ankle.
Pros
- Good breathability
- Drain well
- Grippy rubber outsole
- Quick drying
- Light
- Look good
- Durable
- Eco-minded company
- Toe cap
Cons
- Not much support
Product Information
Hiking Water Shoes – What To Look For
Grip
Grip is one of the most important factors to consider if you’re going to be wandering around on slippery surfaces. You’ll want to make sure the shoes you choose have ample grip for the environment you’ll use them in and that they suit how extreme your adventures tend to be. Some of the best water shoes in the review are good enough to go mountaineering with, others are suited for crossing rivers and running in damp environments. Choose wisely.
Easy To Take On/Off
You may not want to wear your water shoes the entire time while you’re wandering around the great outdoors. Quite often you’ll want to switch into them when you come to a watery section of a hike and therefore it’s key that they are easy to put on and take off. Look for quick-release laces, buckles, and collapsable heels.
Drainage
Drainage, another key factor in having squelch free shoes. All the shoes in the review come with some kind of drainage from mesh, to drainage holes in the base to open sides. Try and find a balance between enough drainage and support for your feet.
Quick-drying
Damp soles often equal blisters, thus a quick-drying inner lining and sole are key to comfort. Ensure the shoes you pick are made to dry fast and keep your feet happy.
Comfort
This is an obvious one, no one wants ‘ss uncomfortable shoes no matter what their purpose. But, when fabrics get wet, comfort levels change and this is something to look out for. Make sure that your water shoes for hiking are as comfortable as can be when dry and then you should still be comfortable when they’re wet.
Supportive
Shoes made for the outdoors need to support and therefore protect your feet from injury. Look for heel and arch support as well as toe protection if you plan on running and hiking long distances. If you plan to use them for less dangerous activities for your feet, open-toed and collapsable heel options may be more fitting.
Our Favorites
Here are our top choices from the review.
The best unisex water shoes for hiking are Vivobarefoot SWIMRUN. These shoes are supportive, drain well, breathe, dry fast, are super light, look good and they’re made from recycled materials. That’s pretty much every boxed ticked for what you’ll need from a water shoe for hiking.
48 Reviews
Vivobarefoot Primus FG SwimRun Shoes – AW19-12.5 – Black
- Breathable Mesh Upper – Provides a breathable environment, keeping the wearer cool and dry.
- Moisture Management – Wicks away sweat and moisture to leave you cool, dry and comfortable.
The best men’s water shoes for hiking are Columbia Drainmaker. These shoes have rugged durability and are ready for any watery adventure you might think of undertaking. They’re well made with all the features you need, look good, and have a great price.
1,354 Reviews
Columbia Mens Drainmaker Iv Water Shoe, City Grey, Mountain Red, 10.5 US
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Men’s Wayfinder 2 Strap Sandal features our signature Techlite footbed and frame for superior cushioning and impact absorption.
- ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: The adjustable straps across the instep and the convertible heel make this sandal versatile and customizable.
The best women’s water shoes for hiking are KEEN Women’s Terradora Ethos. Made specifically for ladies, these water shoes for hiking give the best support while being comfortable, breathable, light, and more.
91 Reviews
KEEN Women’s Terradora ETHOS-W Hiking Shoe, Mulch/Blue Turquoise, 5 M US
- Breathable leather lining
- Metatomical EVA footbed
