Question 1

What are water shoes?

Accepted Answer

A water shoe is a type of tough but lightweight footwear used for activities where your feet are likely to get... well… wet! They’re typically made of mesh and/or neoprene with a rubber sole, to keep you on your feet while also protecting them. You could wear flip flops, but even if they have a rubber sole they are likely to slip off without something on your heel.

Water sports shoes are specifically designed for water-based activities such as surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, and paddleboarding as well as hanging out on the beach and surf line. The best water shoes are made of lightweight material that allows water to flow out and a harder sole to cushion and protect your feet when walking or wading in wet and rocky environments. Hybrid walking/aqua shoes are also available, which are built strong enough for everyday hiking but can cope when the conditions get soggy or there are rivers and creeks to wade.

Question 2

Why get water shoes?

Accepted Answer

Your feet are your stability anchors so to keep active, you need to make sure they are protected and comfortable in any situation you put them in. With the added element of water, ordinary sports shoes or everyday sneakers simply won’t stand up in aquatic activities. At best you will get waterlogged and blistered, at worst you will slip and could get seriously hurt.
Protection and support, grip and traction, comfort and warmth, lightweight, quick draining and quick drying – these are all the specific features of a water sports shoe that will make your time in, on, and under the water a total blast. The best water shoes will make your water activities safer and more fun.

Question 3

What are the best activities you can do with water shoes?

Accepted Answer

There’s a water sports shoe for most types of water-related activities so do your research first to get the perfect match. The best water shoes are essential to get the most out of a wide range of water-based sports, including boating, paddle sports, surfing/windsurfing, scuba diving, fishing, swimming, coasteering, and hiking in wet terrain. Water shoes and beach shoes are also advisable when exploring the coastline and beaches and can offer extra protection around the swimming pool. Of course, you can also ditch the flip flops and opt for shower shoes when using the facilities at your local fitness center to prevent slips and prevent your feet from picking up something nasty from previous visitors to the shower.

Question 4

Are water shoes slip-resistant?

Accepted Answer

The hallmark of a good pair of water shoes is a good grip and surface traction. These are some of the key features you should look for in any water sports shoe as wet environments are unpredictable underfoot and can be quite hazardous. The soles of water shoes are possibly the most important feature as their main purpose is to keep your secure and upright.

Look for a strong rubber sole with additional grips or ‘plugs’ that will create the right level of traction with the water on slippery rocks or surfaces, creek boulders, waterlogged boards, and boat decks, even by the poolside (you don’t want to slip and spill your margarita!) Additionally, many shoes should also have drainage ports or holes to allow water to slip out of the rubber sole.

Question 5

Do you wear socks with water shoes?

Accepted Answer

Most water shoes and sandals are designed to be close-fitting and warm enough to wear without socks, in fact, many scuba or surfer-type shoes are almost sock-like themselves. In most cases, socks will not be necessary, but there will be times where when you may want to consider teaming your water shoes with a pair of socks and this will depend on the activity and the shoes.

Some water sports shoes may not offer enough thermal protection to keep your toes warm, so you could look at getting a pair of neoprene socks to turn up the heat. Similarly, if you are looking for a water shoe as a hiking hybrid and plan to do some off-path, rough terrain walking, or prolonged hiking, then a pair of socks can help prevent blisters and rubbing.

Question 6

How do you wash water shoes?

Accepted Answer

By the nature of the synthetic materials they are made of, the water environments they are made for, and the feet that go in them, water shoes do have the tendency to get a bit stinky if you don't practice a bit of shoe hygiene. The secret is to rinse your water shoes in fresh, clean, and lukewarm water after every use and dry them thoroughly. Then regularly give them a full wash treatment with warm, fresh water and either a wetsuit soap or mild shampoo. Give them a bit of an internal scrub inside before hanging out to dry. If they are still a little ripe, sprinkle the insides with some bicarb and leave overnight, before rinsing and drying thoroughly. Even the best water shoes need some love.

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