Water Shoe Round-up: 5 Great Water Shoes For Summer

My favorite thing about summer is being on, in, or near the water. Whether it’s tubing down the Potomac River, lying on a beautiful North Carolina beach, or playing fetch with my dogs in a nearby stream, water is the common theme for my most beloved summer activities. In years past, the only thing I didn’t like about these activities was dealing with soggy, stinky, old sneakers. Usually my oldest worn-out pair were relegated to this use, and not only did they weigh several pounds each soaking wet, they had the potential to ruin an otherwise great day of creek walking or a water park rides because they caused rashes and pruned feet. These days, however, there are a plethora of high-tech water shoes in every price range. Here are five of the best:

1. Salomon Techamphibian: Best Men’s Water Shoe.

This shoe is sick, bro. The Salomon Techamphibian is more than just a water shoe: it’s an all-around great outdoor shoe when superior cooling ability and total comfort are a requirement. This is a true Adventure Shoe because the Techamphibian provides outstanding comfort, exceptional drainage, and excellent cooling, all with lightweight, sturdy construction that is fast making Salomon a standout in the outdoor shoe category.

$83.95 at Zappos

2. Salomon Karma: Best Women’s Water Shoe.

Women have the same stringent technical requirements for an outdoor shoe that men do, so we’re not basing this selection on looks alone. This is another serious amphibious shoe with all the great qualities of the Techamphibian. There is no rule, however, that a serious technical shoe can’t match your outfit, right? Salomon delivers the same outstanding features in a variety of colors that can make hardcore outdoor look feminine.

$93.95 at Zappos

3. Teva Proton II: Best Value in Water Shoes.

Teva is the Hebrew word for nature, pronounced "teh'-vah," not "tee-vah," which is how I incorrectly pronounced it for way too long. Mispronouncing the name, however, didn’t keep me from personally enjoying these water shoe staples for the past three years. The best way to describe the Proton II water mocs: the best water shoes for when you have to wear shoes, but would rather go barefoot. These snug-fitting water shoes protect your feet and provide great traction, while maintaining a low profile and light weight. The newly released Proton IIIs offer more of the same with slightly different traction points and pull on loops.

Proton II (pictured): $40.95 at Zappos
Proton III: $40.00 at the official Teva site

4. Keen Venice H2: Best Water Sandal

These water sandals are quite simply the best beach, vacation, hiking, jet skiing, walking, fun-in-the-sun water sandals you can buy. They are ridiculously comfortable and will hold up long after you’ve forgotten how much you paid for them. If you spend a lot of time on the move during the summer and need the best sandal you can get your hands on, these are them.

$89.99 at Shoes.com

5. Adidas Akwah Infant & Skechers Kid’s Corporal: Best Water Shoes for Kids

Ok, I’m sneaking in two here, one for infants and one for bigger kids. When it comes to kids shoes, you obviously don’t want o break the bank since they probably will grow out of them after this summer (or before the end of this summer?). These are a couple of good, solid water shoes for kids that will hold up, are easy to put on and take off, and that won’t cause rashes and sore spots.

Adidas Akwah: $17.99 at Shoes.com
Skechers Kids Corporal: 34.99 Shoes.com

I hope this list has helped you to choose the shoes that will help you get the most out of your summer activities. The wrong shoes can ruin the best of summer days, so don’t skimp on the shoes that will be on your feet during your most exciting and highly anticipated events. With these great water shoes, you’ll be sure to have fun on your feet all day.