Best Water Sandals For Men in 2022

During the warmer months of spring and summer, humans tend to behave like fishes out of water wanting to dive into a river, pool, or the ocean, especially with the numerous water activities invented by humans over the years such as diving, sailing, surfing, water-skiing, kayaking and lots of other water-related sports.

No matter the sport you’re interested in, it is important that you keep your feet protected at all times; going barefoot or wearing sneakers is a decision you would come to regret. Owning a pair of water shoes or sandals will greatly improve your experience. A good quality water shoe will protect your feet from hazardous objects you may not see underwater; it also provides proper traction on sand, slippery rock, and other surfaces. Water sandals offer you comfort while keeping your feet secure and dry.

Choosing a good pair of water sandals begins with knowing the difference between a water sandal and a regular pair of sneakers. Water sandals usually have hard soles to keep your underfoot safe, while it also has quick-drying mesh at the top. These days, water sandals are made to look more like regular sneakers with straps, laces, and more. However, if you prefer slip-on, there are lots of those options available. You simply need a water shoe or sandal that fits snugly without your feet sliding in the shoe. If you don’t know where to start from when choosing a water sandal, don’t worry, we covered the best water sandals for men and the criteria for choosing the best option available on the market.

WHY WATER SANDALS ARE ESSENTIAL

Water sandals and shoes offer protection for your entire foot. Your toes will be safe from stubbing; your soles will be safe from hot surfaces and also get treads and rubber soles for improved traction on slippery surfaces. It helps reduce the chances of slipping and potentially causing injury to yourself.

Water sandals are lightweight, have ports for draining water, and are quick-drying, which means your feet won’t feel weighed down even while submerged, and while on land, you won’t feel uncomfortable or get blisters. Water shoes are also insulated and breathable, which helps keep your feet cool in warmer weather and helps keep your feet warm in cold water by regulating your body temperature.

STYLES OF WATER SHOES

If you enjoy spending time in water bodies, you will need a pair of water shoes; however, if you’re not sure what a water shoe looks like, we’ll be breaking down the different styles of water shoes.

There are different types of water shoes, and the option you’ll choose depends on what water activity you’re planning to do. If you’re hiking close to rivers and you decide to take a swim during your hike, you’ll require a hybrid water shoe that looks like a sneaker; if you’re going swimming or surfing in deep water, opt for a traditional slip-on water shoe. However, if you’re simply spending time at the poolside or beach, a sandal option water shoe would be best. If you’re on a boat, any water shoe style would work for the occasion; simply choose the style that appeals to you.

BUYING GUIDE FOR MEN’S WATER SANDALS

Men’s water sandals are also known as aqua-fit. For men, water shoes or water-resistant shoes are shoes or sandals that feature a rubber sole that can be worn in wet areas. Water shoes need thick soles to help grasp the ground; these shoes are generally lightweight and can be worn for numerous water activities. They are mostly made of neoprene and are designed for water use instead of walking. They come in different types and designs. These shoes are ideal for men who want to stay comfortable while socializing in the pool or sea or simply want to stay dry during wet conditions. Water shoes with moisture-wicking materials keep your feet cool and dry all through the day.

TYPES OF WATER SHOES

Water shoes are available in different types, including water sandals, water socks, and water shoes. Each of these options is unique in its own way. Learning about the different types will help you choose the best option, fit, and usage to match the owner’s comfort level.

Light Activity Water Shoe

As we mentioned before, water shoes come in different types and styles. A sandal water shoe is great for moving around a beach or pool. It features a thicker sole than flips flops, which means it offers proper protection for short distances on level ground. Aqua socks are versatile and comfortable; they keep your feet safe from hot sand or decking around a pool. They are able to fit into swim fins to reduce blisters if you enjoy scuba diving or snorkelling.

Moderate Activity Water Shoes

Water shoes best suited for walking would include the closed-toe water shoe; they are a mixture of sandals and running shoes. They are great shoes all-around; they feature fasteners to keep them in place while providing proper drainage and ventilation.

The best water shoe option for sand includes barefoot water shoes. The shoe encases your feet in protective rubber, with each toe having its own space. They are durable, lightweight, and drain effectively. Surfers have been known to use them for better control on their board.

Heavy Activity Water Shoes

Active water shoes can handle any activity on any terrain, lake, sand, beach, or mountain trail. With a good water shoe, you can go running, backpacking, hiking, surfing, or take a dip in a lake. These shoes are made from lightweight but durable materials; they’re as comfortable as running shoes. They are made to drain water quickly, and some of the best options float in case one should accidentally fall off.

FACTORS TO NOTE WHEN SELECTING WATER SANDALS FOR MEN

There are some features that should be taken into mind when choosing a water sandal; these features or factors help you choose the best option available on the market; they include;

Material

Purchasing the proper footwear for any activity or sport helps you perform at your best while offering the right level of protection and comfort. Water shoes are usually made from durable materials, including rubber, mesh, foam, and other lightweight, quick-drying, and solid elements covering the foot and feature ports. These features are important for keeping your feet safe from scrapes, bumps, and pricks. So when you’re picking a water shoe, make sure you go all out on its durability, protection, flexibility, breathability, and comfiness, and you have the perfect water shoe.

Durability

The water shoe you opt for must be durable enough to last a long period. It should be made from rubber and waterproof material to improve the durability of the water shoe.

Traction and Outsoles

Almost every shoe made offers some level of traction to reduce slipping and improve performance. The traction of the water shoe you choose is an important feature you have to note seriously before purchasing a pair. If the shoe doesn’t have traction, you won’t be able to walk comfortably in a rocky pool, by a riverbank, when fishing, or on wet runs or hikes. Having proper traction will make the difference between a fun outing or an avoidable misfortune.

Some models of water shoes feature flexible outsoles with a sock-like fit which may be what you require when you’re in the water. However, if you would be walking through areas with rocks, you should opt for a water shoe with a strong and thicker sole with grip studs or points to reduce falling or slipping.

Insoles

Water shoes are not waterproof, the well-produced insoles allow water in the shoe but they also quickly and efficiently let out the water. Insoles are flexible and offer cushion that keeps you comfortable for as long as you’re wearing the shoe. Some water shoes have fixed insoles that make them sturdier for normal activities. However, fixed insoles are slower to dry, but some water shoes come with removable insoles, which improves the quick drying process.

Breathability

Breathability is one of the most important features of a water shoe. Water shoes made with breathable materials allow air to enter the shoe while allowing water to escape from inside the shoe. Fresh air enters the shoe, thus preventing sweat from building up on the inside to prevent fungal or bacterial foot infection. When selecting a pair of water sandals, make sure the material is breathable and quick-drying to prevent uncomfortable and smelly feet while ensuring dryness.

Drainage

Like we mentioned above, the best water shoes drain water quickly. Designs made with drainage holes at the lower part of the shoe, which effectively empty water from the shoe. Having more drainage ports on the shoe would drain out faster but ensure the ports are evenly distributed around the shoe and not placed altogether. Drainage speed isn’t incredibly vital for light water activity, but if you spend more time in the water because of your sporting activity, you’ll need a water shoe that drains fast.

Comfort

When you get new sneakers, you have a certain expectation of how it should feel; the same goes for water shoes. The water shoe you choose should boost your performance while providing comfort. The water shoe should be lightweight and made from comfortable materials, so it’s easy to wear for a long time and perform your activities without a hitch. The shoes you wear, play a role in your posture, which is why it is vital to choose a water shoe that helps align your feet, ankles, hip, and back.

The comfort you get out of a shoe depends on how the shoe is made, from the thickness of the outsoles, to if it has proper arch support to the amount of padding it has for the toes and heels; these factors all contribute to how comfortable the show would be.

Support

Even though style, comfort, traction, and breathability play an important role in the type of water shoe you would pick, you also have to note support as it is the most distinguishing factor. The level of cushioning inside the water shoe should offer relief and reduce impact when taking each step. So when you’re making your choice, ensure that the aqua kick is firm but not too snug, is versatile but also has traction.

Flexibility

Good shoes should have a level of flexibility in their sole design, or your foot won’t bend or move naturally while you walk. Without the natural movement inside the shoe, your arches would be stressed. Thick soles add padding for heels, toes, and soles, but if the extra padding limits the flexibility, it will cause discomfort, which means the additional padding may not be the best choice. Try the shoes on and walk in them to make sure they feel comfortable.

Size and Fit

Purchasing an ill-fitting shoe can be torture and even lead to accidents. Some will give way when wet, but the best water shoes have a snug fit which means that they won’t slip or slide off. Well-fitted shoes also reduce rubbing and chafing. The fitting of a shoe depends on the type; some slip-on shoes are less snug compared to the options with ties or straps.

Fasteners

Some water shoes made for light activities such as swimming come with fasteners that can be pulled on to get a snug fit that’s comfortable. Other options such as water shoes for rocky areas or for rigorous use feature fasteners such as Bungee cord pulls or Velcro straps or laces. If you want to be extra sure that your water shoe would stay on your feet, ensure you check out styles that feature some sort of fastening mechanism instead of a slip-on.

BENEFITS OF MEN’S WATER SANDALS

Water shoes have their benefits which makes them a must-have if you enjoy water activities; let’s check out some of these benefits.

Design

Water shoes come in different designs and styles. The options available suit all types of fashion wears and offer different patterns and colors.

Foot Protection

Water shoes are lightweight and protect your feet from hazardous objects in the sea. Water shoes are designed for aquatic and non-aquatic uses; they are made to be versatile, comfortable, and offer stability in moist environments. Their design also eliminates the probability of scrapes, bumps, and pricks happening thanks to their toe guard. They also allow quick water drainage, which keeps your feet dry and safe from foot infections.

Heat Protection

Water shoes not only keep your feet dry they also protect your feet from heat. They keep your feet safe from the harmful effect of the sun and prevent exposure altogether.

Underfoot Traction

One of the main advantages of water shoes is their ability to retain traction in wet areas. Their rubber insoles and outsoles are what offer comfort and traction. Some feature greater arch support for extra comfort and ground feedback.

Quick Drying

The quick-drying effect of water shoes improves the performance, comfort, and durability of the shoe. The perforations or ports are the non-absorbent quick-drying interior and exterior that provide breathability and stability for the user.

Price

Water shoes range in prices; they range from low to high prices, making them affordable to everyone.

ADVANTAGES OF USING WATERPROOF SHOES

• Your feet remain relaxed and free of odour.
• They are easy to wear and take off.
• They reduce the chances of getting frostbite or cold feet.
• They are easy to dry.
• These shoes are slip-resistant and provide proper traction.
• Their firm sole makes them ideal for hiking.

DISADVANTAGES OF USING WATERPROOF SHOES

• If you wear the shoes for too long, the sole may wear off.
• The air vents of some water shoes let small stones and sticks get into the shoe.
• Some water shoes are incredibly expensive.
• The small vents of some water shoes may allow small insects to get inside the shoe.
• The underfoot protection is quite minimal.

After going through the buyer’s guide, it should be easier to select the best pair of water shoes for men, but if you still need help choosing one, we’ve made up a list of the best brands and styles of water shoes available on the market. A wide variety of water shoes have been featured on the list, and they are all high quality and durable options, so no matter the activity you intend on using them for, you’ll find an option that suits your needs. Let’s take a look at the list.

Below is a comprehensive list of the best water shoes/sandals for men. We have done our research and brought you the very best options; we have also provided their important information and specs. Having this information will help you make the best choice.