13 Best Water Sandals For Women To Keep Your Feet Secure On Hikes

Durable and long-lasting footwear that helps you journey down steep slopes.

Reviewed by Mette Baillie, Couture Designer Mette Baillie Mette BaillieCouture Designer facebook_icontwitter_iconlinkedin_iconyoutube_iconinsta_icon
Written by Priyam Gupta, MA (English) Priyam Gupta MA (English) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Edited by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijani Roy Chowdhury MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Asmita De, MA (English) Asmita De MA (English) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on

`When adventure calls, the first thing you need is a sturdy pair of water sandals that will stay with you through every kind of terrain — wet or dry. A water sandal is specially designed to give your feet the highest amount of traction on slick, slippery surfaces, such as those found along a lake, river, or waterfall. You can compare this traction level to the kind that a hiking shoe provides, except for the fact that sandals are much more breathable. With the right pair of women’s water sandals, you don’t have to worry about unexpected falls and can complete all your trips with confidence!

While most water sandals aren’t dressy enough, their simplistic design, maximum comfort, and generous stability give them the right to be known as trustworthy pairs of hiking sandals. They are also waterproof, have a strong gripping sole, absorb impact, feel spacious, and are easy to put on. If you’re looking for a pair of water shoes to keep you safe from harsh temperatures, be it hot sand or cold water, check out the 13 bestselling sandals from trusted brands rounded up here.

Top Picks
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Best Overall:Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Sandals
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Best Comfortable:Megnya Women’s Hiking Water Sandals
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Best Durable:CIOR Women’s Original Sport Sandals
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Best Vegan:Teva Women’s Hurricane Drift Ankle-Strap Sandals
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Best Arch Support:Viakix Women’s Napali Hiking Outdoor Sandals
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Best Breathable:Equick Women’s Sport Sandals
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Best Water Resistant:Aleader Women’s Athletic Sandals
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Best Quick Dry:Camel Crown Women’s Hiking Sandals
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Best Outdoor:COASIS Women’s Walking Water Sandals
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Best All Day Support:Columbia Women’s Sport Sandals
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The 13 Best Women’s Water Sandals To Keep Your Feet Secure

1. Best Overall:Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Sandals

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These versatile women’s water sandals from Crocs can be a hiking buddy and a party staple. The flexible and comfortable straps of these sandals hug your feet while being easy to take on and off. This pair from the time-tested brand is designed with flex grooves on the outsoles, which increase sandal flexibility and enhance traction. It is water-friendly while being incredibly light and effective at channeling the water away. Crocs’ proprietary Croslite foam adds an ounce of excellence in the comfort and overall build of these sandals. You can expect to wear them for longer periods of time without feeling any pain or discomfort.

Product Dimensions: 11.81 x 7.87 x 3.94 inches | Weight: 3.8 Ounces.

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Pros
  • Has a snug fit
  • Versatile sandals
  • Croslite foam cushioning
  • Supportive and comfortable
  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Water-friendly

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Cons
  • Might not be ideal for those with bunions
protip_icon Stylecraze Trivia
Crocs started as a footwear brand for boaters. These made footwear with waterproof material and grip-focused soles that provided foot protection on the high seas.

2. Best Comfortable:Megnya Women’s Hiking Water Sandals

This 1-inch-high pair of water sandals are made of a hand-woven nylon cord at the top section. Uniquely braided, the pair is handcrafted to give you all the benefits of a true water sandal without any of the bulk. These women’s water hiking sandals come with easily adjustable straps to meet your comfort while holding on to your feet. Whether you’re going on a trail, a beach holiday, or on a cruise, these sandals are all the footwear you need. The midsole is designed with a premium EVA cushion and high-quality rubber that comes with arch support, making them the best sandals for women who need traction.

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Pros
  • Attractive braided design
  • High-quality beach sandals
  • Highly comfortable
  • Top-quality EVA cushion
  • Sole durability
  • Easily adjustable straps

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Cons
  • Might not be suited to wider feet
protip_icon Pro Tip
Wear your hike water sandals for a few short outings before wearing them on your hike day. It will help your feet adjust to the product and prevent unnecessary shoe bites.

3. Best Durable:CIOR Women’s Original Sport Sandals

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These are probably the sleekest-looking EVA insole water sandals you will ever come across. These cushiony soft sandals are built to absorb any kind of impact or shock, and their minimalist design also caught the eye of many reviewers. The footbed is textured in order to provide a solid grip and partnered with supportive features to give you a better sense of control. These durable water shoes with arch support also come with padded heel straps that are comfy, minimize any chance of chafing, and protect your skin from blisters.

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Pros
  • Polyester webbing upper
  • Soft and cushioned insole
  • Outsole is durable and non-slip
  • Prevents chafing and blisters
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Improved sandal durability

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Cons
  • Makes a slight squeaking sound in wet conditions

4. Best Vegan:Teva Women’s Hurricane Drift Ankle-Strap Sandals

The Hurricane Drift from Teva takes your trekking performance to the next level with an injection-molded silhouette for an uber-comfy and lightweight experience. Whatever the event may be — water adventures, casual Friday, or a trail walk, these Teva water sandals can bear it all with their injection-molded EVA sole that comes with an easy hook-and-loop closure. If you’re into vegan footwear, these Teva water sandals for women must be your go-to pair as they are well-designed with synthetic and plant-based materials. They are also recyclable, meaning they will never see the sight of a landfill!

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Pros
  • Vegan materials
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Easy to wear and take off
  • Extra-comfortable sole
  • Available in fun colors

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Cons
  • Might run slightly larger in size

5. Best Arch Support:Viakix Women’s Napali Hiking Outdoor Sandals

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If you think water sandals can only be pretty or practical, you need to check out these sandals from Viakix. The water-friendly sandals are handcrafted with the finest quality of textile to provide you with the highest comfort level. They feature arch-stabilizer technology that gives you a contoured footbed and arch support, while the thick EVA foam midsole provides better cushioning to prevent stress on your joints. The Napali outdoor water sandals come with 4 hook-and-loop adjustable straps to help customize your desired fit and are extra roomy for those with wide feet.

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Pros
  • Designed with arch stabilizer technology
  • Thick and comfortable EVA midsole
  • Customizable fit with 4 hook-and-loop straps
  • Handcrafted using high-quality textile
  • Spacious toe room to accommodate wide feet

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Cons
  • The heel strap may seem slightly lower to some.

6. Best Breathable:Equick Women’s Sport Sandals

This pair of athletic sandals is out to be your no.1 pick for summer hiking. Crafted with a polyester webbing upper that features durable, tear-resistant, and quick-drying abilities, these sandals will last you for the long run by never going out of shape or slipping in the water. The insole of the water shoe sandals offers proper arch support to reduce foot pressure and also comes with adjustable hook-and-loop closures for a personalized fit. According to reviews, these hiking water sandals for women are anti-slip and come with soft padding that is extremely breathable to keep your feet dry.

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Pros
  • Polyester webbing upper
  • Insole comes with a good arch support
  • Durable and breathable sandals
  • Anti-slip outer sole
  • Available in multiple color options

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Cons
  • You might have to size up.

7. Best Water Resistant:Aleader Women’s Athletic Sandals

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4.3

Grab a pair of these Aleader sandals to go about your everyday activities both indoors and out. These environment-friendly water sport sandals are not only anti-slip but also ensure maximum durability and traction. Designed with a synthetic sole, these water-resistant sandals are made with plant-based and vegan materials. The hook-and-loop closure is easy to wear and take off. As they are sandals to wear in water, they are durable and the polyester webbing upper has an instant-dry factor. The footbed of these fashionable water sandals is designed with good-quality EVA foam that provides cushioned comfort while you are busy conquering your fears.

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Pros
  • Anti-slip sandals
  • Maximum traction
  • Water-resistant material
  • High-quality EVA foam footbed
  • Fashioned for better comfort
  • Vegan and environment-friendly

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Cons
  • Might be slightly narrow for some

8. Best Quick Dry:Camel Crown Women’s Hiking Sandals

These ultralight water sandals from Camel Crown are designed with Jacquard straps that are soft, water-resistant, and not easy to deform after being in the water for a long time. The lightweight water sandals fit your feet well with their ergonomic design, which provides a natural foot posture for enhanced stability. Anti-slip sandals are low-maintenance and come with quick-dry triangle patterns on the insole to prevent slipping. The rubber outsole supports your feet and increases the longevity of the sandals. These sandals are tested and approved by reviewers as they feature superior grip and traction to keep you balanced.

Product Dimensions: 15.75 x 11.81 x 3.54 inches | Weight: 1.1 Pounds.

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Pros
  • Ultralight and anti-slip
  • Soft Jacquard straps
  • Quick-dry and fast absorption
  • Superior grip and traction
  • Available in multiple colors

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Cons
  • Looks slightly chunky

9. Best Outdoor:COASIS Women’s Walking Water Sandals

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4.3

Gift yourself these trendy water sandals and your feet will be ever-so-grateful. The pair is made with comfortable fabric and features an adjustable strap. The wavy and bendy outsole is crafted with durable non-slip rubber and will therefore prevent you from sliding. What makes them some of the best water sandals for women is that every step in them feels like walking on clouds. This pair of affordable water sandals is fashioned with an excellent EVA memory foam midsole that provides cushioning and high levels of comfort throughout. The soft webbing fabric upper is breathable, quick-drying, and very durable to keep your feet cool and dry for a long time.

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Pros
  • Extremely soft insole
  • Lightweight pair of sandals
  • Non-slip soles
  • Fun, unique patterns
  • Breathable and absorbent fabric

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Cons
  • Might be more ideal for short distances

10. Best All Day Support:Columbia Women’s Sport Sandals

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Columbia Women’s Sport Sandals Image: Columbia

Pack a pair of these bad boys on your next trip to the forest trails, because these water sandals for women are designed with a soft footbed and firmer frame for all-day support and cushioning. The straps are integrated with their own hydrophobic webbing structure and thermoplastic buckles for an even and secure fit. The grippy traction rubber outsole made with their Omni-Grip technology keeps you sure-footed, especially on wet surfaces. The midsole of these stylish and comfortable water sandals is actually fashioned into 2 parts that represent their Plush TechLite and firm TechLite frame for added support and better control.

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Pros
  • Hydrophobic webbing
  • Thermoplastic buckles
  • 2 part midsole
  • Plush TechLite
  • Firm TechLite frame
  • Excellent traction

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Cons
  • Might not have enough arch support

11. CAMELSPORTS Women’s Waterproof Sandals

These water sandals for women from CamelSports come with a long-lasting promise and impeccable durability through wear and tear. Many reviews indicate that the impressive arch support complements the style and feel of these water-resistant pairs. Perfect for outdoor activities or meeting friends at the local bar, these sandals will not lose their shape or form and keep you well-grounded – literally. In case you find yourself making a hike on wet surfaces, these sandals will remain sturdy and dry your feet off in a jiffy.

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Pros
  • Durable water shoes
  • Made with comfortable textile
  • Soft and flexible
  • Anti-slip outsole
  • Fast-drying mechanism

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Cons
  • Might run slightly large

12. Reef Women’s Water Vista Sandals

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If you like a good height on your sandals, check out these fashion-forward water sandals from Reef. The dual-density footbed provides maximum support on your stride and is partnered with an adjustable velcro back strap to ensure the perfect fit. These water-friendly TPU straps are inspired by espadrille texture. The insole is soft and bouncy with a great impact response, which ensures all-day comfort. Your miles will seem shorter in these sandals as the outsole is sturdy and firm enough to last you throughout longer foot journeys without an ounce of discomfort.

Product Dimensions: 6 x 11 x 8 inches | Weight: 11.2 Ounces.

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Pros
  • Well-designed water sandals
  • TPU straps for ideal support
  • Outsole is harder and durable
  • Withstand any impact or surface
  • Water-friendly and breathable

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Cons
  • You might have to size up.

13. KEEN Women’s Newport Retro Sandals

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KEEN Women’s Newport Retro Sandals Image: Keen

Our last contender in the race for the best water-friendly shoes is this pair of closed-toe water sandals. With a secure-fit lace capture system and multi-directional lug pattern with razor siping, these Keen women’s water sandals are made with PFC-free materials that are water-repellent and swat away any trace of water. A Cleansport NXT is utilized to control natural odor, while the compression-molded EVA midsole provides supreme cushioning. Along with a quick-dry feature for frequent and active usage, these wet terrain sandals are ideal for frequent hikers who love quirky designs.

Product Dimensions: 12 x 6 x 4 inches | Weight: 11 Ounces.

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Pros
  • Closed-toe for 360-degree protection
  • Grippy, high-traction sole
  • Uniquely designed sandals
  • PFC-free water repellent
  • Controls natural odor

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Cons
  • Might have a narrow toe room

Water sandals come with some really great features that not only keep your feet protected but also combat dampening when in contact with water. Before you pick a pair, here are a few tips to help you choose the right women’s water sandals.

How To Choose The Best Women’s Water Sandals

  • Durability

Water sandals are designed in a way that will stick to you on your adventures, regardless of the kind of terrain you prefer. Therefore, you want your sandals to be sturdy enough to combat both harsh weather and surfaces.

  • Type of material

Chafing and rubbing are major issues that accompany water sandals, so make sure the brand uses premium materials that are soft and breathable. A lot of sandals are made using cheaper material to save manufacturing costs, so a high-quality EVA foam and sturdy outsole make up for the most important part of your quality check.

  • Fit and comfort

This goes without saying, but the last step of determining a good water sandal is how your feet feel in them. Since water sandals are made for use at all times or at least for the majority of the time, you should feel completely comfortable whether you’re wearing them at home or out on a hike. Make sure they have an ergonomic design, are roomy, and provide excellent arch support.

  • Anti-Slip

It is absolutely essential that your water sandals be anti-slip since that is the whole purpose. As an extension of that quality, your sandals should also have quick-drying features that allow you to stay cool and dry on your expeditions.

Infographic: 5 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Water Sandals

If you like adventure sports or are into exploring untrodden places, water sandals can be your trustworthy companion. However, any footwear that can withstand water cannot be called a water sandal, and you should be aware of the features to make the right choice. Check out the infographic below to learn what mistakes to avoid when buying water sandals.

5 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Water Sandals (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just do it for the love of being close to nature, investing in the best water sandals for women will be worth it. A water sandal is exclusively designed to give your feet the highest amount of traction on slick, slippery surfaces, such as those found along a lake, river, or waterfall. You can opt for the Crocs Women’s Swiftwater Sandals that offer the ultimate comfort and versatility on your outdoor water excursions, the KEEN Women’s Newport Retro Sandals that are durably built with toe protection, making them ideal for use on rugged terrain, or the fashionable Columbia Women’s Sport Sandals that provide a reliable, waterproof, secure fit, apt for water sports, monsoon hiking, and more. These shoes protect your feet from any unpredictable abrasions or impacts. They have a soft cushioning, and a lightweight, comfortable design. They can be worn like your usual sneakers daily and are, in fact, easier to put on. You need to consider the durability, type of material, size, comfort, and sole traction before investing in your next pair. You can also opt for a professional fit assessment by a shoe fit specialist to ensure utmost comfort and functionality.

Why Trust Stylecraze?

Priyam Gupta is a style and fashion aficionado who can help you style your outfit as per your needs and fancies. After going through multiple site comparisons and customer testimonials, Priyam is here with her specially curated list of the top water sandals for women. These products give you that right support and grip across terrains for a well balanced hike on those steep and slippery trails. These are not only comfortable but take up your style game a notch higher as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are water sandals good for walking?

Yes, water sandals are good for walking as they provide extra comfort and cushioning to your soles while being extremely supportive. Water sandals are also water-friendly and most of them have a quick-dry factor installed in the fabric so you can feel cool and dry all day.

Are Tevas good water sandals?

Yes, the Tevas are great hiking and water sandals. They are comfortable, waterproof, and durable.

What is a river sandal?

A river sandal is a true water sandal designed for use in water or other wet places. They do not absorb water; instead, they help you drain it faster.

Can Crocs be used as water shoes?

Yes, you can use Crocs as water shoes for smaller streams.

Do you size up or down for Tevas?

Several reviews mention that Teva’s sizes can run slightly larger. Therefore, it is advisable to buy half a size smaller if you are in between sizes.

Do you wear socks with water sandals?

Yes, you can wear socks with water sandals. However, remove them before you wet them in the water.

Can you wear Keen sandals in the water?

Yes, Keen has a great variety of water sandals that are safe and comfortable to wear during your visit to a lake or other water activity.

Are sandals considered water shoes?

No. Sandals need to be waterproof to be considered water shoes.

Should water sandals be loose or tight?

They should neither be loose nor tight; rather, fit comfortably while you go down the water.

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Mette Baillie
Mette BaillieCouture Designer
Mette Baillie is a couture designer with 24 years of experience. She has her own couture company, Freja DesignerDressmaking, in Edinburgh and specializes in making everything from tweed suits to slinky evening dresses and highly structured wedding dresses.

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Priyam Gupta
Priyam GuptaBeauty & Lifestyle Expert
The day Priyam learned that having strong opinions about everyday products can be a full-fledged writing career was the greatest day of her life. Partially driven by a passion for everything timeless, she likes to explore and recommend styles and makeup products that will endure the test of trends.

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Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Srijani Roy Chowdhury Associate Commerce Editor
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.

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Asmita De
Asmita DeAssociate Editor
Asmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.

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