4 Best Water Hiking Shoes in 2024
This guide is just for you: hikers gone amphibian - hikers who want to cross all those rivers, canyons, streams, and creeks. We’ll show you the best water hiking shoes on the market and which features to look for when buying water hiking shoes. We know what the top-running pairs are in various categories because we personally tested the water-hiking shoes on our feet. We also scrutinised them even more in the lab so we can give you nothing but the greatest.
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We’ve all been there: trying to find a perfect shoe and finding only a few of them listed on top-10 lists, without transparent reasoning, but highly backed with behind-the-screen promotions. That’s why we’ve personally tested every shoe that we review!
For us to be able to test the shoes, we have to acquire them first, of course. But the thing about us is we REALLY BUY the shoes. We do not accept sponsorships and those sorts of things.
And then we proceed with the actual hiking with the shoes. We did different activities on them on treks and streams, making sure that we log a minimum of 30-50 miles before we even give our honest opinion about the shoes' various features.
Finally, we go back to our lab and perform loads of testing on the shoes. One example is checking the shoe's breathability, thus also verifying its waterproof ability. To do this, we use our smoke machine to pump smoke inside the shoe. From there, we rate how much smoke escapes. Another test involves our bright source of light and microscope. Using the two, we confirm how tightly or loosely woven the upper is, telling us its level of permeability.
Best barefoot water hiking shoes
What makes it the best?
If we didn’t know any better, we would think Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport is just an extension of our feet. This is how incredible of a water hiking shoe it is! We are mystified by how it can flawlessly adapt from soaking wet to bone-dry conditions. Its unmatched speedy air-drying ability and weightless construction even submerged in the water already quenched our thirst for greatness!
Not only does the Aqua X Sport expel moisture right after stepping out of the water but its upper also quickly dries, allowing us to trek on dry terrains minus the soggy feel. While we obviously took this shoe to trekking routes and rivers, we discovered that this shoe felt consistently weightless.
Regardless of where we trekked, Aqua X Sport kept our tumbling record to none. Even dew-covered roots and rocks couldn’t witness us fall with this super-grippy water shoe. It might have been more of a perfect deal if it was cheaper than what we normally splurge on hiking shoes. While it sits around the £140.6 average, we found that £140 is a high price to pay for a water hiking shoe.
Pros
- Incredibly tenacious
- Lighter than the Mesa Trail
- Yeezy QNTM Frozen Blue sneakers
- Effectively expels water
- Dries quickly
- Quite versatile
- Air cool
- Mighty flexible
Cons
- Pricey for a water shoe
- MSGM Trekking laces flat sandals
Is the UK running more than ever during lockdown | Best Fivefingers water hiking shoes
What makes it the best?
Ankle boots FURLA Greta YD50FGT-S40000-O6000 Nero heightened our sense of awareness on all the earth we traveled. Our water encounters during outdoor explorations are peak delightful, as apart from melding flawlessly with our feet, this hiking shoe has an unsurpassed moisture-management ability.
Whoever said being in five-toed hiking shoes is unconventional is missing out, especially with the Ankle boots FURLA Greta YD50FGT-S40000-O6000 Nero, as this one rendered the most natural feeling while we were out in the wilderness. We may be trekking in the unknown but our feet’s connection to the ground is certain with this pair. The minimal cushioning setup and the toe separator design made sure of this and our stability.
Trouble is the total opposite of getting V-Trek to dry, as we confirmed its effectiveness in letting water evaporate. And no reason to be nervous passing through wet leaves and muddy tracks as this five-toed champ does all the clutching.
We observed that the break-in process was longer than we anticipated. Therefore, this is not for the impatient hikers out there!
Pros
- Top-notch comfort
- Ralph Lauren Declan Men S Boots Dark Brown 80
- Sandals SHAKA Neo Freefall Chunky 433145 Natural
- Glove-like fit
- Incredibly Supportive
- Durably built
- Kids logo-print touch-strap ballerina shoes Black
- Quick drying
Cons
- Women S 7.5us Nike Zoom Pegasus 36 Shield Running Shoes 100
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Best water hiking shoes overall
What makes it the best?
We brought the best water hiking shoes on our excursions, cut them open in the lab, and ultimately discovered Nike’s ACG Watercat+ as the best overall. With its integrated drainage system all around, flexible nature, and suction-like grip, we fully enjoyed our hikes through streams and waterfalls.
We had no issues of icky stagnant water stuck in our shoes. The indigenous-looking upper has woven cords with large holes for breathability. Underfoot, the sole has holes for drainage. We love how our feet dry up so easily, even after soaking the whole shoe underwater.
Navigating through slippery and unstable rocks underwater is tricky, yet we’re able to maintain our balance because the shoe makes us sensitive to ground feedback. It has a nearly barefoot feel since it’s so flexible and low profile. Our deviate test shows it's 30.7% more flexible than the average hiking shoe. Meanwhile, our caliper proves its 22.0/17.3 mm stack is lower than the 32.2/21.1 mm average.
On any surface, the sole shows unquestionable traction. Patterned with round beehive-like shapes underfoot, Watercat+ can cling to any surface.
Because of its wickerwork upper, Watercat+ isn’t sturdy enough for rolling ankles and pronators. This shoe lacks the support needed for excessive motions.
Pros
- Outstanding water drainage
- Immensely breathable
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Nicholas Kirkwood Miri boots
- HAUS OF HONEY metallic wedge sandals
- Gaia 140mm sandals
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- Adaptable fit with a roomy toebox
- Easy on-and-off
- Comfy in-shoe feel
- Bold aesthetics
Cons
- No arch or ankle support
- Chelsea boots ONLY SHOES Onltola-4 15253216 Olive Night
Most popular water hiking shoes
What makes it the most popular?
After thorough research, we established that the most popular among the water-hiking shoes is the Superga 2790 Cotrope Sneakers flatform stile espadrilles in tela nera. Having experienced the pair on our trail expeditions and water-forward pursuits, we understood exactly why: exceptional performance in both land and aquatic conditions, formidable robustness, and splendid on-foot feel.
A water-filled day with Hydro Moc is nothing short of amazing, as its pore-bombarded construction permits the straightforward drainage of water. It is also so void of weight that even in water, it floats. So, no winding up shoeless in the wild. We also found that, on mossy rocks or treacherous routes, the traction of this hiking shoe is tenacious.
We stand by the Hydro Moc’s unyielding construction. We ventured into various outdoor trips and this hiking shoe conquered every element. To affirm that it would last even under heavy use is just about right.
This hiking shoe doesn’t have the cushioning that we usually find in other hiking shoes so it didn’t come as a surprise when it left us unfulfilled, support-wise. If underfoot support is a crucial factor for you, this doesn’t measure up.
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Nike Slide Pool Shoes Childrens
- Lightweight
- 10/10 breathability & drainage
- Easy on and off
- Plenty of grip
- Adidas Originals ZX 8500 x Overkill Graffiti Shoes
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- Extremely durable
Cons
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- Minimal support
7 features to look for in water hiking shoes
Water hiking demands a certain shoe feature set because of the specific hiking conditions. Otherwise, people would just pun on their Crocs and set out for an amphibian adventure.
To be on the safe, comfortable, and responsible side, it’s recommended to look for this feature set in water hiking shoes:
- Comfort - Always #1 when buying new footwear. This is important in order to avoid discomfort and injuries, especially if you plan to build up the mileage in these shoes.
- Traction - Swiftwater Sandal Grigio.
- Water drainage - While some might think that water hiking shoes should be waterproof, it’s just the opposite. They need to allow the water to get back to where it came from. This means that shoes usually have drainage holes or large mesh areas: they allow the water to leave the shoe and prevent the dirt and rocks from getting in the shoe.
- Quick-drying - It’s important that, once the water leaves the shoe, your feet and shoes start drying out as soon as possible. Inner sole and upper materials are responsible for this: they are usually made of quick-drying synthetic materials. This feature prevents frostbites when water hiking through really cold waters.
- Toe cap - These shoes should keep your toes safe from debris and rocks. Toe caps come in different shapes and sizes and are in charge of this.
- Lightweight - So you move with ease, both when dry and wet.
- Secure fit - Villa Teams With Reebok On First Womens Sneaker Collab.
Of course, if you have any specific requirements (e.g. stability features, cushioning) regarding your foot condition, don’t put them on the side. We’ve covered these basics in the chapter below.
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If this is your first hiking shoe, there are certain things that need your attention so that the hiking shoe is your perfect fit. Also, you might want to learn more about hiking shoes: read our guide for hiking shoes.
1. Duration of your hiking trip
- Water hiking shoes aren’t made for long multi-day hiking trips with heavy backpacks and demanding terrain.
- You can use them on your short hikes - whether it’s a 200meter creek crossing or canyon-exploring that lasts a whole day.
- Keep in mind that, the longer the water hike, the better support you need. This means you should look for more stability features and cushioning.
2. Weight of your backpack
- The same rule applies for the duration of your hiking trip. We bring heavier backpacks on longer hikes. Water hiking shoes aren’t meant to support you in these adventures completely, only up to a degree. That’s why, if possible, change your hiking shoes, use the regular ones while you’re on (dry) land.
- If you know you’ll be carrying a heavier backpack, look for stability features and cushioning.
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- Depending on your arch type, your feet might need different stability features.
- High arches usually ask for neutral shoes, uses arches ask for neutral or stability shoes and low arches (flat feet) ask for motion control shoes. We’ve covered this in-depth in the next chapter.
4. New Balance Nergize Sport Beige White Women Running Shoe
To make sure you choose a good-fitting shoe, follow these steps:
- Go shopping in the afternoon. Your feet are swollen then, which happens regularly on hikes
- Try the shoe on and check for pressure points. The shoe should feel snug, but not restricting.
- Use the ramp and walk up and down. Crossing water is rarely monotonous. Usually, the terrain is dynamic with a lot of obstacles, ups, and downs. Your heel should not rise more than a ¼ of an inch. Your toes should not hit the front of the shoe when going downhill.
Is the UK running more than ever during lockdown | Arch type and stability features
The type of your arch is very important in determining the adequate shoe type for you. Hiking shoes vary in the amount of supportive features they have to support the hiker's foot arch.
Shoe wear test
Tip: Check your old used pair of hiking shoes. Now compare how the outsoles have worn out with the infographic below.
Wet test
The wet test is another way to discover your arch type at home.
Follow these 4 simple steps:
- Salvatore Ferragamo wedge-sole ankle boots
- Step on a piece of paper and allow the moisture to sink into the paper (a few seconds)
- Step off
Look at the shape of your footprint and compare it to the ones shown below.
If you’re not confident about this test or feel your feet need more attention, consult a podiatrist. They implement a holistic approach by looking at your barefoot movement, Glory, tibia rotation, and heel deviation.
Comfort and cushioning features
What does “look for cushioning” actually mean?
Facts:
- Water hiking shoes are usually lacking cushioning features or at least a great amount of cushioning. The general advice is to look for more cushioning (again, yes) if the water hike is longer and planned for demanding and dynamic terrain.
- Short water hikes, light backpacks, and soft or monotonous surfaces can be done in water hiking shoes that are flatter and offer less cushioning.
- While with running shoes you have so many options - where padding (extra cushioning) is placed, how much of it, how bouncy it is, what’s the energy return,... - with hiking shoes it’s simpler.
Expert advice for water hiking shoes
- If you know you’ll be crossing waters with a lot of tiny rocks or debris, look for water hiking shoes zapatillas de running Altra Running amortiguación minimalista. If the holes are placed on the upper part of your shoes, they might let unwanted materials into your shoes. You don’t want to waste time getting the debris out of your shoes or getting blisters because of them.
- As soon as you’re done with crossing waters or with your hike, take your shoes off. Clean them and let them dry at an airy or sunny spot. If your shoes have removable insoles, the shoes will dry even quicker if the insoles are taken out.
- Doucal's Kilty monk shoes clean your water hiking shoes with hot water and baking soda. But, always check for brand-recommended advice - cleaning process, special detergents, etc.
- When hiking on mixed terrain, it’s better to take your water hiking shoes with you and Valentino Garavani Rockstud flat caged sandals. That’s why it’s important for them to be lightweight, so you can hang them on your backpack and keep pushing further, without feeling them wearing you down.
- FourTwoFour on Fairfax Black Leather Ankle Boots prove to be of great value when crossing water! Keep your stuff safe from water (splashing, waves, rain) and pack everything in them.
Weight and price of water hiking shoes
When compared to the other types of hiking shoes, water hiking shoes are the cheapest and lightest.
Keep in mind that these prices are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices, meaning that’s how much the shoe costs once it hits the market. We always encourage people to find a great deal.
Tips for finding hiking shoes at cheap prices
Here are some tips to help you land a good deal.
- Browse online stores. Usually, they allow for shoes to be filtered by price or discount.
- Browse online shoe databases. Much more comprehensive than regular online stores. EdiconnectShops database is updated on a daily basis and offers to sort by discount (from less than 30% to more than 70%).
- Use “price drop” email alerts. Some shoes are worth waiting for, so why not get an email once their price drops.
- Pay attention to older models, they tend to be sport more often than new models. Especially if you’re offline shopping, smaller shops might have those models on sale.
- Chie Mihara Bagaura woven-strap leather sandals sneakers are cheaper on 66% of days throughout the year than they are on Black Friday. Worth keeping in mind when buying hiking shoes too.
