Whether you are looking for water hiking shoes for Hawaii or a slot canyon, make sure you find a quick-drying shoe with enough cushion and support for the length of your hikes. Additionally, having adjustable straps to dial in the fit once they get wet.
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Water Hiking Shoes for Women
Tips for Buying Water Shoes for Hiking
There are many kinds of water hiking shoes from open-toe sandals to full-on enclosed shoes.
Water hiking shoes are specifically made to drain water as soon as it enters your shoe, making them much quicker at drying than a typical waterproof hiking shoe.
When water hiking shoes get wet, they won’t rub on your ankles or give blisters because they are created with specific material for this.
I would leave the water socks behind because they aren’t going to give you enough support or grip when you are crossing over wet branches and boulders.
Best Water Hiking Shoes
Chaco Z/1 – Best Sandal
Top Feature: Versatile and Cute
Weight: 1 lb 5 oz. (pair)
MSRP: $1005
Sizing: True to Size, go 1/2 size down if between.
Pros:
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multiple colors and strap variations
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cute for normal wear
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adjustable for unique foot types
Cons: Not comfortable for hiking over 5 miles, open-toe doesn’t protect against rocks
Review:
You can count on me having the Chaco strap tan lines in the summer because I wear mine daily, even if I’m not getting near the water.
I’ve worn my Chaco’s for walking along the shoreline, white-water rafting, kayaking, swimming in the ocean, jumping off cliffs in Hawaii, and bouldering back up those cliffs.
They really are extremely versatile and durable. The arch was different at first, but it took about a week to get used to.
I like that the straps are adjustable since I have a higher arch but skinny ankles. I’m not a fan of my toe having its own strap so I like the original Chaco Z clouds, but if you like the extra security of the toe strap then look into the Z Cloud 2’s.
My only complaint with the Chaco hiking sandals is I don’t find them comfortable to hike in over 5 miles. They start to hurt my arch and make my feet sore.
If you don’t plan to hike or walk more than 5 miles at once, or need a rock guard then I’d highly recommend Chaco Z Clouds.
KEEN Newport H2 Sandals
Top Feature: Breathable with a Rock Guard
Weight: 1 lb 5oz. (pair)
MSRP: $100
Sizing: True to Size
Pros:
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lightweight, breathable
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has a rock guard
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quick-bungee lace
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comfortable for longer hikes
Cons: small river rocks can still get inside the shoe
Review: If you plan to do some hiking through water where you will encounter more rocks or boulders, you’ll want a hiking sandal that has a rock guard like the KEEN Newport H2’s.
If you are hiking or walking more than 3 miles at once, most people agree that KEENs are more comfortable than Chaco’s.
It is obvious that KEENs are water sandals and not as stylish as the Chaco sandals, but I promise the comfort and protection of the KEEN will be worth it.
The Newport H2 sandals also offer a quick lace system so they are easy to get on and off, even when wet.
While there is more material on these than the Chaco Z Clouds, they are still quick-drying and they feature the Cleansport NXT™ for natural odor control.
These water hiking sandals are my favorite option when you need more support, but still want to have the breathability of a sandal.
Merrell All Out Blaze Water Shoe
Top Feature: Most comfortable and durable
Weight: 1 lb 4 oz. (pair)
MSRP: $100
Sizing: True to Size
Pros:
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most support
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quick-bungee lace
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best for pebble and sand resistance
Cons: not as quick-drying since more fabric
REVIEW: If you’re looking for an overall incredible water shoe that is made to hike long miles, any terrain, and provide the most support then I recommend the Merrell All Out Blaze Water Shoe.
Merrell’s is a well-known and loved hiking shoe brand for any outdoor enthusiast.
Hiking shoes are their bread and butter, and they have perfected comfort with quality over the years.
The All Out Blaze is truly the best at keeping rocks and pebbles out of your shoe while still draining water efficiently and quickly.
These shoes are vegan-friendly and have a nice 5mm lug depth with a quality Vibram rubber sole.
Merrell’s water hiking shoes will take you through the jungle, river, and rocky mountains with the most comfortable of any hiking shoe made to drain water quickly.
SOBASO Water Shoe – Best for Budget
Top Feature: Budget-Friendly
Weight: 1 lb (pair)
MSRP: $35.99
Sizing: True to Size
Pros:
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lightweight
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fully enclosed
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quick-bungee lace
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very affordable
Cons: not as durable for longevity
REVIEW: A great entry water hiking shoe that is also affordable are the SOBASCO water hiking shoes from Amazon.
They are fully enclosed so no tiny river rocks are getting inside these shoes. The rubber sole is thicker than a normal water shoe and it is made with unique lug patterns that make it extra non-slip.
They are quick to get on and off with the bungee lace system (similar to the KEENs) and dry very quickly because of the light mesh fabric.
I would recommend these shoes if you plan on doing a one-off water hike on vacation or need a lightweight water shoe with a good grip for paddling, kayaking or rafting.
Both my husband and I use these water shoes a good amount when walking along rockier beaches or white water rafting.
We have hiked 9 miles through a slot canyon with these shoes, and I would recommend a shoe with more support like the Salomon or Merrell’s (next on this list) as our feet were very sore after that trek.
