The 7 Best Shoes for Summer

Published May 15, 2018 12:00AM

Hari Mari Dune ($45)

Softer and more flexible than many of its rivals, the Dune babies your feet with cushy rubber and a memory-foam post that won’t dig between toes. But don’t let the creature comforts fool you: thanks to a heavily siped outsole, footing was steady atop paddleboards and slippery rocks.

Astral Loyak ($85)

The handsome canvas upper may give the Loyak a shot of street style, but there are performance chops here, too. The stretchy mesh tongue and forefoot expedite evaporation, should water rise above the low cuff. The removable insole means your feet can rest directly on the cushy, grippy EVA midsole if full immersion is on the menu.

Sponsor Content: Chaco Mega/ZCloud ($115)

The Mega Z/Cloud takes the adjustable Chaco webbing straps you love and gives them more room to thrive. Made with 28-millimeter webbing and ahh-inducing Chaco Cloud cushioning for all-day support and all-terrain performance.

Helly Hansen HP Foil F-1 ($100)

Helly Hansen’s maritime heritage is on full display in the F-1. The large mesh panels are more breathable than the Loyak’s, and webbing overlays lend it a running-shoe vibe, with locked-down tightness to match. Aggressive siping on the stiff, supportive outsole ensures solid purchase on boat decks and SUPs.

Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro ($120)

If anything deserves to be called a sport sandal, it’s the Cairn 3D Pro. The paracord toe post is possibly the most bomber we’ve seen—smart, since that’s the first thing to go on many a flip-flop. The flexible Vibram Megagrip outsole keeps you upright, and quick-adjust Velcro and buckles make the shoe capable far beyond the water. In fact, hikers swear by it.

Rainbow Sandals New Classic Rubber ($40)

Supportive flip-flop doesn’t have to be an oxymoron. We were impressed with how solid the unassuming New Classic Rubber felt underfoot, thanks to a bit of thickening in the midsole under the arch. Take some time to break it in, though—the hard rubber footbed needs taming.

Keen Newport Hydro ($100)

Meant for serious knocking around in, on, and off the water, the Newport Hydro boasts a beefy bumper to prevent stubbed toes. And with poly webbing in the upper that combines coverage with impressive draining power, this burly-soled sandal-shoe crossover travels easily from sand to boat to pavement to trail.

The Best Water Shoes of 2018