Water Shoes
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Keen's Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain describes how he got into the shoe business.
Make the most of the warm days with these river and lake essentials
Keen makes some of the most comfortable sandals we’ve tested and the Astoria West is no exception. While we wouldn’t wear these for thru-hiking, we like them as a daily driver and for casual day hikes. The grippy rubber sole kept us confident on wet rock. “Perfect…
For those who like the freedom of flip-flops but need more orthopedic support, these are the shoes for you. The sandals got top marks in our 2019 Summer Buyer’s Guide for their cushioned, shock-absorbent footbed and deep heel cup. The uppers use recycled PET webbing that’s both stylish and…
We included the Torrent Pro in our review of the best water shoes of 2019. “This technical shoe is ideal for boaters, with a low-profile sole and rounded heel that fit into the tight spaces of kayaks and pack rafts,” we wrote. Midsole drainage ports and a breathable mesh…
The ZX/3 has the same features of the award-winning Z1’s—including a sturdy sole and anti-microbial footbed—but in a slightly more stylish, three-strap design. Plus, like all Chaco shoes, these sandals have podiatrist-approved footbeds that provide all-day comfort with reliable arch support.
The Damaya Lattice was one of our favorite water shoes in our 2019 Summer Buyer’s Guide. The sandal has a molded, microfiber-lined EVA footbed and midsole that keeps your feet happy all day. Plus, the washable, quick-drying upper repels some water and lets the rest evaporate.
We highly recommend these simple sandals, which are made from two strands of cord and a rubber sole. A soft midsole easily molds to your foot shape, while the sticky rubber outsole lets you walk with confidence over rocks and water.
Amphibious features make this shoe a no-brainer for warm-weather adventures
The best part about the Wilder is that while it excels at being wet, it feels just as comfortable on land. It features a mesh and neoprene upper on a grippy, lugged outsole. That upper is reinforced for support with a heel cup in the back and rubber vamps toward…
Chacos and NRS teamed up on these special-edition sandals in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
Turns out the brand that makes my favorite PFDs also knows its footwear
Plus, they’re all under $75
After years of testing, I've determined that these must be the most versatile approach shoes around
The iconic shoes, now made to be worn in the rain and snow
Make sure you're prepared for sun, unpredictable weather, and fish guts
Hits the sweet spot between waterproof and protective—just don’t bring it on long expeditions
From the coolest kayak we’ve ever seen to a super grippy water shoe, this is the gear you need for those quiet days on the river.
Surf and Turf It’s rare that a shoe that looks this casual (we wore it year-round) performs so well. But with tight mesh at the bottom to keep out sand, a rock plate in the sole, and quick-drying meshy uppers, the Kia’i Trainers were our favorite water shoes this year.
Armored toe protection and ample arch support in a slim shoe.
Whether you're running rivers or just running back and forth between the house and the lake, you need the right footwear. We review six new water shoes, including the Sperry Top-Sider Son-R Feedback Bungee, the Adidas Boat Lace DLX, and the Keen Turia with its tester-friendly debris-blocking mesh upper and grip.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Summer Buyer's Guide, including the Roxy 10'6" SUP.
The fiberglass mashup is stable, fast, and light, and thanks to the unique seating system, you can pilot it kayak style (double bladed) or with a canoe paddle.
It’s “the perfect fourteener shoe,” one Colorado-based tester proclaimed, which is perhaps the best compliment a running-hiking hybrid like the PeakFreak can receive.
The best gear for fly-fishing fanatics, from quick-drying water shoes to a handmade paddle.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Teva Gnarkosi water shoes.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Columbia Sportswear Drainmaker water shoes.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Patagonia Rock Grip Wading Boots.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Adidas Boat CC Lace water shoes.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Sperry Ping Buckle water shoes.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Chaco Z1 Pro water shoes.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Keen Gorge Boot.
Water Runner Several two-year-old pairs of 920s are still in rotation among our staff—and this updated version proved to be just as popular. The reason is simple: The 921 is a well-built water-and-land shoe with aggressive off-road tread, rigid rubber overlays for lateral support, and generous (and well-protected) drain holes…
Sea Change Borrowing from the best of all water worlds, Keen forged the Hydro Guide from the sole of a topsider (you’ll recognize the V-cut siping immediately), the now-ubiquitous Keen toe protector, and the Z-laced strapping of a classic river sandal. The result is an all-around amphibian suitable for both…
Rapid Attack Named for one of the classic big-water rapids on the White Nile, the Itunda blends Teva’s classic sandal-strap design with toe and arch protection that supports your foot like a shoe. The foam upper dries quickly and feels smooth on the skin, while the arched EVA top sole…
Sail Away The Ventus was designed in collaboration with the U.S. Sailing Team. And while it certainly looks the part, it’s no one-trick pony. The siped outsoles and mesh-protected drain ports performed nicely kayaking around the lake, and just as well beachcombing in Florida. sperrytopsider.com…
An Updated Classic With its fully adjustable pull-through straps, comfy (and burly) footbed, and impressive grip on slippery surfaces, the Z2 has been a perennial favorite of boatmen. This updated version has a slightly beefier outsole and is made from a more durable rubber mixture. chacousa.com…
Amphibian A webbed sneaker-sandal mash-up? About time! My new favorite summer shoe, the Paradox resembles a light hiker but is brilliant in the wet stuff, secure while crossing rocky rapids and perfect for watersports where you need more protection than you’ll get in a sandal. chacousa.com…