As we gear into warmer weather, it’s time to do all the necessary stock-ups: the bikinis, the convenient beach wagons and carts, the body sunscreens.
What should also be on your shopping list is a good pair of water shoes. Not only are they comfortable and apt for the summertime months but they’re also protective when walking on seashell-studded sand or rocks along the shore.
To help make your shopping experience that much easier, New York Post Shopping rounded up the best water shoes for men, women and kids in 2023.
Top options include Amazon and Target, but we also highlighted top options from other brands and retailers to have you splish-splashing all summer long.
When shuffling together our top picks, we looked for comfortability, a generous size range and style — most importantly. When shopping for water shoes, you also want to make sure they’re easy to clean and are seasoned for all types of outdoor adventures.
For more, you’ll also want to check out our expert-backed guide to the best hiking shoes to add more to your shoe rack.
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Best Water Shoes for Men
1. VIFUUR Quick-Dry Water Shoes, $10
With a whopping 126,000+ rave reviews on Amazon — and counting — the VIFUUR Quick-Dry Water Shoes are one reviewers love. Not only are they a great waterproof option but they come in several hues and patterns, are comfortable and feature a rubber outsole.
They’re also an Amazon best-seller, with one reviewer saying, “I was impressed by how well these held up and will be using them again!”
2. DOUSSPRT Quick-Drying Water Shoes, $23, original price: $50
Coming in hot on Amazon with nearly 27,000 positive reviews, the DOUSSPRT Quick-Drying Water Shoes are less than $25 right now, feature an open-mesh upper for breathability and are a great value for the price.
One reviewer loves the shoe because “it fits well and has excellent drainage.”
3. Sperry Water Strider, $41, original price: $55
With a name like Sperry, you know it has to be good. The brand’s Water Strider is a less-than-$50 purchase that’ll hold up during the warmer months. Plus, its all-purpose design and comes fully fledged with a tailored shape that hugs your foot.
4. L.L.Bean NRS Arroyo Shoes, $38
Take a page from the top outdoor brand L.L.Bean’s playbook with this slim, effective water shoe. Its NRS Arroyo Shoes are less than $40, have a classic, match-all design and is made with a neoprene upper for extra warmth on chillier summer days.
Best Water Shoes for Women
1. DLGJPA Slip-On Water Shoes, $23, original price: $33
Not only do we adore this baby blue hue but we can’t stop glossing at the near-16,000 rave reviews on Amazon for this pair. The DLGJPA Slip-On Water Shoes are budget-friendly, breathable and include elastic straps to ensure the perfect fit.
One reviewer says these are “great shoes for a day of hiking and rafting,” while another even says the pair “saved [her] feet from reef.”
2. All in Motion Aurora Water Shoes, $25
For a top-rated Target pair, the All in Motion Aurora Water Shoes are a great pair to add to your cart. For just $25, you’ll adore how secure they fit, how breathable they are and how universal they are for any type of water-based activity.
3. Alpine Design Performance Water Shoes, $50
These tennis shoe lookalikes are actually water shoes — and we’re totally here for it. Shop the Alpine Design Performance Water Shoes, a fairly priced option available at Dick’s Sporting Goods. With a perforated insole and outsole, you’ll be feeling comfortable all day.
4. WateLves Water Shoes, $10, original price: $22
For just $10 right now, how could you pass up these mermaid-inspired slip-ons? If you’re looking for baseline protection when out and about in the ocean — say less. Simply order these shoes and let the more than 24,000 rave reviews on Amazon speak for themselves.
Best Water Shoes for Kids
1. Centipede Demon Kids Water Shoes, $15
The Centipede Demon Kids Water Shoes are an Amazon best-seller — and for a good reason. Its near-11,000 rave reviews mostly speak to the pair’s quality design and “perfect water shoe material.”
2. OshKosh B’gosh Toddler Casual Water Shoes, $15
If pink water shoes are what you’re looking for, the OshKosh B’gosh Toddler Casual Water Shoes are too cute to pass up. With their $15 price point and subtle tie-dye pastel detailing, rest assured they’ll be a go-to on beach days.
3. Bergman Kelly Kids Water Shoes, $16
Available at Walmart, the Bergman Kelly Kids Water Shoes are less than $20 and ready for your little one to make a splash. This top-rated pair boasts more than 500 reviews for being “flexible yet sturdy,” and they also hold up well over the years.
4. Sunnywoo Kids Water Shoes, $15
Let’s face it — little girls are obsessed with their unicorns and the Sunnywoo Kids Water Shoes are the less-than-$15 pair that’ll make them smile from ear to ear. With a flexible fit, its near-12,000 rave reviews for being “lightweight, flexible and comfortable” hit the nail right on the head.
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