19 Best Water Sandals for Women – Sand In My Suitcase (2024)

While you may not win any fashion contests wearing KEENs, there’s no denying they are incredible shoes. They’ll last for years and hold up well against wear and tear.

These are the perfect pair of water shoes for hiking when you know you’ll encounter puddles, streams or wet ground. They provide good traction on slippery surfaces like submerged rocks.

The compression-molded EVA midsole is the best you’ll find and offers comfort all day. (EVA is a type of foam used to make midsoles. It’s used in most sports shoes these days because it doesn’t easily compress after long wear and offers lots of cushioned support.)

Of course, these KEEN Whisper sandals have the brand’s famous “bump toe” to protect those delicate toes of yours from sharp objects!

To add color to your outdoor activities, they come in many colors. My last pair were bright blue; my current pair are a bold burgundy.

Sold on Amazon for under $100

These KEENs have the same compression-molded EVA midsole and bungee cord tightening system as the Whisper sandal (#1 above), but the straps are chunkier and the openings in the top larger.

Those wide openings allow for water and debris to more easily pass through. That makes them some of the best water shoes for kayaking and tromping across sandy beaches.

The rubber outsole provides great traction as well – no slipping or sliding when trekking across wet boulders or river beds.

If you’re looking for protection for your toes, a shoe that will hold up for years and good grip, then these are the perfect shoes. Lots of ladies (and men) who try KEENs are converted into raving fans!

Sold on Amazon for under $111

Teva water shoes are known all over as being some of the best water-friendly sandals. Plus they come in all kinds of fun designs! They’re both attractive and functional.

This is another shoe with the EVA footbed to support your hard-working feet. Easy-to-adjust Velcro straps ensure a secure fit.

You can wear these Tevas for all kinds of water sports like kayaking or for walking on the beach, since you can easily shake the sand out. They’re also fantastic for theme parks where you might get wet on the rides.

Pair them with shorts and a t-shirt or a sporty dress!

Note: If you wear a half-size, go with the smaller size for these shoes.

Sold on Amazon for under $50

The polyester webbing that holds your foot into place makes these Tevas a more stylish option in the women’s water sandals category. You really can dress them up or down!

With a lightweight feel, they’re an excellent choice for sightseeing on a hot summer day. Take a walk through the city, and then don’t skip a beat when you head out to the beach.

The foam sole conforms to your foot, making them super comfortable the minute you put them on. You won’t get tired wearing these around all day or night, and I’m sure you’ll get more than a few compliments.

Note: This isn’t the best pair of sandals for women with narrow feet (they may be more loose than you’d like).

Sold on Amazon for under $40

Chacos have been a top choice for water sandals for years – and for good reason. Back in 1989, a river guide designed the Chacos to be the ultimate river shoe.

Their classic sandals have eight components to adjust – so you can get that snug fit before you head down the river. They even have a loop for your toe for added stability.

But I’m sure you’ve seen these sandals everywhere these days, not just on the river. Ladies wear them hiking, camping, rafting and for a host of other outdoor activities.

Really, for a versatile shoe that dries quickly – which can be worn in the city too – Chacos are a great bet.

Pick up a pair before you head out on your next warm weather adventure. You won’t regret it.

Sold on Amazon for under $95

The main difference between the Z2 (#5 above) and the ZX1 here is that the ZX1 doesn’t have the toe loop, so that extra stability isn’t there. Some people just can’t get used to the loop on their toe though, and I don’t blame them.

The rubber outsole and tread are still sturdy like a hiking shoe and the straps easily adjust for the right fit, however. So these Chaco sandals are great for a leisurely day of kayaking or some easy hiking – but nothing too serious.

They come in fun patterns and color combinations just like the Z2, but they have multiple thin straps instead of one wide strap.

Fun fact: All Chacos are endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association so you can trust they’re some of the best women’s water sandals with arch support.

Sold on Amazon for under $100

Did you know that Crocs make cute waterproof sandals in addition to their traditional pair of clogs? Well, they do, and you’ll want to wear these whether you’re getting near the water or not!

These feminine-looking strappy sandals will go perfectly with a sundress if you’re stepping out for a beach stroll.

With the thong design, they don’t even look like water shoes. As they slip on and off easily, they’re a great choice for walking across hot sand. And they’ll go with any beach cover-up.

The fact that they’re super lightweight is also a plus (some water sandals can be heavy and clunky). The price tag is pretty sweet too!

Sold on Amazon for under $35

If you’re looking for more coverage than what sandals offer, then check out these sneaker-like water shoes.

They look like a pair of tennis shoes but are made from a breathable material that dries quickly after getting wet. These are good water shoes for any water sports like whitewater rafting, where you might want your feet to be fully covered.

They easily slip on so you don’t have to worry about tying the laces up.

They come in 25 different colors. That means... You can buy a few to go with different outfits – especially at this price! (I’ve got “sandy rose” on my mind. Then again, the “power pink” looks adorable too. Hmmm…)

Sold on Amazon for under $30

These water sandals for women are super cute, durable and comfortable. They’re another option that you can pair with a nice summer outfit or wear for a more laid-back look.

Because there’s no back strap, the Trailway sandals slide on and off easily. Many women therefore like to use them for kayaking or beach activities. Of course, you won’t want to wear them for any adventurous activities where they might fall off. No rock scrambling!

This shoe has good arch support. The top Velcro strap allows you to get a good fit around your foot. And all the straps are soft and comfortable.

Note: These now come in half sizes and wide sizes.

Sold on Amazon for under $45

Water shoes for swimming that offer full coverage? Totally flexible? Fit like a sock? Say hello to the VIFUUR aqua socks!

They still have a rubber sole, however, so your feet can fully grip rocky or rough terrain. And because the material is soft and breathable, you don’t have to worry about your tootsies getting hot and sweaty.

These water socks are just the ticket for water sports such as wake-boarding, paddle boarding (SUP in Kauai is fabulous!) or swimming, when you’re worried about coral, rocks or other sharp objects on the ocean or lake bottom.

When you’re done, you can easily wring the water out of them.

With 40+ different colors – and each pair of shoes costing less than $14 – what’s not to love?

Sold on Amazon for under $14

Merrel makes such good hiking sandals and shoes, that I couldn’t keep these off our list. But I’d wear them more as light hiking sandals that occasionally come into contact with water, instead of true water sandals. (They handle rain and splashes from puddles okay, and dry out just fine though.)

The footbed is comfortable foam, giving you the support you need in all the right places – plus the sandals don’t get smelly like some other hiking shoes. The straps are adjustable in two places and rarely create blisters.

Yes, these Merrells are cute and feminine – ones you can also wear out on the trail.

Note: Check the sizing chart. You may need to order a size down.

Sold on Amazon for under $81

Okay, you know Teva makes some of the best water sandals for women and men – well, here’s another popular pair.

Three different straps allow adjustments to the front and around the ankle, providing an excellent secure fit.

Ideal as adventure sandals for water sports activities, the Teva Tirra sandals also look good enough for everyday wear. With more than 20 colors (from a pretty pale lilac to the always popular black), you’re bound to find some you like.

Wear them on hiking adventures or for sightseeing in the city! They’ll hold up to any wet surfaces that you encounter.

Sold on Amazon for under $81

Yes, there are a lot of KEEN sandals on this list, but they really do make some of the best water shoes for women. And they make such a variety too!

The Clearwaters are incredibly lightweight and dry quickly because of the material.

Wear them the next time you go out hiking, on a boat or for rafting. They provide great coverage for your feet but barely feel like they’re there.

Sold on Amazon for under $111

I love ECCOs and have worn many different styles over the years. A European shoe company, their shoes and sandals are well-made and provide incredible support.

This style has a thick sole to hold up no matter where you take them. With an anatomical footbed (and added microfiber cover), they’re super comfy as well.

While the ECCO X-Trinsic is water friendly, it’s really more a walking or adventure sandal than a true water sandal. I wouldn’t go river trekking for long distances in these.

Sold on Amazon for under $85

Easily adjustable straps give you the perfect fit. An EVA foam midsole provides great arch support. And these shoes are water-friendly. Viakix ticks all the boxes here.

If you’re searching for a shoe that’s durable, comfortable and functional, stop looking. These outdoor sandals are most suited to hiking but you can also take them boating, water trekking or out on everyday adventures.

Sold on Amazon for under $85

Another sneaker type option, no one will ever know these are water shoes. Wear them around town and then for an afternoon of adventure like whitewater rafting.

They come in multiple neutral or bright colors. Take your pick. How about a pastel aqua, pale peach or hot pink? Or are you more a light grey kind of gal?

The breathable mesh upper and drainage holes in the sole allow this shoe to dry quickly after being submerged in water.

Like the Aleaders (#8 above), these are some of the best women’s water shoes if you want all-round foot protection for wet conditions.

Sold on Amazon for under $30

Built like the full-coverage Merrells and KEENs, these shoes have extra toe protection, along with spaces for small stones to pass through.

They’re great adventure sandals for hiking, biking or even riding ATVs, where you’re going to get wet.

The Corona Sandal easily slips on and is tightened by an elastic drawstring for a great fit. And the water resistant material dries quickly, so you won’t be clomping around in heavy soggy shoes all day.

Now, all you need to do is plan that waterfall trek you’ve been dreaming about!

Sold on Amazon for under $30

Columbia’s sport sandals were built for the water. The strap material is designed to repel water and the rubber sole gives you great grip on slippery surfaces.

Like the name suggests, they have a very sporty look. Wear them for any water adventure or for walking on the trail. But the strappy look of these waterproof sandals for women also make them pretty cute – at least for a sporty shoe.

Sold on Amazon for under $71

Here is KEEN’s take on turning the Mary Jane shoe into a sandal. And it works – stylish design plus waterproof equals a win-win!

These are durable and provide great toe protection. No worries about stubbing your toes on boat decks!

They’re probably some of the most flattering shoes that KEEN makes, so if you want the quality the brand is known for, combined with a darling look, then this is your shoe.

Note: These are one of the few ladies’ water sandals that come in half sizes.

Sold on Amazon for under $81