As men, choosing the right water shoes can make all the difference when venturing into ocean surf or tackling wet terrain. Unlike regular sneakers, these purpose-built slip-ons and lace-ups are crafted from materials that resist moisture and feature smart design elements that allow water to drain quickly. Think strategically placed perforations, breathable mesh uppers, and specialized drainage channels—all working together to keep your feet dry and comfortable instead of soggy.
Beyond dryness, the best water shoes for men also offer protection in wet environments—whether you’re kayaking downriver, trekking through waterfalls, or hopping off a boat. Sure, going barefoot might feel freeing, but it leaves your feet exposed to sharp rocks, hot sand, slippery docks, or hidden debris that can cause cuts, bruises, or worse. While flip-flops may handle water with ease, they fall short on support. Water shoes, on the other hand, offer a secure fit with full-foot coverage, especially around the toes—ensuring you stay both agile and protected.
Here are 8 of the best water shoes on the market for men…
#1. Best Overall: Columbia Drainmaker XTR
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Taking the top spot as the best overall water shoe for men, the Columbia Drainmaker XTR is built for serious outdoor adventures. With a sneaker-like silhouette and performance-focused features, it offers the ideal balance of function and comfort. The full mesh upper provides maximum breathability, while a built-in drainage system in both the footbed and midsole ensures water escapes quickly, keeping your feet dry and ventilated, even after full submersion.
What really sets it apart is the cleated rubber outsole, which delivers dependable traction on everything from slick river rocks to muddy trails. Durable, quick-drying, and stylish enough to double as a casual summer shoe, the Drainmaker XTR is the ultimate hybrid—ready for hikes, beach days, and everything in between.
#2. Best Slip-On: Xtratuf Unisex Riptide Sandal
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If convenience is key, the Riptide Sandal delivers. Designed for effortless wear, this slip-on water shoe is crafted from injection-molded resin that naturally repels water, while strategically placed drainage holes in the footbed allow moisture to escape almost instantly.
What really impressed us during testing was the grippy outsole and textured insole—both working together to prevent slipping, even when wet. Whether you’re heading for a quick beach walk, lounging poolside, or navigating rainy-day errands, the Riptide Sandal offers comfort, traction, and easy wearability with zero fuss.
#3. Best Moc-Toe Style: Reef Water Coast
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If you’re after a sleek moc-toe silhouette that works just as well in water as it does on land, the Reef Water Coast delivers. Built with breathable mesh and a cushioned footbed, this water-friendly shoe dries quickly without sacrificing comfort. Meanwhile, drainage ports along the sole ensure water escapes efficiently, keeping your feet dry and ready for the next step.
Lightweight and effortlessly cool, the Water Coast is ideal for beach days, vacation strolls, or even casual hikes. It’s a stylish upgrade from the typical water shoe—proof that performance and good looks can go hand in hand.
#4. Best Classic Upgrade: Crocs Men’s Swiftwater Wave
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Crocs fans, rejoice—because the Swiftwater Wave takes everything you love about the classic clog and makes it water-ready. With a more secure fit and a fixed heel strap for added support, it’s designed to stay put no matter the splash level. Made from Crocs’ signature Croslite material, it’s ultra-light, water-resistant, and delivers that signature bounce with every step.
Deep outsole treads provide excellent traction, while the snug fit means it’s far less likely to float off mid-adventure. Whether you’re boating, tubing, or just lounging lakeside, the Swiftwater Wave is a functional, fuss-free upgrade on a cult favorite.
#5. Best Budget Pick: Zhuanglin Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Shoes
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This no-frills option stands out for its unbeatable mix of price and performance. Featuring a breathable, quick-drying fabric upper and a rubber sole that delivers solid traction, it covers the basics without cutting corners. Lightweight and easily packable, it’s the kind of water shoe you’ll want to toss into your weekend bag—just in case.
And while the design might lean generic, don’t be fooled. These shoes dry fast, grip well, and perform reliably in everything from beach strolls to impromptu swims. For travelers or budget-minded adventurers, they’re a smart, fuss-free choice.
#6. Best for Hiking: Salomon Techamphibian 5
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Built like a trail shoe but engineered for water, the Salomon Techamphibian 5 thrives in wet, unpredictable terrain. Its aggressive tread delivers reliable grip on slick or uneven surfaces, while the breathable mesh upper ensures quick drainage and ventilation. A reinforced toe cap offers added protection, especially useful when navigating rocky riverbeds or shoreline hikes.
What really impressed us was the sockless comfort and convertible heel design, allowing it to double as a convenient slip-on. Whether you’re paddle boarding, stream hiking, or tackling muddy forest trails, these high-performance water shoes for men are built to handle it all without missing a beat.
#7. Best Submersion Pick: Astral Loyak M
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Crafted with durable canvas uppers and a rubber Flex-Grip outsole, the Astral Loyak M is minimalist in look but mighty in performance. Designed with serious water activities in mind, it drains quickly and remains ultra-light, even when soaked. The low-profile fit hugs the foot snugly, so it won’t slip off mid-action.
If you spend more time in the water than on dry land—whether kayaking, rafting, or wading through rocky shallows—this shoe delivers. Functional, flexible, and built to move, it’s one of the most streamlined water shoes for men available today.
#8. Best Barefoot Feel: Body Glove 3T Barefoot Max
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Craving that barefoot feel without going fully shoeless? The Body Glove 3T Barefoot Max is built for you. Its unique three-toe design promotes natural foot movement, while integrated drainage and a grippy outsole make it ideal for beach hikes, rocky creeks, and water trekking.
Though its split-toe silhouette isn’t for everyone, it’s a standout for those who value flexibility and ground feel. On uneven, wet terrain, it delivers both traction and comfort, earning its spot as a niche yet excellent contender in the world of men’s water shoes.
Featured image: Body Glove
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