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Waterproof sandals may seem like an oxymoron, but these aren’t so much about keeping your feet dry as they are about the shoe itself drying quickly when exposed to water. The best waterproof sandals on the market are sporty, stylish, and provide great traction, even on slippery surfaces. These shoes make a fantastic addition to your wardrobe, especially when it comes to hiking or kayaking, but also for lounging poolside on your next winter getaway.
Luckily, for anyone looking to get their hands on some waterproof sandals, the waterproof shoe market has expanded significantly in recent years, with more and more people setting out on outdoorsy adventures (or even just festivals!). As such, many footwear brands have developed waterproof technology for shoes that dry super fast while allowing for breathability. And if you’re not quite ready to invest in a pair of waterproof shoes yet, you can always just buy a handy waterproof shoe spray that turn any pair of shoes into waterproof ones.
While some waterproof shoes are designed for sportier activities in the wilderness, there are also a ton of cute waterproof sandals that are as stylish as they are practical, as well as waterproof flip flops, for example, which are perfect for more casual occasions. Some styles, such as our picks from Teva or Reef, are even suitable for wearing to work, depending on your industry. But water-resistance and style aren’t the only factors to look for: The shoes that made our list of the best waterproof sandals also offer amazing support and comfort, with many being especially suited to helping alleviate pain associated with common foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Among all the waterproof sandals to choose from, we picked 15 in various styles to suit your unique needs and style, with some invaluable help from foot health experts.
Size range: 2 to 13 men’s; 4 to 12 women’s
Colorways available: 11
Materials: EVA
Special features: Jibbitz holes for personalization, 2-inch height
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Their padded footbed makes them supremely comfortable for wearing throughout the day, and can even help alleviate foot pain. Available in neutral as well as fun bright colors, these shoes are definitely a statement: While most Crocs-wearing celebs have opted for the traditional model, the likes of Priyanka Chopra and Bretman Rock have worn the brand’s sandal options, so you can rest assured that you’ll be as fashionable as can be in a pair of these.
What testers say: “Have wanted to buy Crocs for the longest time but wasn’t convinced with the typical Crocs until these sandals came around! My favorite shoes EVER. So comfortable, go with every outfit and I love personalizing them with my Jibbitz.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $38.19
Size range: 7 to 14 men’s; 5 to 11 women’s
Colorways available: 12 men’s; 21 women’s
Materials: Fabric, foam, rubber
Special features: Vegan, made with recycled materials, molded EVA midsole, Universal Strapping System, quick-dry webbing, hook-and-loop closure, rubber outsole, treated with Life Naturals for anti-odor
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “I lost my old Tevas several years back, and happy to have these new ones! So far, I have worn them for hikes, around the house, taking out the trash, and for several camping trips. Comfortable and true to size, with sturdy construction. The last pair of sandals I bought from Walmart ended up falling apart and breaking the first trip out. Not these!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $54.95
Size range: 3.5 to 16 men’s; 4.5 to 17 women’s
Colorways available: 9
Materials: Rubber
Special features: Slip-on, super soft footbed
Amazon’s Choice
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “Unbelievably comfortable and actually provide relief for those suffering from chronic back, hip, and foot pain. You can wear immediately — no ‘break-in’ time needed, and amazing color options.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $18.50
Size range: 6 to 13.5 men’s; 4 to 12.5 women’s
Colorways available: 6
Materials: EVA
Special features: Anatomically shaped footbed, made from a single piece of flexible and waterproof EVA, ultra lightweight
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Birkenstock Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “The Birks are exactly as advertised. They provide incredible support for dealing with plantar fasciitis. A great beach or pool sandal.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $31.83
Size range: 4 to 18 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Colorways available: 4 men’s; 5 women’s
Materials: Foam, rubber
Special features: Contoured foam, quick-drying, full-length rubber outsole for traction
Nike Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “I’m in love! I had a hard time deciding if I should go up a size after reading previous reviews, because I’m a true size 6. So to my surprise, the 6 fits just right. Even with socks on, the fit is perfect.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $50
Size range: 7 to 17 men’s; 5 to 11 women’s
Colorways available: 28 men’s; 12 women’s
Materials: Polyester webbing, EVA, rubber
Special features: Higher-traction rubber outsole, multi-directional lug pattern, Eco Anti-Odor, wide toe box, lace-lock bungee system, quick-dry lining, EVA insole with arch support, non-marking rubber outsole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
These are made to be water sandals, meaning you can wear them for crossing rivers or white water rafting, for example, and you can also easily throw them in the washing machine. Available in a great range of colors, these “ugly” shoes actually make a huge fashion statement these days — especially ever since Gucci riffed on Keen’s design in 2019.
What testers say: “These are my first pair of Keens and I absolutely love them! The color is so cute. I normally wear a size 9.5 but got a 9 and they fit perfect and comfy right out of the box. They are lightweight, don’t put pressure around the ankles and you can easily adjust the straps to take them on and off. I can walk far in these and find that socks are nice to wear in them, although I haven’t tested them in a body of water yet without socks which is what I purchased them for initially. They are my to go to shoes when I want something lightweight that provides great airflow to keep your feet cool. They dry easily overnight after washing them. I want these in more colors.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $125
Size range: 7 to 15 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Colorways available: 14 men’s; 33 momen’s
Materials: Polyester jacquard webbing, Luvseat PU, Chacogrip rubber compound
Special features: Adjustable straps, adjustable heel risers, Luvseat PU midsole, Chacogrip outsole, 3.5mm lug depth, repairable through Rechaco
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “Chacos can’t be beat. I wear these almost every day and they hold up amazingly well, very comfortable. Last pair lasted me 3 years of almost daily use all year round.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $44.31
Size range: 5 to 12 women’s
Colorways available: 6
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Special features: Patented Skechers Arch Fit contoured footbed, responsive ULTRA GO cushioning, adjustable hook and loop closures, dual-density traction outsole, machine washable
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I just got these today and immediately wore them to the cherry festival. A lot of walking, much of it on uneven ground. The shoes provided good arch support and just as important, very good stability. When I first put them on, the soles were very slippery on my kitchen floor. However after wearing them all day, this is no longer noticeable.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $64.95
Size range: 5 to 12 women’s
Colorways available: 8
Materials: Leather, EVA, Livelyfoam, molded rubber
Special features: Lightweight scalloped sole, adjustable hook and loop mesh midfoot strap, heel strap with foam detail, EVA footbed, lightweight molded Livelyfoam midsole, molded rubber outsole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “Super comfortable sandals. The width of the sole makes you feel safe walking and standing for long periods of time. The color goes with everything. I would highly recommend these sandals to anyone.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $81
Size range: 4 to 15 men’s; 5 to 16 women’s
Colorways available: 14
Materials: Closed cell foam
Special features: 2.2cm orthotic arch support, molded foam, tight strap, no plug
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “My Archies flip flops are like having a new pair of feet. They really are worth every penny.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $40
Related: Best Orthopedic Shoes for Women
Size range: 7 to 15 men’s
Colorways available: 7
Materials: Leather, textile, rubber
Special features: Waterproof full-grain leather, stretch mesh lining, soft nylon toe post, anatomically contoured footbeds, non-marking Wet Grip Rubber outsole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “Bought hubby several pairs in different colors. They look great on, and he says they’re very comfortable. His shoe size is 9.5 to 10 so I got him the 10 and they fit perfectly. Neither the black, gray nor brown ones have ever stained his feet. Great for warm weather… although he does wear them in the snow as well.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Size range: 7 to 15 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Colorways available: 3 men’s; 5 women’s
Materials: Techlite Plush, Adapt Trax
Special features: Techlite Plush cushioning, textured hex footbed, Adapt Trax outsole for traction
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “Purchased to use in the evenings during a week-long hike and they are the best relief!! I also love the fact they remain ‘grippy’ even when wet. Bought another pair in a different color because I love them that much.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $43.90
Size range: 8 to 13 men’s; 4 to 12 women’s
Colorways available: Many
Materials: PVC
Special features: Anti-slip, infused with artificial oils, footbed support, lightweight, washable, durable, vegan, cruelty-free, waterproof
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I wear these all summer as neutral slides. I wear them everywhere.. around the yard, out shopping and they are even cute enough to slip on to go out somewhere nice. Comfy and the perfect color.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $40
Size range: 5 to 11 women’s
Colorways available: 4
Materials: IMEVA SugarLite
Special features: Water-friendly molded upper strap, high-rebound SugarLite footbed, supportive dual density SugarLite midsole and outsole, 1.25-inch platform height
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “Adorable and more supportive than a flat flip flop. Did take a few days to break in so the top of my foot wasn’t achy. I am a 9.5 and the 9 fit.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $49.95
Size range: 5 to 11 women’s
Colorways available: 20
Materials: Flexible water-friendly material, EVA
Special features: Flexible water-friendly material, dual density lightweight compression molded EVA footbed, dual density lightweight EVA compression molded outsole, PVC-free
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I wore these sandals daily for 6 weeks in four countries. Cobbled stone paths, rocks and dir… never stumbled, slipped or rolled an ankle. Cushioned bed and so comfortable. Just ordered a second pair to keep until these wear out.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $60
What to Look for in the Best Waterproof Sandals
Not all waterproof sandals are created equal. Below are some of the features to look out for when shopping for a pair of your own.
- Material: Pedorthist Michael Fishkin recommends looking for a nylon or polyester fabric upper paired with a rubber outsole, a combination perfected by the likes of Teva and Chaco. “These materials just hold up better than others if you’re going to be walking on a beach or actually wearing the shoes in the pool or ocean,” he explains. Meanwhile, Yau adds that the sandals’ material should effectively “repel water, as well as be easy to clean,” which is where variations on PVC, EVA, or rubber come in.
- Activity: Before purchasing waterproof sandals, you should consider your specific needs: Will you be using them for serious hiking or more leisurely water-centric activities? This will help you determine what type of shoe you need. For strenuous activity, Fishkin says you should look for a shoe with a back strap, which “contains the foot” to help you avoid muscle straining. If you won’t be walking too much, a supportive slide or flip flop is perfect.
- Construction: Great waterproof sandals should feature a supportive design, including the right balance of cushioning and stability. “Ideally, you would like them to be durable — the design should be constructed in such a way that it does not easily break,” notes Yau. “It is possible for sandals that are not waterproof or water-repellent to break if they are exposed to water. A foot injury may result from this while walking.”
- Breathability: Sandals are naturally breathable, since there are cutouts in the shoe that allow the foot to breathe. If this is especially important to you because of past foot problems, or because you’re planning to get stuck into sweaty activities, you can also look for a sandal made from a particularly breathable material, like our picks from Keen and Chaco. “By allowing the feet to breathe, infection such as athlete’s foot, fungal nail infection, and blister formation may be prevented,” says Yau. “Additionally, it reduces the risk of contact dermatitis.”
How We Selected the Best Waterproof Sandals
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To create this list of the best waterproof sandals, we interviewed two leading foot health experts for their product selections as well as tips on what to seek out in a pair of waterproof sandals. Using their input, we assessed the market, researching best-selling waterproof sandals, celebrity-loved styles, and newcomers to the market. We also kept common foot conditions in mind when curating our guide, so you can rest assured that our list includes a waterproof sandal that’s suited to your foot type and your favorite activities. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Michael Fishkin is a certified pedorthist and currently treats patients at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists.
Marion Yau is an award-winning celebrity podiatrist based in London, UK. She practices at The Harley Street Foot and Nail Clinic, where she specializes in the use of hot and cold laser therapy to treat fungal nail infections. Yau creates educational content on social media as Miss Foot Fixer. You can find her on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Meet the Author
Iris Goldsztajn is a freelance writer and editor based in London, UK. She is currently the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Brides, Refinery29, Bustle, and many more. She is originally from Paris, France, and has lived in Los Angeles and New York City. Previously, Iris was the associate editor at Her Campus, where she was responsible for all style and beauty blog content. Goldsztajn regularly researches the shoe market and tests footwear, and her expertise informed the product selections on this list.
