Why Wear Water Shoes – 6 Best Reasons & Guide

Having the right shoes on when venturing into the waters is as important as wearing the right outfit. Whether you’re going boating, snorkeling, or just taking a leisurely walk on the beach, you need to cover your feet properly. The question most of you might be asking is, why wear water shoes when engaging in beach or sea-related activities? Well, there are a number of reasons for that.


Here are some of the benefits of wearing water shoes:

 

1. Protection

Perfectly closed water shoes can do much to protect your soft feet against the sharp shells on the beach, the burning boat deck during summer as well as the rocky and otherwise unpredictable seabed as well as the burning boat deck during summer. The shoes can also come in handy when you want to protect your fit from getting stubbed while wading through murky waters or playing on a pebbly riverbank.


2. Traction

Walking on slippery or greasy surfaces like docks, boat decks, and smooth rocks barefoot can only make you fall and get hurt badly. But if you wear water shoes that are specially designed with rubber outsoles, you can enjoy optimal traction and support even as you maneuver through these surfaces.

You are going to the beach to have a great time, which means you have to keep accidents, minimal-especially those resulting from slipping. Slip-on or lace-up style water shoes can be great in that regard, so long as they offer a better grip and great ankle support.


3. Lightness and Drying Time

The problem with wearing regular shoes when venturing into the water is that they get waterlogged easily and can get quite heavy. That can disrupt your smooth and otherwise fast underwater movements.

Even worse, the absorbed and retained water can cause squishiness and discomfort, something that might lead to painful blisters and foul odor.

Water shoes are usually designed with well-ventilated fabrics, perforations, and multiple drainage points to help them drain water better and dry faster. That means you can wear them while walking along the beach, on the riverside, in muddy areas, or while out in the rain.

Water shoes in the rain

4. Comfort

Water shoes are designed with compression-molded ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) midsoles that provide ultimate comfort and support throughout the day while engaged in water sports activities. For even more breathability and faster drying, most of the shoes come in open or vented upper designs.

That gives you the freedom to throw yourself into the water and enjoy an unlimited adventure in the sea or river. If you are going kayaking, sailing, or beach walking, you should consider getting a pair of water shoes with proper heel cushioning for increased comfort.

You can never go wrong with good water shoes when going out on a summer or winter water sports action!


5. Insulation

When going swimming, diving, or rafting during winter or fall, wearing water shoes can provide insulation that will ensure your feet retain warmth even in cold water.

Maintaining normal body temperature while underwater is critical because too much coldness and poor blood circulation might cause your muscles to cramp, something that can jeopardize your safety.

So apart from wearing a neoprene cap, a wetsuit, and/or a waterproof jacket, you should also remember to put on a pair of closed-water shoes. In fact, the shoes should be the first that appears on the checklist of the things you need to carry for your beach or sailing trip.

Water shoes

6. Breathability

Water shoes are made from flexible mesh materials that enhance breathability. This not only keeps the feet cool but also ensures there’s improved water flow and better drainage when the shoes are submerged in water.

When visiting the beach on a scorching sunny day, wearing a pair of highly breathable water shoes can go a long way in ensuring your adventures are comfortable.

This feature also ensures no water is held in the shoes while swimming or strolling by the beachside, something that can allow you to concentrate on what you’re doing for hours.

With a great deal of comfort and breathability that come with these shoes, you just can’t get enough of the beach or ocean experience.


Find the Right Type of Water Shoes

If you would wish to maneuver swiftly through the rocky terrain and/or sharp seashells while walking, playing, or swimming at the beach, then you should never forget to carry a pair of water shoes.

Since most of the water shoe models come in a range of well-fitting designs, you can be assured of ultimate comfort and great performance, even when engaged in intense water sports activities.

Water shoes come in two main styles, namely: slip-on and lace-up. If you’re planning to go swimming, sailing, or taking casual beach strolls, then slip-on water shoe design can be a great choice for you.

On the other hand, laced-up water shoes can be perfect for boating, hiking, fishing, and other water-related activities. For easier adjustability and improved security, you can consider going for a design that comes with bungee cord lace.

Other types of water shoes

Where to Wear Water Shoes

You can literally wear water shoes when going out on any outdoor adventure-whether on dry land or in the water. That’s because they are designed with lightweight and breathable materials that can literally offer comfort in any kind of weather. Some of the sea-related activities where water shoes can offer optimal performance include:

  • Water sporting events
  • Boating
  • Kayaking and Stand up Paddle (SUP) boarding
  • Tubing
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Aquatic fitness activities
  • Hiking on a wet or muddy terrain

Conclusion

If you’re planning to take your family or friends to the beach for strolling, swimming, or for some adrenaline-filled activities like windsurfing, kayaking, or diving, carrying the right water shoes can be very important. Carrying sandals or flip-flops can only end up inconveniencing you and making your adventure less enjoyable.

Wearing water shoes on a river or sea-related adventure will help protect you from the slippery dock, sharp rocks, annoying sunburns, and so much more. So don’t forget to include water shoes in your backpack when embarking on your favorite beach or sea adventures.

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Do you wear water shoes for your activities? If so, you are welcome to share your experience in the comment below.

6 thoughts on “Why Wear Water Shoes – 6 Best Reasons & Guide”

  1. Nice site.
    I have been involved in water sports a few years ago such as kayaking. I bought water shoes too and I can totally understand why it is good to have a pair of water shoes for water sports. But sometimes I choose not to wear shoes at all when I kayak as no matter how breathable water shoes are it would not be as comfortable as not wearing any shoes.

    Reply
    • Hi Reuven,

      Yes, I agree with you. Going barefoot can be more comfortable in certain situations. But sometimes, you can not afford not wearing a pair of water shoes, simply because you don’t want to hurt your feet:).

      Thank you for the comment and wish you a great day!

      Reply
  2. I did not know that water shoes were so nice looking. I really like the ones that look like regular sports shoes. I would like to get a pair. Could they double for the gym? That would be cool if they could.
    They look really comfortable. I had no idea water shoes have come so far.
    Thanks for informing me on water shoes. I will get a pair for my trip to the beach soon. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Hi Cynthia,

      The shoes on the articles are just an example, but if you click on the water shoe link, it will redirect you to those that are for sale:)

      To answer your question. Yes you can use some of the water shoes for gym too. Not all of them suit for gym though. You need to choose a pair that provide arch support. The RYKA Hydro Sport will be just fine for both gym and water sports.

      I hope it helped. Please, let me know if you need to more info, I am always happy to help!

      Thank you for the comment and I wish you a lovely day!

      Reply
  3. I really wished to have read and known this before I went to the beach. Never knew water shoes existed until now however now I’ve got cuts from shells all over my feet (rarely go to the beach so I was surprised there were no warning signs of the sharp shells). I wore sandals however they ended up ripping. Definitely buying some even though I don’t go to the beach often. I think

    Reply
    • Hi Mar,
      Water shoes are on the market for years now. Shells are sharps and can hurt the feet when walking on them. Water shoes will protect your feet from hot sand, sharp shells, rocks, pebbles, etc.. Great decision!
      Let me know if you need help; I am always happy to assist!
      Thank you for the comment, and I wish you enjoy the rest of your day!

      Reply

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