6 Best Water Hiking Sandals, 60+ Shoes Tested in 2023

There are times when taking a plunge is far more rewarding than skipping the drench on our daily hikes. In such cases, you are far better off sporting a pair of water hiking sandals.
Having tested 50+ of these incredible water-ready hikers, we are proud to share with you our top picks. So, whether you need a well-rounded sandal or a barefoot kick to make your day around streams, you are in the right place.
How we test hiking sandals
Unbiased reviews are getting harder and harder to come by these days. This is not the case on RunRepeat, where reviews are objective and professionally written. Here is our approach to reviews:
- We buy water hiking sandals using our own money.
- We test every pair for days, paying close attention to each sandal’s performance in and around water, as well as on regular trails.
- Our honest reviews reflect opinions from hundreds of experts and regular trail-goers alike.
With all that factored in, we give every reviewed sandal a CoreScore. This proprietary scoring system plays a significant part in determining the best water hiking sandals in a handful of categories.
Best water hiking sandals overall
CoreScore
- Top 28% in hiking sandals
- Top 30% in closed toe hiking sandals
Pros
- Plush right from the get-go
- Great traction on wet surfaces
- Incredibly supportive
- Offers forefoot protection
- Built to last
- Glove-like fit
Cons
- Touter-than-usual construction
- Bulky heel
Verdict
Best closed toe water hiking sandals
CoreScore
- Top 2% in hiking sandals
- Top 5% in KEEN hiking sandals
- Top 4% most popular hiking sandals
Pros
- Breathable
- Excellent grip
- Very supportive
- Durable
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Needs break-in
- Not for long hikes or technical terrain
Verdict
Best Teva water hiking sandals
CoreScore
Pros
- For all-day wear
- Superb comfort
- Like walking on clouds
- Great for both wet and dry weather
- Durable
- Awesome lockdown
- Amazing color choices
- People buy multiple pairs
- Easy to pair with casual outfits
Cons
- Straps are too harsh on the skin
- Might squish the pinky toe
Verdict
Best lightweight water hiking sandals
CoreScore
Pros
- Immeasurable comfort
- Off-the-charts grip
- Thrives in and around water
- 10/10 lightness
- Great for kayaking
- Long-lasting
- Excellent toe protection
- Attractive
Cons
- Underwhelming springiness underfoot
- Lackluster arch support
- Narrow heel and toe box
- A tongue that bunches
Verdict
Best value sandal
CoreScore
- Top 7% most popular hiking sandals
Pros
- Immensely pampering
- Sticky
- Featherweight
- Stable
- Quick-drying
- Stylish
Cons
- Too roomy (women’s version)
- Adjustability issues
Verdict
Most popular water hiking sandals
CoreScore
- Top 6% most popular hiking sandals
Pros
- Incredible cushioning
- High level of comfort
- Excellent wet-surface traction
- Rock-solid build
- Accommodating fit
- Supportive for a neutral shoe
- Worth the price
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Gives blisters
- Not for narrow feet
Verdict
.