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

Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto on
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

KEEN Astoria West
KEEN Astoria West

Out of stock in all 52 shops

KEEN water hiking sandals  

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 3,667 users
83 / 100 from 6 experts

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

If you have been desperately searching for a sandal that puts brawn and femininity in one badass package, then the Astoria West must be for you. Dubbed by KEEN as among their town-to-trail greats, this enduring beauty will keep going as you brave the outdoors. It is not the sexiest hybrid out there, but its combination of toughness and spunkiness is enough to reel you in.
KEEN Astoria West full review

Best closed toe water hiking sandals

KEEN Uneek
KEEN Uneek

CoreScore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 64,500 users
90 / 100 from 33 experts

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Excellent grip
  • Very supportive
  • Durable
  • Comfortable fit

Cons

  • Needs break-in
  • Not for long hikes or technical terrain

Verdict

Its comfortable feel, versatility, and breathability were just some of the features that made the KEEN Uneek a likable sandal. A general-purpose hiking sandal, the Uneek works incredibly for short hikes, daily wear, and water sports. Not meant for technical terrain, the KEEN Uneek is still worth checking out as it seems able to tick all the basics, performance-wise.
KEEN Uneek full review

Best Teva water hiking sandals

Teva Mid Universal
Teva Mid Universal

CoreScore

85
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 15,829 users
N/A

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

If towering over the trail (both literally and figuratively) is what you are after in hiking sandals, the Mid Universal has to be on your radar. Its rather imposing stature is rarely seen in its kind, but that heightened platform you can use to your advantage where additional protection underfoot pays extra. If you are a Teva fan and someone who has slender heels, this offering will have you doing wonders, whether on or off the trail.
Teva Mid Universal full review

Best lightweight water hiking sandals

KEEN Drift Creek H2
KEEN Drift Creek H2

CoreScore

77
Good!
4.2 / 5 from 1,071 users
N/A

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

The Drift Creek H2 from KEEN appears to be the sandal that takes two steps forward and one back. Case in point: its generosity in the areas that matter (i.e., comfort, traction, and durability) is somewhat held back by fit issues and a sole that could be better in certain ways. Nevertheless, there's still a lot to like in this hiker, especially where water is involved.
KEEN Drift Creek H2 full review

Best value sandal

Teva Hurricane Drift
Teva Hurricane Drift

CoreScore

85
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 21,644 users
95 / 100 from 1 expert

Pros

  • Immensely pampering
  • Sticky
  • Featherweight
  • Stable
  • Quick-drying
  • Stylish

Cons

  • Too roomy (women’s version)
  • Adjustability issues

Verdict

For outings that involve the inevitable drench, make a difference in the Teva Hurricane Drift. A performer across shallow waters, this sustainable sandal transforms your hikes into unhindered (a.k.a. boosted) adventures. Yes, mastering the wetlands in this piece of gear is not a problem, especially if you have stout feet.
Teva Hurricane Drift full review

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Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto

Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and run all over the world. He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. On average, he runs 30-50 miles a week in the foothills of Northern Colorado. His research is regularly cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, etc. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyzes every detail of the shoes that you might buy.