The Best Water Sandals to for All Your Summer Adventures, According to a River Rafting Guide

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 4

Teva is a major player in the outdoor sandal game, and it recently leveled up its footwear game with the new Hydratek, a water sandal is designed for performance in and out of the water. The footbed is textured so you don’t slide around in it when it gets wet, while the outsole is inspired by a tree frog’s grip to maximize the surface area that comes in contact with the ground. (Aka, minimum slipping.) They’re also very easy to adjust, with a simple velcro system across the top of the foot and around the ankle.

W+G Commerce Editor Francesca Krempa, who also happens to be a paddler and fly angler, swears by them for all sorts of watery adventures. “The grippy outsole really is tremendous and is almost sticky—I feel comfortable walking along the slipperiest of stones in them,” she says. “They’re also plenty comfy enough to wear on dry adventures, too.”

Sizes: 5-12, in two widths

Colors: 15+

Back in 2014 I worked in rentals at a river rafting company in Moab, and the shoe of choice for nearly every guide was Chaco. Fast forward to today, and it is still a staple in the industry (so much so that it has become a source of “cool street cred” for outdoors enthusiasts, says Sweeney, if you have the Z-shaped tan line.) People, including Sweeney, swear by these shoes for all water adventures because the sole is grippy on wet rocks, the straps are form-fitting for stability, and you can easily take them on and off. The only reason why they’re the Runner Up? They’re a little bit clunky, due to the heavier outsole.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 15

For days at the lake or around town, this slip-on sandal is comfy and eye-catching. (Think of them as Crocs’ sleeker, more hip cousin.) The lightweight design means you won’t feel weighed down, and the water-resistant material ensures they can handle splashes and puddles with ease. The back does have a strap that helps keep your foot in place, but we wouldn’t use these for any adventures where you’re at risk of losing a shoe. That said, the extra coverage in the upper is perfect for preventing stubbed toes.

Sizes: 5 – 11

Colors: 5

If you’re looking for Hoka-level cushioning in a water sandal, the Hopara is your best bet. It drains well and dries quickly like a sandal, but provides foot protection and support like a hiking shoe. Basically, it’s the best of both worlds if you’re on a trail with frequent water crossings. The quick-lace design is easy to get on and off, and it comes in a range of cute neutrals like the peachy pink “Cream/Cedar” colorway.

Krempa swears by these for long days on her feet: “I wear these when I know I’m going to be in and out of the water for a looong time,” she says. “They’re not as cute as my Tevas but they’re comfy. My knees love them.”

Sizes: 6- 11

Colors: 4

The Astral Webber is the happy medium between your favorite river sandals and comfy flip-flops. With a unique webbing system that keeps your feet secure and a cushioned footbed, these sandals are versatile enough for active pursuits or even relaxed outings. Plus, they dry quickly so you won’t be stuck with soggy feet after a dip in the water. Even better, the uppers are made from recycled materials, so you can feel better about your carbon footprint.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 20+

When you think of water sandals, your mind may go to this iconic pair that has been around for over 20 years. There’s a reason not much has changed since then—and for that, Sweeney points to these as another great option for river trips: The Newport has everything you want in a sandal, like toe protection, excellent traction, breathability, and quick-drying materials. The fit is roomy enough to let your toes wiggle, but still secure enough to instill confidence wherever you step. And the full rubber toe cap extends along the sides to ensure you stay protected.

Sizes: 6-15

Colors: 8

Bedrock, like Chaco, is another brand that comes with a very loyal fanbase for everything from water sports and thru-hiking. Sweeney wore the Bedrock Cairn sandals for her last few seasons as a guide because “they have great grip and feel really secure on your foot,” she says. Although they are very minimal in design, they perform well in any condition and mold to your foot for a secure fit. And best of all, they don’t get stinky as quickly as other shoes.

Sizes: 5-15

Colors: 1

Maybe, like me, you’re hesitant to give up your sneakers. Well, this hybrid shoe from Adidas Terrex will help you ease into sandal-wearing. It looks like a trainer but has openings in the mesh along the side and back that dump water to prevent things from getting swampy. You can adjust the fit with the double buckles and heel strap and then walk all day in comfort thanks to the EVA midsole.

Sizes: 4-12.5, in two widths

Colors: 10

The Birkenstock EVA collection should be your shoe of choice if you need a pair of sandals that look good with any vacation outfit but won’t take ages to dry if you step into the waves. Sure, they won’t stand up to rapids or rugged trails, but the material is waterproof and incredibly lightweight. And just like your favorite pair of Birks, they have the same anatomically shaped footbed with a deep heel cup and arch support along the side that keeps your foot in place.