If you’ve always been in the mountains, your feet already got used to being wet.
It’s a great experience in your first few hikes, but it would be unpleasant later on.
Wet boots can lead to different problems like smelly feet and blisters. Your hiking boots won’t also last longer if they're wet all the time.
As such, you need to look for the best hiking shoes that would keep your feet dry.
These shoes are breathable, preventing them from staying wet for a long time.
To make sure that you won’t have to walk around while your feet are soaked, below are our top recommendations for the best water shoes for hiking, a buyer's guide, and answers to FAQs to help find the right pair for your needs.
Comparison Chart
Best Water Shoes for Hiking: A Review
1. VIFUUR Barefoot Water Sports Shoes
VIFUUR is a manufacturer of some of the highest quality water sports shoes you can use for a wide variety of sports and activities.
The VIFUUR Barefoot Water Sports Shoes is an amazing choice if you want something colorful and comfortable since it comes in different styles and color schemes.
But can this pair of water shoes handle the type of activity you want to accomplish?
Product Highlights
If you are on a tight budget, the VIFUUR Barefoot Water Sports Shoes is a great choice.
Some of its most notable features include:
- Foot Safety
One of the things to like about this water shoe is the top-quality and wearable rubber sole.
It might be a barefoot water shoe, but it offers sufficient protection from sharp objects.
- Weight and Comfort
While most hiking shoes are focused on durability and protection, this pair is more focused on comfort.
With its elasticity and weight, you can bend the shoes and put them in a small bag.
You can take them wherever you want without taking too much space on your hiking backpack.
- Quick Dry
The VIFUUR Barefoot Water Sports Shoes is made from quick-drying fabric, so even if you go hiking while it’s raining hard, it will not stay wet for a long time.
The upper is breathable, flexible, and elastic, giving you a more comfortable feeling while traveling.
- Anti-Slip Rubber Sole
Even with a very thin rubber sole, its anti-slip property is still one of the best in the market.
It provides a strong grip on rocky and rough grounds.
What We Like
Most hiking shoes are focused on durability and protection, so having a lightweight and breathable pair of shoes like the VIFUUR Barefoot Water Sports Shoes ensures a more comfortable journey.
Although it is a barefoot pair, it comes with a few protective features to prevent wounds or injuries while hiking.
What We Don’t Like
Barefoot shoes are not meant for longer hikes. You can use them for short hikes and to areas without rough terrain.
The VIFUUR Barefoot Water Sports Shoes provides a decent amount of protection but won't be enough if you plan to use it on more complicated terrains.
PROS
CONS
2. ANLUKE Barefoot Water Shoes
The ANLUKE Barefoot Water Shoes is a great alternative if you don’t want bulky hiking shoes.
It comes in a variety of designs and colors that would surely fit your unique style.
Product Highlights
ANLUKE made sure you will have an extraordinary experience while wearing their water shoes.
It’s not only made for fashion but also hiking and other sports activities.
- Quick Dry
The upper is made from quick-drying and stretchy materials that provide good breathability to keep your feet dry and comfy throughout the activity.
Even if it’s raining hard or you're traversing a muddy terrain, your feet won’t stay wet for a long time.
- Easy to Wear
The ANLUKE Barefoot Water Shoes features an elastic shoe mouth along with a pull tap at the heel to help you wear it with ease.
The elastic mouth also keeps your feet from slipping off the shoes.
- Weight
The shoes only weigh around 0.39 pounds, so they won’t add too much weight to your backpack.
With a soft and flexible upper and outsole, the ANLUKE Barefoot Water Shoes is not too hard to place inside your bag.
- Versatile
The ANLUKE Barefoot Water Shoes is extremely versatile since you can use it for different sports like beach volleyball, parasailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and cycling.
You can use it for short hikes and simple exercises as well.
- Non-Slip Sole
Despite being a barefoot shoe, ANLUKE made sure that the sole is thick enough to protect your feet from small rocks and stones.
The anti-slip rubber sole provides sufficient grip on rocky terrains.
What We Like
The different colors and designs are definitely the strongest points of the ANLUKE Barefoot Water Shoes.
The protection is also pretty good for a lightweight hiking shoe.
What We Don’t Like
Just like the previous product on the list, the ANLUKE Barefoot Water Shoes is not meant for long hikes, especially if the terrain is too rough.
Barefoot shoes are best on flatlands since it allows you to feel the ground while providing sufficient protection to your feet.
PROS
CONS
3. Mishansha Barefoot Water Shoes
Mishansa is a well-known brand focused on outdoor shoes and boots.
They have hiking shoes, snow boots, and water shoes that you can wear for almost all types of activities.
The Mishansha Barefoot Water Shoes is one of the best water shoes that you can use for regular hikes.
Product Highlights
One of the most noticeable features of the Mishansha Barefoot Water Shoes is its design.
Compared to the other two barefoot shoes mentioned above, the rubber sole is more pronounced.
Aside from this, there are other amazing features that you will love about this pair of water shoes.
- Material
It may seem like an overstatement, but the lycra material is a great choice for water shoes.
It provides salt and wear-resistance while still being stretchable and breathable.
The material is lightweight and provides fast draining and cross ventilation, giving you a more comfortable and flexible feeling while hiking or doing your activities.
- Drainage Holes
One of the unique features of the Mishansha Barefoot Water Shoes is the drainage holes.
You can see several holes at the bottom to drain water if it enters the shoes.
If you’re walking on dry land, it serves as the entryway of air to keep your feet cool and fresh throughout the journey.
- Pull Tap at the Heel
The Mishansha Barefoot Water Shoes is easy to wear and remove with the pull tap at the heel.
You just need to pull the tap on the heel, and you can slip your feet on the shoe with ease.
It would also serve as protection to keep your feet from slipping off the shoes.
- Elastic Straps
The width of your foot will not be an issue anymore because of the elastic straps.
The straps would adjust automatically, so you don’t need to loosen up the straps and tie your shoes.
You just have to slip your feet inside, and the straps will give you the perfect fit you’re looking for.
- Foot Safety
The rubber sole of the Mishansha Barefoot Water Shoes is a bit thicker compared to other barefoot shoes.
Thankfully, the soles are still flexible, so you can put them inside your bag without taking too much space.
What We Like
The thicker anti-slip rubber sole is definitely the best thing about the Mishansha Barefoot Water Shoes.
It gives more balance to the shoe since it offers comfort and a good protection level when hiking.
Having wide feet won’t be an issue anymore because the elastic straps will make sure you’ll have a perfect fit.
What We Don’t Like
The anti-slip feature doesn’t seem like it’s working fine because many people have been complaining about the slippery sole.
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CONS
4. L-RUN Hiking Water Shoes
L-RUN is a brand focused primarily on water and fitness shoes.
They adapted the newest technology and developed over 20 fashionable barefoot shoes.
Product Highlights
In terms of style and design, the L-RUN Hiking Water Shoes is a level higher than the other products on the list.
It’s a pair of barefoot shoes, but it looks just like a normal running or hiking shoe.
That said, it is not the only reason why this shoe is popular.
- Mesh and Leather Upper
Breathability and durability are two of the most important things that hikers look for in a pair of shoes.
With the L-RUN Hiking Water Shoes' mesh and leather upper, you’ll enjoy the shoe's comfort without compromising the protection it provides.
Thanks to the breathable vamp, your feet won’t sweat too much while hiking.
- Elastic Band
When you go on long hikes, tying your shoelaces can waste your time.
With the elastic band on these shoes, you don’t need to tie your shoelaces as they adjust automatically based on your feet's width.
- Anti-Slip Outsole
One of the most basic features you need from a pair of hiking water shoes is an anti-skid outsole.
You can move freely even if it’s raining hard as the rubber soles can grip tightly on the surface.
- Drainage Holes
Removing your shoes to let them dry wastes a lot of time when hiking.
Thankfully, the L-RUN Hiking Water Shoes come with drainage holes that would help remove the water inside your shoes.
Also, it will offer more breathability to your shoes when you are walking on dry surfaces.
What We Like
The combination of mesh and leather is a unique design for a pair of barefoot water shoes.
Leather provides extra protection to your feet, while the breathable mesh keeps your feet dry at all times.
What We Don’t Like
The only issue with the L-RUN Hiking Water Shoes is the sizing.
It’s better to get a whole size bigger than the size of your feet as these shoes run small.
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CONS
5. UBFEN Barefoot Water Shoes
UBFEN is a brand known for manufacturing different kinds of shoes.
They have sports shoes, running shoes, cross trail shoes, and water shoes.
Let’s see if their Barefoot Water Shoes can provide the features that you are looking for.
Product Highlights
The UBFEN Barefoot Water Shoes is extremely versatile since you can use it for almost any type of activity.
It’s an amphibious shoe, which means that you can use it on land and water.
But, it is not the only thing that made this shoe extra special.
- Stretchable Materials
As a barefoot shoe, UBFEN did a great job keeping its flexibility even with a thick rubber sole.
It was so stretchable that you can literally fold it and tuck it into your pocket.
The stretchy materials also made it easier to get the shoe on and off.
- Durable and Thick Sole
Compared to a normal running shoe, the UBFEN Barefoot Water Shoes' sole is not too much, but if you look at the other barefoot shoes, you can easily see the difference.
With a thicker and more durable sole, your feet will have more protection, especially on rocky terrains.
- Drainage Holes
There are small holes found on the sole that would drain the water from your shoes.
If it is raining hard during your hike, you won’t have to worry about your feet getting soaked.
The holes will drain the water inside your UBFEN Barefoot Water Shoes.
- Adjustable Shoelaces
The shoes' fit won’t be an issue because of the adjustable shoelaces.
You can simply adjust the shoelaces when you need to loosen or tighten the fit.
What We Like
The best thing about UBFEN Barefoot Water Shoes is its overall design.
It comes with the basic features you need from a water shoe, but its thick rubber sole is the biggest difference since it provides more protection to your feet.
What We Don’t Like
The issue with the UBFEN Barefoot Water Shoes is its traction. Even with a thicker sole, it provides the same grip as water shoes with a thin sole.
PROS
CONS
How Do I Choose Water Shoes for Hiking?
Water shoes are made for different water activities, but there are also models that you can use for hiking.
Well, the trail is not always hot and dry. You can experience rain showers and thunderstorms during your hike, so it makes sense to use something that can protect your feet from the water.
If you plan to buy the best water shoes for hiking, here are some of the things that you should consider.
Breathability
One of the most important features of a water shoe is breathability.
It helps keep your feet dry, so you should always look for more models with a mesh upper.
Comfort
Most water shoes come with a barefoot design, but there are certain models with a thicker sole.
Barefoot designs are great for water activities but not so much when hiking.
You would need thicker soles with better traction and protection, especially since some trails are very rough.
Support
Water shoes for hiking definitely need ankle support. Hiking is more demanding than you imagine, so you need all the protection you can get from your shoes.
However, take note that water shoes are focused on comfort and breathability.
Don’t expect that they can offer the same support as hiking shoes or boots.
Comfort
You need to look for a water shoe that’s very comfortable to wear. It should be stretchable and have at least an elastic band or adjustable laces.
Durability
Water shoes for hiking should be durable enough to withstand the rough terrain during a hike.
Check for abrasion-resistance and quality stitching and materials.
Best Water Shoes for Hiking FAQs
1. Can You Wear Water Shoes for Hiking?
Yes, there are water shoes made for hiking. If it’s just a short hike or the terrain is not too rough, you can use your water shoes to hike.
2. Are Water Shoes Worth It?
Depending on the type of activity that you plan to do, water shoes are definitely worth it.
These shoes are often made for both land and water activities, so they're pretty flexible.
They are also designed in a way that you can use them for fashion purposes.
3. Should Water Shoes Be Tight or Loose?
Water shoes should not be too tight or too loose. The material is very thin and stretchable, so it won’t be too tight even if the shoe is not too wide.
It is not a good idea to wear loose water shoes as they would slide off your feet.
4. Are Water Shoes Non Slip?
Yes, most water shoes are non-slip. Since you'll use them in water, manufacturers always add a non-slip feature to their shoes.
5. Can You Wear Water Shoes All Day?
It is not a bad idea to wear your water shoes all day. Since they're very comfortable and breathable, you won’t suffer from blisters by wearing them the whole day.
What Are the Best Water Shoes for Hiking?
The best water shoes that you can use for hiking should not only be comfortable to wear; they also need to have a bit of support and protection for your feet.
Among the options we reviewed, the L-RUN Hiking Water Shoes is the top choice.
More than just the basic features, L-RUN added more protection through its leather upper.
No matter what type of water shoe you choose from the options above, though, you are guaranteed to have an extraordinary hiking experience.