Published on January 1st, 2023 | by Kirsten Borrink
5Women’s Water Sandals (Our Top 4 Best Picks)
When we talk about women’s water sandals, we’re not referencing the $9.99 Walmart neoprene slip-ons. We’re talking solid, sturdy, supportive, quick-dry sandals designed for navigating slippery rocks and trails. Here are four of our favorite women’s water sandals designed to keep your feet secure in the wettest conditions.
1. Hoka Hopara: These are what I wish I had last week when I was hiking in El Yunque, Puerto Rico. I needed more ankle and arch support than my Keen Rose sandals could offer. See what our achy-footed Facebook community is saying about the Hoka Hopara water sandal–it’s encouraging! Available in women’s sizes 5-11 and all gender sizes up to 14/15 for $108-135 from Hoka.com, Zappos and Amazon.
2. Teva Tirra Vegan: A great choice for wide feet! The Teva Tirra features adjustable velcro straps at the instep and across the toes for a good fit. Customers state the arch support in these Teva quick-dry sandals is moderate with good traction. Available in sizes 5-12 for $85 from Teva.com and Amazon.
Can you ever go wrong with Chaco water sandals? Having that awesome podiatrist-certified footbed and grippy rubber outsole strapped securely to the feet is heaven for outdoor adventurers. The polyester webbing straps wrap around the foot and through the midsole for a customized fit. Available in sizes 5-12 for $74.99-105 from Chacos.com and Zappos.
My teenage son prefers to go barefoot when hiking over slippery rocks because he feels more in control of his footing. While I wouldn’t recommend that technique for us with problem feet, some of us might feel better in a less bulky water sandal…enter the Astral Webber, a zero drop water sandal with heel cup and slight arch support, grippy outsole and adjustable straps. Available in sizes 6-11 for $110 from AstralDesigns.com, Zappos and Nordstrom.
I love Keen Whispers but I wear my Keen Newport H2s more often than the Whispers because they have better arch support and are better cushioned. I buy a half size larger in Keens to accommodate my bunions. I wear my Keens everywhere (I live in a rural part of Hawaii so life is casual). I’ve even worn them snorkeling to protect my feet on rocky beaches. I pop them in the dishwasher when they need to be cleaned up.
I bought a pair of Chaco’s Outcross Web on Amazon for $48. Because these come in half-sizes, the fit didn’t need much adjustment, and the arch support was much better than the Whispers I’ve previously worn.
The deal I found was for a shoe that was not one season, but two seasons earlier. I ordered them express to take to a conference at a rural site where it was going to be rainy all week, with rough terrain.
There was only one color offered, and there was a full range of sizes (for women, all medium). But I feel like I found the bargain of the year! It was only because of this great blog that I even thought to check Amazon.
And when I returned home, REi had a member’s sale, and I bought the Chaco’s Dorra in black leather for 25%off. They are fancy enough to wear to work or church, and have the best arch support I have found in a non-“rough and tumble” sandal. Limited adjustment again, but very nice fit and lovely leather sole and straps.
Teva Omni is my favorite. I have a backup pair, just in case they are discontinued. I wear them all the time for yardwork and gardening, just rinse them off. I love the wide toebox. (quack!)
I can’t wear Keen; mine always gave me PF each time I’d wear them. I have an old pair of Chacos that are like new, but the arch is a bit too aggressive for me.
Thank you for your posts. I’m so glad I found your blog. I’m shopping for shoes for my dear mom who has been having pain on her knees. Your blog has been very helpful.
So good to hear, thank you.