Whether by the beach, lake, or any other body of water, having the right pair of water shoes is essential. Not only do they protect your feet, they also help to keep you from slipping or falling on wet surfaces. However, not all water shoes are the same. You can choose from many different styles of water shoes depending on your activity and needs. Here are some of the most common types of water footwear available, so you can choose the right item for your needs.
Aqua Socks
You’ve probably seen aqua socks, or aqua shoes as they’re commonly referred to, in the swimwear section of websites like https://www.shoeguide.org. They’re a lightweight style of shoe that’s easy to slip on and off. Unlike other types of water shoes, these have a simple construction and are usually made of latex with a mesh upper. They’re very affordable as well and will usually last for a whole season of use.
Keep in mind that these shoes are not designed for hiking or areas that may have sharp shells. However, they’re a great idea for low impact areas. If you’re going to pick aqua shoes, choose a model that has rubber soles or another type of extra traction material to keep you from slipping.
The primary purpose of these shoes is to keep your feet protected from hot and rough surfaces. They’re great for kids and can be worn in the water. Remember that they won’t keep your feet dry, but the mesh upper usually allows for easy water drainage.
Water Booties
If you need a shoe that offers more coverage, then this is the style for you. Some athletes may require a shoe that covers their ankle and offers greater support than a typical water shoe. This is a good choice for paddlers, snorkelers, and surfers.
In some cases, surfers will need booties that have an insulation layer to protect their feet when they’re in the cold water. Not all water booties offer this protection, but you can find them if you’re going to try water sports in colder temperatures. They come in a variety of styles and some fit up to your knee, so you’ll be able to find a style that suits you.
Boating Shoes
This type of shoe is often worn on a boat, as its name suggests, and it’s not the best option for all water sports. You can go for boating shoes if you need something that’s easy to slip on while you’re sailing or fishing.
Unlike most of the other shoes on this list, boating shoes are typically made from canvas or leather, which makes them not such a good option for hiking or other sports. However, their sole is designed to prevent you from slipping and sliding, which may make them a reasonable option to have on hand. They’re also more stylish and can be worn in a variety of settings.
Water Sneakers
Water sneakers are designed to work well both in water and on land. They usually have the same appearance as a regular sneaker that you’d wear to the gym. However, they are made from materials that drain water and dry out quickly.
Most major manufacturers will have a few water sneaker models and they are typically made with a mesh upper while offering the traditional support of a sneaker. You may not want to wear these sneakers swimming, but they’re a great option if you’re running through water. They’re also a good option for areas that may be wet and slippery, as they offer good traction.
Five-Toe Shoes
Although this type of shoe design has become less popular over the years, they’re still a great choice if you want a real barefoot feel but with added protection. Five-toe shoes are very versatile and can be worn in a variety of situations. Similar to a water sneaker, the five-toe shoe design will adapt to slippery surfaces and they also have effective drainage, so you won’t have to remove the shoe to get rid of the water.
These are a great option if you need to climb over rough and wet terrain or if you’re running in a slippery area. However, they’re not the best choice if you have flat feet or need a lot of arch support, as they tend to be lacking in that area. Before buying a pair, make sure to try them on to make sure they suit your foot’s anatomy. If you’re a high-intensity person who needs a high-performance shoe that works well in slippery areas, then this is a good choice for you.
Mary Janes
Although some of the water shoes available aren’t going to win any style awards, this option is a good compromise between form and function. The traditional Mary Jane style with a simple strap above the foot is a good option for light beach or water activities. What makes this style a good choice is that Mary Janes offer the benefits you get from a sandal while also having the same support of a more utilitarian hiking sandal. You can find this basic style in a variety of materials, although neoprene and mesh are usually the best choice.
Mary Jane water shoes are also available in a variety of patterns and colors to suit your style. These are perfect if you want a shoe that you can take from the pool to a party without having to change. They can also be worn in the water as a lightweight water shoe while swimming if needed. But before you pick up a pair of Mary Janes, check the traction on the bottom of the shoe, as some styles have greater gripping power than others.
Conclusion
If you want to truly enjoy water activities to the fullest, then buying the right type of water footwear is essential. Not only do they improve performance, but safety as well. So, make sure that you take the advice we gave you into consideration before you start shopping for water gear this summer.