Hey there, water lovers! If you’re anything like me, you love the feeling of being barefoot, but sometimes going completely shoeless just isn’t practical. Whether it’s the scorching sand at the beach, the sneaky sharp spikes of sea urchins, or those tricky pebbles that seem to find the most sensitive spots on your feet, there are moments when we need a bit of protection. And let’s not forget the slippery pool tiles or the need for something more technical for running or walking in rivers, lakes, or the sea while enjoying water sports.
That’s where barefoot water shoes come in. These gems offer the best of both worlds – the freedom and natural feel of being barefoot combined with the protection and support you need. They come with a wide toe box, foot-shaped design, and thin, flexible soles that let your feet move naturally while keeping them safe from the elements.
So, let’s dive in and explore the 5 best barefoot water shoes that will keep your feet happy and protected on all your water adventures.
Top 5 Brands for the Best Barefoot Water Shoes
Snugi Water Shoes
Use BU7 for 7% off
Snugi water shoes are an excellent choice for both kids and adults if you’re looking for thin, easy-to-pack, foot-shaped water shoes perfect for seaside and pool use. They offer solid protection on rocky surfaces and against sea urchins, making them ideal for various water sports. The sole provides good slip resistance, though if you need a more structured and rugged technical shoe for running, you might want to explore other options on this list.
These shoes are super easy to put on, quick-drying, and lightweight, making them comfortable for swimming without feeling heavy. They also don’t make any squeaky sounds when wet, and no pebbles get inside the shoe. Currently, they are available up to size 38 in many fun summer colors. Next year, they will come in larger sizes for men and women. We tested adult sizes last year, and they performed amazingly well.
Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport
Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport are lightweight with a mesh upper and quick-drying, non-absorbent tongue, making them a versatile choice for various activities. Their rugged sole makes them suitable for all-terrain use, even when you’re not in the water. They feature speed laces for a secure fit and are easy to adjust and put on. These shoes do not absorb water, so they remain nearly as light wet as they are dry.
When swimming, you’ll notice them on your feet, but it’s not overly disruptive. If you walk in areas with a lot of small pebbles or sand, some may get inside the shoe, though they generally do a good job at keeping debris out. They offer good grip, although wet and mossy terrain can be more challenging.
Xero Shoes X Sport come in both men’s and women’s sizes, with the women’s being slightly narrower than the men’s. They are a good fit for narrow and medium-width feet and can adjust well to different instep heights and foot volumes.
Saguaro
Use BU15 for 15% discount
Saguaro offers a variety of affordable styles of water shoes, and they are constantly releasing new models, so check if any of their latest designs might be perfect for you. We tested their Dive II model, which is versatile enough to be used as everyday shoes, in addition to several more classic slip-on water shoes they offer. Dive II is one of the widest-fitting and most affordable barefoot water shoes on this list. It features a soft, foamy insole that provides good protection on sharp rocks and is generally effective at keeping pebbles out, though smaller ones might enter if the fit around your ankles isn’t tight.
When swimming, you can feel them on your feet, so it’s not the same as being barefoot. However, if protection against sea urchins is a priority, this compromise is worth it. Dive II strikes a good balance between comfort and protection, making it a great choice for various water activities.
VIVOBAREFOOT Ultra and Hydra ESC
Use BUVIVO20 for 20% discount
VIVOBAREFOOT ULTRA
VIVOBAREFOOT offers two styles that can be used as barefoot water shoes. Their Ultra model was one of the first barefoot water shoes I ever bought for my kids and myself. These shoes are perfect for strolling along the shore and stepping on rocks, as they offer just the right amount of protection against sharp surfaces. Our kids even used them at home because they are so easy to wash and care for. They come back every season in new colors, but the style remains the same. Both kids’ and adults’ models are made from durable vegan materials that can withstand getting wet and dry quickly. Over time, the material gets softer and more pliable. They lasted two full summer seasons of extensive wear for my kids, and it wasn’t until the third summer that we noticed the first hole in the sole.
The upper has added holes for better breathability. It keeps larger pebbles out, but smaller pebbles and sand will unfortunately find their way inside.
The biggest downside of this model is the toe box shape. While the kids’ model is nicely wide and fits even wide feet well, the adults’ model doesn’t have a fully foot-shaped toe box, which I find too narrow for my foot width. They are best suited for narrow and, at most, medium-width feet. There can also be some differences in the fit between the same size and model (probably because of the technology and how they are made?), so it’s worth trying more models in the same size if one doesn’t fit as it should.
Adults’ models fit particularly well for those with low and average instep heights and can be adjusted comfortably using the elastic laces with a pull toggle. Kids’ models are best suited for medium and higher volume feet. We always struggled with the Velcro length as my kids all have low-volume feet.
VIVOBAREFOOT Hydra ESC
The VIVOBAREFOOT Hydra ESC is their more technical shoe, and we wouldn’t recommend it for classic beach use, but rather for running on trails where you expect water and mud. They have an outsole with deep lugs but remain pretty flexible. They are suitable for narrower, low-volume feet but with average to wider ankles. They hold the feet tightly over the instep and are very easy to tie with toggle laces. They have less space above the toes, but the mesh upper keeps them feeling soft.
Skinners Comfort 2.0
Skinners Comfort 2.0 offer a very close sock-like experience, making them feel like you’re wearing socks with additional protection on the sole. They are extremely versatile and can be used for various activities, but we mostly prefer to use them as water shoes since they can feel a bit sweaty for walking on hot summer days. These shoes are super minimalistic to pack and won’t take up much space in your luggage, making them perfect as a space-saving option.
In the water, they perform extremely well. The sole is very thin, so sharp rocks or pebbles can still feel a little overwhelming for some, but they do provide some cushion. For more protection, we recommend using them with the included insoles. They are available in kids’ sizes too.
Regarding sizing and fit, they are quite specific. They are harder to put on as they fit tightly around the ankles and instep, so we don’t recommend them for high-volume feet. However, they feel perfect for low and average foot volumes. At the toes, they are best suited for narrow and medium-width feet with a stronger slope towards the pinky toe. Finding an ideal fit can be challenging. Since they feel like socks, extra space at the toes can be disturbing as the fabric bends around the toes, while a smaller size can squeeze the toes together, making the space and width just not right.
For me, I ended up keeping the bigger size. It feels okay when wearing them like this in the water, but extra space does disturb me while walking outside the water. So, if they fit your foot shape well, they are a good match; otherwise, I would choose other types.
Conclusion
And there you have it! These are the 5 best barefoot water shoes that combine style, comfort, and practicality. Whether you’re hitting the beach, exploring a rocky riverbed, or just need something to keep your feet safe and slip-free by the pool, these shoes have got you covered. They allow you to enjoy the benefits of being barefoot while providing the protection and support you need for any watery escapade.
Remember, your feet deserve the best, and with these barefoot water shoes, you won’t have to compromise. So, grab a pair (or two) and get ready to make a splash in comfort and style!
