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If you are looking for a versatile, lightweight pair of hiking shoes that you can use to cross mountainous terrain, sandy beaches, miles of forest, and through rivers and creeks then a pair of water shoes may be the footwear for you. A good quality water shoe serves the user well and offers support on the toughest of terrain whether wet or dry. If you’re the adventurous type that loves to hike, go on canoeing trips, or head out fishing in the wilderness, then a pair of water shoes are a great companion to your activities.

What makes a pair of water shoes so special is the fact that you can travel through rivers and wetlands without risking damage to feet through moisture build-up. Water shoes do this by ensuring that water is drained away instead of keeping hold within the shoe. They are usually made from a fast-drying or waterproof material that is lightweight and durable enough to provide support on even the most ambitious of hikes.

Having a good pair of water shoes in your closet is essential if you are a keen hiker, fisherman, or canoer that needs a protective sole and effective foot support without having to worry about getting your feet wet. Finding the perfect water-friendly hiking shoes can be a struggle when buying for the first time, especially with so many high promising, low-quality products out there. We have put together this helpful article to assist you in choosing the best water shoes for hiking that will keep you on your feet in and out of the water.

Can You Wear Water Shoes for Hiking?

Wearing water shoes for hiking is definitely possible and extremely rewarding, especially if you expect to be trudging through water during your hike. Of course, if you are planning on climbing a mountain to reach its snow-covered peak, even the best water shoes won’t be enough. If that’s your plan then you would be better off with a high-quality pair of durable hiking boots, however, water shoes have many uses and deserve an easily accessible special part of your hiking closet.

If you are looking for a great allrounder that you can use on the trails when you are out camping or hiking near water, then water shoes are perfect. During the summer months personally my Salomon water shoes come out far more than my boots because I find freedom in the ability to get them wet with the same support that I get from a good pair of hiking shoes. There is nothing more refreshing for me than walking into the water to cool off after a long hike and a demanding camp set up. Waking up to a dry pair of shoes the next day is just the bonus.

Have you ever hiked a long trail and ended up getting your boots or shoes wet along your travels? Then no matter how much you tried to dry them off in front of the fire before bed you still wake up having to slip into a pair of cold, soggy boots or shoes to hit the trails? Having a good pair of water shoes that are suited for hiking eliminates those adventure struggles and provides soothing comfort that even the hardest of outdoorsmen can enjoy.

Best Shoe for Hiking in Water on a Budget

The Merrell Waterpro Maipo Water Shoe is a stylish hiking shoe for men that is comfortable, breathable, and durable enough to use in any hiking condition. Their low cut with leather and mesh combination upper gives you protection on the trails as well as full breathability and fast-drying. This shoe will take you anywhere and can be fully submerged in water without holding moisture. They have micro-mesh drainage ports to drain out water quickly to keep your feet dry without letting dirt or insects in.

These shoes for hiking in wet terrains have incredible grip and flexibility on the trails for ultimate support and stability, as well as a protective toe cap to keep your feet safe when hiking up rocky trails in mountainous terrain. They have a removable perforated footbed with an anti-friction lining that is anti-bacterial and quick-drying. This footbed can be removed for drying your shoes quickly at the end of a day on the trails.

If you encounter water during a hike, you will be grateful for having these shoes as they will dry out quickly overnight while you sleep so you can slip your feet into a dry pair of shoes for the next day ahead of you. Merrell makes some brilliant footwear and they are highly regarded within the hiking community for producing high-quality items for a fraction of the price. If you are looking for a pair of water shoes for hiking on a budget, then the Waterpro Maipo shoes should be the first place you look.

Overall Best Shoe for Hiking in Water

The Salomon Crossamphibian Swift 2 Water shoes are the best low-cut water shoe for hiking. Salomon has a reputation for producing high-quality hiking boots, hiking shoes, and track shoes. They never disappoint when they bring a new product out and they always impress – the Crossamphibian water shoes are no different.

They have a gripped sole that is water-specific, giving you ultimate grip in the water, out of the water, and on slippery terrain. They are fully synthetic which makes them incredibly rugged and long-lasting. They feature a mesh upper which is highly breathable, drainable, and quick-drying with a durable sole that is flexible and supportive. These water shoes are just as comfortable when worn with no socks as they are with socks, which is essential when trekking through water.

The Salomon Crossamphibian water shoes are perfect for you if you are passionate about exploring the outdoor world and hiking in wet environments. They come with Salomon’s 2-year warranty and guarantee build-quality and comfort with incomparable support and grip. They are perfect for use on the trails, rainy runs through the forest, canoeing, fishing, and paddleboarding. If you want something that will keep you comfortable and fully supported during your favorite hikes, water sports, or fishing sessions, then this is the hiking shoe for you!

Most Durable Boot for Hiking in Water

Sometimes you need a bit more support from a higher cut piece of footwear when going on strenuous hikes in hilly or mountainous terrain. If you are looking for a boot that has ultimate ankle support but is also quick-drying and breathable enough to wear in the water, then look no further. The Salomon Quest 3 GTX Backpacking Boot is the best hiking boot for walking in wet terrain and trudging through mountain streams and rivers with ease.

The Quest GTX’s are fully synthetic and incredibly breathable. Although they are not specifically a water boot, they are breathable and durable enough to wear in all conditions. Being synthetic with a mesh upper, they are incredibly quick-drying for such a high-cut hiking boot. Not only will these boots take you through wet terrain comfortably with full support, but they will take you pretty much anywhere in any season! If you are looking for a super-durable boot that you can use all-year-round, then this pair of Salomon’s is a great pick.

These boots are my personal favorite and they have taken me up all three peaks in England, Scotland, and Wales as well as carried me through the wilderness inside the Arctic Circle in Scandinavia. They are excellent in the rain and no matter the terrain I have never slipped with them on my feet. The grip is outstanding and incomparable to any other hiking boot I have owned. I have a range of Salomon shoes and boots and I don’t buy anything else now! If you are conscious about quality and durability, you should always go for Salomon in my opinion.