Best Water Shoes for Aqua Aerobics Comparison

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Best Water Aerobic Shoes for Aqua Aerobics

This is our review of the best water shoes for water aerobics.

If you enjoy water activities, there is no way you are ever stepping out of the horse without a good pair of water shoes. Whether looking for shells, hiking in the wild, swimming, or aqua aerobics, aerobics shoes are designed to make these outdoor thrilling activities effortless and more enjoyable.

9.5
Columbia Women's Drainmaker IV, Grey Ice/Voltage, 5
  • Combination of open mesh and synthetic upper
  • Omni-Grip non-marking wet grip outsole with razor siping
9.1
Columbia Men's Redmond V2 Mid Waterproof
  • OMNI-TECH: For prolonged exposure to moderate rain and snow.
  • Waterproof, seam-sealed construction that allows the inside to breathe.

To state it specifically, where many people are reluctant to join water aerobics due to the countless horror stories of injuries, these shoes can assure you a relaxing and carefree day with your friends and fellow trainees. So if that’s what you’re looking for, I’ve got your back!

Here’s a brutally honest review on the best water shoes for aqua/water aerobics to help you decide in just 5 minutes!

Read Related: Importance Of Arch Support In Aerobic Exercise Shoes

Best Water Shoes for Water Aerobics Reviewed

  1. Merrell Men’s Waterpro Maipo 2 Water ShoeBest Overall
  2. Columbia Women’s Drainmaker Iv Breathable Shoe WaterBest for Women
  3. Columbia Men’s Redmond V2 Mid WaterproofBest for Men
  4. Ryka Women’s Hydro Sport Best for Fit
  5. Merrell Men’s Hydro MOC Water Shoe Best Waterproof
  6. Columbia Women’s Redmond III Waterproof Hiking Shoe Best for Price
  7. SIMARI Sports Quick-Dry Shoes Best for Breathability
  8. Speedo Men’s Water Shoe Surfwalker Pro 3.0Best for Comfort
  9. Aleader Women’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes Best for Ease of Use
  10. NORTIV 8 Women’s Quick-Dry Water ShoesBest for Durability

Best Water Shoes for Aqua Aerobics – Tabular Comparison

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Merrell Men's Waterpro Maipo 2 Shoe

Merrell Men's Waterpro Maipo 2 Shoe

  • Vibram TC5+ outsole
  • Kinetic Fit BASE removable contoured EVA insole with water friendly top cover
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Columbia Women's Drainmaker IV

Columbia Women's Drainmaker IV

  • Combination open mesh and synthetic upper
  • Omni-Grip non-marking wet grip outsole with razor siping
  • Techlite midsole, superior cushion, high energy return. Air-flow and water drainable midsole ports.
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Columbia Men's Redmond V2 Mid Waterproof

Columbia Men's Redmond V2 Mid Waterproof

  • OMNI-TECH: For prolonged exposure to moderate rain and snow. Multilayered, waterproof, seam-sealed construction that allows the inside to breathe, keeping feet dry and comfortable no matter the conditions.
  • CLASSIC HIKER: A durable and lightweight hiking boot designed for a variety of outdoor activities. Made with a combination of suede leather, mesh, and webbing.
  • TECHLITE: For lightweight impact absorption on varied surfaces. Long-lasting cushioning with enhanced impact absorption and high energy return.
  • OMNI-GRIP: For multi-terrain traction in rock, dirt, and gravel, in wet/dry conditions. Specially formulated compounds and tread design for cross-terrain stability and grip with strategically blended lug patterns and rubber compounds.
  • SUGGESTED SIZE: Runs true to size. Choose your typical size.
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Ryka Women's Hydro Sport Water Shoe

Ryka Women's Hydro Sport Water Shoe

  • BEST FOR: Water fitness and outdoor water activities + High-intensity workouts
  • PERFORMANCE TECH: Multi-port drainage system + Exceptional built-in support under the midfoot
  • MADE FOR WOMEN FIT: Designed for a woman’s unique foot shape with a narrower heel, roomier toe, and softer foot cushioning
  • MATERIALS: Quick-drying, chlorine-friendly mesh + faux leather overlays for extra durability
  • OUTSOLE: Sticky rubber sole for extra traction on wet surfaces.
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Merrell Men's Hydro MOC Water Shoe

Merrell Men's Hydro MOC Water Shoe

  • Single injected EVA. 2mm lug depth
  • Articulated heel with strap for secure fit
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Columbia Women's Redmond III Waterproof Hiking Shoe

Columbia Women's Redmond III Waterproof Hiking Shoe

  • ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: The Redmond III Waterproof Hiking Shoe features our Omni-Tech membrane bootie with seam-sealed construction. It combines with our Techlite lightweight midsole, for long-lasting comfort with superior cushioning and high energy return
  • DURABLE HIKING SHOE: The perfect combination of high function and performance designed into a hiking shoe. This all-purpose hiker will deliver nimble multi-terrain performance
  • ALL TERRAIN TRACTION: Our signature Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber outsole provides sure-footed grip across a wide variety of trails and surfaces, and yet safe and scuff-free indoors
  • BUILT FOR COMFORT: Synthetic leather overlays provide protection through a mesh and suede upper that provides exceptional fit and enhanced support, while a gusseted tongue helps to keep dust and debris out
  • REINFORCED CONSTRUCTION: Designed for wet travel, we’ve reinforced the toe and heel barriers, and extended the outsole and added a toe overwrap to guard these key wear points, while rugged top metal lacing eyelets secure the fit
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SIMARI Water Shoes Womens Mens, Quick Dry

SIMARI Water Shoes Womens Mens, Quick Dry

  • BREATHABLE FABRIC: Upper is made of mesh material with elastic, like socks that snug your skin softly that keep breathable and quick-dry experience.
  • PROTECTIVE SOLE: The soles is made of rubber materials with bump texture design that easily keep balance in slippery place and protect your feet from hot beach, grit on land or in water.
  • CONVENIENT WEARING: The elastic-shoelace with locking mechanisms can quickly adjust the loose, and elastic shoes neckline allows you easily to put on and take off.
  • DRAINAGE DESIGN: Each sole has 8 holes to ensure well in drainage that keep feet-feeling cool even in water.
  • OCCASIONS: SIMARI water shoes perfectly suit for beach or water games like swimming, kite surfing, pool, sailing, kayaking, beach volleyball etc. Especially for family outings!
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Speedo mens Surfwalker Pro 3.0 athletic water shoes

Speedo mens Surfwalker Pro 3.0 athletic water shoes

  • Updated speedo water shoe
  • Stretch upper allows for pull-on entry and secure fit
  • S-trac outsole offers no-slip grip
  • Maximum breathability;Shoe Weight: 10.0 oz
  • Quick-drying materials
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ALEADER Women's Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes

ALEADER Women's Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes

  • Breathable and durable air mesh upper allow the foot to breathe
  • Solyte midsole provides an exceptionally lightweight midsole with excellent bounce-back and durability
  • Water drain outsole provides exceptional traction in wet and slippery conditions
  • ComforDry sockliner provides the optimum cushioning performance that creates a cooler, drier and healthier shoe environment.
  • Open mesh on the upper and hole on the sole provides for superior breathability and quick drying
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NORTIV 8 Women's Barefoot Water Sports Shoes Outdoor Aqua Shoes

NORTIV 8 Women's Barefoot Water Sports Shoes Outdoor Aqua Shoes

  • Non-slip & Foot safety: The professional rubber outsole with a unique pattern design provides a high-traction grip and prevents slipping in a slippery environment. And it can also protect your feet from sharp rocks and stones in the wild.
  • Quick Drying: Breathable ultra-lightweight fabric upper helps shoes get dry quickly. Unique sole with 10 drainage holes let proper water flow out quickly, which creates a cooler and healthier shoe environment, quick-dry, during water sports.
  • Fit & Comfortable: The high-quality flexible and lightweight elastic upper fits your barefoot skin perfectly and makes you feel like just wearing a pair of socks. Removable, shock-absorbent cushion in-sole offers arch support for all-day comfort.
  • Convenient: Elastic neck design and adjustable bungee laces with pull tab for easy on and off. You can quickly tighten or loosen the shoes elastic to let the shoes more fit your feet.
  • Occasion: Perfect for swimming, sailing boat, kayaking and exploring, cycling, jogging, walking, beach sport, pool, paddle boarding, snorkeling, diving, yoga, and other indoor or outdoor activities.
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Top Water Shoes for Water Aerobics Compared

1. Merrell Men’s Waterpro Maipo 2 Water Shoe – Best Overall

41p5TC16qKL. SL500

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The Merrell Men’s Waterpro Maipo 2 Water Shoes are everything a fitness enthusiast would need to amp up your experience. The Vibram sole of these Merrell shoes ensures that you stay safe on slippery and wet surfaces to make them your go-to shoes for you.

The integrated webbing lacing offers a complete fit and support to make it easier for you to carry out intense footwork underwater. With an excellent drainage system and breathable mesh, you can count on these to fix all of your shoe problems.

Pros

  • Great for kayaking and water aerobics
  • Easy pull-on and off
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Incredible traction

Cons

  • Due to the drainage holes, you can get slight traces of rocks in your shoes.

2. Columbia Women’s Drainmaker Iv Breathable Shoe Water – Best for Women

41lAmHWqMfL. SL500

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The Columbia Women’s Drainmaker Iv Breathable Shoe Water is the staple piece for all active women who can’t get enough water activities. They are made up of high-quality materials and offer unmatched functionality to serve the purpose well.

The shoes exemplify the combination of durability and comfort to rock all of your aqua aerobics sessions seamlessly.

However, isn’t that all shoe brands claim? Well, glad you asked that. Columbia takes the upper hand in providing excellent traction to not only enhance your performance but ensures you don’t injure yourself during workouts.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Aesthetically appealing
  • Sporty
  • Drains water well
  • It doesn’t clog up
  • Stretchable

Cons

  • The laces are too thin to tie shoes properly
  • Not great on muddy areas

3. Columbia Men’s Redmond V2 Mid Waterproof – Best for Men

41uV8hINNpL. SL500

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The outstanding Columbia Men’s Redmond V2 Mid Waterproof comes with its signature tech lite footbed and frame for superior coverage and protection that will leave no stone unturned to keep you safe against all sorts of harmful surfaces.

The non-marking wet traction rubber outsole makes these shoes a comfortable choice to have with you. In addition, they are versatile, stylish, and mainly known for the convertible heel that makes them highly customizable.

Pros

  • Well-built for water shoes
  • Offers amazing grip
  • Great coverage

Cons

  • Can cause blisters without socks

4. Ryka Women’s Hydro Sport – Best for Fit

41T64FINHHL. SL500

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If you (women) ever struggled with getting the right shoes that fit your feet properly and offer great support throughout the activity, Ryka has everything you need to eliminate that problem.

Most of the footwear brands only size down to make it suitable for women. Ryka understands that women have a completely different foot structure, take the higher arch, for instance, that makes them uncomfortable in most of the shoes they wear.

The Ryka Women’s Hydro Sport is equipped with a removable Nitracel footbed, synthetic and mesh upper, along with sticky rubber for better traction of the shoes.

Pros

  • It comes with a conventional non-elastic one
  • Versatile
  • They’re easy to take on and off

Cons

  • It runs a little small

5. Merrell Men’s Hydro MOC Water Shoe – Best Waterproof

31qES95zuuL. SL500

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The Kinetic Fit Base is a contoured insole for a flexible fit and can bounce back if you hit your feet too hard on the ground. What differentiates it from the rest is the Neoprene stretch collar that allows easy on and off. It can match up to your toughest demands without putting much strain on your body.

It is famously known for its protective toe cap with a full-grain leather upper to add an extra layer of comfort to this already perfect shoe.

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Waterproof
  • It makes clean-up easy
  • Grip well on harsh surfaces

Cons

  • Do not handle slick wood well
  • Can wear out quickly

6. Columbia Women’s Redmond III Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Best for Price

41xj8bt35 L. SL500

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The signature Omni-Grip outsole of the Columbia Women’s Redmond III Waterproof Hiking Shoe comes with an open mesh that allows easy air ventilation to make sure you don’t embarrass yourself with sticky feet.

The Techlite midsole offers long-lasting comfort to not only elevate your Aqua aerobic journey effortlessly but can help you withstand the heavy wear and tear of everyday life too. In addition, the Omni Grip non marking is ideal for offering high energy return and traction to help you stick to your favorite water activities.

Pros

  • It can perform better than your standard water shoes
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Worth the price
  • Great for bungee jumping

Cons

  • Fewer drain holes in the sole

7. SIMARI Sports Quick-Dry Shoes – Best for Breathability

41a4h5q IbL. SL500

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Known for its unprecedented breathability, Simari offers an ergonomic design to keep your feet in a healthy condition at all times. It features 8 holes that can ensure a proper ventilation system can prevent foot issues associated with built-up bacteria due to wet shoes.

Not just that, it can also protect you from the burning hot sand on the beach and sharp rocks for added benefits.

Pros

  • Sturdy yet flexible
  • Stretches to hug your feet just right
  • Excellent value for money
  • Can make a good walking shoe too
  • Can protect your feet against mold and mildew

Cons

  • Considering how the soles are flexible, it doesn’t prude adequate support.

8. Speedo Men’s Water Shoe Surfwalker Pro 3.0 – Best for Comfort

31zaTHpURrL. SL500

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Looking for perfect comfort? Where people say it doesn’t exist, the Speedo proves everyone wrong by offering great impact protection and mesh inserts that will make it your perfect match for your aqua aerobics. The Speedo’s s-trac streams water away to enhance your contact with water and offer quick-dry and traction for better slip resistance.

Pros

  • Comfortable toe cap
  • Can wear it on dry sand too
  • Elevates your performance

Cons

  • Offers relatively less support
  • Fairly minimal drainage

9. Aleader Women’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes – Best for Ease of Use

51yMFSMT9mL. SL500

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Water shoes are great for water-related activities that make it easier for you to enjoy them to the fullest. They are versatile to wear and will prevent you from ruining your feet. What makes it a perfect choice for aqua aerobics is that it can allow an easy transition from workout to the road instantly.

It also helps make these activities more enjoyable and easier to stay consistent.

Pros

  • Can be your great support for hiking purposes
  • No weird squishy sounds
  • True to size
  • Easy on and off

Cons

  • Sand can easily get stuck in the shoes

10. NORTIV 8 Women’s Quick-Dry Water Shoes – Best for Durability

41oYkqFclEL. SL500

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The non-slip feature of NORTIV 8 Women’s Quick-Dry Water Shoes has a high traction grip to allow you to walk on slippery surfaces with no fear whatsoever. The ultra-lightweight breathable shoes create healthier and cooler effects that elevate each minute of Aqua Aerobics.

They can be your key to waking up in the morning and hitting the aerobics workout, resulting in an overall productive day.

The unique sole comes with 10 drainage holes for excellent breathability and prevents you from sharp rocks under the water. However, as these shoes tend to run small, it’s best to go for half a size up for a better fit.

Pros

  • Dry instantly
  • Cause no blisters
  • Comfortable
  • Can endure heavy wear and tear

Cons

  • The opening is not snug enough

Best Water Shoes for Aqua Aerobics Buyers Guide: Things to Consider Before Buying Water Shoes

In general, the best water shoes aren’t always the right ones for water aerobics. Therefore, you may need to go the extra mile to ensure you’re getting your hands on only the best. Here, looks aren’t just the only thing that matters. It would help if you also kept functionality in mind to help you be proud of your decision for years to come.

Therefore, here are some of the things you must consider before buying aerobics shoes for aqua aerobics.

1. Outsoles and Traction

When you are in the market for water aerobics shoes, you will get exposed to countless outsole options ranging from flexible to sturdy ones.

Although the flexible ones are great for aqua aerobics, if you are looking for water shoes that can offer more than just water aerobics, you may need to consider harder outsoles to help withstand rocky surfaces and minimize the stabbing pain that you feel as you walk on them.

A thicker sole also allows you to have better traction while making sure you don’t slip or slip on the wet floor.

2. Drainage

The best shoes shed water more quickly and can lower the risks of foot injuries. However, it isn’t as easy to find shoes that offer the right drainage functionality.

While they keep water out, some of them also let in sand and gravel into the shoes. Therefore, look for shoes that are known for having small and efficient drainage holes in the outsole.

3. Breathability

Breathability is key in making sure you stay healthy and dry behind those shoes. As you will now be in the water, all the bacteria can quickly clog up and reside in the shoes to cause fungus or whatnot. Therefore, look for shoes that offer great upper mesh features to improve air ventilation and let your skin breathe normally.

4. Price

As a general rule of thumb, you get what you pay for; getting your hands on a good quality shoe may require you to be slightly extravagant with your budget. But luckily for you, that’s not the case with water aerobic shoes. Instead, they are known for offering fantastic shoes that always come under your pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Is aqua aerobics good for weight loss?

Of course! Aqua aerobics is excellent for weight loss. You can incorporate it into your regular cardio routine and watch how the resistance from water can work its magic not only to produce endurance training but an adequate amount of strength training as well.

Are water shoes good for walking?

As long as your water shoes offer good ankle support and arch, it can be easier to walk around in the streets. Also, your aerobics shoes should have a sturdy outsole for the best results.

Is water aerobics better than walking?

Unlike walking, workouts under the water require more strength and effort than any other workout on land. They help you go beyond your comfort zone and challenge yourself every day to work out in an environment that you aren’t used to.
Therefore, if given a choice between walking and water aerobics, it’s always best to go for water aerobics.

How much weight can you lose doing aqua aerobics?

Depending on your cardio activity, temperature, and volume, an average person can burn around 400 to 500 calories in an hour of aqua aerobics to help you lose weight.

So, there you have it…

To wrap up the review, the best water aerobics shoes solely depend on how you define “comfort” and the problems you are currently facing with our regular water-related activities. Once you have recognized that, go through this review again and take your best bet.

However, if we go for the most popular choice, it definitely has to be Merrell Men’s Waterpro Maipo 2 Water Shoe, as it comes from a reputable brand that can ensure you have the right traction and support to endure the long hours of water aerobics.

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AUTHOR
Under training to become your personal trainer of choice. If Nelson is not busy producing awesome content to improve your mental, physical health and wellbeing, he’s probably sweating it out at the gym or watching Arsenal break hearts. A salesman and digital marketer , an avid reader, plays tennis and adventurous. He’s a disciple of self-development and follows everything fitness religiously.