Can you Swim with Water Shoes? A Comprehensive Guide!

Can you swim with water shoe?

Water shoes are known to be an excellent way to improve efficiency underwater. You can swim in water shoes, and is it worth all the hassle? Read the full guide to find out!

As effective as swimming is, it also requires you to go the extra mile to ensure you’re taking it seriously. ONE wrong shoe, and you are exposing yourself to countless life-threatening diseases that can deprive you of indulging yourself in your favorite shoes.

However, another challenge that comes your way is the weight of these water shoes which can inevitably deteriorate your performance with time. This leaves us to our next question: Can you swim in water shoes?

Here is a clear-cut guide that makes sure to improve the connection between feet and water and answer all of your top questions, so you make the best choice for yourself.

What Are Water Shoes?

What if I say you can walk, run, and carry out intense foot movement on wet, slippery surfaces without putting your health at risk?

Yes, you read that right.

Water shoes are armed with just the right features, including the thick, anti-slip outsole, advanced durability, outsole holes for drainage, and breathable materials that ensure you feel confident in what you wear and keep all the bacteria and fungus out of your way.

Nowadays, you get to see many fitness coaches recommending or even making it obligatory to wear water shoes during water activities to give the ever needed boost of energy to go through the day.

Top Aquatic Aerobics Water Shoes

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Merrell Men's Waterpro Maipo 2 Shoe	Vibram TC5+ outsole Kinetic Fit BASE removable contoured EVA insole with water friendly top cover	Check Price
	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.	Check Price
	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.	Check Price
	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.	Check Price
	Merrell Men's Hydro MOC Water Shoe	Single injected EVA. 2mm lug depth Articulated heel with strap for secure fit	Check Price
	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	Check Price
	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!	Check Price
	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	Check Price
	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	Check Price
	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.	Check Price

Can You Swim With Ordinary Shoes?

This isn’t as simple as you may think. If you have ever gone to a waterpark with flip-flops or ordinary shoes, you already know how perfectly these ordinary shoes ruin your day.

Sure, this is possible, but it will drive away from the main purpose of wearing water shoes in the first place. Ordinary shoes are made to withstand the traction and flexibility needed on rough terrains and dry roads; this means they are more centered around providing you with flexibility rather than offering an anti-skid sole and making it suitable for water activities.

Their thin outsoles are equivalent to stepping on stones bare feet in the water.

That said, the lack of air ventilation in ordinary shoes can inhibit bacterias, fungus, and other germs, which can lead to a trail of health issues and hygiene problems that can be harder to tackle in the long run.

Why Do You Need Water Shoes?

If you are serious about water activities and, more importantly, about your health, there is no way you are stepping out on a wet surface without a pair of water shoes. Therefore, water shoes must allow you to give your best performance and boost confidence in any activity you try.

Other than the safety and comfort factor, water shoes also have the protection to improve flexibility using their lightweight body and superb traction to keep you balanced at all times. Besides that, here are some reasons why water shoes are a must-buy item in your checklist.

1. Protection

Most water shoes provide full foot coverage with a thicker outsole to help protect you against sharp objects like shells and rocks in the water. They are equipped with a built-in shield that ensures you never stub your toe (ouch) ever again.

As we all know, unpredictable ocean floors and riverbeds are, having a good pair can prepare you to go through anything that comes your way effortlessly.

2. Warmth

The poor circulation and coldness underwater can alter your performance. Therefore, water shoes are packed with mesh material that offers flexibility and a better drainage system to keep your feet warm and reduce the effects of staying in water for too long.

3. Quick Drying

Although ordinary shoes are already not equipped for water training, they double their weight to add more pressure on your feet when wet.

On the other hand, water shoes are designed to be warm underwater and dry surfaces for a smooth transition between snorkeling and a sizzling hot cup of coffee at the nearby cafe.

Thanks to the drainage system, the quick-drying properties are used to eliminate blisters, odors, and mold inside your shoes to provide ever-lasting satisfaction with your shoes.

Can You Swim With Water Shoes?

Swimming includes complex movements like flutter kicks which means you need to be highly attentive and need something relatively light that won’t wreck your whole performance.

Although in the beginning, you may feel it is hard to swim with water shoes, once you slowly advance in swimming, you will get to release how bare feet make it difficult to go through each day in swimming.

Most fitness trainers snake it as a part of their swimming regime to begin workout barefoot and gradually incorporate water shoes that won’t mess with your foot position underwater.

Various Ways to Use a Water Shoe

Water shoes have been invented to create a convenient option for all the beachgoers out there. But why would you spend some solid dollar for beach activities that you only visit twice per month? Here are some other ways you use water shoes for added comfort and safety.

1. Hiking and Trekking

You can think of water shoes as a category that simplifies further down to a few more water shoes. Water shoes specifically designed for hiking offer greater support, weight, and sturdiness to help you go through the wet, rough terrain and cross frequent rivers during harsh weather.

However, considering their heavyweight that drags your feet down, you wouldn’t want to swim in these.

2. Water Aerobics

Water aerobics is known for being one of the most intense workouts out there. They require a good grip for best performance. They also need to be rightly snug (not too tight or loose) and lightweight to make sure you are bogged down in the weight of your shoes.

Another place where you can make use of your water shoes is swimming. The heavy moments can become seamless if you have the support of a good pair of water shoes.

3. Rafting and Kayaking

The shoes used for rafting and kayaking are rather similar to water aerobics. The key here is to go for gears that are lighter than the floating device. Therefore, these water shoes have the lightest weight, snug fit, and offer the ever needed breathability for utmost satisfaction.

4. Running

Surprised to see this? Yeah, I get that a lot.

Runners are required to run on various terrains ranging from dry to rainy conditions — no day is an excuse day! This is why it’s always best to be prepared with a great pair of water shoes that not only offer lightweight and solid grip but provide traction as well.

5. Boating

Going on a fancy yacht calls for practicality and aesthetics to help you stay well put throughout the journey. Therefore a boat water shoe usually takes the lead in its design and ensures your feet are protected even if you happen to submerge your feet in the water.

Benefits of Using Water Shoes

Water shoes have the potential to yield tremendous benefits for your feet and overall performance. However, this isn’t possible if you buy the first shoe you find off the rack. Here are the benefits of the right water shoes to instantly elevate your water adventures.

Drainage

Water shoes always feature thousands of tiny holes that let water in and out of your shoes without causing any inconvenience. It can be a game-changer to keep your feet feeling light at all times.

Breathability

As mentioned earlier, water shoes are packed with features to help you flaunt them on the road too. This is because the specific material used dries up quickly and offers adequate air ventilation in your feet. This is perfect for preventing bacteria and mold from residing in the moisture environment of our shoes.

Prevent Injuries

Wearing normal shoes can leave your feet with excruciating aches and blisters at the end of the day. One of the many reasons why many people opt for water shoes over ordinary ones is because it prevents slipping and provides a warmer environment for added comfort.

Flexibility

Going in and out of water is no easy job. To help you in this journey, water shoes are backed up by flexible material to help you carry out complex movements effortlessly.

Support

Slippery surfaces like decks, water equipment, and boat dock mean you need shoes with better grip to help you gain confidence while moving. Although slip-on shoes can be a great option for beaches, they offer adequate grip and ankle support to make them suitable to walk on creek beds, trails, and streams.

Why Do People Recommend Water Shoes for Swimming?

Regardless of what the manufacturer of these water shoes claims, nothing can beat the authenticity recommendations of beachgoers or perhaps water aerobics enthusiasts who have tried and tested most of these water shoes to find the best one.

A review posted by Big Sky Fishing perfectly explains this point “ Water shoes aren’t for everyone. Indeed, I’d suspect most people who engage in watersports will prefer a quality water sandal (by quality, I mean a water sandal that provides similar traction to that provided by a water shoe)”.

Another that compels people to opt for water shoes more than regular ones is walking on wet surfaces for a prolonged amount of time, making you prone to itchy athletes’ foot condition or even wart.

Whereas walking barefoot can expose you to splinters and puncture wounds. Therefore, water shoes are the ideal barrier to help you have nice and healthy feet regardless of the surfaces you walk on.

What Does the Research Say?

If you think water shoes are only used for recreational purposes, think again.

As the result of the Bangkok flood in 2011, foot injury was on the rise, which led to countless injuries and serious life-threatening health issues in the long run. Later, after years of research, they came up with a solution for the perfect type of footwear to help rescue workers during the flood.

Here these beach shoes played a big role in using durable rubber to protect feet from sharp objects, spiny shells, and broken seashells to keep them safe at all times.

These shoes have also proven to have an excellent grip to prevent sliding or comfortably climbing submerged rocks in flood.

Thus, if water shoes can save lives during a flood, what makes you think they won’t do the same for you?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Now that you are equipped with just the right knowledge on water shoes, it’s time you understand what makes an ideal water shoe that can provide all the benefits mentioned in this post.

It should have a sock-like fit that can ensure they never come in and out of the water, proper breathability, and must have enough holes that can not only take care of water in and outflow but make sure no rocks get in too.

This way, you can now focus on enjoying yourself rather than draining your energy by worrying about your shoes. So choose the appropriate pair of water shoes for your needs and make the most out of each fun water activity.

Good luck!