Top Aqua Shoe Brands for Unmatched Comfort and Performance

Aqua shoes have become an essential item for water enthusiasts, providing comfort and protection during various aquatic activities. With a myriad of options available, selecting the right pair from a reputable brand can enhance your overall experience. From durability to design, the best brands prioritize quality materials that ensure safety and breathability in wet environments. To discover some of the top brands that excel in creating the perfect aqua shoes, read on below.

Illustration of aqua shoes

Best brands of aqua shoes in 2025

Speedo

Speedo, a brand established in 1914, is a leading producer of aqua shoes, offering a variety of styles for both recreational and professional use, with their footwear designed for superior grip and comfort, suitable for various water activities. While the company started with swimwear, they have expanded their offerings to include a wide range of swim-related products including footwear, and are known for their innovative designs and technologies, with an estimated 3.4% CAGR growth projected for the water shoe market through 2032. Speedo's commitment to quality and performance has solidified its position as a trusted brand in the aquatic world, with their products being used in major sporting events like the Olympics since 1932. You can find their range of aqua shoes on their official website.

Merrell

Merrell is a top-tier brand for aqua shoes, offering models like the Hydro Moc, known for being lightweight and comfortable for various water activities, with some styles currently up to 39% off. Designed with sturdy rubber outsoles for excellent traction and support, they are quick-drying for both in and out of water adventures. Merrell's water shoes are available at various retailers, including Amazon, where you can find the Hydro Moc, among others, and also on the official Merrell website. Many models are made from recycled materials, showcasing their commitment to sustainability.

Nike

Nike, a leading brand in athletic footwear with a 30% market share in 2022, has a history of innovation in water-friendly shoes, starting with the Aqua Sock in 1986, designed for comfort and functionality in water sports, followed by the Aqua Turf in the 1990s, and continuing with modern updates like the Aqua Sock 360, featuring contemporary tech and a street-ready aesthetic, establishing them as a key player in the water shoe market, with 68% of Nike's revenue in 2024 coming from footwear. You can explore their selection of aqua shoes.

Adidas

Adidas, a leading athletic brand, offers a variety of aqua shoes, with the Adilette Aqua slides being a popular choice, known for their quick-drying Cloudfoam footbed and lightweight EVA outsole, making them ideal for post-swim or water activities; in 2023, footwear accounted for 57% of Adidas' net sales, showcasing the brand's strong presence in the shoe market, where it held a 15.4% global market share in 2022. The brand's commitment to innovation is evident in their use of materials like bio-based EVA, with some models incorporating recycled materials, aligning with sustainability efforts. Their water shoes are designed for comfort and durability, often featuring slip-on designs, with some models like the Terrex line known for their robust construction, suitable for more demanding outdoor activities.

Crocs

Crocs, established in 2002, has become a dominant force in the aqua shoe market, known for their lightweight, waterproof designs and boasting over 850 million pairs sold globally; their iconic clogs, often featuring ventilation ports and customizable Jibbitz charms, provide excellent traction and comfort for water activities, while recent years have seen a 30% growth in their water-friendly sandal lines, making them a top choice for beachgoers and water enthusiasts alike, solidifying Crocs as a trusted brand in the water footwear industry. You can explore their water-friendly shoe options here.

Keen

Keen has solidified its position as a leading aqua shoe manufacturer since its founding in 2003, gaining a reputation for durable and protective footwear; their innovative designs often incorporate a closed-toe feature, making them ideal for various water activities and outdoor adventures. With models boasting an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in customer reviews, it's clear that Keen's commitment to quality resonates with users. Keen's products, utilizing recycled materials in over 20% of their designs, reflect a dedication to sustainability alongside performance. You can explore their extensive collection and find the perfect pair of aqua shoes at Keen.

Vibram

Vibram, established in 1937, is a world leader in high-performance rubber soles. They developed the FiveFingers line in 2002, which includes the V-Aqua model—a minimalist amphibious shoe renowned for its excellent grip on wet surfaces due to the Megagrip compound. Its thin and flexible design allows natural foot movement, while quick-drying materials with perforations facilitate water drainage, making them ideal for various water sports with a snug fit. They are often recommended for activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. You can explore their water shoe collection.

Body Glove

Body Glove, founded in 1953 by twin brothers Bill and Bob Meistrell, is a leading American brand in watersports, initially known for inventing the first practical wetsuit, and later expanding into aquatic footwear, introducing their line in 1999 with designs for use in and around water, including the "Dawn Patrol" boot in 2001; today, Body Glove offers a variety of water shoes, appreciated by customers for their comfort and functionality, which are available in various retail channels and e-commerce platforms and have an estimated market share of 160.8 million USD in 2022 with a projected growth of 225.5 million USD by 2032. Visit Body Glove's website to explore their collection.

Salomon

Salomon, a brand established in 1947, is recognized as a top producer of aqua shoes, with models like the Techamphibian 5, known for its quick-drying, breathable materials and excellent grip on wet surfaces, achieving a 4.7 out of 5-star average rating from 7 reviews. These shoes, often praised for their comfortable fit, reinforced toe cap, and durable construction, also feature a collapsible heel for added versatility and typically dry in about 2.5 hours when exposed to the sun. While some reviews note that sizing runs a half size too big, the overall consensus indicates Salomon provides reliable performance for water-related activities. The Techamphibian 5 model is available for around $110, making it a worthwhile investment for outdoor enthusiasts.

Columbia

Columbia, a leading brand in outdoor gear, has consistently been recognized for its high-quality aqua shoes, with over 70% of users reporting excellent grip and comfort in 2023, and has been producing water footwear since the early 2000s; their innovative designs and durable materials provide superior protection for various water activities, making them a top choice for adventurers, where several models utilize their Omni-Grip™ technology to enhance traction; Columbia's diverse range of aqua shoes caters to all needs, from casual beach outings to more demanding water sports, achieving an overall satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars across major retail platforms.