Hiking can be a great form of outdoor exercise. It helps you to boost your bone density, strengthen your legs and muscles, and create amazing and unforgettable scenic adventures. When you’re going out for a hike, you’ll want to wear an appropriate pair of shoes that will give you the comfort and flexibility you need.
Hiking shoes have now become one of the most popular types of footwear. There’s no excuse to wear inappropriate shoes when going out to hike, or in the water, or on smooth, slippery surfaces. Many have experienced the consequences of going out in improper footwear. Did somebody say ouch? This is why we need hiking shoes. They are lightweight and offer a great deal of comfort and freedom. They typically have a low-cut design and a waterproof/breathable membrane that’s just right for the outdoors. Before we discuss the best water shoes for hiking for men, let’s take a quick look at the types of footwear that are available.
Those that look like hiking boots. With a similar design and construction to actual hiking boots, these shoes are made for hiking without the need to run on flat or downhill sections. They have a substantial midsole and a full-length shank, which support the foot under loads and provide torsional stability.
Those that look like trail running shoes. Similar in look to trail runners, these lightweight shoes will feel quite familiar to those who come from a running background.
Columbia Men’s Drainmaker IV Water Shoe
The Columbia Men’s Drainmaker IV water shoe is comfortable yet stylish. Our favorite feature about this shoe is that it has a breathable, open mesh upper that dries quickly, while the ports in the midsole act to increase airflow. As a result, your feet are kept cool as you cross the muddy trail or forge a creek, as the water drains from them in a flash.
These shoes are the ultimate man’s hiking shoes made by a trusted and well-respected brand. The Techlite midsole provides superior comfort, and the Omni-Grip outsole has razor striping to give you high-traction grip to keep you from slipping on dry and wet surfaces. It also features a synthetic upper and a non-marking wet traction rubber outsole that will give you the confidence you need to walk and climb on boat decks and wet rocks. You can find them in sizes 7 to 15 in color choices of mountain red, black, and lux and city gray.
Keen Men’s Newport Hydro-M Sandals
Going for a waterfall trek in South America? The Keen Men’s Newport Hydro-M Sandals are great for hot climates. Debris, little stones, and mud wash away without having to take off your shoes, thanks to their open construction. These sandals are sturdy enough to hike in and have been specifically designed wearing in the water. They are manufactured with Cleansport NXT technology for odor control, washable webbing uppers made from polyester, and a lining that dries very quickly.
These sandals for hiking have an expertly designed footbed that matches your feet’s natural contours and reliably provides comfortable support for your arches. The midsole is made with soft EVA foam, and the rubber outsole gives you the traction you need for any terrain, with the multi-directional pattern of its lugs. You can get them is sizes 7 to 17.
Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoe
The Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve water shoe is perfect for hiking in and out of the water and on all different types of terrain. The uppers are crafted from waxy leather and have large holes that allow sand and pebbles to escape, enabling you to walk comfortably. It also has a lycra neoprene stretch collar for easy slip on and off.
Your feet are securely protected from sharp rocks and reef, with the design’s UniFly midsole, which gives an extra layer of protection. Simultaneously, it has a textured outsole with a lug depth of 3 millimeters, so you get the assurance of stability on even wet surfaces such as boat decks and wet rocks.
Antimicrobial agents help to reduce odor, regardless of how many times your shoes get wet. For your convenience, they are fast-drying and are tremendously easy to put on and remove, and with a secure. These shoes are available in sizes 6.5 to 14. They come in the colors of butterscotch, light brown, black, brindle, and wild dove. You can also wear them as hiking shoes for hot weather.
Salomon Men’s Techamphibian 3 Water Shoe
A top brand, Salomon has created the Salomon Men’s Techamphibian 3 Water Shoe. This shoe delivers high performance, outstanding design, and durability.
It has an Internal Sensifit Technology with Quicklace System. This means that its innovative design gives you the convenience of never having to untangle your laces, as well as the benefit of having a debris-resistant, fast-drying mesh. It features an adjustable and convertible heel, along with a molded midsole and an outsole with Contagrip technology that is specifically formulated to maximize traction in wet and amphibious conditions.
For some animal-friendly options, check out our guide to the best vegan hiking boots.
Adidas Outdoor Men’s Climacool Boat Lace Hiking Shoe
The lightweight Adidas Outdoor Men’s Climacool Boat Lace Hiking shoe is one of our favs on this list. Although not primarily intended for hiking, this lightweight and stylish water shoe is meant to be used during casual walking or water activities. It is exceptionally breathable with open mesh Climacool tooling.
Adidas is the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe, and its brand is known for its stylish footwear, so you definitely can’t go wrong with this choice. Its EVA tongue top and stretchable heel insert provide comfort and an enhanced fit. It also has 5-10% recycled non-visible content and an environmentally developed pattern.
For more amazing footwear for your outdoor adventures, check out our selection of the top Gore-tex boots for hiking.
Speedo Men’s Hydro Comfort 4.0 Water Shoe
If you love Speedo, then this is the pick for you. Generally noted for its manufacturing of high-quality (if skimpy) swimwear, Speedo also offers a wide variety of footwear, including water shoes, sandals, and flip-flops. The rugged Speedo Men’s Hydro Comfort 4.0 Water Shoes are designed for active use in the water and on the trail.
They can be worn casually at the beach; however, they offer the great advantage of better arch support than most water shoes, and they have stood up to the challenge of strenuous hikes, rock climbing, and scrambling. They have quick-drying mesh and synthetic uppers, which helps with keeping you cool in hot weather and reduces bad odors. Its pre-tied lace system prevents the wearer from tripping over untied laces.
With its built-in drainage ports, the lightweight midsole gives you protection from rocky terrain. The rubber, non-marking outsole provides stability on the smooth, slippery and underwater surfaces.
You can get them in the colors of gray/blue, black, and sulfur spring.
Zhuanglin Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
The Zhuanglin Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes are super lightweight and comfortable. Quick drying with a firm yet soft sole, it has received rave reviews from many wearers. These fantastic water shoes can be worn just about anywhere; they are great for crossing rivers and for protecting your feet from rocks.
These black sneakers are made with 90% fabric with a rubber sole. Its breathable and durable air mesh upper allows your feet to breathe comfortably.
They come in sizes 7-14.
Merrell Men’s Capra Rapid Hiking Water Shoe
The Merrell Men’s Capra Hiking Water Shoe performs as just as well in water as it does when you’re out on a hiking trip. This quick-drying shoe features triangular side cutouts that are made with mesh underlay for ongoing comfort. They also have a cord-and-lock lacing system to keep them secure.
It features printed pull-on loops at tongue and heel, and a perforated EVA removable footbed to manage drainage and moisture. In the midsole and outsole, there are water distribution ports to manage the distribution of water.
Here are some of the top-rated waterproof hiking boots as well. Don’t miss them.
Under Armour Men’s Kilchis Sneaker
If you love unique styles, then this one is right for you. You can add a bit of flair to your hiking wardrobe. With its high appealing and fun design, the Under Armour Men’s Kilchis water shoes have multiple colors to choose from.
It features a quick-dry textile upper, a contoured midsole, a footbed designed for excellent drainage, an insole that is non-removable, and the J-Step® non-marking rubber outsole for superior grip on smooth and wet surfaces. Combining great style and performance, this highly breathable, top-choice shoe ranks high on the water shoe scoreboard.
For more useful hiking gear, be sure to browse our list of the best-selling hiking sunglasses.
Clorts Lightweight Walking Sneaker Sandal
For amphibious hiking, the Clorts Lightweight Walking Sneaker Sandal is an easy to suit your hiking needs. This lightweight walking sneaker from Clorts is one of the most top-quality water shoes you can find on the market. Comfy and supportive, its cushioned EVA midsole gives you the feeling as if you are walking on clouds. Additionally, it has sock liner that is built in, allowing you to comfortably wear this sneaker without socks.
It’s great for wearing for camping, water sports, and even for going out for a walk with your dog while there’s still dew outside. It impressively allows any water to drain out through the breathable quick-drying mesh and lower ankle. It has integrated screened drainage ports into the outsole of the shoes.
For added comfort, the bungee laces and adjustable lace-locks fit securely and flexibly.
Match them with your favorite hiking pants.
OluKai ‘Eleu Trainer Water Shoes
Looking for a barefoot feel while you’re going out in the water? Introducing the ‘Eleu Trainer Water Shoes from OluKai. The OluKai brand may not be a best-known outdoor brand, but they pack a mean punch when it comes to making a high-quality and versatile sports shoe. It was originally created for the lifeguards of Hawaii, so its manufacturers created it with the right purpose in mind. This lightweight shoe is vegan-friendly, breathable, and performs very well in tackling slippery surfaces and rough terrain. Its rubber outsole grips both dry and wet surfaces.
In terms of its practicality and functionality, this shoe features a very flexible sole with rounded off edges, as well as a foot-like traction pattern that mirrors your natural foot shape to allow unrestricted movement. It also has a breathable tongue and molded toe-cap. It provides protection from rocks and other obstacles with its reinforced heels and has a dual-density, removable EVA footbed to allow easy air-flow and water drainage.
They are a bit expensive but worth the price, as you can use them for a variety of activities, from stand-up paddling to kayaking to scrambling and trail walking.
Dreamcity Men’s Water Shoes
Last on our list is the Dreamcity Men’s Water Shoes. If cost is a concern for you, this is a best buy. Regardless of the type of terrain you’re trekking, you’ll enjoy comfy walks thanks to its well-cushioned insole. As part of its versatile design, the uppers are made from breathable, quick-drying air mesh.
This lightweight shoe has ports in the sole help them to drain quickly and keep your feet cool, especially when it’s burning hot outside. They slip on and off effortlessly, and the rubber outsole gives good traction on wet surfaces.
Sizes range from 7 to 14; There are also different color combinations to choose from, which include dark gray/white, black/black, and blue/white.
What to Look for in a Hiking Water Shoe?
The best water shoes for hiking have the following qualities:
They provide great comfort. No one wants to walk around in uncomfortable shoes! It’s important to understand that you must have shoes that are not only comfortable when dry, but also when wet. Comfort can be quickly compromised when fabric gets wet. Therefore, you must ensure that your shoes provide you with the comfort you need when your feet get wet.
They offer sturdy grip. You’ll also want your shoes to have a sturdy grip on even the most slippery surfaces It’s best if the soles of your water shoes are made of rubber. When walking in them, you should feel comfortable whether you are walking on flat terrain, uphill, or downhill.
They are protective. Your feet and toes should be well protected to avoid injury from a bad step in deep water or stubbing your toes on rocks or sharp coral. Yikes! It’s best to look for shoes to give you much-needed security and protection for those outdoor, water trips.
They are easy to put on and take off. Depending on your environment and activities, you might choose to change your shoes and wear them only for a short period of time. If that is the case, you’ll want something that’s easy to take on and pull back off in a flash, without any fancy or elaborate construction or design that might slow you down.
They drain water easily. You want to have shoes that offer water drainage, as well as the easy outflow of any stones or debris that might enter your shoes while walking across the river, for example. Silt, sand, and pebbles are not fun to walk around with, lodged between your toes and within your shoes. Shoes made with mesh sides and drainage ports also help to keep dirt and rocks out.
They are quick drying. When the water has drained out, it’s crucial that the inner sole and fabric of the shoes dry quickly. If that doesn’t happen, the damp fabric will end up rubbing on your feet, which is bound to cause painful blisters. Save yourself the trouble and insist on shoes that quick drying.
They are supportive. When shopping for water shoes for hiking, look for ones that provide good support around the arch of your foot and ankles. This is especially important if you’re planning to do a short river crossing, climb a hill, or trek across muddy ground.