They're water shoes! They're sneakers! They're...both? (Photo: Amazon)
Slippery rocks or hot sand shouldn't ruin your big beach day or weekend at the water park. The solution? Water shoes. After one particularly rough trek on a suspiciously dirty riverbed, I can't imagine going anywhere near a body of water (especially one where you can't see what you're walking on) without a pair. Alas, most water shoes lean towards function over style (translation: they're ugly), but every once in a great while you'll find a pair that checks both boxes. As I have with Zhuanglin Quick-Drying Water Shoes!
Laces that can be adjusted then locked make these easy to slip on — but don't worry, they'll stay perfectly secure on your feet until you're ready to call it a day.
To the untrained eye, these slip-ons don't even look like water shoes. In fact, when I pulled them out of my backpack, my partner thought I was changing into a different pair of sneakers. That's because they're designed to be as supportive as your go-to kicks, except the upper part is made entirely of breathable open mesh. The sole, which is made entirely of rubber, has plenty of traction (read: no dangerous slip-and-slide on mossy rocks) and a sock liner hugs your foot and ankle.
I put them through their paces this past weekend, too: I wore them while wading through the Delaware River, which — while beautiful — doesn't exactly boast the cleanest, clearest water. I was able to step on jagged stones, gravel and whatever other horrors lie at the bottom of the riverbed, and my feet felt supported, secure and blissfully comfortable. Conversely, my partner's name-brand water shoes were falling apart by the time we got to shore.
And oh yeah: They dry quick, too. Perforated mesh and holes at the bottom allow for water to drain out when you're on dry land. Plus, reviewers say they're supportive enough to wear all day at the beach or water park.
One five-star reviewer even donned hers for an Orlando theme-park trek: "I am a Disney World fanatic — and with my experience, I’ve found that having soaking wet, squishy shoes does not make for an enjoyable day in the parks after a storm blows through!" she writes. "[These] were perfect...we were caught in two major downpours and my shoes got completely soaked. But they dried so fast! No squeaking and squishing with water stuck in the sole."
Rocks don't stand a chance, either — at least, not according to this reviewer: "I bought these to wear them at a resort with lots of rocky activities and water," they shared. "They were a lifesaver! They are so comfortable and they have support so you don’t even feel any rocks. They dry very quickly! Sand does go through, but with a quick rinse they are back as new!"
Worried about rain? You can wear these just like you would a regular pair of sneakers.
"My husband and I each own a pair and absolutely loved them!" gushed this reviewer. "These were lifesavers during our honeymoon, where we easily walked 20,000 steps each day! Very comfortable, light, and great even for just casual wear. You can wear them with or without socks (your preference, depending on your activity) since they look like regular sneakers and great with any outfit."
In short, they're a must-have shoe this summer (and beyond, if you live in a wet climate). Just ask this fan: "Now, here's a light washable summer shoe that took me all places all summer: unplanned trails to the lake, in the lake and back to the trail head, followed by unplanned shopping. It looks great and washes up clean again — great for my old wide feet."
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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