Comfortable water shoes. Find answers to frequently asked questions

Do I need water shoes?

Are you wondering in what situations and for what purposes water shoes may be useful? It's simple! Although this attribute of a beachgoer is not beautiful, it certainly fulfills its basic function, which is to protect your feet against sharp stones, dangerous sea urchins, and against slipping on wet surfaces.

If you're going to a rocky beach or pebble coast, you certainly don't want to spend your vacation in a hotel room. So that nothing stands in the way of active recreation, be sure to take care of your feet.

This is equally important when traveling abroad. For example, in Croatia you can encounter spiny sea urchins. In addition to their long spines, which are certainly extremely painful to step on, the toxins produced by these animals are also highly dangerous. In extreme cases, they can even result in death! 

To protect yourself against this, be sure to wear comfortable water shoes. In this guide, we will tell you which aspects are worth paying attention to when purchasing them.

What are the differences between water shoes and normal footwear?

Unlike classic footwear worn on land, water shoes are designed to allow your feet to get wet. Thanks to special rubber and tread, they guarantee grip on wet surfaces.

In the case of classic shoes, immersion in water may cause individual elements to come apart and affect the life of your footwear. With shoes dedicated to water activities, you can completely forget about this problem! The special design, materials and technologies used mean that such shoes do not react negatively to contact with water.

What should you pay attention to when buying water shoes?

Water shoes available in stores are very diverse. With all the features and styles available, it's easy to get lost. However, to make your choice easier, we have collected a handful of the most valuable tips. Let's get started!

#1 Material

When buying water shoes, pay attention to several aspects. One of them is the material from which they are made. You usually have a choice of mesh, rubber, leather or textile. The first of these options will ensure adequate air flow and at the same time dry quickly. Moreover, the mesh fits well to the foot, providing you with maximum comfort from morning to evening. However, if you need extra strength on difficult terrain, mesh may not be enough. 

Remember that wearing shoes made of materials with poor breathability may impede air circulation and expose you to unpleasant effects such as mycosis, blisters, unpleasant odor and unbearable pain. 

#2 Match

Water shoes should fit well enough to prevent blisters or abrasions. After all, the friction of too tight shoes combined with water can cause irritation. Be careful not to choose shoes that are too loose, as they could slide off your feet and disappear at the bottom of the water. When choosing your size, follow the rule that water shoes should feel like a second skin to you.

#3 Sole

In addition to the material from which the shoes are made, it is worth paying special attention to their sole. It is what ensures adhesion to the ground, ensuring your balance and safety while performing all the activities you want. Choose a rubber, non-slip sole that will effectively fulfill its functions. Some models of water shoes use specially developed, strongly adhesive rubber, which is also used in climbing shoes.

Do water shoes have to be durable?

Water shoes are exposed to many factors that may contribute to their destruction. Any abrasions and holes created in this way significantly reduce the safety of your feet and may prove insufficient when you need protection against sea urchins or other thorny creatures encountered on the road. 

Remember that as soon as you notice clear signs of wear on the sole, be sure to replace your shoes with new ones. A worn out sole loses traction, which may result in serious falls and cuts.

Does terrain matter?

Definitely the terrain where you plan to use your water shoes is of the utmost importance. The landscape you will encounter on the beach is very different from the one by the stream, for example. If you plan to walk on rocky terrain, prioritize grippy soles.

Standard or five-finger?

Both classic water shoes and their five-toed counterparts offer the same degree of adhesion to the ground. However, thanks to the design that allows you to separate all fingers, you will experience a similar sensation as if you were walking barefoot.