Comfortable water shoes. Get answers to the most frequently asked questions

Do I need water shoes?

Are you wondering in what situations and for what purpose you can use water shoes? It's easy! Although this attribute of a beachgoer does not sin with beauty, it certainly fulfills its basic function, which is to protect your feet against sharp stones, dangerous sea urchins, as well as against slipping on a wet surface.

If you are going to a rocky beach or pebble coast, you certainly do not want to spend your vacation in a hotel room. So that nothing stands in the way of active rest, be sure to take care of your feet.

It is equally important for foreign holidays. For example, in Croatia you can encounter spiny sea urchins. In addition to the long spikes, which are certainly extremely painful to step on, the toxins produced by these animals are also highly dangerous. In extreme cases, they can even lead to death! 

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

What is the difference between water shoes and normal footwear?

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

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

What to look for when buying water shoes?

Water footwear available in stores is very diverse. With all the features and styles available, it's easy to get confused. However, to make it easier for you to choose, we have collected a handful of the most valuable tips. Let's start!

#1 Material

When buying water shoes, pay attention to several aspects. One of them is the material they are made of. Usually you can choose from mesh, rubber, leather or textiles. The first of these options will ensure proper airflow, and at the same time will dry quickly. What's more, the mesh adheres well to the foot, providing you with maximum comfort from morning to evening. However, if you need extra strength on rough terrain, the mesh may not be enough. 

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

#2 Matching

Water shoes should fit snugly so as not to cause blisters or chafing. After all, the rubbing of too tight footwear in combination with water can contribute to irritation. Be careful not to choose shoes that are too loose, which could slip off your feet and disappear at the bottom of the water. When choosing a size, follow the rule that water shoes should be like a second skin for you.

#3 Sole

In addition to the material from which the shoes are made, it is worth paying special attention to their soles. It is she who cares about the adhesion to the ground, ensuring your balance and safety during all activities you feel like doing. Choose a rubber, non-slip sole that will effectively fulfill its functions. Some models of water shoes use specially developed, highly adhesive rubber, which is also used in climbing shoes.

Do water shoes have to be durable?

Water shoes are exposed to many factors that can lead to their destruction. Any resulting abrasions and holes significantly reduce the safety of your feet and may not be enough when you need protection from sea urchins or other thorny creatures encountered on the road. 

Remember that as soon as you notice clear signs of wear on the sole, you must replace the shoes with new ones. A worn sole loses its grip, which can result in dangerous falls and cuts.

Does the 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-fingered?

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.