Do you like marine adventure? Is going to the beach or diving your top hobby? If so, never forget to bring water shoes along. They are not just casual sandals or sneakers that you usually place your feet in during daily activities. Unlike sandals, these shoes fully cover your feet and protect them when you dip into the water.
These shoes can dry quickly without losing their shape or performance. Besides the safety side, these foot protectors add comfort and joy as you swim in the depths of the ocean or simply walk alongside the beach. Let’s learn more about their important functions, key features, and types in the article below!
Do water shoes really work?
Yes, they really work if you use them for the right activities. As hinted above, these shoes are effective for wet environments, such as the coast, ocean, lake, and sea. These shoes protect your feet from sharp rocks, shells, coral, hot sand, and rough surfaces. You can also use the footwear for walking around coastal areas, which may be slippery.
Wearing water shoes is not recommended for hiking long trails. You won’t get enough extra support for your ankles as you pass through rough, dry terrain. Cold weather isn’t the right moment to wear the footwear. Your feet can still get chilly because the shoes don’t have insulation, which can trap heat.
This type of footwear isn’t ideal for heavy-impact sports or those with strong and repeated foot forces. Top examples of these sports are running, basketball, and football. You may be prone to a greater chance of injuries because the shoes don’t protect your feet fully. For these types of sports, wearing proper athletic shoes is a better option.
Common benefits of using water shoes
The uses of the footwear category have developed over centuries. Ancient Egyptians and Romans made sandals from woven reeds, leather, or plant fibres. They wore those sandals to avoid injuries from passing through hot surfaces or encountering sharp rocks. In the mid-1990s, the prototype of water shoes emerged to cater to the needs of people for outdoor recreation.
Materials, such as rubber and canvas, were mostly used at that time. It is undeniable that technological progress contributes to the diverse uses of the shoes. Today, you can easily find this footwear in both online and offline markets. Current models of the shoes are much more versatile and high-tech compared to their early features. They can deliver functions, such as:
Foot protection
Various possible scenarios may occur as you swim well below the water surface or walk alongside the beach when the sun shines brightly. Your feet may hit corals or rocks while diving. During scorching sunlight, the sands may burn your feet, too. Wearing water shoes will ensure that your feet are safe and less prone to suffering any injuries.
Slip prevention
Splashes of water often occur while doing various activities around the beach or sea, such as on pools and boat decks. Thus, slippery surfaces are common things to notice. These conditions make the footwear necessary even if you don’t jump into the water. Always use it while being in wet environments to avoid possible slippery incidents.
Comfort maintenance
Thanks to its lightweight design, you won’t feel like dragging your feet when wearing water shoes. Most of its producers choose light materials, such as mesh, neoprene, or thin rubber. Consumers freely walk, swim, or play in water. The shoes won’t weigh them down as regular sneakers do.
Quick drying
Unlike regular shoes, this footwear dries much faster once you are out of the water. This benefit owes much to the materials, such as spandex, elastic straps, or Thermoplastic Polyurethane. They don’t absorb much water and allow air to circulate. Not only does it add comfort, but the footwear also makes your feet less fatigued after some time being underwater.
Unique qualities of the materials of water shoes
The makers of the footwear apply some technologies, hence their products will perform multiple tasks for the safety and comfort of all consumers. These features include a non-slip sole, lightweight cushioning, and toe and heel protection. These designs will likely advance to cater to the needs of modern customers.
Global purchasers continue seeking more comfort and flexibility through the latest technologies and materials. As stated above, most water shoes have main materials that make them breathable, light, and durable. Read the key materials in the list below!
- Mesh: It is made from synthetic fibres, such as nylon or polyester, hence strong and lightweight
- Neoprene: It is a type of synthetic rubber from polychloroprene and is soft and stretchy
- Thin rubber sole: It provides a non-slip benefit for wet surfaces and adjusts with your feet’s movements
- Foam padding: It refers to a soft and spongy material from Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA), which will make your walking more comfortable
- Perforated fabrics: This one is similar to EVA but with small holes, making your water shoes have a good air circulation system.
Types of shoes
Given a lot of water activities, you will find diverse categories of shoes. For example, you need closed-toe shoes with tough soles when visiting rocky rivers or streams. This category will work better to shield your toes and give grip. For relaxed, sandy beach walking, sandals or lightweight slip-ons are enough.
They are more suitable for the activity because you won’t need extra protection. Moreover, sand can easily fall from the slip-ons or sandals. Another factor leading to the various types of water shoes relates to personal taste. Some people tend to pick the shoes for convenience, while others prioritise utility. The list below highlights some top choices across global consumers:
Closed-toe water shoes
On the surface, this category resembles lightweight sneakers. Yet, unlike casual sneakers, these shoes allow for fast drying. The shoes feature grippy soles to prevent slipping on slippery grounds. Besides rocky rivers or streams, you can wear the shoes when snorkelling or scuba diving. Your toes will get extra protection from the footwear.
Aqua socks
This water shoe type has thin soles; hence, it is very flexible and lightweight. Usually, this footwear is popular among swimmers and pool users. It is also commonly used along with fins. However, it isn’t ideal for long walking or rough surfaces because it doesn’t provide the utmost protection for your feet.
Water or hybrid sandals
These water shoes come with straps to secure your feet. You can take a casual walk around beach areas or go boating freely with this footwear. Its open designs allow water and air to circulate smoothly. Besides utility, these sandals offer cool styles. They can become part of your overall holiday fashion.
Slip-on water shoes
This footwear contains stretchy mesh and quick-dry materials. Thus, you can easily put it on and take it off. Usually, the shoes are common for doing various activities at the beach or pool. You can also wear the shoes for paddleboarding or for enjoying a liveaboard trip on Komodo Island. Consumers choose the footwear mostly because of its comfort, although the security level is not as good as that of lace-ups.
Convertible or hybrid water shoes
This footwear contains removable liners or convertible features. As consumers, you can make use of the features to cater to your needs. These are the elements inside the shoes:
- Adjustable coverages, such as straps and flaps
- Removable liners or inserts
- Convertible lacing/closure
- Adjustable soles or tread
Activity-specific footwear
The last category suits the specific water activity that you usually perform. For instance, if you like kayaking, wearing special water shoes for this activity is recommended. In this regard, use the shoes that have good ankle support and non-slip soles. The shoe choice will better protect your feet from boat surfaces. You will be less likely to slip off in the water, as well.
Should you wear socks inside water shoes?
No, usually you shouldn’t wear socks because the shoes are made to be worn barefoot. The design doesn’t come without purpose. One of them is preventing blisters from wet friction. If you use socks, it will take a longer time to dry the shoes. Yet, here are some conditions when using socks is recommended.
For example, in chilly water, neoprene or water socks are useful for protecting your body against the cold water, too. Those who snorkel or dive in cold rivers commonly wear these water shoes. People living in cold environments also wear socks with thermal or neoprene liners to get extra warmth.
Key points to know before buying the right shoes for you
Making the most of water shoes will offer three big benefits, which revolve around safety, comfort, and longevity. Whether buying the cheapest or the most expensive, the tips below are crucial to enhance your adventure. Besides, you won’t have to frequently change your footwear because you know how to maintain it.
Commonly, the cheapest footwear type includes slip-ons or basic aqua socks. The mid-range water shoes offer a good balance for most activities in rivers and rocky beaches. The priciest ones are often used by explorers who travel through challenging terrain. Check the tips for you!
Activity-specific function
Before anything else, select one that directly supports your activity. If you wear the wrong type, your feet will be prone to injuries. For example, choose grippy soles if you want to pass through rocky terrain or a river. Flexible shoes are more suitable for swimming or snorkelling. For paddle sports, make sure your footwear has a secure, snug fit so you won’t have to worry about slipping off.
Feet size accuracy
Your water shoes must fit your feet. Leave a little room so your feet can breathe. Avoid footwear that’s too loose because you may lose it in water. To make sure your choice fits well, put your feet inside the shoes without wearing any socks. Don’t force yourself to purchase them too soon until you find the right shoes for your feet.
Maintenance
Once you finish swimming or beach walking, rinse off saltwater, sand, or mud. Clean the shoes as soon as possible to avoid possible bacteria inside. As equally important is air-drying the footwear to prevent odour. You shouldn’t delay cleaning the shoes until you are ready for the next water adventure. The quicker, the better!
Let’s explore the beauty of Komodo National Park with Diving First!
Looking for an unforgettable marine adventure at Komodo National Park? Diving First is ready to help! Besides the rare Komodo dragon species, the park is home to amazing coral reefs and unique fish species. This tour provider is the best to assist you in making the most of the holiday moment.
The team consists of certified and professional divers and tour officers. They will give you useful information that best meets your needs, including information about water shoes. They have “insider” knowledge that you won’t find anywhere else. What are you waiting for? Plan your trip today by hitting the contact us feature on this website.