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Don't let a pebble beach hold you back with our pick of the best swim socks, wetsuit booties and water shoes Super Soft Neoprene Socks
Every cold water enthusiast – from morning dippers to weekend wild swimmers – knows two things: that the benefits of open water swimming are plenty, and that with the right kit, you can avoid Baltic-level chills and stay in the water longer.
Which is why it’s worth investing in the some cold water swimming kit, from a fabulous changing robe right down to a trusty rash vest – or even a full wetsuit if you’re hardcore. And considering your extremities feel the cold first, that includes seeking out a pair of the best water shoes or swim socks. Not only will they keep your tootsies toasty while in the water, they can also protect you from sharp stones and offer grip on rocks or paddleboards.
So, whether you’re a seasoned swimmer, coasteering champ, surf and SUP babe, or just enjoy a spot of water aerobics, we’ve explained exactly what to look for dependent on your jam, and rounded up the best women's water shoes that we truly rate.
In a hurry? Here are the best water shoes and swim socks at a glance. Keep scrolling for the full list.
Also known as aqua shoes, wetsuit socks, surf booties and myriad other names, water shoes are just as the name suggests - shoes you can wear in water, and they're worth investing in for anyone who’s adventuring in or around water on the reg. That’s everyone from coastal walkers and kayakers to wild swimmers and surfers, as well as those who’ve been bitten by the aqua fitness bug. (Trust us, water shoes make aqua biking so much easier.)
The best water shoes are lightweight, protective and comfortable. Unlike sandals or pool sliders, water shoes are designed to be submerged – but they’re not typically waterproof. Instead they’ll have drainage channels to stop water slowing you down and be made from fast-drying materials.
Water shoes serve different purposes depending on which type you buy (more on that below), but the main benefits are:
Put simply, yes, you can swim in water shoes — they're designed to be worn both around and in water. That said, some will be geared more towards swimming than others. For example, swimrun or paddleboard shoes will be more structured and typically 'shoe-like' than swim socks, so won't be as streamlined in the water.
Whether you're looking for protection from the cold water, beach shoes for your summer holidays or aqua shoes that can see you through rough coastal terrain, our round-up of the best water shoes and swim socks has you covered for all your water sports and fitness needs.
Not entirely sure what you're looking for? Keep scrolling for our top tips on which type of water shoe to buy and what to consider when shopping.
Yes, these water shoes are designed for aqua fit classes, but they also offer great freedom of movement when swimming. This is not only thanks to their lightweight construction and flexibility, but also the clever drainage holes on the soles that allow water to flow freely without any drag as you kick.
They also offer great protection when using them for their intended purpose — particularly if you're jumping repeatedly on tiles or pushing down on aqua bike pedals.
These swim socks are an absolute game-changer, and we're fairly certain we have these to credit for the longest dip we've ever managed in springtime.
Made from thick 3.5mm neoprene and with a titanium lining that's said to reflect body heat, they fully cover the ankles to sit around the lower calves, because more coverage equals more warmth. But what really makes these swim socks stand out is the Velcro fastening, which means you're not reliant on wearing a wetsuit over the top to ensure a good seal.
Despite the secure fit, they're stretchy enough to get on and off without too much trouble and all seams and stitching are on the outside for superior comfort and a second-skin fit. We didn't know it was possible to love a pair of socks, but here we are.
We'll be honest — we've taken to wearing these around the house. They're that comfortable. Yes, they're fully submersible, and yes, they have great drainage and grip on slippy rocks. But they also have a contoured sole, are super light and offer great support.
They're also sturdy and durable, able to withstand everything from water sports to rock scrambles. Constructed from Bloom performance foam (made from algae biomass) they also help keep the very water we splash around in clean — major bonus points.
Available in chalk or black. Psst! The chalk in size 4 is on sale at Arket.com.
Designed specifically for water fitness classes, these flexible, fast-draining slip-ons will protect your feet from abrasive surfaces.
They're ideal for aqua biking classes thanks to the grippy soles and extra cushioning, plus if you're a fan of aqua trampoline they're ideal for boosting your bounce.
Some swim socks, while brilliant at keeping your feet warm, don’t always have the most durable soles — and if you’ve forked out on a decent pair, you’ll want to protect them once you’re back on dry (pebbly) land. That’s where these babies come in.
Fabulous Marimekko design aside, these slides have a squishy, cloud-like insole, thick platform soles to keep feet protected from pebbles and decent grip too.
Being as crazy comfortable as they are they're also a fab recovery shoe, and come in more traditional designs if you're a more minimalist gal.
If your swim socks are particularly thick it might be worth sizing up — particularly if you're between sizes.
These extra-comfortable aqua shoes have adjustable straps for a supportive fit, however active you are on the water. A light mesh upper and gripped sole will stop slips in their tracks when you're snorkelling, diving and upping your cardio in the wet stuff.
Also available in peacock blue.
Known for technical trainers and trail runners with a healthy dose of style, Salomon has absolutely nailed it with this amphibious aqua shoe. It performs as well in the water as out, with quick-drying materials, a grippy and durable sole and cushioned midsole for sneaker-like comfort.
The uppers feature a reinforced protective toe cap, while clever anti-debris mesh keeps small stones and dirt at bay. Plus, they feature Salomon's signature one-pull fastening to ensure a great fit. Ideal for summer trekking and wet and wild adventures.
These 2.5mm neoprene swim socks are ideal if you're just starting out wild swimming and want to get kitted out without breaking the bank.
They have exterior stitching and flatlock seams for comfort, are easy to take on and off and we loved the snug, foot-hugging fit. The mesh sole makes for drag-free swimming but is not the most durable, so you will need to step into a pair of sliders when you leave the water if you're on rocky terrain.
And remember, neoprene does loosen once wet so don't be tempted to size up.
A hybrid shoe/sandal (known as a 'shandal'), these water shoes from outdoor performance footwear specialist Keen are comfortable, versatile and ideal for going from wet to dry conditions.
The chunky sole is delightfully bouncy and features a clever anti-slip pattern for excellent grip, even on seaweed-strewn rocks, and recycled plastic webbing alongside large vents aids breathability as well as water drainage.
A rubber toe cap offers protection and the bungee fastening makes these shoes easily adjustable for the perfect fit. However, they're a tad on the narrow side, so if you're a wide-footed gal, it's best to avoid.
These truly comfortable babies are essentially a hiking trainer/water shoe hybrid, and we are here for it.
Designed to withstand mud, debris and anything else you might encounter on the trail, they offer brilliant grip thanks to the honeycomb-pattern lugs, all while feeling like a lightweight, breathable trainer.
The woven upper includes toggle fastenings so you can ensure a good fit (although size up if you're between sizes), with a pull tab on the tongue and wide, comfortable construction.
Also available in versatile black.
Surf boots can be pricey, but these 3mm booties from Decathlon are great value — they're durable, with a non-slip, thin rubber sole (ideal for board contact) and have watertight seams.
While they're thin and fairly flexible, this is more as a means to allow good grip on the board and they do have more substantial soles than swim socks, so they're not ideal for swimming — at least not for prolonged periods. But they're fabulous on the board, and work well tucked into wetsuits.
Like the Zone3 socks, these neoprene swimming socks from HUUB have an adjustable velcro closure for a snug fit and to stop excess water entering.
The neoprene keeps you cosy and the split-toe design helps them stay in place (and makes wearing them with flip flops a hell of a lot easier), but the sole isn't as grippy as some other swim socks.
Given these look like a shoe-shaped cage attached to a sole, it should come as no surprise that these aqua shoes from minimalist footwear brand Vivobarefoot are incredibly light.
They're also super comfortable, easy to get on and off even when wet, and made from algae blooms (hence the name). The honeycomb design offers great drainage, they're buoyant in the water, and like all the brand's shoes they're flexible with a puncture-resistant thin sole, allowing a more natural feel as you swim/walk/run.
Available in black and chic light grey.
While these are called 'surf sock boots' we actually found them to be a great wild swimming companion. The 3mm neoprene saw off the dreaded blue toes and made for an all-round much more comfortable swim.
The fit is snug to the point that our feet actually stayed pretty dry (Decathlon says they're waterproof but we'd always take that with a pinch of salt), and the soles are grippy but very thin, so bear that in mind if you're on anything other than a sandy beach.
If you're more rock-scrambler than wild swimmer, then these are the water shoes for you. The soles offer reassuringly deep lugs and are made from 'Vibram Megagrip,' which, in case it doesn't sound convincing enough, is a durable rubber compound designed to offer unparalleled traction on wet and dry terrain.
An elastic cord means you can adjust the fit, pulling them tighter when in water, and a sturdy toe bumper keeps you protected on rocky outcrops.
Because they offer a tad more coverage than some water shoes they don't drain quite as efficiently, but we didn't find this annoying, and they're easy to rinse out should any sand get lodged inside.
Boost your speed and freedom of movement with these varied terrain swim-run shoes. They were developed with swimrun athletes (no biggie) and as such come with a host of cool features like hydrodynamic lacing, super light construction and off-trail lug design for superior traction.
They drain and dry quickly, plus the insole is made from algae biomass rather than plastic foam — eco points galore.
We already love Salomon trail running shoes and these fit the bill for all our watery adventures. That's right – these sturdy swim shoes work for aqua sports and wet surface running.
They're lightweight, quick-drying and insanely comfortable. Summer fun, here we come.
Water shoes vary from trainer or sandal-style vented footwear to slick wetsuit socks that look like the covers you put over golf clubs. Which type you need will depend on your water activity of choice. The three main types are:
Also called aqua shoes, these often resemble lightweight, sporty trainers, technical sandals or flat, closed-toe slippers and should offer good grip and protection, with tough rubber soles. Some might also have bungee fastenings or Velcro to ensure a snug fit. Ideal for water sports and fitness, coastal walkers, surfers, paddleboarders, beach-goers and light swimming. They should be lightweight and quick-drying.
If cold water swimming’s your bag you need a pair of swim or wetsuit socks. They’re often made from neoprene, which traps a layer of water between your skin and the sock and is heated up by your body to help insulate your feet. Good neoprene socks will allow you to swim normally and will offer decent protection against abrasive surfaces and some have grippy soles too – but make sure they’re flexible. Bear in mind that the fit should be snug, as neoprene stretches a bit when wet. You can tuck swim socks into a wetsuit, or if you’re going without make sure they have a good seal around the ankle.
Also known as surf booties or surf socks, surf boots tend to have a more structured sole than swim socks and are better suited to gripping a board than swimming as they can cause unnecessary drag. Ideally they’ll reach up to your shins. If you’re catching waves on a pebble beach, make sure the soles are thick enough to avoid the wince dance down to the sea.
Whatever your water pursuit, your water shoes should be lightweight, quick-drying and offer at least basic protection from stones underfoot. After that, the features you’ll find most helpful will depend on how you best enjoy spending time on the water.
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