Travel

10 Waterproof Sandals for Every Summer Adventure

The flowers are finally blooming. The winter coats are being stowed away for their hibernation and your summertime wardrobe is ready for a refresh—and that includes your footwear.

Whether you’re booking a beach vacation, looking to lounge poolside, finally taking that river cruise, or are one of those adventurous spirits planning to spend your summer hopping creeks and riverbeds, your feet deserve to stay dry. Finding the right waterproof sandal is key, where quick-drying materials, durability, and customized comfort reign supreme. The best pairs strike a balance between performance and design, equally suited to keep you dry after spontaneous swims while also providing the right support. And dare we say maybe even a little style is mixed in too?

To help you find your new go-to pair, we’re sharing our picks of the best waterproof sandals below. Go book that pedicure and get ready to have the best summer ever—at least for your feet.

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What we considered:

How we selected the best waterproof sandals

To recommend the best waterproof sandals, we compiled a mix of favorites our editors have been wearing for years and stand-out bestsellers from brands we trust. Each editor-tested sandal has been evaluated for traction when wet, how long it took to dry, and overall comfort and durability. Many waterproof sandals that are highly rated online also meet our criteria, boasting a surplus of positive reviews, technical features, and durable materials. We also made sure to feature a range of options, from adventure-ready styles suited for a variety of terrains to classic poolside sandals.

How we define “waterproof”

The waterproof sandals below are specifically designed to handle water, whether you’re poolside or in a rainy city. Our picks, which are almost all open-toed shoes, are made with materials that are impermeable to water, meaning they repel droplets instead of soaking through to the inside. All sandals also feature rust-proof hardware and prioritize quick-drying materials.

Best for outdoor adventures

Teva

Hydratrek water sandal

When you want a shoe that can go full-throttle adventure in wet environments, nobody does it better than Teva. The brand’s Hydratrek sandal has a unique tread design that maximizes surface area contact to help you grip while also featuring a textured sole for boosted stability. Comfort is also a top priority, and their quick-drying straps have three points of adjustability so you can find the perfect custom fit. Plus, Teva’s renowned durability makes these shoes a worthwhile purchase for many wet ’n’ wild adventures to come.

Pros

  • Quick-drying
  • Adjustable straps
  • Recycled materials

Cons

  • Hard to clean
  • Less versatile for day to night
Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, and Sandal

Chaco

Z/1 Rapid Pro adjustable strap classic sandal

Proudly touting a “grip so good, it’s best served on the rocks,” the Z/1 Rapid Pro sandal is for the adventure traveler looking to chase waterfalls and traverse coastal cliffs. This waterproof sandal features Chaco’s signature Luvseat contoured footbed, leaving your feet—and those arches—supported for long-wear comfort. Plus, when you purchase this sandal, you get it for life. As part of the brand’s commitment to sustainability, you can send in your shoes to have them resoled and restrapped so they can live on to conquer yet another water adventure.

Pros

  • Quick-drying
  • Strong grip
  • Arch support
  • Eligible for Chaco’s sandal repair program

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Fussier strap system
Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, and Sandal

Nike

Men’s ACG Air Deschutz+ sandal

For the throwback lovers, these ’90s-inspired sandals are an excellent choice for rugged and wet terrains. The iconic Nike Air in the heel provides long-lasting comfort, and the shoe’s quick-drying material ensures you can tackle a full day outdoors—whether that’s ambling through shallow streams or strolling the beach.

Pros

  • Quick-drying
  • Adjustable
  • Durable

Cons

  • Only available in black
  • Only available in men’s sizes

Best for daytime activities

Birkenstock

Arizona Essentials sandals

We can’t talk about the best waterproof sandals without mentioning Birkenstock’s Arizona Essentials EVA. The water-friendly version of its best-selling sandal, this lightweight powerhouse features two adjustable buckle straps and a contoured footbed for all-day support. Plus, its classic style and 12 different color options make it a great transition staple to take you from daytime water activities to summer nights out on the town with ease.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Adjustable straps
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • No heel strap for added stability

Stylish and functional? Yes, please! With braiding details that will keep you looking chic poolside and water-friendly materials that whisk droplets away, your summer just leveled up. The adjustable heel strap and EVA compression-molded footbed keeps your feet supported from day to night, and its lightweight material makes it the perfect shoe to pack for beach vacations or cruises. Reef’s Water Vista sandal comes recommended by commerce editor Meaghan Kenny, who even wore them on a rainy day sightseeing in London. “I didn’t have to worry about my sandals getting soaked and I walked around all afternoon blister-free,” says Kenny. “Plus, they don’t really look like waterproof sandals—I was able to wear them with a cute dress.”

Pros

  • PVC-free materials
  • Numerous colorways
  • Day-to-night versatility

Cons

  • Limited adjustability
  • Hard to clean
Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, and Sandal

Salt Water

Salt Water Classic sandal

Featuring water-friendly genuine leather, rust-proof brass buckles, and hand-stitched craftsmanship, these Salt Water sandals deliver on style while keeping you dry all summer long. Its classic design makes it a smart sandal to pack as it can be worn lounging by the resort pool or paired with a summer maxi dress for a shopping excursion. But good luck choosing a color—with nine different color options available, including rose gold and classic red, you might just need to grab two pairs.

Pros

  • Water-friendly genuine leather
  • Adjustable back and toe straps
  • Numerous colorways

Cons

  • Thinner sole
  • Tricky sizing

Best for the beach

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, and Sandal

Olukai

La‘i T–Bar beach sandal

If you thought waterproof sandals couldn’t be cute, then you haven’t seen this strappy beach sandal from OluKai. Boasting a gorgeous tortoiseshell buckle with a barely-there elevated heel, the La‘i T–Bar allows you to tackle slippery surfaces with ease thanks to the outsole’s Wet Grip Rubber traction that’s designed to mimic the ocean waves. Its soft heel strap and cushioned footbed leave your feet feeling comfy regardless of how long you wear them, which is an excellent perk as this shoe can easily carry you from day to night. If you still need another reason to add this waterproof sandal to your cart, a portion of your purchase will go directly towards supporting the Ama OluKai Foundation, a nonprofit committed to preserving Hawaiian culture.

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Day-to-night versatility

Cons

  • Limited adjustability
  • Limited colorways
Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, and Sandal

Xero Shoes

Aqua Cloud activity sandal

For a lightweight option, the Aqua Cloud flip-flop-style sandal is the ideal beach day companion. Its flexible sole features grippy traction that allows you to easily transition from waves to towel all while feeling like you’re walking on clouds thanks to the foam layer that spans the entire length of the sandal. Another perk? The shoes float, so you can easily recover them should too much fun be had.

Pros

  • Buoyant
  • Flexible
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Thinner sole
  • Particular lacing system
Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, Shoe, Sandal, and Sneaker

If Mary Janes morphed into a breathable adventure sandal, you would get the Maya. With EVA insoles that provide extra support and a flexible outsole featuring prime traction, these adorable, gorpcore flats keep you ready for all in-and-out-of-water needs. You’ll also be prioritizing your feet for the long haul as the Maya style has been accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), which recognizes shoes that promote good foot health.

Pros

  • Quick-drying
  • Awarded by the APMA

Cons

  • Limited adjustability
  • Limited colorways
Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, Sandal, and Shoe

Teva

ApreAqua closed-toe water sandal

A statement choice—especially in the tawny orange color—this closed-toe water shoe was designed to be buoyant and quick-drying, making it a summertime staple. The adjustable heel strap keeps the shoe securely in place, allowing you to tackle ocean waves or a rowdy pool party. It’s also made with durable recycled materials, ensuring you’ll have these water-friendly shoes for many summers to come.

Pros

  • Buoyant
  • Durable
  • Made with recycled materials

Cons

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