Water Sandals

A Keen Newport H2 Water Sandal, by far the best water sandal around. Read Review.

Whoever invented sandals should receive a special prize of some kind. Sandals are truly the ultimate, wear around, abuse around type shoe during the summer months. And one of the better off-shoots of sandals are the creation of water sandals.

Now, what are water sandals and how do they compare to a normal sandal you wear in the backyard, to work or on some city street somewhere? Well, thats simple. Water sandals are special sandals designed for people who will be constantly going into and then getting out of the water. As such, water sandals have different construction and features than a more typical sandal does.

Shop & Compare Water Sandals

Compare styles and prices among a wide variety of sandals. For serious use in water sports, my suggestion is to go with one of the styles from Keen. They are the BEST sandal for active water sports use.

Water Sandals for Women

Water Sandals for Men

Water Sandals for Kids

Benefits of Water Sandals

In comparison to a typical street or dress sandal, water sandals have many, many benefits for people who participate in watersports.

Traction and More Traction - Okay, that may be a bit of a stretch. But, in comparison to other sandals, a water sandal provides decent (but by no means great) traction on slippery surfaces. And in comparison to a typical sandal, water sandals are downright "sticky" in terms of traction. While you still have to be careful on slippery and wet rocks, a water sandal will provide far more traction than a typical street sandal ever could on wet, slippery surfaces.

Foot Protection - Sandals are great. Well, they're great until you stub your toe on an unseen rock below the water. Or drop something on top of your foot. Then, the problem with a typical sandal comes painfully to light - they provide virtually no foot protection! A good water sandal minimizes this nasty problem, by both providing some protection to the top of the foot as well as by providing a toe cup at the front of the sandal so you can't stub your toe on something not seen.

Durability - Water Sandals are designed with special, non-mold fabrics. As such, getting them wet isn't going to break down the fabric. This is in rather stark contrast to a typical leather sandal, which will break down quickly when constantly bombarded with immersion.

Recommended Features on Any Water Sandals You Buy

The following features should be found on any water sandal you get, no matter who makes it and where you get it from.

Toe Guard - This should be standard on any water sandal and is what seperates a true water sandal from your run-of-the-mill sandal for city/backyard use. Why do you want a toe guard? Once you smash your toe into an underwater obstruction (like a rock) or into the side of a canoe, you'll understand.

Top Foot Protection - Very few sandals, beyond those designed for limited hiking and water use, provide top of the foot protection. Protection for the top of the foot isn't as crucial as a toe guard. However, the next time you drop a paddle or something relatively sharp onto the top of your foot, you'll understand why having at least some foot protection on the top of the sandal can be a handy thing to have.

THICK Sole - Similar to a water shoe, any water sandal you get should have a thick sole. If you stick with water sandals made by Teva or Keen, you'll have no worries. The thick sole serves two functions - better traction on slippery surfaces and protection of the bottom of your foot from sharp, protuding things (such as sharp, underwater rocks).

Keen Newport H2 Water Sandal Review - The best water sandal you'll get, period.

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