The 18 Best Waterproof Sandals to Buy This Summer
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Footwear News may receive an affiliate commission.
Among one’s collection of cute sandals to break out come summertime, having a waterproof pair in the mix is essential. One of the best ways to keep shoes in tip-top shape is to wear the right pair for the right occasion. That might mean leaving your favorite luxury pair at home when hitting the outdoors or even just lounging by the pool.
More from Footwear News
Martha Stewart Lands Another Shoe Gig as a Skechers Ambassador
Gigi Hadid Revives the Socks With Sandals Trend With Birkenstock x Valentino Slides
Running Industry Experts Reveal the Greatest Opportunities for Companies in the Market Today
Whether you’re looking for a solid hiking sandal or orthopedic style to ditch your sneakers for in the warmer months, waterproof sandals will support you in all kinds of environments and conditions.
There are completely waterproof rubber pairs that make the perfect poolside accessories or sturdier, water-repellent leather styles for when you’re in need of comfortable walking sandals. Brands like Teva often use a combination of nylon and polyester fabrics thanks to their durable and quick-drying abilities, paired with a rubber outsole for traction. “These materials just hold up better than others if you’re going to be walking on a beach or actually wearing the shoes in the pool or ocean,” says pedorthist Michael Fishkin of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists.
How to find the best waterproof sandals
In addition to seeking out pairs with the aforementioned materials, Fishkin says there are several key features to look for in your next waterproof sandals.
For any amount of serious walking, look for options with a back strap, which he explains “contains the foot” to keep toes from gripping and tendons and muscles from straining. If you plan to be hiking or trekking, he specifically recommends styles from Newport, as they “have nice toe protection,” he says. And for less strenuous activities, like lounging by the pool or beach, you may want to turn to a supportive slide or flip-flop.
No matter what activity you’ll be using them for, Fishkin advises skipping sandals with a completely flat sole. Instead, choose options — such as any pairs from Birkenstock — that have a heel cup, arch support, underfoot cushioning and plenty of room in the toe.
The best waterproof sandals for men and women on our list take comfort and foot support into consideration, offering varying silhouettes and features. They include sandals for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis and bunions, meaning there’s a stylish but practical option for everyone.
Crocs Unisex Classic Slide Sandals
Best Waterproof Slide Sandals
Crocs unisex Classic slide sandals are perfect for summer activities. Available in dozens of colors, they’re lightweight, easy to slide on at a second’s notice and boast a flexible EVA footbed with anatomic support. Plus, they include a perforated upper that you can customize with different charms to personalize your look.
Image courtesy of Amazon
Buy:
Crocs Unisex Classic Slide Sandals
$12-$71
Birkenstock Honolulu Flip-Flops
Best Waterproof Flip-Flops
Not your average pair of thong sandals, Birkenstock’s Honolulu flip-flop includes the brand’s signature contoured footbed with a deep heel cup and arch support, so you can avoid any aches and pains down the road. It also has a a waterproof rubber outsole to keep feet stable and dry while you hit the pool or beach. These come in several different hues, including classic black and white.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Buy:
Birkenstock Men's Honolulu Flip-Flops
$40
Buy:
Birkenstock Women's Honolulu Flip-Flops
$40
Keen Newport H2 Sandals
Best Waterproof Hiking Sandals
Keen’s Newport H2 sandals are pedorthist- and podiatrist-recommended for providing superior foot support during athletic warm-weather activities. The signature bumper design offers toe protection for serious hiking and trekking, while the outsole’s multi-directional lugs help you grip slippery surfaces. A quick-dry lining and arch support means you’ll stay comfortable in these for miles.
Courtesy of Amazon
Buy:
Keen Men’s Newport H2 Sandals
$83-$285
Buy:
Keen Women's Newport H2 Sandals
$75-$275
Skechers Men’s D’Lux Walker River Sandals
Skechers’ D’Lux Walker River sandal is an ultra-comfortable summer sandal for men. The waterproof style has a grippy traction outsole and memory foam footbed that cushions your every step. Plus, it’s machine washable for an easy refresh.
Courtesy of DSW
Buy:
Skechers Men's D'Lux Walker River Sandals
$55
Olukai Tuahine Flip-Flops
Best Waterproof Sandals With Arch Support
For a slightly elevated take on the the classic flip-flop, reach for Olukai’s Tuahine style. The staple silhouette for men is crafted from premium water-resistant leather with a gripped rubber sole and comfy arch support footbed. Available in classic natural colors, this timeless style pairs seamlessly with shorts or trousers.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Buy:
Olukai Tuahine Flip-Flops
$89-$100
Reef Women’s Water Vista Sandals
With these water-resistant Reef sandals for women, life is about as low maintenance as it can get. Take a walk on the beach in these, then simply rinse off the sand and head out to dinner. They’re equipped with an EVA molded footbed and outsole that’s durable enough to handle different terrains. The back strap is also completely adjustable with Velcro.
Courtesy of Amazon
Buy:
Reef Women’s Water Vista Sandals
$33-$99
Jousen Men’s Leather Sandals
Best Waterproof Leather Sandals
Jousen’s men’s leather sandals provide a comfortable, frictionless ride for walking all day, whether on the beach or in the city. They feature a high-quality soft leather outer and rubber sole for traction. The fit is completely adjustable to support your specific anatomy, while arch support and memory foam cushioning further help keep feet happy.
Courtesy of Amazon
Buy:
Jousen Men's Leather Sandals
$36-$43
Teva Hurricane Drift Sandals
Made with injection-molded EVA, these Teva sandals are just as lightweight as the average flip-flop but offer much more security thanks to supportive straps at the heel, midfoot and vamp. Don’t worry if you lose them in the lake; they’re so light, they’ll float to the surface.
Courtesy of Amazon
Buy:
Teva Men's Hurricane Drift Sandals
$30-$97
Buy:
Teva Women's Hurricane Drift Sandals
$22-$101
Kenneth Cole New York Women’s Mello Slide Sandals
Lots of cushioning make these Kenneth Cole slide sandals a comfortable waterproof shoe for lounging. They’re lightweight with a cushioned, contoured footbed and subtle platform that adds a bit of height to your ensemble. Wear these for errands around town or your next beach day.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Buy:
Kenneth Cole Mello Sandals
$17-$85
Reef One Slides
Reef’s One slide is the perfect lightweight summer sandal for men and women. Earning top reviews on Amazon, it’s been dubbed by customers as “very comfortable,” even for hours of walking and standing. These feature moderate arch support and a contoured EVA footbed. They have a washable, waterproof design and padded strap to prevent chafing.
Courtesy of Zappos
Buy:
Reef Men's One Slides
$21-$72
Buy:
Reef Women’s One Slides
$22-$72
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials Sandals
Best Rubber Waterproof Sandals
The classic Birkenstock Arizona sandals you know and love now come in a waterproof version. Made from 100% rubber, the style retains signature support details like a contoured footbed for even weight distribution as well as a deep heel cup and raised toe bar to help feet stay in place. There’s lots of toe room for comfort. Choose from a bunch of fun colors and patterns.
Courtesy of Amazon
Buy:
Birkenstock Men’s Arizona Essentials Sandals
$49
Buy:
Birkenstock Women’s Arizona Essentials
$49
Megnya Women’s Walking Sandals
Megnya women’s walking sandals are the perfect vacation shoes, offering a great balance of comfort and style. The lightweight pair is ideal to wear while wading at the beach or even during water sports, complete with EVA cushioning, arch support and a durable rubber outsole.
Courtesy of Amazon
Buy:
Megnya Women's Walking Sandals
$30-$40
Dunham St. Johnsbury Sandals
Best Convertible Waterproof Sandals
Looking for an excellent men’s walking sandal that will also keep your feet dry? Enter: Dunham’s St. Johnsbury style. Available in four different widths, these sandals have waterproof, full grain leather straps that are padded and adjustable for the utmost comfort. The memory foam footbed is plush but removable so you can insert custom orthotics if needed. And on top of all that, this pair doubles as a slide when you remove the back strap.
Courtesy of Zappos
Buy:
Dunham St. Johnsbury Sandals
$109-$182
Crocs Women’s Kadee II Sandals
If chunky sandals aren’t for you, try Crocs’ Kadee II. Available in tons of colors and patterns, they offer a supportive footbed but slim straps for a more sophisticated take on the waterproof sandal. And water-friendly they are, complete with channels meant to divert water. These will be your summer go-to sandals for lake days, barbecues and brunches.
Courtesy of Amazon
Buy:
Crocs Women's Kadee II Sandals
$14-$68
Skechers Women’s GoWalk Arch Fit Weekender Slide Sandals
Shoppers give Skechers’ GoWalk Arch Fit Weekender slide sandals high marks for comfort. They have a podiatrist-certified Arch Fit footbed with ergonomic support, lots of cushioning and a quick-dry mesh upper. Whether you’re running errands or going to lunch, let these be your go-to slip-on sandals.
Courtesy of Zappos
Buy:
Skechers GoWalk Arch Fit Weekender Sandals
$60
Dream Pairs Outdoor Sandals
Most Durable Waterproof Walking Sandals
Dream Pairs’ outdoor sandals have racked up thousands of positive Amazon reviews, with customers saying “they dry quickly” and are ideal to wear on daily walks. A soft EVA cushioned footbed is perfect for all-day support and a covered toe means these are a great hiking pick. The back strap is adjustable so you can achieve your preferred fit. All in all, these are an ideal budget option for summer activities.
Courtesy of Amazon
Buy:
Dream Pairs Men's Outdoor Sandals
$31-$48
Buy:
Dream Pairs Women's Outdoor Sandals
$40-$49
Teva Women’s Verra Sandals
Best Waterproof Sandals for Walking
Teva women’s Verra sandal is made from recycled polyester webbing that’s eco-friendly and dries quickly. The rubber sole is great for trekking through wet and dry surfaces with plenty of traction, while the anatomically designed footbed has arch support for a comfortable all-day fit. Adjustable straps keep your feet securely in place and a heel pad offers extra shock absorption.
Courtesy of Amazon
Buy:
Teva Women's Verra Sandal
$59-$155
Tory Burch Women’s Studded Jelly Sandals
Cute Waterproof Sandals
Say hello to your new favorite chic summer slide. Tory Burch’s studded jelly sandal will take you from an outdoor dinner to a pool party with ease. The non-slip outsole is paired with a PVC upper featuring metal double-T studs. These thin, lightweight slippers are perfect for stowing in a weekend bag or carry-on for your next getaway.
Courtesy of Zappos
Buy:
Tory Burch Studded Jelly Sandals
$128
Best of Footwear News
Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.