20 best waterproof sandals, according to experts

I’ve taken several beach trips with these adorable Tevas in tow, and they enhance the quality of my travels exponentially. Not only can they fully submerge in water without staying wet, but they feel light enough on my feet to walk in for hours. I rave about them to anyone who will listen.

“I’m a big fan of Teva sandals for any outdoor excursion, but for a truly waterproof option, I love the Hurricane Drift,” says Kristine Thomason, a Long Beach-based health and lifestyle journalist and certified personal trainer. “These ultra-lightweight sandals are literally designed for aquatic activities, and stay secure as you wade through water (they even float, which can certainly come in handy!).”

Forget those heavy Birkenstocks that take years to break in and stay wet at the mere sight of rain. This summer calls for their waterproof cousins. “They’re lightweight, super comfortable, good for being on the beach and in the water and very easy to clean,” says Haley Grumet, a flight attendant and frequent traveler.

"I’ve had the same pair of Chacos for nine years," says Underscored associate beauty editor Sophie Shaw. "They’ve taken me on hikes, beach walks, city strolls and more, across the world. They’re sturdy, comfortable, waterproof and easy to clean. During the summertime, they’re my go-to activity sandals. The straps can take some time to adjust to your perfect fit, but once they do, your feet will be supported and ready for any terrain."

“Admittedly, I bought these because I thought the style was cool, but when I realized they were also a practical purchase, my pending buyer’s remorse disappeared,” Maguire says. “Merrell’s Bravada Cord Wrap Sandals are great pool or beach day sandals that can withstand plenty of splashing. Because of my foot sweating problem, slip-ons and slides are not really options for me, and these securely fastened sandals keep me stable while the moisture-absorbing footbed keeps me comfortable all day long when hiking in the heat.”

“I can’t go through summer without a few pairs of Teva sandals,” says Vanessa Powell, a Santa Monica-based fashion stylist and outdoors enthusiast. “Whether I’m biking to the beach, going for an easy hike or on my feet all day styling a photo shoot, these Tevas are my go-to footwear. I’ll use the Zymics more for support [and they] feel like a cushy sandal/sneaker hybrid that energizes my steps and supports my tread. Plus, they come in a ton of cute color combos, making functional footwear feel cool and fresh.”

If they’re good enough for a podiatrist, they’re good enough for us beach bums. “I love Freedom Moses,” says Ashley Mosseri, a Georgia-based podiatrist and beach lover. “They’re not expensive and super comfy. They’re definitely more supportive than your average Old Navy flip-flop with their arch support and straps. They also come in a lot of fun colors and patterns!”

For water-friendly sandals you can dress up or down, these Nisolos featuring comfortably thick straps are a great bet. “I really love the water-resistant Nisolo Go-To Flatform Sandal for beach days, dune hikes and biking on the boardwalk,” says Silvie Snow-Thomas, a public relations executive and frequent hiker.

These bright and bold slides are a modern take on Crocs with their perforated details and easy-on-and-off roomy fit. “Never in a million years did I think I’d start wearing perforated foam shoes, but I not only wear the Merrell Hydro Mocs regularly, I wear them in neon-pastel Pomelo yellow, so everyone who sees me walking along the beach knows that I have evolved in a profound way since my caring-too-much twenties and thirties,” says Marci Robin Zitner, a Florida-based writer and editor.

For an affordable take on a popular silhouette, opt for these highly rated Target slides available in both solid hues and funky patterns. “I bought them on day one of my Florida trip and haven’t taken them off since,” says Sara Goldberg, a frequent pool-goer.

"We love dainty summery sandals that are far more durable than they look. “Birks are back in style (as if they ever left!), and this is one of the brand’s most popular waterproof options,” says Amanda Oliver, author, former librarian and avid outdoorswoman. “They’re equal parts stylish and functional, and as appropriate for a Saturday beach day as they are for Sunday morning brunch.”

For a pair of slides, these Nikes do not slide off my feet. They boast a supportive contoured footbed akin to that of women’s shoes, making them super comfortable for both long walks on the beach and around the house. I find a way to wear them every day whether it’s summer or winter. And they also come in a men’s style.

Fusing two popular style and fashion trends — the cloudlike sole and the Birkenstock-like adjustable strap — these Cushionaire slides with more than 9,000 Amazon reviews feature everything you could ever want in waterproof sandals. They’ve got a flexible sole and upper for all-day comfort and a 1.75-inch platform for a subtle lift, and they come in more than 20 stunning colorways from blush to bright blue.

You can’t go wrong with sandals that stay put and look fashionable with their rustproof brass details and genuine leather straps. “They basically just don’t get wet and won’t slip off in the sand because of the ankle strap,” says Elizabeth Weinberg, a Los Angeles-based photographer and frequent beachgoer.

These water-resistant Reef sandals feature a stylish platform and ankle straps so they won’t slip off. Plus, they’re made of lightweight material that is comfortable to move in at the beach or the park.

“OluKai sandals have been my favorite flip-flop for over a decade,” says Elizabeth Sneed, a surfer. “The Ohana shoe is the perfect choice for water people and beachgoers. They’re water-resistant sandals that feel incredibly comfortable on the foot with a noticeably soft nylon sole, which is also great for traction once they’re wet. They also provide arch support. I easily keep each of my OluKai sandals for over five years because of their comfort, quality and versatility.”

“Crocs are a rock climber’s best friend,” says Underscored associate writer Maxwell Shukuya. “Whether I’m wearing them in the sauna and showers at the gym or while belaying at the crag, they’re super comfortable and easy to slip on and off.”

Teva sandals have become synonymous with weathering wet terrain, and thankfully, these durable hook-and-loop sandals allow you to do it in style. “For me, Teva is the alpha and omega of outdoor performance sandals,” says Todd Plummer, a writer, avid traveler and outdoors enthusiast. “The key is to find a sole that has a comfortable foam footbed, but also a rugged rubber outsole so you can walk in even the slipperiest environments with confidence.”

For a lifeguard-approved pair of flip-flops that won’t slip off your feet when you’re running around (or, you know, saving lives), look no further than OluKai. “They have great traction, and their name translates to ‘hurry, be quick and swift,’” says Charlie Ou Yang, a senior lifeguard contractor. “They’re designed specifically for lifeguards.”

“After getting into kayaking last summer, I absolutely adore my Tevas,” says Underscored outdoors editor Kai Burkhardt. “I got the basic sandals, which don't offer a ton of support, but they’re super light and packable, comfortable and, most importantly, actually stay on my feet when I’m swimming or wading through the mud to get to shore.”