How to Buy Water Shoes

Water shoes are a must for many hikers if you're going to be hiking on beaches, or across rivers and streams. They're also great for white-water rafters or people who enjoy swimming in the ocean or beneath water falls. Water shoes protect your feet from sharp rocks and pebbles.

Instructions

1. Consider purchasing water shoes you can wear through the entire hike. Many people have water shoes they put on and take off, but to eliminate an extra step, high quality water shoes will double as hiking shoes.

2. Think about purchasing a water shoe that gives you great arch support.

3. Look at the treads at the bottom of the water shoes. If you're walking on slippery and sharp rocks, you want the bottom of the shoes to protect your feet and give you good traction.

4. Choose water shoes made from mesh so the water drains out. You don't want to hike with water in your shoes and you don't want to have to take your shoes off to drain the water out. You could also purchase water shoes that double as sandals.

5. Try on your shoes before purchasing. The best time to purchase shoes is late in the day when feet are a little swollen. You want water shoes that will give your toes wiggle room, but not so big they'll cause blisters. In general, the more expensive a water shoe is, the better quality it is.

6. Make sure you can slip your water shoes off and on easily if you plan to change shoes during your hike.