Designed with the same balanced geometry as the Loyak and all Astral footwear, Donner Hemp trainers also provide a natural foot positioning and a supremely comfortable fit. While they too have a 1mm drop, their soles are chunkier and raised higher from the ground, with 4mm divided lugs and a sole made from AGRO G® Rubber which provides even greater abrasion resistance and grip. If you’re looking for a casual trail-to-town shoe with an exceptionally comfortable fit and stylish look, the Hemp Loyak trainer is an excellent choice. We performed more than 15 individual assessments on each shoe. During testing, the comfort and traction tests were the two most important metrics, each corresponding to 25% of the overall weighted score. Throughout testing, we kept in mind what paddlers, canyoneers, and water-loving folks like about their shoes, often asking friends for their thoughts on the variety of water shoes.

An all-around shoe with great drainage, versatility, and stability ready for boats of all kinds and brewery-ready aesthetics, to boot Note from the Editor: On November 3, 2023, we added videos to highlight our hands-on testing and included new recommendations for each award winner. Related: Best Water Shoes for Men We don't rate shoes on style, but using the Loyaks for months both on and off the water has convinced us that it might be worth calling out these shoes as notable for their looks. Our testers frequently get compliments about these shoes, and their good looks make them especially versatile. For the price, you get not only a great water shoe but a shoe that fits in at the bar and even at work. Sensitivity These unisex sandals come in neutral colors that match almost any outfit. Just note that the brand recommends sizing down if you usually wear a half size, meaning they may run big. Our water shoe testing uses six different metrics with the following percentage weightings of the overall score:Upper Material: 77% Hemp / 23% recycled polyester with welded reinforcements on the heel, eyestays and toes. For sandals that can help you navigate the beach with ease, we like these Chacos. They combine comfort, functionality, and style, whether you’re strolling leisurely down the sand or hiking a new shoreline. And we love that they’ve received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning a group of podiatrists has determined that they promote good foot health.

We performed more than 15 individual assessments on each pair during testing. The most critical metrics we assessed were comfort and traction, together equalling 50% of the total weighted score. We wore them on short canyoneering adventures, strode around sandy beaches, waded through shallow creeks, navigated mossy shorelines, and scrambled about an 18-foot rubber gear boat. We were on the water on days with weather ranging from 80°F and sunny to 25°F mornings with icy put-ins. We sought out the opinions of fellow water enthusiasts about what is important to them in their water shoes and kept these points in mind as we evaluated our lineup side-by-side.

The molded footbed offers good arch support, while texture inside the shoe and on the outsole provides stability and traction as you walk. Drainage holes on top of the upper allow air to circulate to keep your feet cool and enable water to flow in and out of the clogs freely. There are dozens of colors to choose from, but we also love that you can add Crocs’ shoe charms (called Jibbitz) for a fun, personalized touch. Seeking out a protective water shoe? Over the last four years, we've tested over 17 options of the top men's water shoes and women's water shoes, selecting a few top contenders that stand out among the rest. A desire to keep your feet protected during long days on the water is a need we understand. We used over 15 comparative tests to assess comfort, traction, warmth, versatility, sensitivity, and durability in the field. We wore different shoes on each foot to see how the performance compared while swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and canyoneering. After purchasing each pair, we have gathered the necessary details and data to help you find the best water shoe for your adventures. Astral shoes are designed with balanced geometry that enables the most natural positioning for your foot, as similar as possible to going barefoot. With a 1mm drop, the footbeds on the Hemp Loyak trainers are almost level and feature an extra wide forefoot that enables your feet and toes to spread out for extra balance and comfort.