▷ Why wear water shoes ?
When walking in dark or murky water, sometimes it's best not to know exactly what's under your feet. The only thing you need to know is that your toes are well protected from what's underneath. This is where having a good pair of water shoes is essential !
The right pair of water shoes (also known as beach shoes, aqua shoes or aquashoes) will give you the freedom to go where you want, whether hiking in the creeks, rafting on the Doron in Savoie, canoeing on the Ardèche or in the Tarn gorges or simply lying on a beach on the Cote d'Azur in reading your favorite novel.
As we will see, there are several "musts" to consider when buying your next pair of water shoes: your water shoes should be easy to clean, quick to dry and provide the traction you need for your activity.And of course, your shoes should look good too !
What you wear on your feet is very personal. Just like other types of footwear, water shoes should appeal to the heart as well as the senses. You want to feel good about your water shoes and be able to use them even if you don't plan on getting wet.
We want you to consider the following BEFORE purchasing your next pair of water shoes :
Quality of water shoes at entry and exit
Most modern water shoes are made with traditional and synthetic materials. When you're hiking on mountain trails that zigzag through rivers or streams, you need a pair of breathable water shoes that provide ventilation for your feet and a capable outsole. to absorb all the shocks. Conversely, when you're in the pool or the ocean, you'll appreciate the lightweight materials that allow you to move effortlessly underwater.
What a Whatever the terrain, all water shoes should share one common trait: Water shoe materials should drain quickly and not absorb water. Shoes that retain water will remain wet longer. We ran dry time tests and found that some materials actually take 3-4 days to dry.
Shocked? We were too. That's way too long for a high quality water shoe (or any shoe for that matter). Drying times that extend over several days create a moist environment that facilitates the growth of yeast and bacteria. Inevitably, mold forms, which contributes to stinky shoes and feet, as well as the risk of foot fungus ! Yuck !
When looking for your next pair of water shoes, carefully examine the materials used by the manufacturers. We did a lot of testing to make sure the materials we use ventilate and dry quickly. Plus, our lightweight water shoes protect your feet without weighing you down.
Coming back to comfort in your aquashoes
Most water shoes don't have the extra padding you'll find in regular dress shoes. However, a good pair of water shoes won't require you to compromise between function and comfort. A well-designed pair of water shoes will give you the comfort you need, from the sole to the upper materials so you can focus on your water activities.
At Aquashoes, we select our water shoes and sandals "bottom up" and always use high quality outsoles to ensure you sufficient support and comfort, without sacrificing the weight you need for your water sports Our water shoes have high quality rubber soles and an extremely durable construction, making them excellent for river treks or your next water lesson. 'water aerobics.
The key to a good fit for water shoes is that they should fit snugly but not so tight that they become uncomfortable to wear. The right fit ensures that your shoes will stay on your feet in the roughest waves and won't float off! The binding around your ankles should keep your feet engaged in the water shoe, reducing the degree of slippage of your foot when wet.
As mentioned above, the best water shoes should be light and airy. Our customers often tell us that they feel like they're out of shoes when they wear our models. Maybe we should also start making underwear ?
Fluidity even with the humidity of your water shoe !
Anyone who's ever taken off a soaked t-shirt can imagine the extra effort it takes to take off regular athletic shoes that are soaked. Along with the two extra pounds of water dangling around your feet, your wet shoelaces are completely knotted and impossible to undo.
Fortunately, water shoe manufacturers have thought about this small detail and some manufacturers have given it a bit more thought than others.
The best water shoes feature stretch mesh in the upper that performs two main functions: first, the mesh allows water to flow through when you're on dry land, and second, the mesh material is much easier to remove when you're ready to take your aquashoes off.
Already dry ?
Before we go any further, we think it's our duty to dispel a myth about water shoes: your water shoes are NOT waterproof. In other words, water shoes are not designed to be waterproof. Waterproof materials tend to be very stiff and not comfortable to walk for long periods of time (think a long hike with your rain boots on). And you definitely don't want to walk in deep water with waterproof shoes.
The water shoe, on the other hand, is water resistant. At least the good ones are. These shoes are designed with mesh that allows air to circulate through the shoe as it dries. The same mesh that keeps sand and mud out of the shoe gives that airy feel when you're above the surface. Some options even feature drainage holes in the outsole to ensure superior drying functionality.
But how do these shoes dry so quickly? is due to the materials used, most of which are made of synthetic fibres. Unlike natural fibers like cotton, synthetic fibers repel water very well. That's why many water shoes use non-absorbent materials like nylon and polyester. Nylon is a great way to keep water out and keep drying time to a minimum.
A good pair of beach shoes should dry in 24 hours in a well-ventilated area If you plan to store your beach shoes in a cabinet for the evening, don't expect to come back the next day and find a completely dry pair.
So, to sum it up: Synthetic fibers + airy mesh + good ventilation = quick-drying water shoes !
"Fashion is what designers bring to you four times a year. And style is what you choose." Lauren Hutton
Not so long ago, water shoes only came in one style: black and ugly! The shoes of yesteryear had awful soles, lacked arch support, and felt like heavy rubber bags tied around the feet. Fortunately, we no longer live in the 80s and 90s.
Today, options abound; however, buying water shoes still usually requires a sacrifice. Too often shoe manufacturers choose to focus on function or fashion, emphasizing the "or". Clearly, it is difficult to find a quality pair of shoes that combines the two. And it is for this simple reason that we have decided to select models of aquashoes that meet the 2 criteria!
When we launched Aquashoes, we had only one goal in mind: to select the most fashionable outdoor shoes. As a small company, we take pride in the design and manufacture of every water shoe we sell. Our models are designed to be aesthetically pleasing while meeting the high performance demands of our customers. We want our customers to be able to go from a day at the pool to a night out with friends, without having to change shoes.
Overall foot protection
It's as simple as that: you never know what you may encounter underwater. That's why you need to make sure you're investing in a shoe that offers maximum protection. This means a durable material that will protect you from bumps, stones and other sharp surfaces that could hurt your feet. It's important to keep in mind that not all water shoes are created equal. In other words, some offer better protection against sharp objects than others.
So you need to find a shoe that is durable inside and out, that will absorb unwanted shock to your feet and give you the freedom to enjoy your waterside activities without unnecessary pain.
Of course, the best protection also includes durable traction that keeps you standing on land and underwater. It's designed to prevent slipping and add protection when you're wearing it. In general, the more traction the better, especially if you plan to use your shoes heavily.
Water shoes that are comfortable everywhere
These days, you can improve the quality of your shoe simply by choosing a more waterproof option. After all, who said your water shoe should only be used in wet environments? The best shoes give you the versatility you need for a wide range of outdoor activities. From kayaking to rock climbing, the right shoe lets you do your job, whatever it is.
That's why you need to consider the versatility of your options before to buy.Do you plan to do more than waterfront activities? If so, buy a shoe that gives you the best chance of success in a wider range of areas. Not only will it help you save money on shoes, but it will also give you more value in your specific purchase, helping you maximize utility and benefiting your budget at the same time.
Remember, however, that water shoes, no matter how waterproof, should not be considered substitutes for proper athletic footwear for athletes and others who spend a lot of time hiking or running. As such, make sure you understand the limitations of the model you want in order to get the most out of it when purchasing.
A correct price for my future aquashoes
Finally, the last consideration before buying your next pair of water shoes is price. While there are many things in life that are priceless, unfortunately water shoes do not fall into this category.
Depending on your needs, the price water shoes can vary quite significantly. At the high end, you can easily shell out over $100 for a pair of water shoes. These shoes are more for thrill seekers who enjoy running in deep rivers, climbing large rocks, or kayaking only when the waves are heavy. However, for those of you looking for a high quality shoe that can be used at the beach or pool, you shouldn't have to take out a second mortgage to buy a pair.
Stylish and durable water shoes, made of high quality mesh, usually cost between 20 and 40 euros per pair. Anything above this amount, in our humble opinion, is not worth the investment. We prefer that you spend the extra money so that you don't have any problems on your next vacation or outing. You will find a selection here.
Frequently asked questions about water shoes
We're going to go over a few questions you might have when shopping for your next pair. We hope this section gives you a more complete idea of what water shoes can and cannot do.
Why should I own a pair of water shoes ?
Hopefully, since you're reading our guide, you've already come to the conclusion that water shoes are pretty awesome. But in case you're not 100% there yet, let us answer that question for you.
Water shoes have a few unique advantages over your standard shoes. First of all, water shoes provide the necessary protection for your feet when walking in uncharted waters. Water shoes with good outsoles provide a barrier between the bottom of your foot and the sharp rock or broken seashell on the bottom of the river or lake. Have you ever stepped on something moving on the bottom of the ocean or lake? This is well said ! In addition, they dry quickly and will not be damaged by a little water or sand. Sand-resistant beach shoes are a great way to enhance your beach vacation!
Water shoes also provide extra traction in the water. This is especially important for those who do water aerobics.The bottom of pools can be slippery and a solid rubber traction makes all the difference to a good workout Non-slip soles provide the friction needed to keep you upright and safe.
In short, there's really no reason not to buy a pair of water shoes if you're planning on staying by the water for an extended period of time. Don't be a hero. Simply find a pair that works for you, increasing your safety and the level of success/enjoyment you can get from your activities.
Can I wear my water shoes for non-water related activities ?
Well, that depends. If you choose to wear those ugly black rubber socks, the answer is, "Of course, but why would you?" You'll only embarrass yourself and shame those around you (okay, maybe it's not that bad, but you get the hang of it).
However, if you choose water shoes that have style and personality, so you can easily wear your shoes for a walk, a trip to the store, or just hanging out with friends and family. It really depends on your budget and how much you are willing to invest in a pair of water shoes.
Can I use my water shoes for hiking ?
Good question, I'm glad you asked it ! The short answer is yes, but the long answer requires a bit of finesse. Indeed, it depends on the distance of your hike and the need to make your way in wet conditions.
Fortunately, we have had quite a bit of experience hiking with our models in the collection Sport and we can enlighten you on this question. On a recent trip to Corsica, we took our Raid model for a ten mile hike up steep mountain sides, through patches of thick mud and streams to see the performance and comfort of our shoes.
We are happy to report that all of our testers said their water shoes did the trick and remained comfortable throughout the hike. Our hikers did mention, however, that given the humidity and mud, they thought 10 kilometers was the right distance for their hike.
For hikes on flat ground, with no water, go for it and wear your water shoes for as long as necessary, as long as they have a good outsole and fit well.
Will my feet get wet with water shoes ?
Yes, by design your feet will get wet. However, your feet will be well protected from the elements and will be comfortable when submerged. Remember that water shoes are water resistant (i.e. they repel water) and not waterproof (i.e. they are waterproof). water).
If you're still convinced that you need waterproof shoes, try putting your rain boots in the ocean on your next beach outing (just kidding, don't try !).
It's up to you whether you want to wear socks or not. If you plan on immersing your feet, you'll probably want to avoid extra layers if necessary, as this will delay the drying process and keep your feet totally wet for hours. On the other hand, if you simply go hiking, the socks can allow you to absorb some unwanted shocks, the drainage system of your shoe limiting the humidity inside it as much as possible.
Okay, water shoes sound great, but are there any situations where you wouldn't wear them ?
Like most products, water shoes are more suitable for certain times of the year In cold weather, for example, the same permeable mesh that makes your water shoes comfortable in wear and quick to dry will not provide much insulation. That's why it's best to go back to classic trainers for your winter walks!
We also recommend that you do not wear your water shoes at a party or formal event, but j hope this is pretty obvious to you. Other than that, enjoy your water shoes for any aquatic adventure.
Which water shoes are suitable for rafting or kayaking ?
For most rafting or kayaking adventures, choose a water shoe made of high-quality materials that is comfortable and meets your expectations. A good water shoe should allow you to move easily through the water, while keeping sand and dirt out, which is an important factor for rafting or kayaking. It only takes a few grains of sand or dirt to cause chafing and irritation, so be careful and prepare accordingly.
