10 Best Rated Men’s Water Shoes (October 2026)

Water shoes fail in predictable ways. A thick, laced shoe holds water and squelches for hours on a kayak trip. A paper-thin aqua sock gives no protection on a rocky riverbed. A shoe with no drainage turns heavy the moment you wade in. Choosing the Best Rated Men's Water Shoes depends on three things: the surface you will stand on, how fast the shoe needs to dry, and how much sole you want between your foot and the ground.

The short answer: the DOUSSPRT Men's Mesh Water Shoes suit most people who want a breathable, slip-on shoe for beach and pool use. The SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks suit buyers who want a sock-like fit with adjustable lacing and a deep-tread rubber sole. The DLGJPA Quick-Dry Aqua Walk Shoes suit those who want a cushioned, sneaker-style shape that is light on the foot. The rest of the list covers thick-soled aqua socks, wide-toe barefoot designs, a Speedo slip-on and a Vibram-soled Merrell for wet trails.

TL;DR: top picks at a glance

• Best overall: the DOUSSPRT Men's Mesh Water Shoes, an open air-mesh upper with holes in the sole for fast drying.
• Best for adjustable fit: SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks, elastic lock laces and a 360° drainage system.
• Best for lightweight walking: DLGJPA Quick-Dry Aqua Walk Shoes, a Solyte midsole in a shoe that weighs about 0.44 pounds.
• Best for wet trails: Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport, a TC5+ Vibram outsole with 5 mm lugs.

Best Rated Men's Water Shoes Comparison (October 2026)

#	Product	Best for	Type	Weight	Drainage
1	DOUSSPRT Men's Mesh Water Shoes	Beach and pool	Slip-on mesh shoe	Not listed	Holes in sole
2	SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks	Adjustable fit	Aqua sock, elastic laces	Not listed	360° drainage
3	DLGJPA Quick-Dry Aqua Walk Shoes	Light walking	Slip-on sneaker style	0.44 lb	Holes in sole
4	ATHMILE Thick-Sole Aqua Socks	Packable travel	Foldable aqua sock	0.3 lb	Not listed
5	WateLves Aqua Socks	Arch support	Aqua sock	Not listed	7 holes per sole
6	Racqua Barefoot Pool Shoes	Zero-drop feel	Barefoot shoe	Not listed	Holes in sole
7	ATHMILE Wide-Toe Barefoot Shoes	Wide feet	Barefoot shoe, pull strap	Not listed	11 holes
8	Speedo Tidal Cruiser	Easy slip-on	Low-top mesh shoe	0.56 lb	Not listed
9	Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport	Wet trails	Lace-up hiking shoe	0.74 lb	Not listed
10	ATHMILE Hiking Barefoot Shoes	Toe protection	Barefoot shoe, toe cap	Not listed	8 holes

1. DOUSSPRT Men's Mesh Water Shoes: Best Air-Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes for Beach and Pool

• Upper: Breathable air mesh with open mesh panels
• Sole: Perforated for drainage and quick drying
• Style: Slip-on walking shoe
• Weight: Not listed
• Colours: Allblack, Blue, Dark Grey, Black/White, Allblack Mesh

Pros:

• The air-mesh upper is open across the toe and sides, so air and water pass through the shoe instead of pooling inside it.
• Holes in the sole add a second drainage path, which helps the shoe dry quickly after a swim.
• The slip-on design needs no lacing, which makes it quick to put on at a pool edge or boat ramp.
• The shoe is suited to a wide range of uses, from wake-boarding and kayaking to gardening and car washing.

Cons:

• The weight is not specified, so you cannot compare it with the DLGJPA or Speedo models on that point.
• Open mesh lets in sand and fine grit, so it is a weaker choice for rough, gravelly shorelines.
• No adjustable closure is mentioned, so the fit depends entirely on getting the size right.

Best for: The beach, pool and boat user who wants a breathable all-round slip-on that doubles as a summer walking shoe.

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The DOUSSPRT Men's Mesh Water Shoes earn the top spot by doing the basics well. The upper is air mesh with open panels, and the sole is perforated, so water leaves from two directions. That matters more than any single cushioning feature when the shoe goes in and out of water all day. It also comes in Blue, Dark Grey, Black/White and an Allblack Mesh version, so you can choose a quieter or a brighter look.

Compared with the SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks, the DOUSSPRT is a more conventional shoe shape and feels closer to a casual sneaker than a sock. Compared with the DLGJPA Quick-Dry Aqua Walk Shoes, it offers a similarly open build, though DLGJPA gives more detail on midsole and sockliner materials.

It is the wrong choice if you will walk on sharp rock or need a snug, adjustable fit in moving water. In that case the SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks with elastic lock laces fit better. For wet trails with real traction demands, the Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport is the sturdier pick.

2. SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks: Best Lace-Adjustable Aqua Socks for Rocky Shorelines

• Upper: Stretchy soft mesh with a sock-like fit
• Outsole: Natural rubber with deep treads
• Drainage: 360° system through sole and insole
• Closure: Adjustable elastic lock laces
• Sizing: Listed in a combined Women/Men scale, including 14.5 Women/14 Men

Pros:

• The natural rubber outsole has deep treads, which grip wet rock, wet ground and sand.
• Elastic lock laces let you set the tension, which keeps the shoe in place in strong currents.
• The stretchy mesh upper molds to the foot, so it feels like a sock rather than a rigid shoe.
• Large sizes are offered, up to 14.5 Women/14 Men, which helps buyers with bigger feet.

Cons:

• The shoe is sold as unisex, so men need to read the combined Women/Men size scale carefully.
• The weight is not specified, so it is hard to judge it against the lighter ATHMILE aqua socks.
• A sock-like upper gives less structured protection than the toe cap on the ATHMILE Hiking Barefoot Shoes.

Best for: The kayaker, angler or river wader who wants a snug, laced sock-style shoe with real tread.

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The SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks stand out for the lacing. Most aqua socks rely on stretch alone, which loosens when wet. SIMARI adds elastic lock laces so you can tighten the fit around the midfoot, a real advantage when kayaking, windsurfing or crossing a current. The deep-tread natural rubber sole is also a step up from the flat soles on many thin socks.

Against the DOUSSPRT Men's Mesh Water Shoes, the SIMARI gives a more secure fit but a less casual look. The Racqua Barefoot Pool Shoes share the barefoot idea but do not mention an adjustable closure.

Skip the SIMARI if you want a shoe that works as an everyday walker around town, since the sock shape suits that role poorly. The DLGJPA Quick-Dry Aqua Walk Shoes are the better fit for that job. If you need extra toe protection on reefs, the ATHMILE Wide-Toe Barefoot Shoes add a five-toe guard.

3. DLGJPA Quick-Dry Aqua Walk Shoes: Best Lightweight Cushioned Water Sneakers for Walking

• Midsole: Solyte, described as light with strong bounce-back
• Outsole: Water Grip for wet, slippery surfaces
• Sockliner: ComforDry
• Weight: About 0.44 pounds
• Colours: Black White, Dark Gray, Light Gray

Pros:

• The weight of about 0.44 pounds keeps the shoe light enough for long beach walks.
• The Solyte midsole adds cushioning that most thin aqua socks do not have.
• The Water Grip outsole is built for traction on wet and slippery ground.
• The ComforDry sockliner is designed to keep the inside of the shoe cooler and drier.

Cons:

• The slip-on build has no adjustable closure, so the heel hold depends on sizing.
• The open mesh and sole holes that help drying also let sand in.
• Sizing is given in a single number (11 in the sample), with no guidance on how it runs.

Best for: The walker who wants a cushioned, sneaker-style water shoe for boardwalks, beaches and shallow wading.

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The DLGJPA Quick-Dry Aqua Walk Shoes are the most "shoe-like" of the lightweight options. The Solyte midsole gives a degree of bounce that you do not get from the flat, thin soles on the WateLves Aqua Socks or Racqua Barefoot Pool Shoes. At roughly 0.44 pounds, it is lighter than the Speedo Tidal Cruiser at 0.56 pounds and the Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport at about 0.74 pounds.

The Water Grip outsole and the ComforDry sockliner round out a practical package for wet pavement, pool decks and sandy paths. It comes in Black White, Dark Gray and Light Gray, so it can pass for an ordinary summer sneaker.

It is the wrong choice for rough rocky riverbeds or rafting, where a stiffer, grippier outsole and better toe protection are needed. The Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport fits that use better, and the ATHMILE Hiking Barefoot Shoes add a toe cap at a lighter build.

4. ATHMILE Thick-Sole Aqua Socks: Best Foldable Thick-Sole Aqua Socks for Travel

• Weight: About 0.3 pounds
• Upper: Breathable, quick-dry, elastic fabric
• Sole: Thick anti-slip sole with a thick insole
• Fit note: Sized small, so a half size down is advised
• Colours: Green, Blue-green River, Black Gold, Color Love, Blue

Pros:

• At about 0.3 pounds, it is the lightest shoe on this list with a stated weight.
• The shoe is flexible and foldable, so it packs easily into a beach bag or carry-on.
• The thick insole and anti-slip sole protect against rocks, shells, gravel and hot sand.
• A smooth neck design is meant to protect the ankle from rubbing.

Cons:

• The upper stretches, so sizing is less predictable, and the maker advises a half size smaller.
• No drainage hole count is specified, unlike the WateLves and ATHMILE Wide-Toe models.
• The sizes shown are in a combined Women/Men scale, which men must convert.

Best for: The traveler who wants a light, foldable aqua sock for cruises, resorts and water parks.

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The ATHMILE Thick-Sole Aqua Socks trade structure for portability. They fold, they weigh about 0.3 pounds, and the thicker sole is meant to make the upper last longer than on ordinary beach aqua socks. That makes them a sensible travel pair next to the heavier Speedo Tidal Cruiser.

Compared with the SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks, they have no lacing, so the fit relies on stretch. Buyers with wider feet should look at the ATHMILE Wide-Toe Barefoot Shoes instead.

5. WateLves Aqua Socks: Best Arch-Support Aqua Socks with Seven Drainage Holes

• Drainage: Seven holes in each sole
• Insole: Thick foam arch-support insert
• Outsole: Anti-slip rubber with a protective toe guard
• Upper: Stretch fabric with a smooth neck
• Weight: Not listed

Pros:

• Seven drainage holes in each sole let water leave the shoe quickly.
• The thick foam arch-support insert adds comfort that flat aqua socks lack.
• A separate protective toe guard shields the front of the foot from stones.
• The smooth neck is designed to prevent chafing at the ankle.

Cons:

• The weight is not specified, so travel packing is harder to judge.
• The sample size is shown as 12 Women/10.5 Men, so men must convert carefully.
• The sock design has no laces, so heel hold depends on stretch.

Best for: The water-aerobics or pool user who wants some arch support in a light sock-style shoe.

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The WateLves Aqua Socks put their effort into the sole. The arch-support insert and the seven drainage holes per sole are more specific than the generic "holes" on the Racqua Barefoot Pool Shoes. For long sessions standing in a pool, that extra support is a real benefit.

They are the wrong choice for river hiking, where the Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport or the SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks offer deeper tread.

6. Racqua Barefoot Pool Shoes: Best Zero-Drop Barefoot Water Shoes for River Walking

• Heel: Zero heel lift
• Outsole: Low-profile, ultra-grip
• Drainage: Several holes in each sole, sized to keep out sand and rocks
• Sizing: Sample listed as 10 Women/9 Men
• Weight: Not listed

Pros:

• The zero heel lift gives a natural, flat-footed stride.
• The low-profile outsole is designed for traction from river to beach.
• Drainage holes are sized so they do not let in sand or small rocks.
• The shoe is light and flexible, which suits swimming, snorkeling and paddling.

Cons:

• The number of drainage holes is not specified.
• A low-profile sole offers less cushioning than the DLGJPA or Speedo models.
• No toe guard or cap is mentioned, so protection is lighter than on the ATHMILE barefoot designs.

Best for: The paddler or river walker who prefers a flat, low-profile barefoot feel.

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The Racqua Barefoot Pool Shoes are for people who like feeling the ground. Zero heel lift and a low-profile outsole keep the foot close to the surface, which gives good board feel on a paddleboard or stable footing on smooth river stones.

Buyers who want more protection should choose the ATHMILE Hiking Barefoot Shoes with their toe cap, and those who want cushioning should choose the DLGJPA Quick-Dry Aqua Walk Shoes.

7. ATHMILE Wide-Toe Barefoot Shoes: Best Wide-Toe Barefoot Water Shoes with Pull-Strap Closure

• Fit: Wide toe box
• Toe protection: Five-toe guard
• Drainage: 11 holes
• Closure: One-pull tightening strap with padded heel cushion
• Colours: White, Black, Black Pink

Pros:

• The wide toe box suits broader feet and barefoot-shoe fans.
• The five-toe guard helps prevent stubbed toes on rocks.
• Eleven drainage holes and a hydrophobic fabric keep the shoe from holding water.
• The pull-strap closure tightens in one motion and a padded heel cushion adds ankle support.

Cons:

• The weight is not specified.
• A strap closure offers less fine control than the laces on the SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks.
• Sizes are listed on a combined Women/Men scale (the sample is 11.5 Women/10 Men).

Best for: The kayaker or wader with wide feet who wants toe protection and a quick strap closure.

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The ATHMILE Wide-Toe Barefoot Shoes are the most considered option for broad feet. The toe box is wide, the toe area is guarded, and the pull strap lets you tighten the fit quickly without laces. It is also machine-washable, which is useful after saltwater or mud.

Against the ATHMILE Hiking Barefoot Shoes, it offers more drainage (11 holes against 8) and a strap closure. It is the wrong choice if you want cushioning for long walks, where the DLGJPA Quick-Dry Aqua Walk Shoes are better.

8. Speedo Tidal Cruiser: Best Neoprene-Collar Slip-On Water Shoe for Easy Entry

• Upper: Mesh for ventilation and quick drying
• Collar: Neoprene, for easy on and off
• Cut: Low-top, slip-on
• Weight: About 0.56 pounds
• Sole: Synthetic

Pros:

• The neoprene collar makes the shoe easy to put on and gives a secure fit.
• The mesh upper promotes ventilation and quick drying.
• The low-top cut stays out of the way when walking or wading.
• Speedo is a familiar swim brand, which helps buyers who want a recognizable name.

Cons:

• At about 0.56 pounds, it is heavier than the DLGJPA and ATHMILE aqua socks.
• No drainage hole count is specified.
• The synthetic sole is not described with any tread detail, so grip on wet rock is unclear.

Best for: The pool and beach user who wants a simple, easy-entry slip-on from a known swim brand.

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The Speedo Tidal Cruiser is a straightforward slip-on. The neoprene collar is the key feature, as it helps the shoe stay on the foot without laces. Because it looks more like a regular shoe than a sock, it pairs well with the kind of relaxed summer outfits you might otherwise wear with casual men's sneakers.

It gives less detail on grip than the DLGJPA Quick-Dry Aqua Walk Shoes and the Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport, so it is the wrong choice for slippery rocks. Choose the Merrell for wet trails or the SIMARI for a laced, sock-like fit.

9. Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport: Best Vibram-Outsole Lace-Up Hiking Water Shoe for Wet Trails

• Outsole: TC5+ Vibram with 5 mm lug depth
• Midsole: Cushioned, protective UniFly
• Lacing: Omni-Fit system
• Lining: Mesh with M Select FRESH odor control
• Weight: About 0.74 pounds

Pros:

• The TC5+ Vibram outsole has 5 mm lugs, giving the most serious traction on this list.
• The UniFly midsole offers cushioning and protection on uneven ground.
• The Omni-Fit lacing system lets you adjust the fit precisely.
• The mesh lining uses M Select FRESH technology to limit odor.

Cons:

• It is the heaviest shoe in the group at about 0.74 pounds.
• No drainage holes are mentioned, so it will not shed water as fast as the perforated options.
• The lace-up, hiking-shoe build is bulky for swimming or beach lounging.

Best for: The hiker who crosses streams and wet trails and wants a real hiking outsole.

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The Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport is a hiking shoe first and a water shoe second. The 5 mm Vibram lugs bite into wet ground far better than the flat soles on the aqua socks, and the laces secure the foot on steep or loose terrain. It also comes in Black, Blue Wing, Khaki and Slate. Because you may be on your feet for hours, a good pair of insoles for walking and standing all day is worth considering if you want more underfoot support.

It is the wrong choice for swimming, pool use or boats, where its weight and lack of drainage holes count against it. The DOUSSPRT Men's Mesh Water Shoes or ATHMILE Thick-Sole Aqua Socks suit those uses much better.

10. ATHMILE Hiking Barefoot Shoes: Best Toe-Cap Barefoot Water Shoes for Mixed Terrain

• Sole: Thick rubber with new non-slip treads
• Toe protection: Toe cap
• Drainage: 8 holes
• Upper: Breathable elastic, with stitching built to resist cracking
• Weight: Not listed

Pros:

• The toe cap protects against sharp objects and stubbing.
• Thick rubber soles add cushioning and grip in slippery conditions.
• Eight drainage holes discharge water and are designed to keep sand out.
• The shoe is light and flexible, so it is easy to carry along to the river or sea.

Cons:

• Weight is not specified.
• It has fewer drainage holes than the ATHMILE Wide-Toe Barefoot Shoes.
• No adjustable closure is mentioned, so the fit relies on the elastic upper.

Best for: The hiker or kayaker who wants a toe cap in a light, packable barefoot shoe.

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The ATHMILE Hiking Barefoot Shoes combine a thick rubber sole with a toe cap, which makes them better protected than the Racqua Barefoot Pool Shoes. They cover a broad range, from beach and pool to climbing and canyoning.

They are the wrong choice if you need a wide toe box or a strap closure, where the ATHMILE Wide-Toe Barefoot Shoes are the better match. For serious trail traction, the Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport is the better tool.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Men's Water Shoe

The core trade-off is protection against drying speed and packability. Thick soles and structured uppers protect feet but hold more water and weigh more. Thin aqua socks dry fast and fold flat but leave your feet closer to the ground.

Before choosing, check these project details:

• Surface: Sand and pool decks need little protection, while rocky rivers need thick soles and toe guards.
• Drainage: Holes in the sole and open mesh let water leave the shoe quickly.
• Closure: Slip-on, elastic laces, pull strap and full laces each hold the foot differently.
• Fit: Foot width and size conversion matter, as many pairs use combined Women/Men sizes.
• Weight: Lighter shoes pack easily, while heavier ones usually offer more grip and cushioning.

Upper Style and Closure

Slip-on designs such as the DOUSSPRT Men's Mesh Water Shoes and the Speedo Tidal Cruiser are the quickest to put on. They suit pool decks, beaches and boat ramps, where you step in and out of the shoe often.

For a more secure fit, look at the SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks with elastic lock laces, the ATHMILE Wide-Toe Barefoot Shoes with a pull strap, or the Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport with its Omni-Fit lacing. Those hold the foot better in current or on uneven ground.

Sole Grip and Drainage

Grip depends on tread depth. The Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport has 5 mm Vibram lugs, the SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks have deep natural rubber treads, and the DLGJPA Quick-Dry Aqua Walk Shoes use a Water Grip outsole.

Drainage depends on holes and mesh. The ATHMILE Wide-Toe Barefoot Shoes list 11 holes, the WateLves Aqua Socks list seven per sole, and the ATHMILE Hiking Barefoot Shoes list eight. Shoes without a stated hole count, such as the Merrell, rely more on mesh.

Sizing and Fit

Many of these shoes use a combined Women/Men scale, so check the chart before ordering. The ATHMILE Thick-Sole Aqua Socks advise sizing down half a size because the upper stretches.

Wide feet need a different approach. The ATHMILE Wide-Toe Barefoot Shoes give the most room, while the SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks offer the adjustable laces to fine-tune fit. If you plan to wear thicker socks or add support, remember that underfoot comfort can change the fit.

Toe Protection and Weight

The ATHMILE Hiking Barefoot Shoes use a toe cap, and the WateLves Aqua Socks include a protective toe guard. These matter on reefs and rocky banks.

Weight is the other side. The ATHMILE Thick-Sole Aqua Socks weigh about 0.3 pounds and the DLGJPA Quick-Dry Aqua Walk Shoes about 0.44 pounds, while the Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport is about 0.74 pounds. Pick the lightest option that still protects the terrain you will cover.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Rated Men's Water Shoes

What Is the Best Water Shoe for Walking on Rocks?

Thick, grippy soles and toe protection matter most on rocks. The Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport has a Vibram outsole with 5 mm lugs, while the ATHMILE Hiking Barefoot Shoes add a toe cap. The SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks are a lighter option with deep rubber treads.

Are Aqua Socks Better Than Water Shoes with a Thicker Sole?

Aqua socks dry faster and pack flatter, but they give less cushioning. The ATHMILE Thick-Sole Aqua Socks split the difference with a thicker sole and a foldable build. For more cushioning, the DLGJPA Quick-Dry Aqua Walk Shoes use a Solyte midsole.

How Should Men's Water Shoes Fit?

They should be snug without squeezing the toes, since the foot may swell a little in water. Stretchy designs such as the ATHMILE Thick-Sole Aqua Socks run small, and the maker advises a half size down. Check the combined Women/Men size chart on unisex models such as the WateLves Aqua Socks.

Which Water Shoes Dry the Fastest?

Open mesh and drainage holes matter most. The ATHMILE Wide-Toe Barefoot Shoes list 11 drainage holes, and the DOUSSPRT Men's Mesh Water Shoes combine air mesh with holes in the sole. The Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport is the slowest of the group because of its thicker construction.

Can I Wear Water Shoes for Everyday Walking?

Yes, if the shoe has enough cushioning. The DLGJPA Quick-Dry Aqua Walk Shoes and the Speedo Tidal Cruiser look like ordinary summer shoes. Thin barefoot designs such as the Racqua Barefoot Pool Shoes are better kept for water and beach use.

What Is the Best Water Shoe for Wide Feet?

The ATHMILE Wide-Toe Barefoot Shoes have a wide toe box and a pull strap that adjusts quickly. The SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks are a second option, as the elastic laces let you adjust the fit and large sizes are offered. Avoid snug, structured shoes if your forefoot is broad.

Final Verdict: Which Men's Water Shoe Should You Buy?

Best Rated Men's Water Shoes for most buyers start with DOUSSPRT Men's Mesh Water Shoes: an air-mesh upper, drainage holes in the sole and a simple slip-on design that handles beaches, pools and boats. Its main weakness is a lack of stated weight and an open build that lets in sand, so it is not ideal for rough rocky shorelines.

For alternatives by use case, the SIMARI Barefoot Aqua Socks suit anyone who wants laces and deep tread, and the DLGJPA Quick-Dry Aqua Walk Shoes suit those who want a lightweight, cushioned walker at about 0.44 pounds. The ATHMILE Thick-Sole Aqua Socks are the pick for travel, and the WateLves Aqua Socks add arch support.

For specialist needs, the ATHMILE Wide-Toe Barefoot Shoes fit broad feet, the Racqua Barefoot Pool Shoes give a zero-drop feel, and the ATHMILE Hiking Barefoot Shoes add a toe cap. The Speedo Tidal Cruiser is an easy-entry slip-on, and the Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport is the choice for wet trails. If you are still undecided, start with the DOUSSPRT for general use and move to the Merrell only if your terrain demands real traction.