Shoes for Getting in the Water

Just buy a cheap pair there then leave them. No need to tote them all over. You don’t need super support, flip flops work too, but they aren’t good for actually walking into the water. The rocks extend into the seabed. They sell them everywhere.

I thought I could handle the pebbles but I clearly couldn't (my feet are very sensitive although the locals seemed to have no trouble), so I just bought some water shoes over there (it was at Zlatny Rat beach near Bol on the island of Brac). I still have those shoes as well as some Teva water shoes, which are much better quality. The Croatian shoes have a rubber footing with some traction on the bottom and they cover the whole foot (same with Tevas).

I don't think flip-flops would work at all if you're trying to swim, which I did. Believe it or not, I've reused those water shoes on several trips now so they weren't a bad investment.

We buy cheap ones at Wal Mart so we don’t have to shop over there. They get thrown away before we leave for home. Flip flops? Nah! They’ll fall off with the first wave and be gone.

Ok, I bought the cheap kind - as did the entire family - for a trip to Greece, after skipping them for another trip where our feet really hurt on the rocks (and we are pretty durable if I do say so). I cant remember why, but i, and i alone, traded my pair of cheap ones in for a more expensive pair.

Long story short, everyone in my family coveted them, borrowed them, loved them. They could be worn in the water but also in town if needed. They weigh far less than the cheap ones (yes I kept them) and were so comfortable. I got the rec on the RS forum. These:

https://www.amazon.com/ALEADER-Womens-Mesh-Water-Shoes/dp/B00W1UJPEY/ref=sr_1_14?crid=2MYW8NT6OA1FP&keywords=water+shoes&qid=1554346161&s=gateway&sprefix=water+%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-14

Thanks everyone. This gives me a good idea of what to do.

The ones posted by Jessica look similar to the ones I bought in Croatia. If you think you'll use them again, don't go all-out-cheap. Water shoes come in handy on many trips, especially if you kayak or have to wade in water. You can't go wrong with having more support than you need; these types of shoes weigh practically nothing.

I have 2 pr of rubberized Tevas that I bought at DSW Shoes for under $30 a few years ago. They are, um, not pretty but they are the best shoes! I wear them for walking all over the place and then swim in them.

If you get Keen H2O shoes, they are great walking sandals AND they go into the water -- I have even thrown mine into the washer at home when they get grubby. Still wearing my original pair, bought in 2009. Probably not great for swimming, though, but work fine for wading and walking in rocky creeks.

I also recommend Keens. We have the Newport. We have had ours since 2006! Using them now in Maui. Rinse well and dries overnight. Great walking and hiking sandal as well. Not as light as you may need or "cheap" but has worked well for us.

There's some decent neoprene options as well, that I'm a fan of - mostly bought for rocky surf breaks and beaches during surf trips through Latin America, but that still came in handy after that. Body Glove, O'Neill, Quicksilver and other wetsuit manufacturers make a whole host of options (either water shoes, or surf shoe wetsuit complements). I'd shop around for them, though - one online retailer might sell a pair for $50 that's going for $20 on another major retailer's site/in store.

I like em because their soles get good traction and support (so you have some padding between your feet and any rough rocks or surfaces), but they're also light and flexible enough to not take up too much space when packing. They also dry quite quickly.

Another reason to wear water shoes are sea urchins. We went kayaking last year with a small group and within 5 minutes someone had stepped on one. I have Keens as well; one nice thing is that they're sufficiently attractive and sturdy to be used for all-day wear, or even to dinner at a casual place. They do clean up well so can go from a day on the beach to dinner with a thorough rinse.

Keen H2O. I wash mine all the time in the washer. If caught in the rain or if worn through water, they dry quickly since there is not much fabric there - but they are sturdy. These are my summer hiking sandal. Highly recommend. I have been wearing each summer for over 10 years - on my daily commute into Philly and walking in the Alps, too. If you get shoes like this, you don't need an extra pair just for the water. Wear them every day. Nice color selection, too.

Thanks again everyone! I’m now interested in the ones that can serve a duel purpose. So I’ll look into the Keens and Tevas.