The Best Water Shoes For Snorkeling, Plus Why Wear Fins?
Let’s talk snorkeling and flippers or fins first, then below I give you the best water shoes for snorkeling. I’ll also throw in a few water sock suggestions for a great alternative.
Save THIS PIN below to your Pinterest Travel Tips board for later!
Snorkeling- To Fin Or Not To Fin
If you haven’t snorkeled much or at all before it is helpful to know about fins. Fins are strongly encouraged when you are snorkeling for two main reasons. One, for safety. It will make you a stronger swimmer which is much safer when you are out in the ocean floating around. Two, if you aren’t wearing fins you are more likely to put your feet down and more likely to step on coral, which is a big no-no.
Fins provide buoyancy for your legs, meaning that you aren’t scraping the coral with feet hanging down, but this also provides a benefit to you. Fins help you float while observing in one spot. While fins can make it awkward to swim in shallow areas, the idea is to float! The fins help you hover in place for a closer, steadier look.
However, I won’t judge you if you do wear just shoes- I’ve done it myself!
There Are Two Types Of Fins
The two types of fins are full fins and strap/open fins. Strap fins are supposed to stay on your foot better and prevent chafing or blistering on your heel. If you are going to be swimming with fins that you aren’t used to, it’s a good idea to wear an aqua sock or water shoe to prevent the rubbing. The water shoes or socks can also help hold the fins on instead of slipping off, which is a common problem with flippers.
One more type of fin! I don’t love wearing the long fins that stretch beyond my feet 10 yards (a little exaggeration!). Especially when I’m getting in and out of the water. Then I found out about these awesome short fins called shorties. I highly suggest these!
Wearing Shoes Along with Fins
Water shoes are also a great idea for just walking on the beach. See my post here that gives the reasons why. The water shoes allow you to double up on the functionality since the soles are sturdier than the water socks. You won’t have to take along extra shoes. Especially if you plan on snorkeling from shore. I also recommend getting snorkeling fins which you can slide over water shoes (just make sure you get the right fit). Having a strap that goes around the back of your foot helps. Wearing water shoes or socks with the flippers will often help keep the fin on better.
When wearing shoes with flippers you want something very low profile that won’t be too bulky to fit the flippers over. The water shoes below are just that. Many have said they feel as light as socks and you hardly notice they’re on (I give an aggregate of the reviews on Amazon since you don’t want just one person’s experience). They are lightweight and are comparable to socks with a rubber sole. They keep sand out but are still breathable and protect the bottom of your feet. When you get a snug fit they stay on your feet in the water even without flippers over them.
These are inexpensive so you aren’t forking over a fortune just for a snorkel trip. Other brands should work great as well. See my article about water shoes for the beach if you want more brand options, otherwise these BareRun water shoes are my top choice.
The Best Water Shoes For Snorkeling
- BareRun
- $13.59
- 77% 5 star out of 79 Reviews
- Size: tend to run small
- Seems like the quality is pretty decent though maybe not as comfortable as other brands, bottom inside liner tends to move around (it is removable)
Water Socks For Snorkeling
There are also water socks. These don’t have the rubber sole but the bottoms have a grippy texture. I would get these if you plan to only wear them with flippers. If you also want to walk around in them, like I mentioned earlier the water shoes give more functionality and will work better for walking around on the beach, to and from the beach, etc. You won’t have to carry extra shoes with you.
These Fun Toes water socks are the top rated ones. Or try out these aqua socks for a less expensive version.
Leave a Reply