These comfy, quick-drying water shoes keep my feet safe and happy — and they're on sale for $27 at Amazon
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Life's more fun when we can get wet and wild. But we can't just run barefoot to Neverland.
So last spring, I put on my expensive and cumbersome Keen water sandals and clunked across the rocks at the river, trying not to lose my crew. My Iron Man triathlete friend kept pace with our kids, leaping from rock to rock like a champ in her cool water sneakers from Barcelona. Alas, those gems were even pricier — well over a hundred bucks.
The moment I got home, I went on an online quest to find a decent, affordable aqua shoe similar to my friend's. (Let's be real, I'm no triathlete and my budget is small — I can't justify a hefty price tag.) I stumbled upon Moerdeng Women's Quick-Drying Water Shoes, an Amazon Choice with a 4.6-star rating and excellent reviews. I popped them into my cart thinking, Hey, I can always return them.
I got way more than I bargained for: A comfy sneaker, but lighter. And water-ready to boot. I was psyched.
The next time my kid and I hit the river, I was leaping rock to rock ahead of her. These stood up to all my amazing feats in the water. (See what I did there?)
All summer, I've enjoyed these shoes. Just last week, I wore them nonstop on vacation. On the bay, they kept my feet safe from shells and stray glass in the water. At the beach, they protected my feet from the hot, hot sand! I wore them everywhere.
I assumed that eventually mud and such would ruin the pristine light grey color, but they still look brand-spanking-new! Still, it's fun to browse the other nine color options and the large-dot design that's available. All of which is to say: If you, too, are on the hunt for sturdy, stylish and cost-conscious water wear for your dogs, Moerdeng Women's Quick-Drying Water Shoes are on sale at Amazon right now for just $27 (down from $33). (Feel free to send me some pink ones.)
Get wet!
These shoes rule for river rafting, aqua aerobics, snorkeling and plain old rainy days. They keep your feet comfortable in every situation so you can have all the fun.
One five-star reviewer wrote: "Great for pools or water park!... The cement is so hot and usually cuts up my toes at the water park. These help keep them safe! I want to wear them all the time! Super comfortable."
Another added: "I teach water aerobics classes and these shoes are wonderfully lightweight. And, they provide good support for my feet. They drain and dry quickly! Yay!"
"I bought two pairs...for myself and teen daughter for a trip to Hawaii," said another shopper. "Honestly, these shoes are more comfy than my regular tennis shoes. They came in more handy than we could have imagined because it rained nearly our entire trip, sometimes in full squalls. Sandals or sneakers would have been ruined in such weather. The mesh on the body of this shoe ensured water flushed right through. We weren't standing in squishy soggy soles either because the sole design with mesh ensured we weren't slipping around all day. Also, we used them in the sea to snorkel. Perfect grip for walking on sand and rocks in water...They dried relatively quickly."
The shoe fits — so wear it
I love the way these fit my semi-standard size 9 foot. (I do have a slightly wide foot and narrow-ish heel, but I'm a pretty solid 9.) They stay on great even when tromping through the mud. The stretchy pull-tab heel makes them easy to get on and off, and an adjustable strap ensures a snug fit.
Amazon reviewers agree: "It's always a hit-and-miss when ordering shoes online free from try-on but this was a HIT!" said one convert. "True to size (8) and they fit me perfectly!...I spend a lot of time outside, on the beach, on the run. Rarely wear socks. These are so cute, breathable and have simple yet expensive-looking detailing. Pairing with skort and casual top, then off to beachcombing with swim attire. Very versatile. I ordered two more pairs!"
Another shopper explained: "So cute! And fit so well.... The cinch strap on top works perfectly to keep the shoe in place. Love that it’s not a standard elastic top that can stretch out over time; this can continue to be adjusted."
Light yet sturdy
These ready-for-anything shoes feel superlight yet sturdy. The breathable air mesh upper, Solyte midsole and rubber sole work together to make this a lightweight, durable and quick-drying shoe.
One kayak enthusiast raved: "These shoes are very lightweight. I like that they look and feel like a normal shoe, but they are sturdier than a sandal, flip-flop or water sock. Second, the holes in the sole are great for the water and sand to drain out. The sand did gather a bit toward my heel, but a quick swish in the water took care of that. Third, these dried so fast. I normally take my footwear off when I get into my kayak but I left these on my whole trip and my feet weren't soaked or wrinkly. It was nice to have them on for when we got out of the kayak at sandbars. These will also be very nice for those kayaking trips where portaging is necessary."
These shoes have walked me through a river, a lake, an ocean, a bay, a tiny splash pad, a giant water park and several rainstorms, and I can attest: They are well worth the $27 price!
Read More from Yahoo Life:
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