We have all done the hot-sand sprint. And felt the squish of shoes that soaked through at 10am and stayed damp till dinner. A good water sandal fixes both: it shrugs off the wet, dries fast, and keeps you comfortable from the shoreline to the boardwalk.
Since 1984 we have been making sandals that go from the water to the street without a second thought. Here is what makes a sandal water-ready, and the REEF styles we would pack first.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- What makes a sandal water-ready
- How to find the right fit for your day
- Our top REEF picks
- Care tips
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FAQs
What makes a sandal water-ready
A plastic strap on a foam sole is not the same as a sandal built for the water. Here are the features to look for in a water sandal:
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Materials that shrug off water. Water-friendly straps and EVA footbeds do not soak the water up, so they rinse clean and dry in the open air. Wash them off, move on to the next thing.
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Grip that holds when it's wet. A textured footbed keeps your foot from sliding, and a non-marking outsole grips slick pool decks and boat docks without scuffing them.
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A fit that stays put. For active water days, an adjustable strap locks your foot in. For easy beach days, a shaped footbed and a comfy thong keep things simple. Both work. It just depends on the day.
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No rust to worry about. PVC-free, with no metal hardware to corrode in saltwater.
Match the sandal to your day
Wading in, chasing kids across the sand, walking a lot, or anywhere the water is moving? Go for an adjustable style that locks to your foot.
Lounging poolside, strolling the boardwalk, hopping on a boat, or packing light for a trip? An easy thong with a supportive footbed has you covered. We have both below.
Top REEF women’s water-friendly sandals
Water Vista - the water-to-street all-rounder
Our easygoing everyday water sandal. It is fully water-friendly and quick-drying, built on a dual-density compression-molded EVA footbed that stays soft with plenty of rebound.
The adjustable velcro backstrap locks it to your foot, so it holds steady whether you are wading in the shallows or walking hot pavement. The rope-braided side wall gives it that espadrille look that works with a swimsuit or a sundress.
Fit tip: the adjustable backstrap makes it forgiving. If you are between sizes, many size down.
Water Vista Higher - the same, with lift
Want a little height? The Higher keeps the water-friendly, dual-density EVA build and adds a cushiony platform that reviewers describe as walking on clouds. The lug outsole keeps you steady on wet surfaces, and the adjustable closure keeps it secure. Great for poolside days when you want a flattering lift without giving up comfort.
Fit tip: runs large, so size down if you are a half size or have a narrower foot, and give the straps a wear to settle in.
Santa Ana - the easy, boat-friendly flip-flop
A REEF favorite. Water-friendly vegan leather straps with a soft padded lining sit above a compression-molded EVA footbed with high arch support and a bamboo-inspired textured grip.
The non-marking rubber cupsole, with its palm frond design, holds on wet docks and will not scuff a boat deck or indoor floor. Easy enough for the beach, polished enough for dinner by the water.
Fit tip: runs a little wide, so size down if you have a narrow foot.
Vista Vay-Cay - the pack-light one
A one-piece molded flip-flop that is water-friendly, feather-light, and quietly supportive with deep arch support built in.
The soft straps stay comfy against bare skin, and the whole thing weighs next to nothing, so it disappears into a carry-on and leaves room for souvenirs. From the hotel breakfast to the shoreline, it just goes.
Care tip: minimal and easy to wear. Rinse and go.
Want the full lineup? Browse all our women's water-friendly footwear.
Caring for your water sandals
Easy care is the whole point. To care for your water sandals, follow these instructions:
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Rinse them with fresh water after saltwater or chlorine to keep the materials happy
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Let them air dry in the shade
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Skip the hot car and the sun-baked patio for long stretches, since prolonged heat can warp EVA over time
FAQs
How should women's water sandals fit?
Secure, but not pinching. Snug enough that they stay put in the water and do not chafe, comfortable enough for all-day wear. Adjustable styles like the Water Vista let you dial it in, and a few of our styles run a touch wide or large, so sizing down can help.
Which style is best for rivers and moving water?
For anywhere the water moves, choose an adjustable style that locks to your foot, like the Water Vista, on a grippy outsole. An open thong is better suited to calmer beach and pool days.
Are REEF water sandals waterproof?
They are water-ready, which is a little different. Rather than keeping water out like a closed boot, they are built to get soaked and bounce back: EVA and water-friendly materials that do not absorb water, dry fast in the open air, and have no metal to rust.
Can one pair of REEF water sandals cover a whole trip?
Often, yes. A water-friendly style handles beach mornings, pool afternoons, and boardwalk dinners, then rinses clean for the next day. For travel, the Vista Vay-Cay packs down to almost nothing.
Grab a pair and go
Sand, surf, pool deck, boat: the right water sandal keeps up with all of it and asks for almost nothing back. Pick your pair above, or browse all our women's sandals to find your match.