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Spending time by the water is one of life’s greatest pleasures. It’s most enjoyable when you’re properly equipped with gear to keep you safe and comfortable. Water shoes are a popular way to keep your feet safe from damage while providing traction on slippery surfaces. Instead of stepping on tiny pebbles, risking cuts from sea shells, and getting covered with sand, water shoes protect your feet. And they’re great for pools with rough bottoms. Ideally, the toe is enclosed, the sole provides a protective base, and the shoe has a tight fit to reduce chafing — so it stays on while you’re swimming, splashing, or doing water sports. Your water shoes should breathe easily, be comfortable, and dry quickly after use. Naturally, since the majority of the world’s population lives near the water, these shoes are hot-ticket items. So, to make your shopping expedition easier, we’ve curated a list of the best water shoes on the market.