Looking at picking up a pair of shoes I can Wade in that won't get all funky. I loved my reef sandals but there is little traction in the soles and the water finally funked em up.

What does everyone wear in the water?

Crocs. Best shoes for this situation. Just rinse them off and your good to go.

I like my Columbia water shoes. Have had them for two seasons and they are still holding up. They are good for walking, good grip, dry fast.

Tevas, haven't found a more comfortable water shoe.

Far as traction goes, regardless of the shoe, look for a hiking pole. I use one for river wading/walking at DSG for $15. Helps with stablity and to check ahead when walking.

I used to think my Crocs were the handiest water shoes...  I could wear them to the boat launch, wade in a little to launch the boat, then kick them off and enjoy the carpet when fishing.  I took it for granted that it was the algae-covered concrete ramp that was slippery when I was launching the boat.

 

Then, one day, I wore my Teva water sandals instead of the Crocs.  I was surprised to find I could walk in the water, on the ramp, while launching the boat without slipping/sliding and worrying about falling.  What a difference!

 

I still like my Crocs, but the Tevas I have are much safer on the slippery launch ramp.

 

I also have a pair of older New Balance water shoes that I wore for years when canoeing and kayaking.  They finally wore out and I couldn't find another pair like them.  I found a similar pair made by Propet, but I don't like them as much.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

I've had 2 pairs of Tevas and like the feel and traction in the water but both pairs the strap came undone from the back of the sandal. Has anyone else had this problem? I think I am going to try something else this year.

Everyone always suggests crocs... Meh. I may have to give them a try even if it takes a point off my man card lol. I'm just not sure about traction on algae covered rocks and stumps/branches/docks.

I will look into the tevas and Columbia brand shoes as well.

My main concern is traction and durability

I've had 2 pairs of Tevas and like the feel and traction in the water but both pairs the strap came undone from the back of the sandal. Has anyone else had this problem? I think I am going to try something else this year.

 

My Tevas have held up to a lot of use over the years with no issues at all.  They make so many different models, I can't remember which model I have.  I do remember that I paid more than I thought they'd be worth ($50 or $60?), but they have been worth every penny.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

Everyone always suggests crocs... Meh. I may have to give them a try even if it takes a point off my man card lol. I'm just not sure about traction on algae covered rocks and stumps/branches/docks.

I will look into the tevas and Columbia brand shoes as well.

My main concern is traction and durability

Out of the pro's and con's of crocs here are the con's. And i have been wearing crocs since they came out. As far as traction and durability they rank low in my opinion. I will dare to say that not many shoes could endure algae covered ramps or flat algae surfaces, at least not the ramps that i have seen. As for durability if you wear them often such as myself, then replacement i will venture to say is about once a year. As far as looks i don't care. They are comfortable and i wear them all day during the weekends and or when fishing.

I honestly don't really mind how they look, they just never appealed to me. The one thing I notice is the lack of laces/straps. I can't count how many times I've stepped into very soft mushy sand and almost had my sandal stuck. I've always managed to get them out but I'd rather be able to pull my foot out along with the shoe.

I shy away from sandals and open shoes like Columbia for the simple (yet painful) reason that tiny rocks and gravel get into the bottom of your shoe. No fun.

I honestly don't really mind how they look, they just never appealed to me. The one thing I notice is the lack of laces/straps. I can't count how many times I've stepped into very soft mushy sand and almost had my sandal stuck. I've always managed to get them out but I'd rather be able to pull my foot out along with the shoe.

Mine has a strap on the back, but walking in thick muck you run the chance of losing it. I know I did once. Lol.... 

Vibram five fingers are fantastic shoes, they have some made for water activity's you could look into. I love mine.

I buy actual waders. You can get them at any sporting goods store for $50 or so.

I usually get the cheap ones from Walmart for like $6-8 then if the get lost or funky just pitch them

I always wanted a pair of guide wader pants.

If you don't mind why they look like try some Vibram five fingers KSO.

They look like gorilla feet but they are like going barefoot minus getting stuff on your feet. I bought some a few years back to do athletic training. They are expensive just for water shoes.

Be prepared for plenty of looks and comments though.

The bank lol

I have some Adidas hydroterra shoes that are just like an running shoe but are neoprene and mesh inside. Gives me the traction and support of a running shoe but you can wade in them.