5 Best Water Shoes At Big 5 Sporting Goods For 2025: An Expert Buyer’s Guide
Are you planning your next aquatic adventure and need the perfect pair of amphibious footwear without breaking the bank? As of December 22, 2025, Big 5 Sporting Goods remains a top destination for affordable, high-quality water shoes, offering a curated selection from brands like Body Glove, Hurley, and Outland. This comprehensive guide cuts through the noise, detailing the current inventory, latest features, and expert recommendations so you can confidently choose the best pair for your specific activity, whether you’re tackling river rapids or just walking on a rocky beach.
The inventory at Big 5 is constantly updated, but the core focus remains on value and versatility. We’ve analyzed the most popular and highly-rated models to bring you a definitive list, complete with essential details on drainage technology, traction, and overall durability. Don't settle for flimsy aqua socks; find out which models offer the integrated drainage systems and toe protection you need for a secure and comfortable experience in and out of the water.
The Definitive 2025 Big 5 Water Shoe Lineup by Activity
Big 5 Sporting Goods strategically stocks water shoes that cater to a wide range of outdoor pursuits. To help you navigate the options, we've broken down the current top models based on their ideal use case. The typical price range for these quality water shoes at Big 5 falls between the original prices of $30.00 and $40.00, though significant sales and deals are often available, making them an excellent bargain.
1. Best for Kayaking, Boating, and Paddleboarding: The Hurley Submerge
The Hurley Submerge water shoe is a standout choice for dedicated water sports enthusiasts. Born from the water-centric brand, this model is specifically designed for activities like kayaking, boating, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Its construction prioritizes a lightweight design and quick-drying capabilities, which are essential when you’re constantly transitioning between wet and dry environments.
- Key Features: The Submerge features a mesh and neoprene upper, which allows for maximum comfort and breathability. The neoprene helps provide a snug, wetsuit-like fit, minimizing water sloshing.
- Lacing System: A bungee drawstring lacing system offers a quick, secure, and adjustable fit, preventing the shoe from slipping off in fast-moving water.
- Ideal Use: Excellent for protecting feet from boat deck hardware, slippery docks, and the occasional shallow water launch.
- Price Insight: While online pricing may direct you to "CALL STORE FOR PRICE," the women's version has been listed with an original price around $35.00, reflecting Big 5’s commitment to affordable performance gear.
2. Best for Rocky Beaches and River Trekking: Body Glove Sidewinder
For those whose adventures involve navigating rough terrain, sharp shells, or slippery riverbeds, the Body Glove Sidewinder is a highly recommended, rugged option. This model is a perennial favorite at Big 5, known for its focus on protection and traction.
- Protection and Durability: The Sidewinder is equipped with essential heel and toe protection bumpers. This feature is crucial for shielding your feet from submerged rocks and debris, making it a true river shoe.
- Integrated Drainage System: A hallmark of the Body Glove line, the integrated drainage system ensures water is quickly expelled, preventing the heavy, water-logged feeling and accelerating the drying process.
- Traction: The TPR (Thermo-Plastic Rubber) outsole offers superior grip and comfort, making it a perfect swimming shoe, beach shoe, or outdoor men's water shoe.
- Customer Sentiment: The Sidewinder has proven its reliability, boasting a respectable customer rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars based on a significant number of reviews.
3. Best for Light Hiking and Water-to-Land Transition: Outland River Sandals
When your trip involves a mix of trail hiking and water crossings, you need an amphibious shoe that offers the stability of a hiking boot with the quick-dry capability of a water shoe. The Outland series, particularly models like the Naia and Muir Woods, bridges this gap effectively.
- "River Sandal" Design: Outland models like the Equinox II offer the open style of a modified sandal combined with added toe protection and hiking shoe stability. This makes them ideal for multi-terrain use.
- Proven Traction: Reviewers consistently praise the Outland sandals for their ability to hold up well in diverse, challenging conditions, including woods, water, sand, mud, and rocks, without slipping.
- Comfort and Fit: Many customers consider these to be exceptionally comfortable sandals, suitable for all-day wear and long walks on various surfaces.
- Value Proposition: Outland is a Big 5 brand known for offering significant savings on quality river sandals and hiking boots, making them a top budget-friendly choice for the serious adventurer.
Understanding Water Shoe Technology: Key Features to Look For
Choosing the right water shoe goes beyond just brand and color. The best models—like those stocked at Big 5—incorporate specific technologies to ensure protection, comfort, and performance. Understanding these features will help you select the optimal footwear for your intended activity.
Integrated Drainage Systems and Quick-Dry Technology
The primary function of any quality water shoe is to manage water. Look for models with an integrated drainage system in the sole. This feature ensures that water is quickly expelled with every step, preventing the shoe from becoming heavy and uncomfortable. This is often paired with quick-dry technology, such as a specialized mesh or knit upper (like the Body Glove Siphon’s 4-way quick-drying knit upper), which dramatically reduces drying time, preventing blisters and foul odors (funk).
Superior Wet Traction and Outsole Materials
The outsole is the most critical component for safety on wet surfaces. Water shoes should have a specialized, non-marking rubber outsole (like the TPR outsole on the Body Glove Sidewinder) designed for wet traction. The tread pattern is typically multi-directional to grip slippery surfaces such as algae-covered rocks, boat decks, and wet concrete. For high-impact activities like river trekking, look for a thicker outsole that provides hiking shoe stability and protection.
Toe Protection and Secure Fit
Protection from hazards is non-negotiable. Toe protection bumpers are essential for any activity that involves walking on rocky or debris-strewn ground. Furthermore, a secure fit is vital to prevent the shoe from coming off in currents or deep mud. Look for adjustable closures, such as bungee shocklaces or adjustable straps, which allow for a customized, snug fit around the ankle and instep.
Choosing the Right Water Shoe: Aqua Socks vs. Amphibious Shoes
Big 5 Sporting Goods offers a spectrum of water footwear, from simple aqua socks to advanced amphibious shoes. Your choice should align directly with the intensity of your planned activity.
- Aqua Socks: These are the lightweight, sock-like shoes that offer minimal protection. They are best for low-impact activities like swimming pool use, light beachcombing, and general swimming. They are designed for comfort in the water but offer little defense against sharp objects or rocky terrain.
- Amphibious Shoes: This category, which includes the Hurley Submerge and Body Glove Sidewinder, is designed to bridge the gap between land and water. They are built with durable materials, superior drainage, and protective features like toe bumpers. They are the go-to choice for paddling, kayaking, river hiking, and walking on rocky surfaces.
When shopping at Big 5, always consider the terrain you'll be on. A simple Maui & Sons Tide shoe might be sufficient for a gentle, sandy beach, but a Body Glove Riverbreaker II or an Outland River Sandal is necessary for true river or trail exploration. By focusing on the integrated features and matching them to your activity, you can ensure your Big 5 water shoe purchase is a successful investment in your outdoor safety and comfort.
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