The Best Shoes for Water and Hiking in New Hampshire

Spring in New Hampshire is a magical time, filled with nature bursting back to life after the long winter hiatus. You know what else is bursting? The water levels! 

When the temps climb, the snow melts off the massive peaks and flows down, inadvertently raising water levels of streams, rivers, and all kinds of watercourses. In addition, all this extra water means more muddy trails and slick rocks. 

Once dry trails now might have numerous deep water crossings or extremely muddy sections, and hiking shoes are the worst thing you can wear. Their waterproofing doesn’t just keep water out, it also keeps it in, which means you’re dealing with squelchy, soggy feet your entire hike. 

Of course, you can keep taking them on and off, but if you have ten crossings to deal with, it can become a pain in the you-know-what. 

What you need are some quality shoes that you get wet and still hike comfortably in. The best shoes typically have superior traction on slick terrain, are made with quick-drying materials, and provide excellent drainage. 

If that’s something you’re looking for, here are our favorite shoes for water and hiking in New Hampshire! ‍

1. Astral Brewer 2.0 

With excellent flex and sensitivity, these grippy, minimalist sneakers were made for slick granite. The G15 rubber outsole conforms to the ground and protects your feet from abrasions, while the built-in sock liner eliminates odors. 

Holes in the front and back drain water efficiently while the quick-dry canvas and water-resistant laces try their best to keep your feet dry.

All of Astral’s shoes are vegan, and the Brewer 2.0 is made with recycled polyester and sustainably sourced materials. 

2. WHITIN Amphibious Shoes 

These stylish, versatile shoes are treated with a hydrophobic mesh finish for excellent ventilation and quick-dry capabilities. The sidewalls have double W-shaped drainage grooves that open outward to get rid of excess water but still keep out the sand and rocks, and the insole with raised patterns promotes drying. 

The grippy sole performs well on wet rock, offering maximum support and stability. You might not want to wear this for extended hikes, but for a short jaunt to a waterfall, you’ll be just fine. 

3. KEEN Newport H2 Sandals

These aren’t technically shoes, but Keen’s Newport sandals provide excellent grip on slick surfaces like wet granite boulders and will do well on short hikes. The lace bungee system allows for an easy on and off while the underfoot support gives superior cushioning. 

Most importantly, unlike many other types of sandals, these have a closed-toe box, which protects your tootsies from getting stubbed or cut on sharp rocks if you’re negotiating a water crossing. 

4. Columbia Drainmaker XTR 

Incredibly comfy and providing excellent traction, Columbia’s innovative Omni-Grip LT is the star of this show. With added rubber and micro-siping in high traction areas, you’ll be walking up and down slick surfaces with ease. 

The upper is a mix of synthetic, mesh, and webbing, giving the shoe excellent breathability, while the multiple drainage ports will quickly get the water out. 

5. Sobaso Women’s Water Shoes 

These water shoes have an open mesh design to boost its breathability and quick-drying capabilities, helping to keep your feet dry.

The outsole is grippy and thick, protecting your feet from sharp rock or other underwater obstacles, and the stretchy bungee laces allow for an easy on and off. You might not go on a Mount Washington ascent with these shoes, but for a short hike, they’ll do just fine. 

6. Teva Forebay Sandals

Sandals do great in water, so we’ve included another one. The Teva Forebay has a mesh, synthetic upper made with tough materials that can stand up to rugged terrain. The bungee lacing system and an adjustable ankle strap give you an excellent fit and the cushioned insole provides you with incredible comfort. 

Founded in the early 1980s by a Colorado River guide, Teva is a pioneer in the outdoor sandal category, and with the Forebay, they have provided us with a cool product once again. 

Honorable Mentions

Here’s a short list of a few more options that you might want to check out.

Keen Men’s Hyperport H2 - High-performance cushioning, great grip, quick-dry webbing.
Merrell Vapor V - Breathable mesh upper, air cushion in the heel, Vibram outsole.
Astral Loyak - Lightweight, super grippy, holes in front and back to drain water.
Kricely Amphibious Water Shoes - Well-drained and breathable, anti-slip sole, reinforced toe band.

Final Thoughts 

When shopping for your water and hiking shoes, remember to keep durability, grip, drainage, and quick-dry capabilities in mind. 

When you’re armed with your new shoes, it’s time to get wet! Check out some of the best waterfall hikes New Hampshire has to offer. 

If you have any other questions, drop us a note. We’d love to hear from you and look forward to welcoming you to New Hampshire.