The Vibram V Aqua shoes are like a second skin in the water.

Water shoes definitely have their place. Whether it's canoeing, fishing creekside, or swimming in a rocky lake, it's nice to have that extra layer of protection. All of these activities require extra dexterity in comparison to walking around on land. Rocks in the creek can be slippery and unstable. Hopping in and out of a canoe is it's own challenge, especially if you don't know what's on the bottom. This is why we liked the Vibram V Aqua water shoes. Say what you will about toe shoes, but it really does feel like you're barefoot. The toe separation makes a difference when you're scrambling around on wet rocks and other uneven surfaces. That's not the only thing we like about the Vibram V Aqua water shoes. The drainage is the best we've seen on a pair of water shoes because the sole is full of tiny holes. There is a raised triangle grip as well. In our experience, they didn't let any dirt in on land, and never got waterlogged when we were swimming with them. They stay light and nimble in the water. One last feature we should mention is that there is a silicone print on the inside of the shoe that helps to prevent internal slippage as well. This is another feature that must have worked because it's something that never became an issue. If you're headed out for a day on the water and going barefoot isn't an option, the Vibram V Aqua water shoes will give you the protection you're looking for without sacrificing nimbleness. $90