Best shoes to wear after swimming

ARCHIES Arch Support Flip Flops

£35

While cheap flip-flops are often a slip hazard on wet pool decks and not the best for fatigued muscles after a swim, this podiatrist-designed version provides immediate calf and Achilles relief. The built-in 2.2cm arch support and elevated heel cup instantly offload tension in your legs. They also feature a high-traction tread so you they’re not in the least bit slippy – although they were a bit squeaky on the first few wears. Made entirely from non-porous foam, they dry almost instantly so you can toss them straight into a wet swim bag without any risk of breeding bacteria. 

GUMBIES Scrambler Sandals

£40

The best wild swim spots are often off the beaten track and you need to protect your feet to reach them. Flip flops are too floppy, hiking boots are too cumbersome, but these Gumbies sandals felt like the ideal balance. Features that stood out included the tight, secure fit and the weight – or rather the lack of it. Lightweight and sturdy, I was comfortable wearing these on rough paths and pebbly beaches. There was no problem getting them wet either. For travelling, they pack almost flat and take up minimal space in your bag. They will be joining me on my next swimming trip.

MERRY PEOPLE Billie Clogs

£69.95

Originally designed with gardeners in mind, these Billie Clogs have become a firm favourite within the wild swimming community. No surprisingly, really, as the open-heel clog design is so easy to slip on after a cold dip, especially when laces, buckles, or tight flip-flops feel like too much effort. They’re also warm, thanks to an insulating neoprene lining, with space for woolly socks. The natural rubber exterior is also waterproof and grippy on slippery riverbanks and wet rocks.

ARCHIES Arch Support Slides

£45

Getting out after a swim, our feet are often water-softened and our calves might be feeling tight from kicking. These podiatrist-designed slides target these exact recovery needs. The substantial 2.2cm arch support combines with an elevated heel cup to instantly unload tension from the Achilles tendon and calves. The tight, secure wide strap and contoured footbed also lock wet feet firmly in place, meaning you can walk normally without having to grip your feet. They dry quickly, can be tossed straight into a kit bag, and are available in eight great colours. 

KEEN Clearwater CNX Sandal

£100

While sliders and clogs are great to slip on after a quick dip, these robust sandals are built for more adventurous wild swimmers who want a robust and protective shoe to walk directly into the water, or swim over sharp beds. The closed-toe protection prevents you from stubbing your toes on submerged rocks or sharp shingle. The soles are incredibly grippy, which is great for algae-covered rocks or muddy riverbanks. They’re also easy to wash, quick to dry and have eco-friendly anti-odour technology in the footbed to break down sweat and river bacteria. 

XTRATUF Après Fish Slider

£45

They say: Designed to provide comfort and safety, the Après Fish is a one-piece, lightweight slider made completely of Biolite, a low-compression, high-performance EVA foam that delivers superior impact absorption and support. They are 100% waterproof and feature a textured-grip foot bed, superior impact absorption and high traction, non-marking chevron outsole. 

We say: These are seriously comfy sliders, made with a lightweight eco-conscious material that feels durable and bouncy. In fact, the outsole is so thick it adds an inch to your height, so while they barely add any weight to your kit bag, bear in mind they’re on the chunky side. We appreciated the textured, slip-resistant foot bed, which holds your foot securely, and the arch support. These sliders don’t absorb water so dry quickly and feel hard wearing.

KEEN Women’s Howser III Slide

£65

They say: KEEN’s Howser III Slide provides the ultimate comfort. Ethically constructed with a recycled PET plastic upper, these shoes feature a fleece lining with eco anti-odour technology for added warmth and long-lasting freshness. The removable PU insole provides extended comfort whilst the non-marking rubber outsole leaves no trace.

We say: We challenge you to slip these on after a cold water swim and not emit an audible “Aaah, that’s better.” Featuring a thick fleece lining, these slip-on shoes – basically a slipper that you can wear outside – are so warm and comfortable. The flexible uppers have a barely -there comfort, while the lightweight insoles have built in arch support and a generous fit across the forefoot. The outsoles are grippy enough for muddy river banks, and a quick-cinch bungee keeps the warmth in.

PASSENGER Step Out Slipper

£34.95

They say: It’s no secret that we are all about feel-good comfort at Passenger. These lightweight water resistant slippers feature a ripstop outer that has been attached to the sole with a water-based glue and then hand stitched. Soft fleece lining and memory foam footbed for the ultimate comfort with a durable rubber sole and embroidered logo.

We say: There’s something so indulgent about slipping into a pair of cosy slippers after a cold swim. This pair features a thick fleece lining and memory foam footbed, which immediately warmed up chilly feet and just felt so nice to wear. The outsoles are grippy but also remarkably light. They held up well in the rain and seem relatively stain resistant, too! We love the abstract seaweed pattern, but they also come in ‘fir tree’ and ‘wine’.

VOYLOK Shortie Boot

£135

They say: The most sustainable boot in the world. Technical by nature, the wool is breathable and insulating (but also thermoregulating, so no sweaty feet in the summer!). They are flexible – wear them inside or outside by simply removing the rubber overshoe. They are joyfully simple – easy to slip on and off. Perfect for slipping into nature whenever the urge strikes.

We say: Wear these wool boots around the house for two weeks and they will mould for a custom fit. A robust and grippy rubber overshoe, like a welly, slips on top and gave us decent purchase on a muddy riverbank. They’re great for after a winter swim, but we were surprised by how well they worked in hot weather too. Wool, after all, is breathable and an excellent temperature regulator. Unconventional, stylish and surprisingly practical.