Best shoes to wear after swimming
Lightweight and slip-resistant sliders, cosy outdoor slippers and an innovative thermoregulating wool boot: we review the best shoes to wear after swimming
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.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Click here to subscribe to the magazine. Read more Outdoor Swimmer gear reviews.
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Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
