The Top Benefits of Water Aerobic Shoes for Aquatic Workouts

The Benefits of Water Aerobic Shoes

Water aerobic shoes, sometimes called water exercise shoes, are specifically designed footwear for aquatic workouts and water sports. With a focus on buoyancy, traction, and protection, these shoes allow you to move through water comfortably while preventing slips and falls.

Participating in water-based activities and workouts comes with many health and fitness benefits. Water provides gentle resistance that strengthens muscles without taxing joints. Exercising in water also improves cardiovascular health while being low impact.

Having the right pair of water shoes enhances your performance and safety during water workouts. The buoyant sole lifts your foot to reduce drag while multidirectional treads grip pool floors securely. Water shoes also protect your feet from bacteria and hard pool surfaces.

Types of Water Aerobic Shoes

There are a few main types of water aerobic shoes to consider:

• Water socks - Made of stretchy neoprene material that conforms closely to the feet. Provides minimal ankle support.
• Aqua shoes - Mesh upper with rubber sole. Better ventilation and quick drying. Medium ankle support.
• Water sandals - Open-toe design with adjustable straps. Allows water drainage. Medium-high ankle support.
• Water fitness shoes - Athletic-style water shoes. Combination of mesh and rubber/plastic. High ankle support and traction.

Key Features of Water Aerobic Shoes

Some key features that quality water aerobic shoes have include:

• Adjustable straps/laces - Ensure a secure and customizable fit.
• Cushioned sole - Absorbs impact and reduces foot fatigue.
• Textured outsole - Provides reliable grip on wet surfaces.
• Drainage ports - Allows water to freely flow out.
• Breathable uppers - Improves ventilation and quick drying.
• Flexible construction - Moves naturally with the foot.
• Lightweight feel - Reduces drag for easier mobility.

Benefits of Water Aerobic Shoes

Exercising in the water comes with many health advantages from cardiovascular training to strength building. Water aerobic shoes enhance aquatic workouts by offering critical benefits:

Traction and Stability

Water aerobic shoes have textured tread on the bottom to prevent slippery falls on wet pool surfaces. Proper traction allows you to move with agility while feeling stable during fitness classes like water aerobics or lap swimming.

Protect Feet and Toes

Durable rubber and plastic materials also safeguard bare feet and toes from painful impacts against pool walls, steps, and flooring. Protective construction prevents scrapes and stubbed toes.

Impact Absorption

Quality water shoes have injected EVA midsoles or other cushioning technologies to soak up impacts from jogging through the water or jumping during aquatic exercises. Padding decreases foot soreness.

Ankle Support

Many water shoes extend above the ankle to increase lateral support during rigorous water movements. Ankle coverage provides comfort while allowing a full range of motion.

Quick Drying Comfort

Top water aerobic shoes utilize lightweight open mesh materials that drain water quickly and promote air circulation around the feet to reduce stuffy moisture buildup.

Barefoot Feel

While providing all the protective elements, the best water shoes maintain a flexible barefoot-like feel underfoot. Natural foot movement aids balance and stability in the water.

Choosing the Best Water Aerobic Shoes

With many types of water aerobic shoes available, it helps to consider a few factors when selecting an ideal pair.

Intended Use

Think about the primary activities you’ll use your water shoes for most regularly. Shoes meant specifically for water aerobics class may differ from multi-use shoes tailored for casual swimming and poolside wear.

Type and Depth of Water

Will you mainly use water shoes in an indoor lap pool or for beach and water sports? Deep water requires more robust traction and bounce off walls than shallow freshwater. Saltwater also demands durable rustproof materials.

Secure Comfortable Fit

Trying shoes on with the socks you’ll wear during water workouts allows you to judge overall fit and comfort best. Snug fit all around prevents ingested water while enough room in the toe box enables natural foot expansion.

Support Level

The right support ensures comfort while meeting the physical demands of your aquatic activities. Higher intensity water aerobics benefits from cross training shoes with ankle stabilization versus basic slip-on water socks.

Traction Design

Examining the sole pattern shows whether the shoes will grip adequately during lateral movements, jumping jacks, backward jogs or pool ladder climbs. Opt for large multidirectional lugs to shed water easily.

Care Tips for Water Aerobic Shoes

Taking proper care of water aerobic shoes improves their longevity while protecting your feet during use:

Rinse After Each Wear

Rinsing accumulated pool chemicals, skin cells, cosmetics, organic debris and moisture prevents buildup and bacterial growth. Use freshwater and dry thoroughly before storing.

Check Soles and Straps

Inspect the soles regularly for small rips, tears and early signs of delamination issues. Check straps for fraying or loss of elasticity. Address minor sole damage with waterproof adhesive glue.

Loosen Laces Before Removal

Unfasten all laces and straps to their widest setting before sliding shoes off to prevent unnecessary heel strain that can tear interior seams.

Use Removable Insoles

Take out the insoles after workouts for quicker drying and to reduce trapped moisture causing odors and molds. Replace insoles every 6 months.

Disinfect Regularly

Scrub the insides and insoles with a tea tree oil foot soak or other antibacterial solution to kill germs and control odors especially during longer stretches between wearings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Are water aerobic shoes machine washable?

Answer: While some water shoes have washable materials, most are not meant for the washing machine. The excessive water pressure and heat shorten their usable life. Instead, scrub with a soft brush and disinfectant soap then air dry.

Question: How often should water aerobic shoes be replaced?

Answer: With approximately 40-80 hours of weekly aquatic exercise, expect to replace water aerobic shoes every 6 to 12 months depending on usage levels. Signs that shoes need replacing include worn treads, stretched out straps, permanent odors and lack of support or bounce.

Question: Can I use water shoes in saltwater or beaches?

Answer: It depends on the construction of your water shoes. Models made specifically for beach activities and saltwater swimming often advertise that use. But standard chlorinated pool water shoes lack the rustproof hardware and durable materials. Check manufacturer guidelines before exposing shoes to saltwater.

Question: Can I use the same water shoes for land-based exercise?

Answer: While you can wear water aerobic shoes outside of aquatic activities, they lack the cushioning, support, stability and traction features required for most land exercises and sports. Use appropriate running/cross training/walking shoes matched to your needs for land-based workouts instead.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.