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The Speedo Men’s Surfwalker Pro 3.0’s are a sleek, neoprene water shoe that takes the best of the classic water sock design and slaps a durable rubber sole on the bottom. These shoes, while they’re not the most versatile on our list, they are one of the best options out there for the beach.
The snug neoprene fit may keep the sand out from under your toes, but the flexible outer sole still gives you a good bit of ground feel. These shoes will keep you safe from slick mossy riverbeds, sharp rocks and shells at the beach, and hot pavement at the community pool.
Things we like:
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Snug fit – stay on your feet and keep even the smallest debris out -
Reasonably thin sole provides flexibility and protection
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Neoprene keeps feet warm in cooler waters
Things we don't like:
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Diagonal seam makes for a bit of an uncomfortable fit -
Neoprene insulation pools water in shoes
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No arch support
- Upper: 100% neoprene upper
- Closure: Stretch, pull-on entry
- Outsole: S-trac no-slip grip
- Weight: 10.0 oz
Rating
- Outoria Score: 3.8/5
- Quality: 3.5/5
- Comfort: 3.5/5
- Performance: 4/5
- Price/Quality: 4/5
Surfwalker Pros With Some Surfwalker Cons
Before even sliding into the Speedo Men’s Surfwalker Pro 3.0’s, we found these to be visibly narrow compared to some of the other water shoes we’ve tried. We confirmed after putting them on that they fit quite snugly, and those with wide feet may want to consider sizing up.
The shoe upper is a neoprene material, and there are no visible drainage holes in the shoe, so we were immediately skeptical that these would drain water effectively. Just based on the look of these water shoes, we guessed they would be better for waterpark or beach days than on a wet hiking trail. The outer sole is just substantial enough that we can’t quite call them water socks, but they are still quite flexible, with little to no arch support for any kind of extensive walking.
We liked the look of these well enough, just a basic, no-frills shoe that really forms to the shape of your foot. They’re still water shoes, of course, and you probably wouldn’t get away with wearing these to the mall like you would the Astral Loyaks. That said, they are perfect for the beach, the pool, the river, and more.
Comfort
These are fairly comfortable, with one unfortunate exception being a diagonal stitch that runs from the outside of the big toe across the top of the foot. The seam meets the toe directly on top of the knuckle, making for a pretty unpleasant rubbing sensation which eventually leads to blistering.
Other than the aforementioned seam, these shoes are quite comfortable. The neoprene material hugs your feet like a compressive sock, with a flexible sole that provides a bit more support than a traditional water sock while still allowing for adequate ground feel.
The Speedo Surfwalkers could have been so much more comfortable than they actually are, and it is such a shame that we can’t give them a perfect score. Those with narrow feet may have better luck with the seam, and perhaps sizing up would help.
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Use
While they aren’t the most versatile, these water shoes are excellent for a few specific uses. One thing the Speedo Surfwalkers do exceptionally well is the beach – these shoes will keep sand out like nothing else, making them an amazing option for beach volleyball, strolls on the shore, and exploring rock pools. The soles also provide a nice sticky grip, which makes these a solid option for traversing slick, mossy river beds or walking over slippery rocks.
We don’t recommend these water shoes for trail hiking or even kayaking. These shoes do great in the water, but back on the land they lack adequate support for walking and have a tendency to fill up with water when they get wet, making it quite the chore to constantly empty them out when transitioning from water to land.
Material
The Speedo Surfwalkers consist of 100% neoprene uppers and modest rubber soles. The shoes perform fairly well and seem to hold up to wear and tear – especially considering their price.
The upper material allows a 4-way stretch which makes these slip-on water shoes a breeze to put on and take off, even when wet. They dry relatively quickly depending on temperature and humidity and clean up super easy in the washer on the gentle cycle – just be sure to air dry.
Value
Ringing in at just $25 on Amazon, these shoes are budget friendly and will do the job at the pool, water parks, the beach, and more. However, if you’re a water sports enthusiast who is hoping to put some real miles on your water shoes, we might recommend investing in something with a bit more longevity and versatility, like the Bedrock Cairn Pro II Adventure Sandals or the Body Glove 3T Barefoot Cinch Water Shoe.
Perfect for the Surf
While the Speedo Men’s Surfwalker Pro 3.0’s may not be the most versatile pick on our list, they’re a pretty amazing budget option for your next beach vacation. These shoes provide ground feel, temperature regulation, sole and toe protection, and they keep debris out – all for under $30. If you’re shopping for water shoes on a budget, we think these are as good a choice as any.
Things we like:
-
Snug fit – stay on your feet and keep even the smallest debris out
-
Reasonably thin sole provides flexibility and protection
-
Neoprene keeps feet warm in cooler waters
Things we don't like:
-
Diagonal seam makes for a bit of an uncomfortable fit
-
Neoprene insulation pools water in shoes
-
No arch support
Frequently asked questions about the Speedo Men’s Surfwalker Pro 3.0
You can clean up the Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0s by throwing them in the washer on the gentle cycle. We recommend air drying to get the most longevity out of your water shoes, as machine washing can loosen some of the adhesives holding the shoe together.
We definitely recommend using water shoes when you swim, especially when swimming in unkept, public, or natural bodies of water. Sharp rocks in a riverbed, shells on the ocean shore, or even bacteria in your local gym showers can pose a threat to your feet that can be easily protected against by water shoes. With all of the options available, you’re sure to find the perfect pair of water shoes to suit your needs.
Fabric Water shoes, like the Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0s, should fit pretty snug when dry as they will expand a bit when wet. On the other hand designs that use foam, like the Merrell Hydro Mocs, won’t expand when wet, so as long as they feel comfortable and secure, you should be good to go for some aquatic fun.
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