Will and I both agree, the Sockwa X8 water shoe is the best water shoe we have ever used! We love the form fitted style, quick-dry upper and the lightweight sole because it feels like you’re wearing nothing. Our Sockwa’s have explored many Bahamian beaches, been swimming around reefs, worn around the sail boat and on dinghy rides to shore and walking around small towns. We are taking them further to Belize and expect to use them all summer in Canada for sea kayaking, seadooing and as river crossing shoes on multiday hiking expeditions.
Neither of us have experienced any hot spots or blisters even after hours of walking, running, and swimming. They are so comfy in fact, I am using the Sockwa’s to train for an upcoming 50km trail run as they are perfect for my beach training runs. The Sockwa X8 water shoe features a zero-drop sole which is ideal for the foot strengthening running I am incorporating into my training plan and are just so comfortable.
Wear & Tear Notes
We are one month into our Sockwa’s and we are starting to see the wear and tear. My pair, around the toe, has started delaminating and Will’s pair is starting to loose some tread off the heel (where it strikes the ground). These are fairly minor issues and they are likely due to too much wearing on pavement and running in them.
Sockwa X8 Water Shoe Care Tips
To take good care of your Sockwa’s try to follow these suggestions;
- Use on soft surfaces such as sand or grass or in the water or on boat decks.
- Do not wear on pavement or sharp rocks for extended periods.
- Rinse with fresh water (if salty or sandy).
- Hang or lay flat to dry.
- Keep out of the sun.
- Hand wash occasionally with mild soap and fresh water.
Sockwa X8 Water Shoe Fitting Tips
It was tricky to find the right size. At first we used our cm measurements, but my 24.5cms got me a size 10, which was huge. We re-ordered and used our EU sizes – my usual 39 came in 39.5 and are perfect. I would suggest using your EU sizing with the Sockwa’s as this will be the closest and consider going 1 size up if you prefer a bit more room. Do know, they will stretch with use, so as long as the sole is the right length, the rest will stretch to match your foot shape.
We love how fast they dry and how light they are. The Sockwa X8 water shoe is the perfect beach, swimming and shower shoe for our 2 month trip around the Bahamas and Belize. And did I mention they weigh nothing? Perfect for travel.
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