Hydrophobic mesh keeps footwear remarkably light by preventing seawater from soaking into individual synthetic fibers. Engineered polymers like polyester have non-polar molecular structures that naturally repel water. In textile science, moisture regain measures the percentage of water weight a dry fiber absorbs from its environment. While natural materials absorb substantial moisture into their core, synthetic mesh fibers take in very little water, so moisture stays on the surface instead of adding weight while you wade.

Open-weave mesh creates continuous pathways for seawater to flow straight through the upper rather than accumulating inside enclosed foot cavities. Each time a wave washes over your feet, the water drains back out through the open weave. Hydrophobic mesh is engineered to be water-resistant and breathable rather than waterproof, allowing water to exit just as easily as it enters.

Fast drying comes from low fiber absorption plus steady airflow across the upper. Polyester, a common synthetic fiber, has a standard moisture regain of about 0.4 percent of its dry weight, compared with about 8.5 percent for cotton. With so little water held inside the fibers, most moisture sits on the surface, where moving air evaporates it quickly.

A water-ready shoe pairs a light upper with drainage and traction. Drainage windows, like the ones on our ʻAhi (ah-hee), let water escape after you leave the surf. Underneath, a cushioned EVA footbed supports barefoot comfort, and a non-marking Wet Grip Rubber outsole with razor siping, as on our Kahakai (kah-hah-kai), grips slick boat decks and wet shoreline paths.

Yes. The ʻAhi is our men’s performance marine shoe, made for fishermen and anyone who spends the day in and out of the water. Its lightweight mesh upper repels water and dries fast, while drainage windows let water escape instead of pooling around your feet. A cushioned EVA footbed delivers barefoot comfort, and a Wet Grip Rubber outsole with ocean-inspired tread keeps your footing steady on slick surfaces. For women, the Kahakai pairs quick-drying mesh and durable TPU overlays with our Drop-In Heel; it fits slightly small, so we recommend sizing up. Every pair is backed by a 1-year warranty and free 30-day exchanges.

After a day in the ocean, rinse your shoes with cool fresh water to flush out sand and salt. For a deeper clean, remove the footbeds and laces, hand wash the uppers with a gentle bristle brush and a cold water, mild detergent solution, then towel off and let everything air-dry. Loosely stuffing the shoes with newspaper helps them keep their shape and dry faster. Explore our full cleaning guide for ongoing shoe care.