I purchased these shoes to use for doing water sports in Hawaii.  You can't go without some kind of foot protection here because of all the lava hidden here and there, and sometimes everywhere, at the beach.  I found that I can also swim ocean laps in these and go without flippers for most snorkeling.  They are very comfortable and are at home in the water, no water staying in the shoes because they drain so well.  I have tried many other water shoes and these are the best!  I would only give one warning to others, I can't keep the shoes tied in the water.  This is because of the way I am tying the shoes, not because of the shoes.  For me, this turned out to be a good thing, when I am snorkeling, fish love to come and check out my dangling shoe laces.  Columbia also makes these same shoes with no laces to be tied if this is a problem for anyone.