i bought these for travel in a hot climate. I usually wear a 9 and got the 8.5. They fit fine, i could have gotten the 9 too for a little more toe room at the end, but these fit. I haven't tried them around water yet, I hear the velcro looses its tackiness when wet. i cant say. They are comfortable and im picky. i liked the color too,very feminine unlike other trek style shoes for woman.