Best Shoes for Salt River Tubing: A Podiatrist’s Guide

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Tubing Salt River with friends last summer :)

Tubing down the Salt River is a Phoenix summer tradition—but the wrong shoes can turn a fun day into a painful one. As a podiatrist in Tempe, I often see the cuts, sprains, and fungal infections that come from poor footwear choices during river season. Here’s what to look for in tubing shoes so you can enjoy the water and protect your feet.

Why Footwear Matters on the Salt River 

When doing any kind of water activities outdoors in nature, having the right footwear is key. The key thing when thinking about any kind of tubing shoe is that you want something that will protect the sole of your foot from rocks, branches, and any other objects that can cut the sole of your foot, or just be uncomfortable to walk on.

Source: All About Arizona News

Stable footwear is also important for lowering your risk of misteps on slippery rocks, or gravel which can lead to sprains and strains.

Another important feature is that there should be some kind of heel or ankle strap to these shoes if the heel isn't closed completely. I don't like slide-on shoes as tubing shoes because it's very likely for your shoes to slip off while walking in the parking lot, or along the banks of the river. When carrying innertubes, bags, or coolers, this can be especially dangerous. (Sorry, leave the flip flops at home)

Shoes without a back or some kind of ankle or heel strap can also slip off when actually on the Salt River which becomes a pain trying to chase after or find in the current.

Here are my pics for tubing shoes to wear when on the Salt River.

Best Shoe Types for Tubing

Not all footwear is made for a day on the Salt River. The right shoes will protect your feet from sharp rocks, keep you comfortable during long floats, and lower your risk of fungal infections or sprains. Here are the options I recommend as a podiatrist in Tempe:

Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Sandal

Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV sandal

The Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Sandal (Mens/Womens) is my #1 pick for Salt River tubing for several reasons.

The Z-Trail EV sandal is very lightweight, coming in at only 4.3 oz per sandal. These have a very minimal and effortless feel on your feet.

The Z-Trail EV sandal also has trusty straps. This sandal is not flying off in any pumpy currents.

Like all shoes from Xero Shoes, the footbed matches your foot shape exactly, eliminating the squeezing of toes. The sole of the Xero Shoes Z Trail EV sandal combines flexibility, traction, and protection for your foot. The flexible aspects of the sole of this sandal allow your feet to move as naturally as possible.

The rubber grip pods allow for traction and a grippy feel of this sandal when walking. This is especially important for slippery rocks, and walking in the silt of a river bed.

If you're looking for a minimalist shoe that can be worn while tubing, that feels like you're wearing nothing, or very close to it, then look no further than the Xero Shoes Z Trail EV sandal. I love this shoe so much.

Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport

The Aqua X Sport from Xero Shoes

The Aqua X Sport (Mens/Womens) from Xero Shoes hits every point that is important to me when selecting a pair of shoes to wear for tubing and other water activities.

The Aqua X Sport is completely enclosed, so every inch of the skin of your foot will be protected from anything in the water including larger rocks, sticks, and branches.

The sole of the Aqua X Sport include lugs on the sole, great for added grip or traction when walking on slippery rocks, or through water.

The Aqua X Sport is made from mesh, which allows water to quickly leave the shoe. The materials that the Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport are made from aren't absorbent, which means your shoe won't become waterlogged or absorb water, which keeps the overall weight of your shoes down, making it much easier to walk and move around.

The Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport is a great option for tubing the Salt River, and as a tubing shoe in general.

Podiatrist Tips for Healthy Feet on the River

Even with the right shoes, a tubing trip can be tough on your feet. Here are a few simple steps I recommend to keep them healthy and pain-free:

Prevent Toenail Fungus and Athlete’s Foot

Wet shoes and socks can trap moisture, which creates the perfect environment for fungus. Be sure to dry your feet thoroughly after tubing, and consider using an antifungal spray or powder if you’re prone to nail or skin issues.

Watch for Cuts and Scrapes

Small cuts may not seem like a big deal, but when combined with river water, they can lead to infection. Rinse your feet well after tubing, apply a disinfectant to any scrapes, and keep them covered until they heal.

Protect Against Blisters

Wet feet plus friction can equal blisters. If you’re prone to them, consider wearing quick-dry water socks under your shoes or sandals for extra protection.

Dry Out Shoes Properly

Don’t toss wet shoes in the trunk and forget about them. Always rinse them off and let them dry completely before wearing them again to reduce odor and bacteria buildup.

When to Seek Care After Tubing

Most people leave the Salt River with nothing more than a good time with friends and memories, but sometimes tubing can leave you with lingering foot issues. Here are a few signs it’s time to see a podiatrist:

Toenail Fungus That Doesn’t Improve

If your toenails become discolored, thickened, or brittle after repeated water exposure, it could be fungus. Over-the-counter treatments rarely work, but options like laser therapy can help clear it effectively.

Pain That Lasts Beyond the Float

Mild soreness is normal after a long day outdoors, but if foot or ankle pain sticks around, it may be a sprain, strain, or underlying issue. Getting it checked early can prevent long-term problems.

Cuts or Wounds That Don’t Heal

River water can make even small scrapes vulnerable to infection. If you notice redness, swelling, or delayed healing, schedule an appointment to prevent complications.

Next Steps For Phoenix Tubers

The right shoes can make all the difference on the Salt River, keeping your float fun and your feet protected. If you’re looking for options, check out my top recommendations for water shoes and strap sandals — they’ll keep you comfortable and help prevent common foot issues while tubing.

Schedule Your Appointment at Direct Podiatry Arizona

If you’ve picked up more than just a tan after a trip down the Salt River—like toenail fungus, heel pain, or a nagging ankle sprain—we can help. At Direct Podiatry Arizona, we provide many services from laser toenail fungus treatment to integrative podiatry care.

Book your appointment today and get back on your feet.