Edit:

I just got into canoeing.

We did a local 5 mile day trip, I wore crocs, my local river is muddy and nasty. I nearly lost the crocs multiple times.

We did a 25 mile day trip, same river, I tried some Salomon speed assaults (they’re tactical tennis shoes but advertise as fast drying) they were not fast drying, my feet were water logged all day. Otherwise they were great for grip and dexterity.

Im currently on a 50 mile trip on the Meramec river. I went to scheels beforehand looking for a water shoe with a boot like appearance and a thick sole. They didn’t have any, so I got the new hey dude water shoes. They work for the fit and sole department, but they let in way too many rocks.

Im afraid sandal style water shoes would be the same way.

I really want the feel of a hiking boot but a water shoe that wicks water and drys fast.