For me, a water shoe ( for rafting) has to support my feet when I'm carry gear (rigging boats, making or breaking camp), hiking on rough terrain (scouting, short hikes) and walking in water, wet sand, dry sand, rocks. Most people just wear sandals or Keens. My feet get rubbed very raw by the sand and the only thing I've found that sort of works is to wear bike socks with any of the above, which is a trick I got from a Grand Canyon guide. They do make some water shoes with a neoprene cuff- maybe those would keep sand out.

Anyway back to hikers. I've got some ideas now and am heading to the "walk" store.