Best Toddler Water Shoes Reviewed & Rated
Cindy Zhang
NicoleH
When summer rolls around, it's always nice to go out on trips to the beach or the lake with the entire family. However, things may get a little complicated when you have a toddler. They need a combination of protection and comfort, but in a pair of footwear made for wet conditions.
Water shoes provide features such as support, traction and protection that the typical flip-flop will not offer - and it's these features that will keep your toddler comfortable and safe. On our list are ten of the best toddler water shoes ranging from sandals to sneakers so that you can find the perfect pair for your child.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 12 hrs of research
Machine Washable
Hook and Loop Strap
PCF-Free Materials
Quick Drying
Non-marking Sole
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Keen Newport H2 -
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Stride Rite Made2Play Phibian -
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Crocs Swiftwater -
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Crocs Classic Clog -
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Carter's Troop -
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Native Jefferson Slip-On -
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Teva Manatee -
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Speedo Surfwalker Pro 2.0 -
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OshKosh B’Gosh Aquatic -
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iPlay Baby Swim Shoes
- Criteria Used for Evaluation
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
Top 10 Picks
1. Keen Newport H2
Machine Washable
Hook and Loop Strap
PCF-Free Materials
Quick Drying
Non-marking Sole
Expensive
Number one on our list is an adorable pair of sandals perfect for any little adventurer. Its footbed is designed to provide structural support that matches the natural curves of the foot, ensuring that your toddler's feet remain comfortable and healthy. In addition, their materials are all PFC-Free and feature a non-marking rubber sole, a quick-drying upper, and a mesh lining that prevents sweaty feet. They are also easy to wash and put on and come in a variety of colors.
Read moreEasy To Put On
Featuring an adjustable hook and loop strap on the instep, your toddler will be able to pull these on with minimal help.
Machine Washable
Like all other KEEN water sandals, the materials of these shoes allows them to be machine washable. They will save you the time and effort it takes to wash them by hand, and renders them great for busy families of all kind.
Cost and Value
The only downside of these sandals is that they are pricey compared to the other shoes on our list. However, keep in mind that higher quality naturally comes with a higher price.
2. Stride Rite Made2Play Phibian
Machine Washable
Versatile
Breathable
Extra-grip Sole
Expensive
As the name states, the Stride Rite Made2Play Phibian Sneaker-Sandal features all the benefits of sneakers and sandals at the same time. They are comfortable, flexible, and offer structural support. Its lightweight EVA upper renders them breathable and easy to dry, while their outsoles provide extra grip that will prevent slips and falls. What's more, they are easy to put on, machine washable, and are 100% vegan-friendly.
Read moreVersatile
What's great about these shoes is that they can be great for all seasons and occasions. Their outsoles provide grip like typical sneakers while their uppers are quick-dry and easy to wash. This makes them great for water parks or even just a typical summer day.
Vegan-Friendly
Made 100% without using animal products, these shoes allow you to provide your child the comfort and protection they need while also being generous to animals and our earth.
Cost and Value
As these shoes sit on the high end of our price list, their price tag might make you falter. But with over 900 five star reviews, we think they're worth considering!
3. Crocs Swiftwater
Croslite Construction
Bungee-style Lacing System
Hook and Loop Closure
Drainage Ports
Great Traction
Runs Small
May Cause Blisters
The Crocs Swiftwater Play shoe is the perfect mix of sandal, sneaker and water shoe, made for those little adventurers who like exploration, and refuse any setbacks. Perfect not just for beach use, but also for the pool, messy gardens, or rainy days, the Swiftwater Play Shoe offers the perfect amount of protection while still being extremely quick to dry, easy to keep clean, and featuring the brand’s recognizable comfort technologies.
Read moreCroslite Materials
Crocs products are usually made with Croslite, a foam compound that’s extremely lightweight, cushioned, yet highly durable, that won’t absorb water, and will provide great traction on slippery surfaces. The fit of the Swiftwater is roomy, with enough space for even chubby feet to splay, a massaging footbed for great comfort, as well as a toe bumper for added protection against rocks and twigs.
Mesh Padding
To ensure that your little one’s feet are not irritated, the collar and tongue of this play shoe is covered in padded mesh that’s soft to the touch but dries quickly. A great fit is ensured by bungee-style laces that provide a good amount of flexibility, as well as a hook and loop strap over the instep, ensuring a secure fit.
Cost and Value
While most Crocs models aren’t too expensive, the Swiftwater Play Shoe has a price that’s closer to the higher end of this list. Nonetheless, it’s a great investment for any parent looking for a highly breathable, easy-to-dry sneaker that offers a generous fit, a cushioned walking experience and easy on and off. Plus, it’s durable, which will ensure that you get your money’s worth.
4. Crocs Classic Clog
Light
Varied Color Selection
Roomy
Easy to Clean
Durable
Runs Small
Crocs are a classic for a reason - they are light, durable, and convenient for all types of activities. The kids' version is just as great. Its design offers support to the foot and provides plenty of room for comfort. They have non-marking outsoles and include a heel strap that will keep them from slipping off. They are quick to dry, easy to clean, and great at preventing odor, and what's more, your child will be able to customize them however they like with compatible Jibbitz brand charms. These sandals are perfect for any summer day and definitely won't disappoint!
Read moreRoomy
The shape of these shoes allows them to be comfortable while also offering room to wiggle without the shoes slipping off. It'll take much longer for your child to grow out of them compared to other shoes.
Foam
The classic foam material of all Crocs sandals means they are easy to wash and dry while also being light, comfortable, and supportive.
Cost and Value
Not only are these shoes convenient and comfortable, they are also some of the cheapest shoes on our list, rendering them a great bargain.
5. Carter's Troop
Padded Mesh Insole
Hook and Loop Closure
Wide Forefoot
Rubber Outsole
Excellent Grip
Tongue May Shift
Unsuitable for Narrow Feet
If you’re after something with a substantial outsole, but soft on the inside, the Carter’s Troop is a great option. Made with a rubber outsole and a padded mesh upper, including synthetic overlays for structure, it’s an easy-on, easy-to-dry model, great for both play dates and warm rainy days. It comes in a limited number of color options, but both the pink and navy add a pop of style to any kid’s outfit.
Read moreAdjustable Closure
The closure on the Troop is an adjustable hook and loop strap that’s been a favorite with both parents and kids forever. Not only is it easy to adjust, but it’s also aided by an elastic strap just above the toes that replaces laces, providing a good fit without all the hassle.
Runs Wide
For those who have to deal with finding footwear for chubby feet, a wide style is like a jackpot - and the Carter’s Tropp is exactly that. Not only will it allow easy shoe entry, but it will also ensure that there’s no rubbing on your little one’s toes that would cause blisters in wet conditions.
Cost and Value
The price of the Carter’s Tropp depends on the size you choose, but it’s relatively affordable, and a good investment for most. It can be worn both on Splash Days and as an everyday shoe, it’s very easy to keep clean and smelling fresh, the padded mesh insole provides just the right amount of cushioning, and it has a stylish but simple look that’ll match almost any outfit.
6. Native Jefferson Slip-On
Lightweight
EVA Upper, Midsole, Outsole
Decent Traction
Ventilation and Drainage Ports
Expensive
Slip On
If sandals aren't the thing for your toddler, then consider these sneakers by Native. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes for children of all ages. Its material keeps it light while its allover perforations keep the feet cool and dry. What's more, they are resistant to odor, have a rubber rand and toe, and have cushioning that renders them shock absorbent and comfortable for running around. The only downside of these shoes is their slightly higher price, but their high quality will definitely make up for it.
Read moreLightweight
Made with ultra-lightweight EVA in the upper, lining, and sole, these sneakers are light, comfortable, and will allow your child to run around1 with ease. It also makes them great for wading in pools, beaches, or lakes, as they won't weigh them down in the water.
Quick To Dry
Ventilation holes in these shoes keep the feet nice and odorless. Their material renders them quick and easy to dry, preventing the accumulation of sweat, odor, or the growth of mold.
Cost and Value
These shoes sit on the high end of our price range. However, with over 1400 five-star reviews, it's safe to say they're worth every penny, so be sure to check them out.
7. Teva Manatee
Breathable Mesh Upper
Elastic Lacing
EVA Footbed
Rubber Outsole
Toe Bumper
Runs Tight
Hard to Get On
If you’re an avid hiker and would like to start including your kids in adventures that often include mess and water, the Teva Manatee is the perfect choice. Available both for toddlers and kids, this is a rugged shoe model made for both protection and comfort, with breathable mesh uppers that’ll dry quickly without soaking up water and becoming heavy.
Read moreSupportive Footbed
As with most styles by Teva, the Manatee features an EVA foam footbed that’s the perfect combination of cushioning and supportive, without creating any unnecessary weight that would lead to fatigue and crankiness. The outsole is made with rubber, including a toe bumper, ensuring a protected wear and great traction on all types of surfaces.
Heel Pull Tab
The pull tab on the heel is there for a couple of reasons. For one, it can make putting these shoes on a bit easier, while it can also serve as a great feature for when you want to hang up these sandals to dry. The bungee cord closure ensures a secure fit that won’t slip off, giving you peace of mind when out and about.
Cost and Value
This is probably the most expensive model on this list, which is not much of a surprise. First and foremost, that’s because it’s a more serious hiking sandal with quick-drying properties, made for all types of adventures. But, it can also be used as an everyday summer shoe, seeing that the mesh will provide great comfort, while the footbed and lacing system add a level of support and structure that’s not often found in footwear for small children.
8. Speedo Surfwalker Pro 2.0
Stretchy Upper
Durable
Excellent Ventilation
Quick Drying
Runs Large
Color Varies from Images
The Speedo Surfwalker Pro 2.0 has been a favorite among adults - and the toddler version is just as great. These feature a unique s-trac thermoplastic rubber outsole, which offers water management and flow dispersion. Thanks to this, your child is guaranteed to stay protected from sharp rocks or hot sidewalks when playing outside. In addition, the material and straps of these water shoes keep them flexible and comfortable.
Read moreStretchy
These sandals are made of a durable four-way stretch upper and include an adjustable strap, which guarantees comfort and easy on-and-off for your toddler.
Ventilation
With air mesh insert panels, they allow air to flow throughout the shoe and renders them quick to dry. It also makes them great for hot summer days, as it allows sweat to dissipate instead of accumulating.
Cost and Value
These sandals are some of the cheapest on our list. These are perfect for families who are looking to save some money.
9. OshKosh B’Gosh Aquatic
Soft Fabric
Hook and Loop Closure
Toe Protection
Sun Coverage
Price
Sole Durability
Toes May Come Through Sides
Another quality name brand for children’s apparel and footwear, OshKosh B’Gosh brings the Aquatic to the market for a soft sandal water shoe. Easily adjusted with an ankle Velcro closure, perforated footbed and soft uppers to keep it breathable and lightweight, it makes for a great water shoe for all sorts of activities. Thick and sturdy synthetic sole helps keep these durable for running around, and the outsole wraps around to help protect the toes at the front.
Read moreAdorable Style
The Aquatic comes in several color options and patterns for both girls and boys, from polka dot, to solids and camo. Breathable cut outs along the side of the toes, and foot, help give it breathability, and a soft upper keep it comfortable against sensitive skin, as well as ready for water related activities. Hook and loop closure is fastened with Velcro, giving adjustability to suit your child’s growing needs.
Protective Durability
At the base of the Aquatic lies a sturdy synthetic sole, giving durability for water activities, but also for wear during playtime out of the water and on the playground. Outsole wraps around the toe cap adding protection for the toes, and a patterned, plus small lugged sole helps maintain traction during wear. With soft uppers giving the top of the foot some protection from the sun, your child can wear these for the duration of the day.
Cost and Value
Averagely priced on our list, the OshKosh B’Gosh Aquatic shoe is a great water shoe for those looking for semi-coverage from the sun, but keep a sturdy sole for wear outside the water during playtime. Protective synthetic outsole wraps along the toe, and easy hook and loop closure make it simple to get on and off the foot. Great for kids with sensitive skin who need softer uppers that love to play in the water.
10. iPlay Baby Swim Shoes
Flexible Upper
Non-slip Outsole
Pull Tab at Heel
Quick Drying
Runs Narrow
Slip On
Next up on our list is a great pair by iPlay that is perfect for the swimming pool or the water park. Their soles provide traction against smooth and wet surfaces so that you won't have to worry about slips. In addition, they are made of polyester and have an EVA upper and a synthetic rubber sole, rendering them comfortable and convenient. Along with an affordable price and a variety of color selection... what's not to love?
Read moreTraction
With no-slip soles, these water shoes will prevent your toddler from slipping on wet surfaces and can save them from injuries. They are ideal for going to the pool, where the smooth floors can get very slippery when wet.
Flexible
Because they are made of flexible material and include a pull-loop, they are easy and convenient to pull on and off. Your toddler will be able to practice putting on their own shoes.
Cost and Value
With over 500 five-star reviews, you can be sure that these shoes are worth the purchase. These are an excellent bargain for such practical shoes, so hurry up and get your son or daughter a pair before they run out!
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Size We all know from experience that regardless of a shoe's style, type, or material, what really makes them suit you will be their size. It doesn't matter how high-quality they may be - if they're not the right size, they can cause all kinds of problems ranging from blisters to hammertoes to ankle pain. It's the same for children. In fact, you'll need to take extra care to find the right-sized shoe for your toddler, as ill-fitting shoes can lead to even worse things such as bone and muscle problems when they grow up.
There are many sizing charts online that allow you to print them out and use them to measure your child's feet. However, if you don't have a printer, there are other methods as well. Simply place your child's foot on a piece of paper and draw a line behind their heel and in front of their big toe. Then measure the distance between the two lines using a ruler. You can then compare your measurements with sizing charts that can be found online.
In addition, there are some things you'll want to consider when looking for the right shoe size. It's a good idea to always leave around a 1/4" space in the toes to allow for extra room to wiggle and grow into. Also take into consideration the thickness of the socks your child might wear often with their shoes so that you can ensure there is enough room to accommodate that as well. Because toddlers can grow quickly, their feet should be measured every few months to ensure their shoes are still the right fit.
Materials Unsurprisingly, one of the key aspects of a good water shoe is its resistance against water. Typical shoes will often retain water when wet, making them uncomfortable, heavy, and hard to dry. This can cause blistering, odor, and may even lead to mold growing on their shoes. But with water shoes, the material from which they are made renders them breathable and quick to dry.
Water shoes are generally made from synthetic fabrics or rubber, which are fabrics made using man-made fibers instead of natural fibers. When looked at under a microscope, it will appear like plastic spun into a fabric. Water shoes made of synthetic fabrics are lightweight, easy to dry, and easy to clean. You can wear them in water, as they won't weigh you down, and you won't have to worry if they get covered in dirt, sand, or mud. However, one downside is that the manufacturing process of synthetic fabrics an sometimes cause harm to the environment, which renders them less eco-friendly than natural materials.
One common material in water shoes is neoprene, which is a synthetic rubber. The most outstanding benefit of neoprene shoes is their durability in a variety of different conditions. As the material is often used in protective gears, they offer protection against heat, chemical, and even ozone so that you can be sure that your toddler has maximum protection when out in the water. In addition, they are water resistant (which is obviously a must for all water shoes) and can provide great cushioning. They are also latex-free, so you won't have to worry about latex allergy in your toddler.
Traction When doing activities such as fishing, kayaking, or hiking on wet terrain, traction is crucial in ensuring safety for people of all ages. Not all shoes are suitable for slippery surfaces, and if you don't take care to choose the right pair, you may fall and cause serious injuries. It is especially easy for children to slip when they are still too young to be completely steady on their feet, and falling may lead to scrapes, sprained ankles, and lots of tears.
All water shoes are supposed to provide superb traction, as they are designed for use on slippery or wet terrain, and would ideally provide as much traction as on a high-quality hiking boot. In order to know if a pair of water shoes will provide sufficient traction for your child, check the pattern and the depth of the grooves on soles of the shoe. Multi-directional lug patterns are great for traction, but as a general rule, the deeper the grooves, the more likely it will provide good traction. Rubber outsoles are also crucial in providing traction. However, some toddler shoes or swim socks don't have a rubber outsole, and will instead have anti-skid dots that are effective in preventing slipping on smooth or wet surfaces. This keeps the shoe nice and light which is ideal when the feet are submerged underwater and will allow your toddler to move around freely. But keep in mind that these anti-skid dots provide much less protection compared to rubber outsoles, and likely won't be as effective at providing traction on surfaces such as rocky beaches.
Adjustability Anyone who’s ever tried to help a toddler get dressed knows how hard a task this can be. Not only do they have an opinion on what’s appropriate footwear for what occasion, but they’ll often refuse to cooperate, which makes it so much harder to simply put on their sneakers and be out the door.
When shopping for any type of shoes for your little one, be it boots, sneakers or water sandals, you will want to get a model that’s easy to put on, and has been designed to make your life easier. This includes certain types of closures - you should always forego laces - but also stretch materials and pull tabs that make the job a bit less tiring.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Size Materials Traction Adjustability 
While have great water shoes to play in for beach time or pool time can make for a great day of fun, it's important to remember to protect yourself, and your little ones from the sun for an even better day after.
Depending how often your little one hits the water, use the appropriate level of sunscreen to help protect them from sun burns that can cause discomfort or pain that evening or the following day!
If you're little one has water shoes, it's likely they'll be splashin up a storm in them. To care for their water shoes, let them air dry after use, and if possible wash occasionally on the gentle cycle in the washing machine. Footwear that isn't fabric, or made from synthetic materials can be scrubbed with a soft bristle brush, soap and water along with a bit of baking soda to help cut back on odor and keep them clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Often, people will reach for flip-flops simply because of their convenience. However, they are no match for actual water shoes, as they provide little to no protection against bacteria, infections, or sharp objects. They provide little to no traction on slippery surfaces, and absolutely no toe protection. When walking for long periods of time, they can often cause pain or blisters because of their lack of cushioning. In addition, we all know how difficult it is to walk in flip flops - and it would be twice as difficult for your toddler, who has just recently learned how to walk, making them extra susceptible to slipping and injuries. They may be convenient and cheap, but they are ultimately incomparable to water shoes, which are designed like actual shoes and provide traction, protection, shock absorption, and comfort.
There are four main types of water shoes, though their names are often used inaccurately and interchangeable. These are water sandals, aqua shoes, boat shoes, and wet shoes. The shoes on our list are not of one specific kind, but are rather a combination of many types all under the umbrella term 'water shoes.'
The answer will ultimately depend on the outsole of the particular shoe. Most water shoes should provide adequate cushioning and structural support if they have a rubber sole, which will protect the ankles and joints of your toddler as well as keep them comfortable. However, it’s still not recommended to use them for extremely long distances such as when hiking unless they are specially designed for it.
Of course, the most convenient way to buy any shoe, clothing, or product would be online, but there are pros and cons. On one hand, you won't have to go to the store and be faced with shelf upon shelf of shoes. You can browse easily and quickly find what you want. On the other hand, you wouldn't be able to try on the shoe before you pay, which means you might get the wrong size and fit. Some websites will have a sizing chart with which you can compare you or your toddler's foot. You can also check out the reviews of other customers to find out if the particular model is sized larger or smaller than usual. Another option is to go to the store, and most athletic clothing or shoe stores should carry water shoes.
There is no absolute answer to this question - what is best will ultimately come down to where and how you or your toddler will be wearing them. If your family loves rocky beaches, for example, a pair of aqua socks with no rubber sole would not be a good option as they do not provide the appropriate protection against the terrain. No matter how high-quality the shoe is, if it isn't designed for the activity you're doing, they most likely won't provide the proper features. As mentioned previously, it's always a good idea to take a look at customer reviews of the product to get a general idea of whether or not the shoe will be suitable for your toddler's needs.
