Best Toddler Water Shoes Reviewed & Rated
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. Besides having to double-check and triple-check that you have everything they might need for the trip (snacks, clothes, entertainment…), you also need to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t run into trouble. If they aren’t wearing the right clothes or the right shoes, you might also be faced with laundry when you get home, and smelly shoes that won’t dry for days… Thankfully, everything can be made a lot simpler if you prepare for it in advance – starting with the right shoes.
Featured Recommendations
- Keen Newport H2
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Our rating - Price: See Here
- Native Jefferson Slip-On
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Our rating - Breathable Perforated Upper
- Easy to Clean
- Sunville Athletic
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Our rating - Adjustable Fit
- Padded Collar
Water shoes are crucial to many activities such as kayaking or going to the beach. It’s a common misconception that any summer shoe can be worn as water shoes. In reality, water shoes provide other features such as 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, designed to allow your child to explore the world around them while staying comfortable and protected. Their styles range from sandals to sneakers so that you can find the perfect pair for your child.
10 Best Toddler Water Shoes
1. Keen Newport H2
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.
- Machine washable
- Hook and loop strap
- PCF-Free materials
- Quick drying
- Non-marking sole
- Pricey
2. Native Jefferson Slip-On
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.
- Ultra-light
- Wide range of sizes
- Color selections
- Easy to clean
- Pricey
3. Stride Rite Made2Play Phibian
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!
- Machine washable
- Versatile
- Breathable
- Extra-grip sole
- Pricey
4. Crocs Classic Clog
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.
- Light
- Color selection
- Roomy
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Size runs small
5. Teva Tidepool Sport
The simple yet practical design of these sandals provides excellent stability, rendering them suitable for a wide range of different activities. They can even be worn as everyday summer shoes.
Material
With an upper made of synthetic material, an EVA midsole, and a foam lining, the combination of features provided by this pair keeps them lightweight, comfortable, and breathable.
Cost and Value
Sitting around the middle of our price range, these sandals are still reasonably priced. All the great features they offer ensures that they will be a worthy purchase.
- Reasonably priced
- Open-toed
- Hook and loop system
- Foam lining provides comfort
- Versatile
- Size runs large
6. Carter’s Christo
Although still a sandal with open straps, a covered toe helps protect against any toe stubs from the occasional trip, or bumping into things. Synthetic sole is textured for grip on slippery surfaces, and a mesh upper layer not only protects the top of the foot a bit, it also helps keep the sandal breathable.
Beach Ready
The Christo is ready to take on your next family beach adventure when you are! An easy hook and loop heel closure make this sandal extremely easy to get on and off your child’s foot, but is also easy for kids learning to do so themselves. Elastic ‘lace up’ keep the fit flexible but still firmly on your child’s foot. And with several great color options you can find one perfect for your little boy or girl.
Cost and Value
Averagely priced for a children’s shoe, it’s by no means expensive on our list of water shoes for toddlers. Easy closure makes it simple to get in and out of, unisex design makes it versatile for any little boy or girl, and it’s strappy open air design with added toe cap will protect them when wading. Great for summer vacation, puddle jumping, or just hanging about in the creeks and streams around town.
Brand Name
Covered Toe
Hook and Loop Closure
Elastic Lace
Breathable
Run Small
Retain Odor After Time
7. Sunville Athletic
Easily adjust for any child’s foot, a cord helps bind the shoe to the foot with a simple cinch type closure at the back of the ankle. Padded collar help keep it comfortable against sensitive skin, and the nylon uppers give some flex to the shoe itself for fit. Quick drying as well as slightly insulated, nylon material makes this a great shoe for water play at the pool, beach, or home!
Cushion Comfort
Inside the Sunville Aqua is a removable insole, which helps give a little extra support and cushion to growing feet, but can be taken out for size or comfort tastes. A textured grippy sole will help your child maintain traction on slippery pool or ground surfaces, and the full coverage uppers give can help protect against sunburns when at the beach. Nylon adds some stretch to the uppers, so your child’s foot won’t feel pinched or restricted when wearing.
Cost and Value
One of the most budget friendly options on our list, it’s great for those looking for a full coverage type of water shoe. Nylon keeps the shoe light, flexible, and quick drying after wearing in the water, and the coverage help protects against sunburn. Easy cinch style closure gives adjustable fit, ideal for growing feet of children!
Adjustable Fit
Cinch Heel Closure
Breathable
Padded Collar
Quick Drying
Price
Durability
Stability
8. OshKosh B’Gosh Aquatic
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.
Soft Fabric
Hook and Loop Closure
Toe Protection
Sun Coverage
Price
Sole Durability
Toes May Come Through Sides
9. Speedo Surfwalker Pro 2.0
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.
- Affordable
- Durable
- Excellent ventilation
- Water management
- Colour is slightly different from images
- Size runs large
10. iPlay Baby Swim Shoes
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!
- Flexible material
- No-slip sole
- Good bargain
- Color selection
- Narrow shape
No matter where you head for water related fun, you’re sure to find a water shoe on our list that will help your little one have fun in the water, protected from stubs and scrapes, and allow them to run about without worrying about slipping. Perfect for water parks, beach going, pool time, or puddle jumping in warm summer showers, a water shoe is a great way to help your children have fun exploring and getting wet!
Criteria for Evaluating The Best Toddler Water Shoes
Sizing
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.
Material
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can’t flip-flops be worn as water shoes?
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.
Q: Are there different types of water shoes?
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.’
Q: Can water shoes be worn when walking long distances?
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.
Q: Where can I buy water shoes?
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.
Q: How do I know which water shoe to buy for my toddler?
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.
