Best Water Shoes for Kids
We are sure you will agree with us when we say that searching for the best water shoes for kids can get overwhelming.
With so many options available it can be stressful. Or is it?
It turns out finding the correct water shoes is not as stressful as you thought. We wrote this review so you will have all the information you need to quickly find a great pair of water shoes for your child.
That’s why our experts checked over 1000 products, analyzed a large number of customer reviews to provide you with a solution to this problem. We will talk about the types of kids water shoes, how they should fit, the materials used for them, and why. We have water and swim shoe comparison charts – the pros and cons of the top ten kids water footwear choices, as well as answering some common questions.
To find which brand is our top choice for the best water shoes for kids, just read on.
Top 10 Best Water Shoes for Kids 2020
| Product | Features | Rating | Checkout | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
KEEN Unisex Kid Newport H2 Sandal |
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| 2 |
Stride Rite Made 2 Play Phibian |
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| 3 |
SUIEK Baby Boys Girls Water Shoes |
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| 4 |
Fresko Toddler and Little Kids Water Shoes |
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| 5 |
JIASUQI Baby Swim Water Skin Shoes |
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| 6 |
i play.Baby Toddler (1-4 Years) Water Shoes |
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| 7 |
Bigib Toddler Kids Swim Water Shoes |
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| 8 |
Womens and Mens Kids Water Shoes |
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| 9 |
Starbay Sunville Infants Aqua Shoes |
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| 10 |
Adorllya Water Shoes |
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KEEN Unisex Kid Newport H2 Water Sandal
We like this supportive water sandal by KEEN. Kids can wear these just about anywhere, from the aquatic park, pool, beach, school, poolside, or to take short hikes near lakes and rivers.
Constructed of quick-dry polyester webbing and rubber, KEEN Newport H2 Sandals have three adjustable hook-and-loop straps that allow for plenty of air circulation.Thick rubber sole offers arch support, and there is rubber that extends over toes and heel, which gives a lot of extra foot protection.
Nice tread provides traction on a variety of surfaces. Even with extra rubber in the sole and tread, these sandals still feel light.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type of water shoes : Sandal
- Material : Polyester Webbing
- Sole :Non-marking Rubber
- Weight :10.6 ounces
- Sturdy & Flexible
- Dries quickly
- 16 color combinations
- Wider fit and arch support
- Straps can be fully adjusted to the toes
- Machine washable
- Tend to get stinky
- Rugged design makes them weigh a bit more
Our consensus is these kid water sandals feel and look more like a shoe but are much more breathable. We love that when they get dirty or stinky, you can toss them in the wash.
What if your toddler has chubby feet?
We like that these have a wider fit and make a great choice if you need sandals for toddlers with plump feet.
We feel these water sandals for kids are a great value. With so many color combinations you are sure to find your child’s favorite.
Stride Rite Made 2 Play Phibian Water Shoe
This water footwear is a cross between a sandal and a shoe and looks like a sneaker. We like these Made 2 Play Phibian children’s water shoes for beach walking or going to parks where your child may jump in a puddle or two.
The soft cushion-like EVA material in the upper is quick-drying and machine washable. Made with 100 percent Vegan-friendly materials, they feature a synthetic rubber outsole with hook and loop closures for easy on and off.
There is a layer of breathable mesh that rises above the EVA upper material for more foot coverage. The sole is thick enough for foot protection from most rough surfaces and the outsole has rubber nubs for extra traction.
Treads are not as pronounced as in other styles but still grip well.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type of water shoes : Water shoe
- Material : EVA Rubber
- Sole : Rubber
- Weight : 10 ounces
- Lightweight
- Machine washable
- Many color combinations
- Dries fast
- Tends to get sweaty
- No added toe protection
Overall, we think these shoes perform very well in all settings.
What about comfort?
Ventilation holes in the sides could allow some dirt penetration, and the solid synthetic EVA upper material could create a bit of sweat when worn outside of water, so we suggest you put regular socks on your child when going places where you know their feet will stay dry.
For active kids having fun at beach, pool, splash pad, or just out running in the yard after rain, these shoes would be perfect since they offer more stability than a more open water sandal.
SUIEK Baby Water Shoes
These waterproof baby shoes by SUIEK are soft and very comfortable, and perfect for infants at the beach or pool.
Made of completely waterproof Neoprene. This extraordinarily light material also helps keep your infant’s feet warm when in cool water.
Soles are Neoprene with little dots of latex tread for a bit of grip.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type of water shoes : Water shoe
- Material : Neoprene
- Sole : Neoprene with latex dots
- Weight : 0.88 ounces
- 100 percent waterproof/dries super fast
- Keeps feet warm
- Cute designs on toes
- Snug fit won’t fall off
- Soft and comfortable
- Minimal tread
We like that the fabric will help keep your child’s feet warm, and this footwear will stay on with no fuss. The material will stretch to fit chubby or broader feet without squeezing.
Can my active toddler wear these?
We feel this footwear is not meant for older toddlers who may run off onto rough surfaces like rocks since the bottoms are Neoprene fabric with no rubber sole.
This waterproof style comes in four colors with cute designs like starfish that your baby will love to look at.
We think these SUIEK baby and toddler wet-play booties deserve their high ratings from customers for being cute, comfortable, and affordable.
Fresko Toddler and Little Kids Water Shoes for Boys and Girls
Fresko water shoes are great toddler pool shoes to wear at the splash pad or river. Quick-dry neoprene upper has cooling mesh inserts for added breathability.
The insole offers a firm arch which makes this a good choice if your child needs water shoes with arch support. They have a heel pull tab and a wrap-over velcro closure.
Thick rubber sole allows for good traction. Rubber extends around foot edges for even more grip and protection.
Even with added rubber, the weight of the footwear is still light.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type of water shoes : Water shoe
- Material :Neoprene and Mesh
- Sole : Rubber
- Weight : 6 ounces
- Good overall foot protection
- Dries quick
- Breathable
- Good traction
- Many color combinations
- Machine washable/Air dry
- Tears in fabric upper
- Insole comes loose
Our research shows these Fresko water shoes would be a top pick for a good water shoe for a baby.
What’s a good age for kids to wear this style?
For adventures from jumping in puddles, heading to the splash pad, or for a beach day, the versatility would also make them one of the best summer shoe for toddlers.
They fit true to size and come in enough color combinations and designs to make everyone happy.
There are some complaints about tears in the seams after limited use. Since a majority of customers are pleased with the quality, it could be due to hard use during play.
We feel this Fresko design certainly contends as some of the best water shoes for toddlers.
JIASUQI Baby Swim Water Skin Shoes
JIASUQI water socks are unisex shoes that work well for running around an aqua park, pool, lake, boats, and are a top pick for being some of the best water shoes for beach time.
Upper is made with an ultra-thin polyester/spandex blend, which dries fast. These materials are stretchy and lightweight.
The flexible rubber sole is excellent for protection from hot surfaces and rocks.
The solid tread offers extra traction on wet surfaces.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type of water shoes : Sock
- Material : Spandex/Polyester Blend
- Sole : Flexible Rubber
- Weight : 4.2 ounces
- Very comfortable
- Large selection of solids and prints
- Great grip
- Keeps out sand/pebbles
- Lightweight and fast-drying
- Sizing is by months of age not exact sizes
- Thin upper fabric may tear
If you are looking for baby girl water shoes with lots of fun designs, this JIASUQI design is for you.
What makes these a good choice?
Customers rave about comfy fit, fun patterns, and excellent traction.
They are easy to put on, which is a huge plus when you have a squirmy child.
They also feature a smooth design that doesn’t rub against the ankles.
What about fit?
There have been reported problems with fit since sizing is based onmonths old, not in actual sizes.
There have been a few complaints about seams that bust, which could be from faulty sewing during manufacturing or rough play while wearing.
We feel the JIASUQI are the best water shoes for the beach with foot protection from hot sand, sharp rocks, or shells – and a fit snug enough to keep out sand.
i play.Baby Toddler (1-4 Years) Water Shoes
These slip-on baby water shoes will protect your baby or toddler’s feet when visiting the beach, pool, or aquatic park. These shoes fully cover the foot, unlike toddler water sandals.
Material for uppers is mesh and nylon fabric that is flexible and quick to dry.
The i play.Baby Toddler water shoes are lightweight and hand washable.
Non-slip rubber soles prevent falls and are thick enough for walking over rough ground.
Treads have small indentations for a minimal amount of extra traction.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type of water shoes : water shoes
- Material : Mesh and Nylon
- Sole : Rubber
- Weight : 8.1 ounces
- Great snug fit won’t slip off the foot
- Flexible
- Toe & heel protection
- Quick drying
- Non-slip sole
- Minimal colors
- Issues with sole wear
- Issues with rips in the fabric
- Blister/Irritation on the instep
Would these be a smart purchase?
There are a small number of reported issues with these water shoes.
Worn treads appear to occur when kids wear them for a long time on hard surfaces, as opposed to the intended use. Examining the shoes should help prevent the fabric above the toe from tearing.
The concern over blistering or irritation on the instep of the foot seems related to a tag inside the shoe at this exact spot. Trimming the tags off before use could prevent this problem.
Overall these get favorable ratings, so we say these kids water sneakers are a good option, especially for babies and toddlers.
Keep reading, we have more reviews!
Bigib Toddler Kids Swim Water Shoes Quick Dry Non-Slip for Boys & Girls
These swim shoes by Bigib are made for kids to keep right on playing at pool, park, beach, aqua park, river, lake, or while on a boat.
These look like a swim sock but have a thicker sole for more stability and safety.
Uppers are made of a soft, stretch material that is lightweight and dries quickly.
These comfortable water shoes have a foam inner sole for added cushioning.
Rubber soles are thick enough to feel safe walking across rough rocks or broken shells, yet are flexible and comfortable to wear.
Tread is perfect for more grip on slick surfaces.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type of water shoes : Water shoe
- Material :Stretch Nylon
- Sole :Rubber
- Weight :1,52 ounces
- Lightweight
- Dries fast
- Flexible
- Good sole for most surfaces
- 26 colors/prints
- Won’t smell
- No rubber heel or toe protection
- Prone to wear/tear at the toe
These Giotto water shoes do the job when used in the right places.
Where should you wear this style?
We recommend them as great baby beach shoes since at this age they tend to do more sitting than running.
With no extra rubber heel and toe protection, they are not meant for prolonged wear over rough surfaces.
We feel if you just want a bit of extra protection for your child’s feet in any situation where you do not wish them barefoot, these are fantastic.
Womens and Mens Kids Aqua Socks for Beach Swim Surf Yoga Exercise
WateLves makes these wonderful kid swim socks that are perfect for trips to the beach, splash pad, pool or while boating.
Upper material is a spandex/poly blend that is breathable, super light, and dries fast.
The anti-slip rubber sole on these socks are flexible and thick enough to protect your child’s feet from rough surfaces but still allows for an almost barefoot feel.
Tread is minimal, but allows decent grip.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type of water shoes : Sock
- Material : Spandex/Polyester Blend
- Sole : Thin Rubber
- Weight : 1.6 ounces
- Easy to get on and off
- Super lightweight
- Good sole and tread for most needs
- Quick drying materials
- Easy to pack
- Tearing in the toe
If you need a quality pair of toddler girl or toddler boy water shoes, these would be a good choice.
Will these keep out the sand?
This toddler swim shoe fits snugly and prevents sand or pebbles from entering.
These have the appearance of aqua socks and do not have rubber toe protection.
With no added insole cushioning they are not recommended for long walks over hard terrain.
Snug fit would make good kids river shoes or while boating since they allow for enough traction and protection for feet but give that barefoot feel.
These water socks run true to size, and we like them as a basic toddler swim shoe.
Don’t stop, we have more!
Starbay Sunville Infants Aqua Shoes For Water Sandals Aqua Socks
These infant aqua shoes by Starbay are intended to be worn at pools, aqua parks, boating, the beach, and playgrounds.
The toddler aqua shoe uppers are made of mesh and nylon. An inner sole adds extra cushion. Materials are lightweight and allow for good airflow and dry quickly.
This aqua shoe features a pull-string opening letting you create a snug fit.
Synthetic rubber sole wraps up onto uppers for added protection to heels and toes.
A nubby tread will give plenty of traction on a variety of surfaces.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type of water shoes : Water shoe
- Material : Mesh and Nylon
- Sole : Synthetic Rubber
- Weight : 6.5 ounces
- Comfortable
- Rubber coverage of heel and toe area
- Good for wide feet
- Inner soles may fall out
Bright color selections are available for boys or girls with the Starbay brand and we like the overall design.
The few issues noted about the insole cushions falling out appears to be related to glue used during manufacturing that could be faulty.
What extra features does this style have?
The rubber around the edges of the shoe will give protection, long wear, and a comfortable fit.
Adjustable fit at the ankle helps keep out sand, dirt, or pebbles.
Ankle pull-string also makes putting them on easier, which is another reason we like the Starbay Sunville Infants Aqua Shoes as a solid choice in toddler aqua shoes.
Adorllya Water Shoes & Aqua Socks for Kids, Toddlers, Boys, Girls
Perfect for trips to the aqua park, beach, pool, boat, and other adventures, the Adorllya Water Shoes are some of the best toddler beach shoes or infant swim shoes.
Quick-dry materials used on the uppers are soft, flexible, breathable, stretchy, and are not heavy. This style has a heel pull tab for easier on and off.
There is an inner sole cushion, and the outer sole is thick enough for good foot protection.
Tread is sufficient to keep your little one from slips on wet surfaces.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type of water shoes : Water shoe
- Material : Stretch Nylon
- Sole : Thin Rubber
- Weight : 1.6 ounces
- Very fun designs/colors
- Comfortable fit, even for wide feet
- Durable sole with good traction
- Dries quickly
- No added heel or toe protection
- Foot hole not very stretchy
Designs offered for these Adorllya Water Shoes are cute and comfortable, your kids may refuse to take them off.
What about sizing?
The foot hole opening is snug, but once on, the shoes will not fall off or be too tight around ankles.
It is made with a good tread that offers stability and allows your little one to walk over rough ground safely.
We like these super lightweight and flexible aqua shoes. At such an affordable price you can pick up several cute pairs.
Water socks are similar to regular socks and slip onto the foot. They use thinner, more flexible materials, and are great for toddler or baby aqua socks.
Sandals give traction, which helps prevent falls if your child is running on slippery surfaces like boat docks and water equipment.
Water socks usually have a thin neoprene, or latex sole meant for walking over fairly smooth surfaces and feature enough grip to prevent slipping.
Remember how it feels to have sopping wet shoes drag down your feet?