As a parent, you want the best for your kids, and that includes protecting their little feet during water adventures. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a pool party, or a hiking trip near a stream, having the right water shoes for your little ones is essential.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the perfect pair? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Based on our research, we’ve compiled a list of the best water shoes for kids, ensuring your children have a splashing good time while keeping their feet happy and safe.
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If you’re in a hurry and just need our top recommendations, here are the best water shoes for kids in different categories:
Best Kids Water Shoes
There are many water shoes for kids available on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Some are more durable, comfortable, stylish, and functional than others. To help you find the best water shoes for your kids, we have reviewed some of the best water shoes for kids in different categories. Here are our top picks:
Best Overall: Keen Unisex Kids Sandals
Keen Unisex Kids Sandals are a go-to choice for many parents, and for a good reason. Combining durability, support, and breathability, these water shoes are perfect for kids who love spending time in and around the water. They offer a secure fit with adjustable straps, protecting your child’s feet from sharp rocks or rough surfaces. The non-marking rubber outsoles ensure excellent traction, providing stability on slippery surfaces. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them a hit among both parents and kids.
Best Budget: Centipede Demon Kids Water Shoes
Centipede Demon Kids Water Shoes offer an affordable option without compromising on quality. These lightweight shoes are easy to put on and take off, and they dry quickly, preventing discomfort from soggy footwear. With a comfortable fit and sturdy construction, they are perfect for water adventures at a fraction of the price of premium brands.
Best for Toddlers: Crocs Unisex Beach Shoes
For the littlest adventurers, the Crocs Unisex Beach Shoes are an adorable and functional choice. With their iconic Crocs design and slip-on style, they make it easy for parents to get the shoes on and off those tiny feet. The lightweight and cushioned construction keep toddlers comfortable, while the ventilation ports allow airflow to keep their feet cool and dry.
Best for Swimming: Sunnywoo Aqua Socks Toddlers
Designed specifically for swimming, Sunnywoo Aqua Socks Toddlers provide an ultra-lightweight and flexible design that feels like a second skin. These water socks offer excellent protection from hot sand, sharp rocks, and even water-borne irritants, making them ideal for all-day beach fun. They come in a range of cute designs that kids will love.
Best for Hiking: FiveStoreCity Kids Water Hiking Shoes
For adventurous kids who enjoy hiking near water bodies, FiveStoreCity Kids Water Hiking Shoes are the perfect choice. These shoes provide a secure fit with sturdy soles and offer excellent traction to prevent slips and falls. The water-resistant materials ensure that their feet stay dry even during wet hikes.
Best for the Beach: Fresko Toes
Fresko Toes are designed specifically for sandy adventures. With a unique toe design that provides toe protection and proper ventilation, these shoes allow kids to explore the beach comfortably. The elastic laces make them easy to slip on and off, so there’s more time for play and less hassle.
Best Pool Shoes: iPlay Swim Shoes
For trips to the pool, iPlay Swim Shoes are the ultimate choice. These water shoes are designed to stay on securely, providing traction on wet surfaces and preventing slips around the pool area. The quick-drying material ensures they’re ready for the next water-filled adventure.
Best for Infants: FeetCity Swim Shoes
When it comes to keeping baby’s feet protected, FeetCity Swim Shoes are a top pick. These adorable water shoes are made from soft and flexible materials that won’t restrict movement. They offer excellent protection and support for your infant’s delicate feet during water play.
Best Water Sneakers: Native Kids Jefferson
Native Kids Jefferson water sneakers combine style and functionality. These shoes are made from lightweight and odor-resistant materials, ensuring comfort and hygiene during water play. The slip-on design makes them effortless to put on, and they come in an array of colors that kids will love.
Best for Girls: OshKosh Water Shoes
For fashion-forward girls, OshKosh Water Shoes offer a wide range of stylish designs and colors. These water shoes are not only eye-catching but also comfortable and supportive, making them the perfect choice for little fashionistas who love water adventures.
How to Choose the Right Water Shoes for Your Kids
Now that you have seen some of the best water shoes for kids on the market, you might be wondering how to choose the right water shoes for your kids. There are many factors and features that you should consider when selecting water shoes, such as:
Size and Fit
One of the most important things to consider when buying water shoes for your kids is the size and fit. You want to make sure that the water shoes fit your kids’ feet snugly but not too tightly. You also want to make sure that the water shoes are easy to put on and take off, especially for younger kids who might need some help.
To find the right size and fit for your kids, you should measure your kids’ feet and compare them with the size chart of the water shoes you are interested in. You should also read the reviews and feedback from other customers who have bought the same water shoes to see if they run true to size or not.
You should also look for water shoes that have some features that can help you adjust the fit and secure the shoe on your kids’ feet, such as straps, laces, velcro, or elastic. These features can help you tighten or loosen the water shoes according to your kids’ preferences and comfort.
You should also avoid water shoes that can cause blisters or chafing on your kids’ feet, such as water shoes that have seams, zippers, or buckles that can rub against your kids’ skin. You should also look for water shoes that have smooth and soft materials that can prevent irritation or infection.
Material and Quality
Another thing to consider when buying water shoes for your kids is the material and quality. You want to choose water shoes that are made of durable, breathable, quick-drying, and easy-to-clean materials. You also want to choose water shoes that are well-made and can last for a long time.
Some of the best materials for water shoes are neoprene, mesh, rubber, EVA foam, Croslite, and synthetic leather. These materials are waterproof, warm, soft, flexible, and lightweight. They can also resist odors, bacteria, mold, and mildew.
You should also look for water shoes that have good stitching, seams, and soles. You’ll want to avoid water shoes that have loose threads, holes, tears, or cracks that can affect the performance and durability of the water shoes. You should also look for water shoes that have non-marking soles that won’t leave marks or scratches on floors or surfaces.
Style and Design
The last thing to consider when buying water shoes for your kids is the style and design. You want to choose water shoes that match your kids’ preferences and personality. You also want to choose water shoes that are fun and fashionable.
There are many styles and designs of water shoes for kids available on the market, such as clogs, sandals, sneakers, boots, socks, or toes. Choose the style and design that suits your kids’ needs and tastes.
You can also choose from a variety of colors, patterns, prints, or accessories that can add some flair and character to your kids’ water shoes. Choose from different themes, such as animals, flowers, stars, stripes, or characters. You can also customize your kids’ water shoes with charms or stickers that can make them more unique and personal.
Best Water Shoes Sizes and Fit
To ensure the comfort and safety of the kids, it is important to measure and choose the right size and fit of water shoes. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Measure the feet: The best way to measure the feet is to use a ruler or a tape measure and measure the length and width of the feet in inches or centimeters. Alternatively, you can use a printable shoe size chart or a foot measuring device that are available online or in shoe stores.
- Compare the measurements: After measuring the feet, compare the measurements with the size chart or guide provided by the brand or model of the water shoes. Each brand or model may have different size conversions and recommendations, so it is important to check them carefully before buying.
- Choose the size: Based on the comparison, choose the size that matches or is closest to the measurements of the feet. If the measurements fall between two sizes, it is better to choose the larger size for more room and comfort.
- Try on the shoes: The best way to check the fit of the water shoes is to try them on with socks or bare feet, depending on how they will be worn. The shoes should fit snugly but not too tightly on the feet. There should be some space between the toes and the end of the shoes, about half an inch or a thumb’s width. The shoes should also not slip off or rub against the heels or ankles.
- Adjust the closure: If the shoes have adjustable closures, such as velcro straps, elastic laces, drawstrings, or zippers, adjust them to make them tighter or looser as needed. The closure should secure the shoes on the feet without causing discomfort or irritation.
- Test the shoes: To test the performance and comfort of the water shoes, walk around in them for a few minutes on different surfaces, such as carpet, tile, wood, or concrete. The shoes should feel comfortable and stable on the feet. They should also not cause any blisters, cuts, or bruises on the skin.
If the shoes are too big or too small for the feet, they can cause problems such as slipping, sliding, tripping, falling, or injuring. Therefore, it is advisable to return or exchange them for a different size as soon as possible.
In summary, measure feet before buying shoes. Try new shoes at the end of the day when feet are biggest. Toddler sizes range from 4-10. Younger kids fit in sizes 10-3. Bigger kids wear adult sizes 4-7. Shop brands that offer half sizes. Order 1/2 size up to allow room for water socks. Tight shoes will be uncomfortable. But shoes too big may slip off in water.
How to Care for Your Kid’s Water Shoes
Once you have bought some water shoes for your kids, you might want to know how to care for them properly. Taking good care of your kids’ water shoes can help you maintain their quality and extend their life span. Here are some tips on how to care for your kid’s water shoes:
- Wash and dry your kid’s water shoes regularly. You should wash your kid’s water shoes after every use or at least once a week to remove dirt, sand, saltwater, chlorine, or other contaminants that can damage or stain the water shoes. You can wash your kid’s water shoes by hand or by machine, depending on the material and instructions of the water shoes. You should use mild soap and cold water to avoid fading or shrinking the water shoes. You should also rinse them thoroughly to remove any soap residue. You should dry your kid’s water shoes by air or by sun, depending on the material and instructions of the water shoes. You should avoid using a dryer or a heater to dry the water shoes, as this can damage or deform the water shoes. You should also make sure that the water shoes are completely dry before storing them, as this can prevent mold and mildew from growing on the water shoes.
- Remove stains and odors from your kid’s water shoes. You might notice that your kid’s water shoes have some stains or odors after some use, especially if they have been exposed to saltwater, chlorine, mud, or other substances that can leave marks or smells on the water shoes. You can remove stains and odors from your kid’s water shoes by using some natural or household products, such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide. You can apply these products to the stained or smelly areas of the water shoes and let them sit for a few minutes before rinsing them off with water. You can also add some essential oils or dryer sheets to the water shoes to give them a fresh and pleasant scent.
- Store your kid’s water shoes properly when not in use. You should store your kid’s water shoes in a cool and dry place when not in use, such as a closet, a drawer, or a shoe rack. You should avoid storing your kid’s water shoes in a damp or humid place, such as a bathroom, a basement, or a car trunk, as this can cause mold and mildew to grow on the water shoes. You should also avoid storing your kid’s water shoes in a hot or sunny place, such as a window sill, a balcony, or a porch, as this can cause fading or cracking of the water shoes. You should also keep your kid’s water shoes away from sharp objects, chemicals, or pets that can damage or destroy the water shoes.
- Repair minor damages to your kid’s water shoes. You might notice that your kid’s water shoes have some minor damages after some use, such as holes, tears, or loose stitches that can affect the appearance and functionality of the water shoes. You can repair minor damages to your kid’s water shoes by using some simple tools and materials, such as needles, threads, glue, patches, or tape. You can sew up any holes or tears on the upper of the water shoes with matching threads and needles. You can glue up any holes or tears on the sole of the water shoes with strong glue and clamps. You can also cover up any holes or tears on the upper or sole of the water shoes with matching patches or tape.
- Replace worn-out parts of your kid’s water shoes. You might notice that your kid’s water shoes have some worn-out parts after some use, such as soles, insoles, straps, or laces that can affect the performance and comfort of the water shoes. You can replace worn-out parts of your kid’s water shoes by buying new ones from online or offline stores that sell water shoes or accessories. You can also make your own replacements from old or unused materials that you have at home, such as rubber mats, foam sheets, fabric scraps, or elastic bands. You can cut out new soles or insoles from rubber mats or foam sheets and glue them to the old ones. You can cut out new straps from fabric scraps and sew them to the old ones. You can also make new laces from elastic bands and tie them to the old ones.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the best water shoes for your kids is a small step that makes a significant difference in their water adventures. Whether it’s splashing in the waves, exploring the pool, or hiking near streams, the right water shoes provide the comfort, support, and protection your little ones need.
However, choosing the right water shoes for your kids can be challenging, as there are many factors and features that you should consider when buying them. You should also take good care of your kids’ water shoes to maintain their quality and extend their life span.
We hope that this article has helped you find the best water shoes for your kids and provided you with some useful tips on how to choose and care for them. Good luck!