Best Water Shoes for Kids and Toddlers You Can Trust

Needless to say, how daunting it is to clear the mess of stinky and ruined shoes when your little bundle of joy is done exploring the beach. That’s not it; the pointy rocks, slippery floors, and debris are always there to stress you out throughout the journey instead of helping you enjoy yourself.

Here, water shoes never fail to come up with highly slip-resistant and quick-drying footwear that can instantly elevate your and your kid’s experience at the beach or pool.

If you have been looking for the Best Water Shoes for Kids and Toddlers, you have come to the right place. Here I’ve collated a list of the top 10 best water shoes for your little ones that you can totally trust.

So, let’s get started.

Best Water Shoes for Kids and Toddlers Reviewed

1. KEEN Unisex Kid Newport H2 Sandal – Best Overall
2. Fresko Toddlers Water Shoes – Best Budget
3. Bigib Water Shoes – Best for Support
4. Nike Little Big Kids’ Sunray Adjust 5 – Best for Advanced Comfort
5. Stride Rite Made 2 Play Boys Phibian Water Shoe – Best for Style
6. Native Unisex Kid’s Jefferson Slip-On Sneaker – Best for Aesthetics
7. Chaco ZX1 Ecotread Sandal – Best for Adjustability
8. Merrell Hydro Water Sandal – Best Slip-Resistance
9. O’Neill Reactor 2 2mm Reef Booties – Best for Swimming
10.  iPlay Water Shoes – Best for Breathability

Best Water Shoes for Kids and Toddlers Compared

1, KEEN Unisex Kid Newport H2 Sandal – Best Overall

You can never go wrong with the incredible durability and construction of these KEEN Unisex Kid Newport H2 Sandal.

They come in a wide array of colors and sizes from 1 to adult sizes to suit people of all heights. One of the things that made this specific shoe at the top of our list is its versatility which allows your toddler to flaunt them on 0slipper surfaces and the streets.

Upon a single click on the screen, you can see many parents raving about how indestructible and easy to wash these spectacular shoes are.

Pros

• Easy On
• Washable
• Provides excellent resistance

Cons

• Not true to size

2. Fresko Toddlers Water Shoes – Best Budget

The fast-drying and breathable properties of these water shoes come with a mesh upper that makes it effortless for your toddler to enjoy their water activities.

With this, you can expect to have 25 different colors and designs that will make it impossible for your kid to take them off. What sets this pair apart from the rest is the sturdiness and excellent support that will keep their feet firmly planted on the ground.

Thanks to the water’s stick material, you can rest assured that your kid is protected against any potential injuries from rocks, shells, and stinging sea.

Other than that, the velcro straps are also used to eliminate the hassle of laces and aid adjustability.

Pros

• Affordable
• Great fit
• slip-resistant sole
• Quick dry

Cons

• The arch is relatively hard

3. Bigib Water Shoes – Best Support

This outstanding pair of shoes is armed with a top-quality sole, smooth neck design, and slip resistance that is second to none to prevent any sogginess and scratch. If you think that’s enough, wait until you find out how convenient they are to make the transition between land and sea absolutely effortless.

To make this decision easier for you, the manufacturers allow you to return or exchange this piece if you encounter any quality or size issues.

Pros

• Rubber outsole for good grip
• Prevents blisters
• Gives ankle support

Cons

• Sole is too thin for sandy beaches

4. Nike Little Big Kids’ Sunray Adjust 5 – Best for Advanced Comfort

If your kid finds it annoying to wear such chunky and uncomfortable shoes on and off, these Nike Little Big Kids’ Sunray Adjust 5 is just the right choice for her.  Hook and loop closure at the heel gives a perfectly secure fit, and the smooth upper can allow her to slide her feet in with ease.

The phylon midsole and secondary motion technology are used in the cushion to help perform better than ever before.

Pros

• Fits to size
• Aesthetically appealing
• Adjustable straps
• Comfortable

Cons

• Poor velcro quality

5. Stride Rite Made 2 Play Boys Phibian Water Shoe – Best for Style

The power strap and slip resistance of the shoe is what make it stand out from the rest. You can rest assured of a completely comfortable fit with its scuff-proof technology and lightweight premium EVA outfit that can aid flexible movement.

These safe yet stylish shoes come with raving reviews because of the Aegis and Biome lining used to reduce odor in the shoes.

Pros

• Easy to clean
• It can be worn on land and sea

Cons

• Some kids say they hurt at first

6. Native Unisex Kid’s Jefferson Slip-On Sneaker – Best for Aesthetics

If your kid s sucker for breathable shoes that irritate their tiny feet, Native Unisex Kid’s Jefferson Slip-On Sneakers are packed with fun colors and structured holes to allow water drainage.

Whether it is sand or water, the comfortable built of the shoe is a great way to protect your toddler’s feet at all times. What’s more, the brand is aware enough to keep these shoes environmentally friendly during the manufacturing process.

Pros

• Super lightweight odor resistant
• Waterproof
• Extra comfortable footbed molds

Cons

• The tongue of the shoe isn’t quite high

7. Chaco ZX1 Ecotread Sandal – Best for Adjustability

The narrow polyester straps and curves in the shoe are inspired by classic blast weave to keep mini fete secure at all times. Another thing that entices many people to opt for Chaco ZX1 Ecotread Sandal over any other brand.

To aid a more secure fit, you get to have a custom adjust system and arch support second to none.

As if this wasn’t already enough, the injection-molded ladder lock buckle on the shoe not only elevates the overall appearance of the water shoe but offers practicality too.

Pros

• Quality and adjustability
• Slip-resistant

Cons

• Poor sizing

8. Merrell Hydro Water Sandal – Best Slip-Resistance

Whether it is wet or dry, this Merrell Hydro Water Sandal is the ultimate summer camp shoe to help your little ones to enjoy each moment of their water activities. The flexible outsole is flexible enough and comes with M Select GRIP for traction and balance.

Besides that, to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling of wet shoes, this pair of shoes is armed with exceptional water drainage capability to allow quick drying whenever needed.

Pros

• Very well made, and light
• Perfect for walking
• Snug velcro fastening

Cons

• It doesn’t provide enough adjustability

9. O’Neill Reactor 2 2mm Reef Booties – Best for Swimming

If you think of spending quality with your kids at the beach, you have had to get this pair of shoes. They have a proven record of providing adjustability and cloud-like comfort for your kid to have a seamless transition between water and land.

To make sure it suits your taste, they come in a large variety of colors and sizes to make this your favorite pair of water shoes.

Pros

• Fluid Foam Neoprene
• Flat Stitch Construction
• Supportive Toe box

Cons

• It doesn’t have a liner
• There have been complaints of blisters with these shoes.

10. iPlay Water Shoes – Best for Breathability

iPlay Water Shoes are excellent for children who find it hard to walk or run on slippery surfaces. The outsole is made up of high-quality rubber, and the synthetic meal is ideal for providing ventilation and grip simultaneously.

To make sure you easily slide the shoe on your child’s feet, this shoe comes with an extra loop to pull the shoe up.

Pros

• PVC free
• Stretch and water-friendly shoes
• No-slip soles

Cons

• It comes with no straps or laces to provide adjustability
• It doesn’t provide enough durability

Best Water Shoes for Kids and Toddlers Buyers Guide: Things to Consider Before Buying a Water Shoe

Regardless of the incredible pair of shoes, you may have, it will never serve the purpose unless you know what distinguishes a pair of shoes from a good one. To help you make the right decision, here’s a complete guide that enlists everything you need to purchase a water shoe.

1. Price

Luckily, with water shoes, you don’t have to break your bank. Unlike many other shoe types out there, water shoes are known to provide excellent support, aesthetics, and breathability all under your pocket. However, make sure the lower price isn’t compromising the quality of the shoe.

2. Material

When it comes to the shoe’s material, you get to have numerous options available out there. Plastic is known to ensure that no water gets inside the shoe, which keeps the shoe dry at all times. However, the only downside is that it doesn’t provide enough breathability to make her feel hot.

Another option you can go for is mesh. Although it takes considerably longer than plastic to dry, the fact, it offers excellent ventilation and comfort certainly makes up for it.

3. Grip

Make sure the outsole of the little water shoes are thick and grippy. This is needed to help aid resistance while your little one is walking on wet and slippery surfaces. Therefore, a rubber sole with a good tread is key to having the perfect shoe for your kid’s safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

#Which is better: loose or tight water shoes?

Remember, a loose shoe will slip right off your little one’s feet where a tight shoe has the potential to cause blisters. Therefore, always opt for the right size that keeps the balance between the both.

Therefore, make sure to see if the retailer is offering you a return policy to aid convenience if anything goes wrong.

#Can you swim in water shoes?

Of course, you can! However, this shoe also needs to be light and have a snug fit and great drainage to make the whole experience effortless.

Conclusion

Whether it is indulging in swimming or helping your kid enjoy the splashes of water at the beach for the first time, you must always be armed with the most comfortable and sturdy water shoes that will make this experience even more enjoyable.

So do your side of the research and pick between the top 10 best water shoes for kids and toddlers mentioned above to avail all of its outstanding perks.