Protect Your Child’s Feet With the Best Kids Water Shoes
Summer is here, which means one thing: lots of time at the lake, beach or pool. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the cool water and have a nice family outing. But before you head out on your vacation or adventure, you need to buy the proper gear so your kiddo can experience the water to the fullest. In addition to a swimsuit and sunglasses, you’ll want to make sure your child also has high-quality kids water shoes to keep their feet safe from hot sand and hard rocks.
Kids water shoes are breathable and comfortable shoes that slip over your child’s feet and provide added protection to their toes and soles. Unlike sandals or flip flops, water shoes stay on your kid's feet and won't cause any blisters.
If you want your child to enjoy the warm weather and experience the water to their heart's content, check out our list of the top kids water shoes of 2024. We’re sure you won't be disappointed!
Buying Guide: Kids Water Shoes
Kids water shoes are an essential piece of outdoor gear, especially if your kiddo spends a lot of time at the beach, pool or rafting down rivers. But choosing the right pair can be a bit confusing. Our detailed buyer’s guide answers all your water shoes questions so you can make an informed decision.
Should You Invest in Kids Water Shoes?
Yes, we definitely recommend that you invest in these shoes. The primary purpose of water shoes is to keep your kid’s feet safe from sharp, painful or rough surfaces.
Water-filled areas are full of sharp and slippery rocks, hot sand, jagged shells and dangerous trash. Water shoes provide a durable barrier between your child’s feet and possible hazards located in and around the water.
These shoes can also keep your child safe after swimming. If your child slips them on after getting out of the pool, they’re much less likely to slip on the pool deck thanks to the shoe’s thick, rubber sole.
Selecting the Perfect Kids Water Shoes for Your Child
Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing a pair of water shoes:
Type
Kids water shoes come in three main types: aqua socks, water shoes and water sandals. We recommend choosing the type based on your child’s intended use. For instance, on a beach, aqua socks may be the perfect choice as they are slip-resistant and keep the sand out.
If you plan a trip to a river, your kid will likely require full protection from sharp underwater rocks. In this case, we recommend water shoes, which tend to have a thick sole. If your kid wants to hang out by a lake, water sandals should do the trick.
Material
Water shoes come in a variety of different materials. Plastic shoes dry quickly and also won’t absorb water. But keep in mind that this type of plastic fabric usually isn’t breathable and may rub against your child’s skin causing blisters and discomfort. A mesh design is a great option as they tend to be quick-drying and comfortable.
Size
Make sure to let your kid try the water shoes on before you purchase them. While one size larger might seem more comfortable, it may allow water to seep in, which might make the shoes too loose. If the shoes are too big shoes they will easily slip off your child’s feet.
Design
Choose a simple, easy-to-use design when it comes to buying kids water shoes. This allows your child the independence to take them on and off according to their comfort. Look for options that feature solid, thick soles for maximum protection. If you’re buying shoes for your toddler, invest in less bulky shoes to allow them to walk more easily.
Cost
We recommend investing in long-lasting, durable water shoes so they don’t break in the middle of a vacation. Luckily, these shoes are available at a wide range of price points so you should be able to find a high-quality pair within your budget.
Comparing the Finest Kids Water Shoes of 2024
WateLves Kids Water Shoes – Best Overall
Made from spandex and polyester, the WateLlves Kids Water Shoes are an excellent match for your children’s feet. These breathable shoes dry quickly, making them perfect for taking along to the pool or beach. Plus, your child won’t experience any discomfort or irritation.
What’s more, the double-layer fabric gives these shoes a unique design that enhances their overall stability. Plus, the smooth neckline protects the ankles and the heel hoops keep sand from getting inside. Featuring inner soles made of foam, these shoes also have durable and lightweight cushioning that increases comfort, while the wearable rubber sole protects your kid’s feet from hard, sharp rocks. Coming in a variety of different designs and colors, we’ve chosen this pair of kids water shoes as our best overall choice.
Pros
- Breathable and quick-drying
- Smooth neckline supports ankles
- Rubber soles for protection
- Available in many designs and colors
Cons
- Not very durable
Sunnywoo Kids Water Shoes – Best Grip
How many times has your kid complained to you about uncomfortable water shoes? Most water shoes look great, but their design is lacking, often making it hard for your kid to walk — let alone run — in them. The Sunnywoo Kids Water Shoes have an excellent non-slip design that every kid is sure to love.
Lightweight and flexible, your kid’s feet will feel a sense of freedom while wearing them. Plus, the sole has a non-slip resistance to keep your kid from falling. We also love how easy it is to wear these shoes. Your child can pull them on — or take them off — just like socks. You can also remove the insole and wash it to make it like-new after a long day at the beach. Plus, after washing, you can rest assured that these will be ready for tomorrow thanks to their quick-drying, breathable construction.
Pros
- Non-slip sole for safety
- Easy to pull on and off
- Removable, easy-to-clean insole
Cons
- Fabric frays quickly
Centipede Demon Kids Water Shoes – Best Closure
Do you want your kids to wear breathable yet stylish shoes while at the beach? Then the Centipede Demon Kids Water Shoes are just what you’ve been looking for. These water shoes have an elegant hook and loop design that makes pulling these shoes on and off extremely simple.
What’s more, the durable, anti-slip rubber sole ensures your kid’s safety and prevents their feet from getting hurt. We also admire the lightweight and flexible design, which enhances overall comfort. Highly compact, you can easily fold up and carry these shoes in your beach bag.
Pros
- Stylish, colorful designs
- Hook and loop closure
- Durable anti-slip rubber sole
- Compact for portability
Cons
- Seams may come apart with use
UBFEN Kids Water Shoes – Best Material
If you have a bit more to spend, we recommend treating your kid’s feet to these amazing kids water shoes by UBFEN. Available in many colors and designs, these shoes feature a thick rubber sole and are incredibly lightweight.
What’s more, they’re made of a quick-dry material that keeps these shoes dry most of the time. We also love how breathable these shoes are. Plus, the flexible outsole makes them perfectly portable and comfortable to wear. With a thick insole that protects your child’s feet from sharp objects, these non-slip shoes are perfect for all kinds of water activities.
These kids water shoes are available in a variety of different sizes and colors, including pink, orange and green.
Pros
- Made of quick-dry fabric
- Lightweight and portable design
- Thick rubber sole for protection
Cons
- Inconsistency in sizing
CIOR Kids Water Shoes – Best Design
Are you thinking of gift ideas for your water-loving kid? We recommend you treat them to these high-quality kids water shoes by CIOR. Featuring a unique toe-cap design that increases safety and ensures a comfortable experience, these shoes are breathable and flexible, making them easy to wear for long periods. What’s more, the soles are made of a soft ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) material that absorbs shock and prevents fatigue. Plus, this material also prevents your child from falling or slipping thanks to the secure traction.
Featuring an exceptionally lightweight midsole, which offers an excellent bounce and reduces chafing, these water shoes are a responsive, comfortable choice for any active kiddo. Lastly, these kids shoes have a durable design and come in many vibrant, bright colors and patterns.
Pros
- Unique toe-cap design increases comfort
- Made of soft, comfortable EVA material
- Lightweight, bouncy midsole
Cons
- Pricey compared to others
People Also Asked
A: If you're going to an area with lots of grit, sand and dirt, you may want your kid to wear neoprene socks with the shoes. Socks may keep your child’s feet from irritation and blisters.
A: Yes, they can, but not for long. When worn regularly, these shoes tend to rip apart and lose their durability.
A: Apply talcum powder before wearing the shoes to reduce moisture and stress. You can also try wearing wicking socks to prevent the shoes from rubbing against the skin.
