The Best Water Shoes for Kids

Bigib Toddler Water Shoes

Aquatic Friends for Little Feet

These adorable water shoes are the perfect choice when you want to take your tot out on the water.

Best for Babies & Toddlers

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Finding the right water shoes for your baby or toddler can be especially difficult for one simple reason — if they aren’t comfortable, they won’t keep them on for long. That’s why these Bigib Toddler Water Shoes are such a great option. They’re soft and flexible for a natural fit, while the bright colors and cute prints inspire your little one to keep them on. We also really like how stretchy they are, as well, because it makes getting them on and off quick and easy. Overall, these are an excellent choice for the littlest members of your family.

Pros:

• The slip-resistant sole helps them keep their balance while playing
• There’s a wide variety of prints to ensure you find a pair your child will love

Cons:

• They aren’t as durable as they could be, but toddlers are generally quick to outgrow shoes

Cior Quick Drying Water Shoes

Safe and Comfortable

The thick soles of these water shoes will keep your kiddo's feet safe all day long.

Thickest Soles

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Thick soles are super important if you’re going to be hanging out at the beach, river, or lake. They may be beautiful destinations, but there are always plenty of rocks and other debris to contend with. Cior’s Quick Drying Water Shoes do a great job of protecting little feet while keeping them comfortable at the same time. In addition, the non-slip soles help protect them from sliding and falling. Quick-drying materials also do an excellent job of preventing that gross, soggy feeling that can happen with most thick soles.

Pros:

• They are available in a wide variety of colors and styles
• The toe cap design adds safety to the non-slip soles
• There’s velcro at the top to make adjusting them easier than ever

Cons:

• They are pricey
• The sizes run small, so you may need to size up for a good fit

Jiasuqi Athletic Water Shoes

Second Skin

Flexible soles and a close fit give these water shoes a natural feel.

Most Flexible

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Although thick soles are a terrific choice for playing in shallow water, they can hinder swimming. That’s because most of us learn to swim with bare feet, so thicker, heavier shoes drag us down, which is why we turn to shoes like the Jiasuqi Athletic Water Shoes. Their thin soles and super flexible construction make them feel like nothing more than socks. Don’t worry, though — they’re still non-slip and safe. Their stretchiness makes them super simple to get on and off, which only adds to their comfort.

Pros:

• The wide variety of colors and styles help you find just the right pair for your child
• Choose from velcro or slide on closure options
• They’re affordably priced

Cons:

• They aren’t very durable
• Sizing can be off, so check the chart carefully

Hiitave Kids Water Shoes

10,000 Leagues of Style

These water shoes are super cute and keep little toes safe.

Best Prints

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Sometimes all kids care about is how their shoes look. It doesn’t matter how many excellent features a pair of water shoes have if your child won’t put them on, right? If that’s the case, the Hiitave Kids Water Shoes may be the right choice for you. They come in a wide variety of fun prints that most kids love — unicorns, sharks, dinos, mermaids, and more. Meanwhile, these water shoes have non-slip soles and quick-dry fabrics for comfort and safety, making them an excellent choice overall.

Pros:

• These water shoes are affordable
• They’re lightweight and flexible, making them comfortable to wear all-day
• Getting them on and off is easy

Cons:

• We wish they’d last longer
• The colors bleed on some of the prints, so you need to wash them in advance with color catchers

Walucan Athletic Water Sneakers

Long-Lasting Performance

These are the shoes to choose when your youngster spends lots of time in the water.

Most Durable

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When you are out swimming on a daily basis, you may get stuck going through several pairs of water shoes in one season, which can be taxing on your wallet. Instead, you can turn to the Walucan Water Sneakers. They’re super durable, and the heavy-duty construction makes them ideal for hiking and heading out to the water for a day of fishing and swimming. The cushioned insoles are another fantastic feature designed to keep your child’s feet comfortable all day long.

Pros:

• They have stretchy materials and a velcro closure to keep the fit just right
• The non-slip soles are specially shaped to hug the feet for maximum safety
• There are lots of colors and styles

Cons:

• The stitching can be annoying on the heels
• Sizes run a bit off, so double-check before ordering

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where do kids need to wear water shoes?

Kids need to wear water shoes anytime they will be swimming or playing in the water in an area with slippery or rough surfaces. For example, if they will be out in your yard playing in and out of the pool, their water shoes can prevent sticks and gravel from hurting their feet. If you head out to the beach or river, they will stay safe from rocks and barnacles.

Should I opt for thinner, more natural feeling shoes or thicker, more durable shoes?

The type of water shoes you need will be based on your kid’s preferences and the setting. Many kids prefer thinner, more natural shoes because they tend to be more comfortable. But if you will be somewhere super slippery and rocky, thicker soles may be a better choice for safety reasons. Consider where your kids will be playing, and take it from there.