The Best Kids Water Shoes To Protect Little Feet And Stop Slipping

There are water shoes specifically designed for swimming and others that function better as something you wear on the shore. The Keen Newport H2 sandals can be used for both. These sturdy sandals have plenty of straps to let water drain out, along with a quick-dry lining so your child isn’t walking around with sopping feet when they’re on land. The shoe has an impressively thick and rugged outsole to help navigate wet and slippery conditions. A nice perk: The outsole is nonmarking to protect your floors before and after you go on water adventures.

These sandals are comfortable, too. I originally bought them for my son to wear to sailing camp, and he wore them to the beach and pool afterward. He even napped in them at one point. The sandals have an adjustable hook-and-loop strap to allow them to work with a range of foot widths and go on and off fast. When the water fun is done, you can toss them in the wash on a gentle cycle. These shoes come in toddler, little kid and big kid sizes. They’re also available in a huge selection of colors, from basic black to bright pink colorways.

If you’re looking for water shoes for a vacation or the odd trip to the beach, consider the Centipede Demon kids water shoes. These $15 shoes feature a breathable and stretchy polyester upper that creates a sock-like fit over your child’s foot. That upper also dries quickly to keep your child comfortable once they’re on land. The shoes have a textured rubber outsole to help kids with traction in slippery conditions and to protect against sharp objects like broken shells. But it’s also flexible enough to allow the shoes to roll up when you’re packing for a beach trip. The Centipede Demons are lightweight at just 3.5 ounces, making them comfortable to swim in. Wide hook-and-loop straps make it easy for even younger toddlers to put on their own shoes—a nice perk when you’re scrambling to get out the door. The shoes, which come in toddler, little kid and big kid sizes, are available in 45 different colors and patterns, making it highly likely even choosy children can find a style they like.

Stride Rite caters to the junior set with fun colors that have a supportive structure. The brand’s Splash Sandal is no exception. This sandal is approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)—a rarity for water shoes—and is packed with elements to keep your baby comfortable and happy in the water. The shoe has a memory foam footbed for added support, along with an oversize opening to make it simple to get even squirmy baby feet inside. That larger opening also comes in handy for babies with wide feet. The shoes are secured in place with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure for that just-right fit, too. There’s even a special treatment to lower their risk of developing an odor over time, which comes in handy for those who plan to use these shoes regularly. These sandals are made from water-resistant material and come in adorable designs, including alligator, clownfish and lemon themes.

The Native Jefferson shoe is designed to be worn anywhere, but its water resistance and light weight makes it a great option for a water shoe. This kids’ shoe is just 1.6 ounces, creating a practically weightless feel. The loafer has ventilated perforation around the upper for airflow and to allow water to channel out. Those perforations up top also means they’re easy to hose down when you get home. Made of EVA, the shoe is soft without being unstructured. These shoes feature a thick sole and rubber toe cap—a nice feature for feet draggers. The slip-on style, which is free of straps and laces, is a boon for parents. While it means the Jeffersons aren’t ideal for vigorous swimming sessions, they’re perfect for trips to your local splash pad or pool. Two of my kids have these shoes and rely on them for trips to the beach, pool and just walking around. Native offers these shoes in a wide array of different two-toned colorways for toddlers, little kids and big kids, so there’s something for everyone.

The Chaco Drifter water shoe combines all the elements you love in a supportive sneaker with a fun, water-friendly sandal. This shoe features a rubber-and-mesh upper for high breathability. It also dries quickly once your child is on dry land. The sole is thick and sturdy, with a rugged rubber outsole to help keep your kid get and keep their footing, whether they’re wet or not. There’s also a toe cap to lower the risk of scuffs. The Chaco Drifters have a slip-on design with an adult-size finger loop in back, along with a criss-crossing strap kids can easily pull tight as needed, creating a snug fit. A padded heel and tongue with nonabsorbent foam (so, it doesn’t get bogged down in water) add an extra layer of comfort compared with most kids water shoes. These popular shoes come in three color combinations in little and big kid sizes.

Tevas have been a go-to water sandal for decades and with good reason: These are really reliable shoes that can handle just about anything. The Teva Hurricane XLT 2 features thick straps with polyester webbing that dries out quickly after getting wet. Those straps are lined with long strips of Velcro that don’t wear out easily, but can be easily undone and redone for peak comfort. And they also have extra cushioning at the heel to lower the risk of rubbing and chafing. The sandals have a unique open-air design that maximizes breathability while still keeping the shoes secure, even while kids run and jump. These sandals have an EVA-foam footbed for a cushioned, supportive feel, while the textured rubber outsole gives kids a strong grip across wet and dry surfaces. The Hurricane XLT 2s come in little and big kid sizes in several color combinations.

Kids are naturally drawn to classic Crocs thanks to their lightweight feel and roomy fit. But while these shoes can hold their own on dry land, they also work great in water. Perforations at the top and sides of the upper allow water to drain seamlessly as needed, while the EVA construction is naturally waterproof. Classic Crocs are my four kids’ go-to beach shoes, and they regularly wear them in the water during low tide when they want to avoid stepping on shells and pebbles. My favorite feature of these shoes is how easy they are to clean—I just blast them with a hose to get rid of sand and other debris and leave them out to dry. These shoes come in nearly every toddler, little kid and big kid size you need, along with a wide variety of colors and patterns so kids can choose a pair that feels right for them.