Last Updated on December 30, 2023 by Natalie
When traveling, sometimes a good water shoe for kids becomes a necessity. They are a great accessory to have at home with kids also. It makes going creeking (stream wading and walking) much easier and safer. There are a few kinds of water shoes: the old fashioned spandex uppers with rubber soles, newer designs that are made from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), and sandals designed to look and feel great while being quicker to dry.
All have their purpose and function, but which are the best water shoes for kids? That depends on what you want to do while wearing them!
Best Water Shoes for Kids 2024
There are several different types of shoes that can handle getting wet. Let’s look into which shoe is best for which applications.
If you’re going to be playing in the water all day, remember the kid safe sunscreen.
Disclaimer
Blissmersion a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain contain affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase, I’ll receive a commission.
If you need toddler rain boots for travel, check out rain boots for toddlers!
When You Want To Splash: Best Water Shoes for Kids
Best Kids’ Water Shoes – Every Day Shoes
The following shoes are awesome multi purpose shoes. Teva and Keen come in at the top of the list. Water shoes can get wet without getting smelly or being otherwise ruined. They also protect little feet from sharp objects in lakes and streams.
Teva Kids’ K Manatee Sport Sandal
Teva shoes are one of the most recommended brands throughout my travel and outdoorsy kids groups and I agree with this assessment. Though not specifically a water shoe, these shoes can be worn for puddle jumping, in creeks, and during travels. Teva shoes are also awesome for adults. These shoes are available in multiple colors and up to approximately a little kids size 12. My son’s toddler sized Teva shoes lasted the whole summer long! It’s a great hybrid that looks nice for everyday use and also tough enough for heavy outdoor play.
Best for: All outdoor activities, everyday mischief, wide feet
Keen Kids’ Seacamp II CNX-C
Another great brand, the Keen Kids’ Seacamp II CNX-C is a hybrid water sandal that has a polyester upper and a rubber sole. I love that Keen has made this water friendly shoe with a non-skid sole. They also have a fit lace capture system to help keep the shoe on the foot. My daughter and I both loved her toddler sized Keen sandals. They were easy to get on and they stayed in place without rubbing her thick little toddler feet. Keen’s are another great shoe brand.
Best for: All outdoor activities, everyday mischief, thick toddler feet
Dawgs Clog (Toddler/Little Kid)
My daughter is running around this summer in her Dawgs clogs and she loves them. They are easy on and off. These shoes has an awesome adjustable straps. I like shoes that have a back strap because that helps them stay on the feet a little better. They are great lightweight shoes, made out of a lightweight material that’s 100% synthetic. Easy to clean and easy to wear, these are good shoes for kids. However, these aren’t great if your child wants to do some running around on a basketball court. My daughter did complain that the side of her foot, near her ankle hurt, after running a few lengths of the court. Again, they are great for their intended purpose, which isn’t running. I also wouldn’t wear them to swim in the ocean, only to walk along the beach. They are going in our travel bag for pool trips and creek walking!
Best for: Pool and beach wear, daily play, narrow feet
PLAE Kids’ Mimo Sneaker
Plae Mimo Sneakers are made for the water and the velcro will help them stay on your child’s feet. They are lightweight and anatomically designed to follow the contours of children’s feet. These shoes also have a wrap sole to help protect the shoe from toe draggers (I wish I could always find shoes like that!) They also have traction in the runner sole to help prevent slipping. These run a little wide. The shoes are available in sizes up to Little Kids 3.
Best for: Wide feet, lakes and water sports
Crocs Kids’ Classic Clog
Crocs are a very well known shoe. They are roomy and they have a strap that can be worn around the foot or converted to flip flops. I don’t want my kids to wear flip flops when we aren’t at the pool, so I like that Crocs can be worn with or without the strap. Crocs are made with 100% Croslite with a synthetic sole. These are good shoes to wear around water! My kids also love these because they are so easy to put on and take off.
Best for: Ease of use, pool wear
Best Kids’ Water Shoes – Aqua Socks
I think best beach shoes for kids are the kind that completely cover the foot. There’s a smaller chance that sand will constantly get into the shoe, which bothers little feet (and big feet, too!) They are usually made from a neoprene type of fabric with rubber soles.
Fantiny Boys & Girls Water Shoes Aqua Sock
Don’t be scared off by the unfamiliar brand name because these kids’ water shoes are great shoes. As per usual with aqua socks, these have a textile upper with an anti-slip rubber outsole. They are quick drying and have seven holes in each shoes to ensure proper drainage. These shoes are flexible enough to be comfortable and strong enough to protect feet from rocks and other sharp objects. They are also easy to put on (the hallmark of any shoe for children, right?) and they stay put with help from the top strap.
Best for: Beach and lake swimming, water sports
How To Pick the Right Water Shoe for Your Child
Do you plan for your child to wear their shoes mostly at the beach? A shoe that encases the foot and doesn’t allow as much sand inside is the best option. Try the Fatiny Aqua Sock.
Do you plan to spend a lot of time doing adventurous water activities, such as boating, jet skiing, or spending time on rocky beaches? Try Plae Kids’ Mimo Sneakers.
What kind of michief will you and your kids find? Unsure? Be prepared for water play or anything else that comes along with Teva shoes or Keen shoes!
Caring for your water shoes
Follow the manufacturer for care of the shoe. Remember that shoes made from EVA and similar materials can shrink if left in the hot sun. Remember to dry your little one’s feet thoroughly after water play to prevent toe cracks and other conditions.
Pro-tip: Shoes made from EVA can be lightly stretched if they get hot. I’ve done this with my own flip flops to prevent them from rubbing on a spot and causing a blister.
Final Thoughts: Water Shoes Have Many Benefits!
Water shoes can be used at the beach, lakes, rivers, streams, or even just for running through the sprinkler. They can help prevent slips and falls on wet, slippery surfaces. Additionally, water shoes can protect feet from sharp rocks, shells, and hot sand in and out of the water. Since these kinds of shoes are made specifically for getting wet, they are made with mold and odor resistance properties. Yeah, they won’t stink!
Do you have feedback on the best water shoes for kids? The best feedback comes from my readers! Leave a comment.
