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The Best Water Shoes For Kids

Last updated on April 15, 2022

We looked at the top 6 Water Shoes For Kids and dug through the reviews from 18 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Water Shoes For Kids.

Our Review Process

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Kids are attracted to water in all forms. Whether it’s a splash pad at the park, a rocky shoreline or a pebbly stream, water is fun to play in. However, it’s important to keep safety top of mind. While it may seem logical to let your child play barefoot in the water, this can actually lead to unnecessary slips, cuts and scrapes on their little feet. Water shoes are the perfect accessory to protect your child’s feet while letting them splash around and get wet.

Like the name suggests, water shoes are foot coverings designed to be worn in the water. They are made from a waterproof material that remains lightweight when wet. The sole of the water shoe is typically thick to offer protection and traction, while the upper section is made from a meshy fabric with small holes in it so that the water can drain easily.

Water sandals, which are open-toed footwear, are another common style of water shoes. They also have a thick sole for protection. Water socks offer another option; however, they have a soft sole, so they shouldn’t be worn on rough surfaces, as they do not offer strong enough protection from sharp objects. These are better for sandy or smooth surfaces.

Our Picks For The Top Water Shoes For Kids

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Mabove Quick-Drying Water Shoes For Kids

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Mabove

Quick-Drying Water Shoes For Kids

Available in some of the most adorable prints, these water shoes for kids are an excellent buy. Each pair is super flexible and able to roll up into a ball for easy packing when heading to the community pool. They're soft against skin, quick to dry and equipped with a non-slip sole.

Overall Take

Most EconomicalThanks to the budget-friendly price tag on these water shoes for kids, you'll be able to outfit all the children in your family.

Pros
" Protect feet well. Commonly available."
 Runner Up

CIOR Sole Drainage Holes Water Shoes For Kids

CIOR

Sole Drainage Holes Water Shoes For Kids

These water shoes for kids have an adjustable Velcro buckle for a custom fit. They're nice and lightweight and made with a cushioned insole for added comfort. Parents will also appreciate the high-quality EVA bottoms, as they provide traction both poolside and on slippery rocks.

Overall Take

Adjustable for a Perfect FitYou'll find these water shoes for kids are available in sizes ranging from a 9 toddler to a 6.5 big kid.

Pros
" Thicker soles for good grip and protection against sharp objects. Cushioned soles and mesh tops make them comfortable. Subtle designs, so perfect for older kids. Includes drainage holes for quicker drying."
 We Also Like

HIITAVE Non-Slip Rubber Sole Water Shoes For Kids

HIITAVE

Non-Slip Rubber Sole Water Shoes For Kids

The rubber outsole on these water shoes for kids features a hive design to add traction. The upper is constructed from a lightweight fabric that is both breathable and quick to dry. Kids are sure to love the available patterns as well, especially the unicorns, dinosaurs, mermaids and sharks.

Overall Take

Easy On Easy OffOn the back of these water shoes for kids, you'll find a handy heel loop for hanging or gripping the shoes when putting them on.

Pros
" A popular pair of simple slip-on water shoes at an affordable price. Similar to a sock with an anti-slip rubber sole. Lightweight and dries quickly."
Cons
"Not ideal for older kids."
 Also Great

Sunnywoo Lightweight Breathable Water Shoes For Kids

Sunnywoo

Lightweight Breathable Water Shoes For Kids

Protect your child's feet from sharp shells and hot beach sand with these water shoes for kids. The rubber sole is nice and thick, while the upper fabric is stretchy for a custom and comfortable fit. The built-in heel loop is also a nice feature, as it helps younger children get the shoes on by themselves.

Overall Take

Comfortable and UsefulThe insole inside these water shoes for kids can be removed and cleaned as needed.

Pros
" These are ideal for small babies who are just learning to walk and make their way around. They are sock-like and super easy to slip onto tiny feet, and they hug the feet snugly for a comfy and tight fit."
Cons
"While these are great for the beach or pool, they won’t last long with heavy use on land."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
13

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the water shoes for kids available to purchase.
6

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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18

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: BestReviews, Best Products, Verywell Family, Our Globetrotters, Scary Mommy.

63,080

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 6 Water Shoes For Kids and also dug through the reviews from 18 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Water Shoes For Kids.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Overall

Mabove Quick-Drying Water Shoes For Kids


Our Expert Score

0.0
1 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

8.6
2,034 user reviews

Our Take

Available in some of the most adorable prints, these water shoes for kids are an excellent buy. Each pair is super flexible and able to roll up into a ball for easy packing when heading to the community pool. They're soft against skin, quick to dry and equipped with a non-slip sole.

What other experts liked

Protect feet well. Commonly available.
- Parent Guide

What other experts didn't like

May chafe if fit is incorrect. Can be very expensive.
- Parent Guide

The Best Bang For Your Buck

Sunnywoo Lightweight Breathable Water Shoes For Kids

Our Expert Score

0.0
2 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

9.0
9,246 user reviews

Our Take

Protect your child's feet from sharp shells and hot beach sand with these water shoes for kids. The rubber sole is nice and thick, while the upper fabric is stretchy for a custom and comfortable fit. The built-in heel loop is also a nice feature, as it helps younger children get the shoes on by themselves.

What other experts liked

These are ideal for small babies who are just learning to walk and make their way around. They are sock-like and super easy to slip onto tiny feet, and they hug the feet snugly for a comfy and tight fit.
- Scary Mommy
Best for infants and toddlers, these slip-ons feel just like socks. They’re comfortable, soft and feature a pull tab to facilitate putting them on and taking them off. The rubber sole is treaded for grip and the upper is made from breathable, waterproof fabric.
- Valley Central

What other experts didn't like

While these are great for the beach or pool, they won’t last long with heavy use on land.
- Valley Central

What to Look For

  • One of the key benefits of water shoes is that they provide traction on slippery surfaces. Take a good look at the sole of the water shoe for kids. The sole should be thick and have large lugs. These will ensure your child can grip on to wet surfaces without sliding all over.
  • Water shoes for young children typically have a Velcro closure or are designed so that kids can just slip their feet into them. Velcro can wear out with a lot of use and lose its binding effects. However, slip-on water shoes are easy to wear and young toddlers can get them on by themselves.
  • It is important to get water shoes for kids that dry quickly. If not, you run the risk of mold or bacteria growing inside the shoes. Once you are done with playing in the water, take off the shoes and place them in a sunny spot to air out and dry fully. Do not put them away in a closet while they are still wet.

Water Shoe For Kid Rankings

1. Mabove Quick-Drying Water Shoes For Kids

Overall Score: 9.8
Reviews Included: 2

2. CIOR Sole Drainage Holes Water Shoes For Kids

Overall Score: 9.7
Reviews Included: 5

3. HIITAVE Non-Slip Rubber Sole Water Shoes For Kids

Overall Score: 9.5
Reviews Included: 4

5. Sunnywoo Lightweight Breathable Water Shoes For Kids

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 4

6. UBFEN Toe-Protecting Sole Water Shoes For Kids

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 6

More to Explore

When it comes to kids’ shoes of any kind, you may be tempted to buy them in a size larger than is currently needed, since kids’ feet tend to grow so quickly. While this tactic may work for other kinds of shoes, it is not a good idea for water shoes.

Water shoes should fit your child snugly and be the right size for their feet — not a size too large. Otherwise, they can easily slip off in the water while kids are splashing around, leaving their feet unprotected or causing them to slip.