Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Water Shoes For Kids

Last updated on January 8, 2024

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Our Picks For The Top Water Shoes For Kids

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 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.

 Best for Toddlers

Apolter Rubber Toe Protection Water Shoes

Apolter

Rubber Toe Protection Water Shoes

These water shoes for toddlers are ergonomically designed to support new walkers. The toes are protected with thicker material and the bottoms are rubber to prevent slip and falls. Of course the water shoes are also adorable and decorated with a rainbow of colors.

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly OptionThanks to the economical price tag on these water shoes, you'll be able to afford more than one pair.

 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.

 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.

Buying Guide

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.

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.

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.

From our partners