Best Water Shoes For Toddlers Of 2020

Are you planning a lovely trip with your family, to a lake, or to the ocean? Then we recommend you to put water shoes on your packing list.

Tiny feet with that are uncomfortable, aching, or have blisters have destroyed many a vacation. Think ahead – find out why your toddler needs water shoes, how to pick the perfect pair, and which ones are the best.

You already know that your toddler simply refuses to walk when the footwear is uncomfortable. Now just imagine what will happen if he/she steps onto a rough rock?

With water shoes, you don’t have to worry about slippery tiles around a pool, sharp stones on the beach, or sharp corals in the water.

What are water shoes?

Water shoes have a specific design that allows you to wear them in or around water. Even though they are officially waterproof, it doesn’t mean that they keep the water out. No. The material they are made of can handle being in the water. Their sole purpose is the protection of your or your child’s feet.

Why can’t I use regular sandals or shoes?

The design of shoes and sandals is adjusted to dry and wet conditions, that’s true. Unfortunately, they simply don’t offer as much flexibility and protection in water as water shoes do. You see, water shoes have thicker bottoms, they fit snugly to the foot, and they protect your entire foot. Not to mention that they are less slippery than any “dry land” footwear.

Many ordinary shoes and sandals won’t last if your toddler spends a lot of time in the water. They aren’t waterproof, so they are likely to fall apart from frequent water activities.

Are there different types?

These water-friendly shoes for your toddler come in several different designs. Each type is suitable for a certain purpose, so choose carefully.

Aqua Socks or wet shoes, are skin tight and made of neoprene. These will keep the sand out, be slip resistant, and keep feet warm. Their flaw is that the sole is rather thin, so it doesn’t protect too much from what’s under the foot. 

Canoers, jet-skiers, and kayakers often wear these. Unfortunately, they are not the best choice if you want to protect sensitive little feet from rough terrain.

Water shoes are made of plastic, mesh and some other material that dries quickly. The sole is thick, and they often have a reinforced toe.

The reinforced toe will protect your kid from unpredictable underwater obstacles. Not to mention that they will keep the sand out, and prevent it from rubbing between the shoe and skin.

Water sandals are a lot like water shoes but without the reinforced toe. They can hold up in water, but the sand will come in, and your toddler will be able to stub a toe. On the other hand, they will keep feet cooler during hot summer days.

How to choose the best water shoes?

Thick soles

The only barrier between your child’s feet and whatever’s in the water are the bottom soles of these shoes. So, if you expect to take your child to natural bodies of water like rivers, lakes, or the ocean, getting these shoes might be smart.

You never know what will be under your feet when you step into the water. Thick soles might make the experience more comfortable. 

Toe guards

On most water shoes this is a common feature, but it’s best to check before buying a pair. When your child is actively moving through water, the toes are always in danger.

If your toddler slips and his/her feet fly out, they can smash their toes onto a solid object. Also, as they move forward in the ocean, a river, or a lake, there’s always the possibility they will hit a rock with their toes.

And that isn’t just a small boo-boo, it can even mean a broken toe. That’s why toe guards are super-useful. 

Flexibility

The main reason water shoes are popular is the fact that they allow more freedom of movement. That is why you need to look for a model that is flexible. One that moves with each step your child makes.

Whether your kid is just walking through water, splashing around, or running on the beach, you will want that flexibility. You can recognize flexible soles by the long grooves on the bottom of the shoes. They will be able to move as your child does. 

Design and fit

As we have already shown above, these shoes come in various designs. Some are better for your kid, and your needs than others, so consider design before purchase. It’s best to focus on the ones that have toe guards and fit tightly around your child’s feet.

Try to pick ones that are designed like sneakers, but consist of different materials that will let them dry quickly. 

Traction

When your child is on a slippery surface, you want him/her to have shoes with good traction. If you want them to wear these shoes near a pool, or during hikes, this is an important feature.

Check the bottom of the sole, if it has a tread at the bottom – good. If it’s non-slip even better. More traction means a safer toddler – it’s that simple.

Top 5 Water Shoes On The Market

Osh Kosh B’Gosh Aquatic Girl’s and Boy’s Water Shoe

The shape of this model is very similar to a sandal, but, it offers all the protection your toddler needs. The soles of these water shoes are made of sturdy, non-slip rubber that extends to become a toe guard.

The upper material has openings on the sides that allow fast water drainage. For a snug fit, you just have to adjust the Velcro closure that is hook-and-loop. It’s something even toddlers can do on their own so that you can let them.

Once fastened, these shoes won’t slip off. When it comes to washing, this OshKosh B’Gosh model is machine washable, and it dries quickly. Your kid can wear these for a hike or a swim. With padded insoles, you won’t have to worry about comfort.

PROS

• checkPadded insoles
• checkDrainage holes
• checkMachine washable

CONS

• exclamation-triangleIf frequently used, color may fade quickly
• exclamation-triangleA bit heavy
• exclamation-triangleSand and small rocks can get in the shoe

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Fresko Toddler Water Aqua Shoes with Toes

These water shoes for toddlers come with a non-slip sole that is thick enough to protect your toddler’s feet, and thin enough to be flexible. The neoprene upper part of the shoe is waterproof and skin tight so that it will protect little feet from the sand.

This material will let your child’s feet to breathe. It is elastic and dries quickly. You can even wash these in the washing machine. They come with toe protection, they are easy to put on and easy to secure with velcro closure.

There’s a heel pull tab that will let your toddler put these on and off easily. This model from Fresko is versatile – good for a pool, for a beach, a lake, and even an occasional hike.

It isn’t too bulky, so your toddler will be able to move naturally. These Fresko water shoes are unisex. They also come in four different colors, so you can choose the one your toddler will love the most.

PROS

• checkFlexible
• checkSturdy
• checkSnug fit
• checkMachine washable

CONS

• exclamation-triangleMight be hot, as the foot is completely covered
• exclamation-trianglePoor quality velcro
• exclamation-triangleNot very durable

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Giotto Water Sports Barefoot Aerobic Shoes Lightweight Quick-Dry Aqua Socks

These lightweight water shoes come in an abundance of lovely designs and sizes. You can find a pair that your toddler will like. Upper is a combination of spandex and polyester, and the sole is rubber.

They dry quickly, they are stretchy, and breathable – a good combination of water shoes. Soles are non-slip and durable so that they will protect your kid from cuts, slips, and punctures.

They are pretty elastic, and they are pretty snug so that they won’t slip off. Even if they do, they will float on the surface so you will find them easily. This Giotto model can handle a pool or a sandy beach.

We wouldn’t recommend them for rough surfaces, long walks or hikes. The sole is rather thin, so your kid will feel every rock. These are more aqua socks than water shoes.

PROS

• checkEasy on, easy off
• checkQuick dry
• checkNon-slip sole

CONS

• exclamation-triangleClosure is not adjustable
• exclamation-triangleToo thin for rougher terrain
• exclamation-trianglePoor quality inserts

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KEEN Newport H2 Sandal

Keens have a reputation in the water shoe industry for a good reason. They are not the prettiest sandals that you can find, but, they are high quality. The sole of the shoe is thick, and it extends to protect the toe.

These are built like a boot and have great traction. Elastic lace makes them adjustable, and a velcro closure secures the foot in place. These shoes have odor controlling technology built into them., which is handy if you expect long walks.

These water shoes have a great anatomical support so that they will be comfortable even after an entire day. Keen Newport sandals are unisex, and they come in a variety of colors.

This means that you can easily find a pair that your toddler will gladly put on. Whatever your kid wants to do, these shoes can take it. Running, hiking, swimming, beach, lake, river, mountain – with these, you’ll be ready for every summer adventure.

PROS

• checkOdor control
• checkThick soles
• checkAll-purpose

CONS

• exclamation-triangleThe price is a bit over the top when your kid will only wear them for a year or two
• exclamation-triangleNo half sizes
• exclamation-triangleToo heavy for small children

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iPlay. Baby Unisex Swim Shoes

iPlay uses a combination of breathable mesh and quick-dry neoprene on the uppers. This means that air can circulate your toddler’s foot, even when it’s wet. On the bottoms, iPlay uses rubber, and these non-slip soles offer good traction even on the most slippery surfaces.

You can hand wash them, and they will really dry quickly. The pull tab will let your toddler put them on, and take them off with ease. They are unisex and come in a wide variety of colors.

With these, you can let your child move freely over anything. The soles are thick so nothing will puncture it. Also, your kid won’t feel rocks underfoot, even while on a hike.

Non-slip soles mean that you won’t have to worry too much about slippery pool tiles. Even though they are very light, these are not comfortable for long wearing. So, wearing them for a few hours is ok, but if you need something for the entire day, you should probably go with a different model.

PROS

• checkPull tab lets kids put them on easily
• checkA wide variety of colors
• checkNonslip thick sole

CONS

• exclamation-triangleNot very flexible
• exclamation-triangleNo toe protection
• exclamation-triangleSizes differ from the standard ones

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Conclusion

In the end, it all depends on your kid, and what you need water shoes for. If you’re looking to spend a lot of time at a pool, then you should consider Giotto Water Sports model.

If your plans include a lot of hiking or sports, then the KEEN Newport H2 Sandal and the OshKosh B’Gosh Aquatic model will be better. 

If you want something that will let your toddler enjoy the ocean, walk safely and be stable, then you should think about Fresko Toddler Water Aqua Shoes.

On the other hand, if you just need something for a short time, take a closer look at iplay Baby Unisex Swim Shoes.The very best water shoes for your toddler will be the ones that are a good combination of comfort, functionality, and style. Just ask yourself what your child needs, where you’re going, and choosing will become easy.