Does my kid need water shoes?

“Generally, toddlers would benefit from not wearing shoes if they are [at a] beach or lake or pool,” says Mark Mendeszoon, DPM. “Unless their feet are very sensitive, I would recommend that children go barefoot when swimming.” However, if kids are playing with water and are walking on surfaces that could cause injury, water shoes are certainly nice to have. Not only are they great for use at splash pads and any kind of water play, but they're also helpful at the beach and around a pool.

Can my kids wear water shoes all day?

Many types of water shoes can be worn all day, as long as they provide support for kids' feet and dry quickly. Water socks, on the other hand, aren't appropriate for all-day wear, as they don't provide as much protection and support for a child's foot.

Does my baby need water shoes for the beach?

If your baby isn't walking yet, water shoes aren't necessary. If they're beginning to toddle, water shoes can help protect their feet from the hot sand or sharp rocks and shells. However, Dr. Mendeszoon notes that if your child “[does] not have hypersensitivity in their feet and if the beach is not extremely rocky, the recommendation is to go barefoot.”

The 9 Best Water Shoes for Toddlers of 2023

If there is one thing little kids love, it’s playing in the water, whether running through the sprinkler, having a squirt-gun or water-balloon fight, wading in a shallow creek, or splashing in their water table. There are times when you can let them do all that barefoot, but other instances when you'll want a pair of water shoes for your toddler to protect their tender soles. The best water shoes for toddlers feature quality materials, have a thoughtful design to fit well, and stay comfortable through all kinds of wet and dry activities.

Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, and physician spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, says the general recommendation is to minimize shoes when children are in a protective environment to allow feet to develop. However, with water often comes rough rocks, hot pavement, or sticky mud, so going barefoot while playing in the water isn’t always an option. In this case, Dr. Mendeszoon recommends tiny feet wear water shoes.

To find the best water shoes for toddlers, we spoke to a podiatrist and considered size, material, ease of use, adjustability, design, shipping options, and cost. From closed-toe slip-ons to open-toed sandals, we’ve selected various types of water shoes for toddlers to keep your favorite tootsies safe, supported, and stylish.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Crocs Kids Classic Clog at Amazon

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Best Slip-On:

Native Jefferson Sneaker at Amazon

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Best Budget:

DSG Kids’ Printed Water Shoes at Dick's

Jump to Review

Best for Water Parks:

UBFEN Water Shoes at Amazon

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Best Closed-Toe:

Nike Aquasock 360 Water-Friendly Slip-On at Kickscrew.com

Jump to Review

Best Open-Toed Sandal:

Teva Psyclone XLT Sandal at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Closed-Toe Sandal:

KEEN Unisex Kid Newport H2 Sandal at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Non-Slip:

Bigib Toddler Kids Swim Water Shoes at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Aqua Socks:

Apolter Aqua Socks at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.9

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Academy.com

Pros

Lightweight design
Perforated upper for breathability
Heel strap helps them stay in place

Cons

Sizing for kids can be difficult to figure out

Crocs are widely known and loved, partially because of their unique look but mostly because they are such great shoes for any time, and that's why they're our top pick for water play. The shoes are made from a soft, durable, and lightweight molded foam that is water-resistant and floats.

The clogs also feature a pivoting heel strap that helps keep them in place during play. Kids will love the numerous color options to choose from, plus the perforated holes along the top of the shoe can be decorated with charms for personalization. We think that these shoes truly are worth the hype.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 4T–4Y | Material: Closed-cell resin}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Zappos

Pros

Versatile style
Lightweight and comfortable
More than a dozen color options

Cons

Shoe has no stretch, so can be difficult to slip on wider feet

Available in a rainbow of colors, the Jefferson is a very popular slip-on kids' shoe because its design makes it perfect for general play, casual events, and fun in the water. They have a sneaker-like style but are made completely from EVA, which is water-resistant, super lightweight, and comfortable.

The shoe upper is perforated to allow for air circulation and quick drying. We love the slip-on design of these shoes, but be mindful of the size you purchase because they can be difficult to get on if your child’s foot is wide (either naturally or due to swelling from heat).

Price at time of publication: $45

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 2T–6Y | Material: EVA}

DSG

View On Dick's

Pros

Breathable sandal-shoe design
Easy to get on and off
Affordable price

Cons

Limited color and design options

These shoes tick so many of our boxes: They're a breathable sandal shape, have a Velcro strap like a sneaker, and are very budget-friendly. The upper part of the shoe is made from lightweight neoprene, and the hard sole has a non-slip design that extends over the tips of the toes for extra protection.

You also don’t have to worry about sacrificing comfort for a lower price because these shoes are made with a cushioned foam footbed for a little extra comfort.

Price at time of publication: $10

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 4T–12C | Material: TPR outsole; neoprene upper}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Quick-dry upper
Hard soles
Pull-tab heel

Cons

No sizes under 8T available

For older toddlers who are ready to venture into water parks, we really like these form-fitting water shoes. The hard soles and a breathable, quick-dry upper ensure that they won’t feel heavy or restrictive when they’re swimming. Thanks to the hook-and-loop strap across the top, they’ll definitely stay put on water slides, in wave pools, and lounging along a lazy river.

These shoes are also super flexible, so they’re great for running (in a safe place, not by a pool, of course). Kids will enjoy the many fun colors to choose from, while adults will appreciate the pull tab on the heel that makes them a little easier for tots to pull on.

Price at time of publication: $38

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 8T–4Y | Material: Rubber sole; synthetic fabric upper}

Nordstrom

View On Kickscrew.com View On Nike.com

Pros

Mesh upper
Extra toe protection
Cute style

Cons

Toddlers may have trouble putting on/taking them off solo

Not only are these water shoes just adorable, but they’re also great for keeping little feet protected. While the upper part of the shoe is made from breathable mesh, the bottom sole is hard and comes up over the toe box of the shoe, preventing stubbed toes and providing extra traction to avoid slips and falls.

The shoes feature pull-tab heels and have a slip-on design similar to a sock that helps them stay in place. While perfect for kids who have a handle on their motor skills, younger toddlers may need help getting the shoes on and off. These water shoes are flexible to provide a barefoot feel, but just a heads up that they run small, so you may want to size up.

Price at time of publication: $45

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 2T-10C | Material: Rubber sole, mesh}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Nordstrom

Pros

Rubber sole
Foam footbed for cushioning
Mesh upper

Cons

Run large

The Teva Psyclone XLT Sandals are a great option for small feet to breathe and feel supported simultaneously. A lightweight EVA foam midsole provides extra cushioning for the ultimate comfort while special shock absorption in the heels handles puddle jumping impacts like a pro.

We love how the easy hook-and-loop closure helps kiddos find their favorite fit and makes putting on and taking off the shoes a breeze. The mesh upper provides additional breathability to keep feet comfortable and cool regardless of where their next water adventure begins.

Price at time of publication: $32

^{Key Specs:
Size Range: 4I to 10C | Material: Rubber, mesh, and EVA foam}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Nordstrom

Pros

Sandal style
Toggle lace for custom fit
Hook-and-loop strap

Cons

They are a bit pricey
Too bulky for swimming

If you want a water shoe for your toddler that’s breathable, then you can’t go wrong with this pair from Keen. The sandals also have a stretchy toggle lace that helps give a snug fit, as well as a hook-and-loop strap that makes putting them on and taking them off solo a bit easier for young kids.

We really like these because they offer the sandal style without sacrificing durability or quality. They feature a hard rubber sole, rounded rubber toe bumpers, and an upper made from polyester webbing. They are slightly heavier than some of the other shoes on this list, so we do not suggest them for anything that will involve swimming.

Price at time of publication: $65

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 4T–7Y | Material: Textile and synthetic upper; synthetic lining and sole}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Rubber sole specifically designed for traction
Soft upper that isn’t itchy
Variety of colors/prints

Cons

Less breathable than other styles

Technically, all water shoes should be non-slip, but like everything else, not all are created equal. We chose these as our favorite non-slip option because, in addition to being super cute, they have a rubber sole that is specifically designed for traction to reduce the risk of slips and falls.

The upper part of the shoe is made from a soft fabric that has a snug fit but isn’t itchy, and the heels feature a pull tab. These shoes are available in a variety of adorable colors and prints, plus they’re very reasonably priced—which is always a perk.

Price at time of publication: $12

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 3T-13C | Material: Rubber sole; synthetic fabric upper}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Flexible design for barefoot feel
Extra padded toe for protection
Lightweight

Cons

Wear out quickly

For a water shoe with a barefoot feel, these aqua socks by Apolter are our favorite. They have a non-slip rubber sole to keep feet protected, while the flexible, unstructured upper allows toddlers to strengthen their feet and improve balance. Even with the rubber sole, these shoes are lightweight, and the upper is made from a soft, quick-drying, breathable fabric.

As expected, these aqua socks slip onto the foot just like socks, but they also have a pull-tab on the heel to make putting them on and taking them off a little easier. Finally, these shoes have a little extra padding along the tips of the toes for protection, and we love the wide variety (35!) of fun color and print options.

Price at time of publication: $12

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 1/2T–11/12C | Material: Rubber sole; fabric upper}

How We Selected the Best Water Shoes for Toddlers

We chose the best water shoes for toddlers by studying the design and features of more than 30 top-rated water shoes on the market. We also researched reviews from customers and competitors and monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings on water shoes for toddlers.

We also spoke with Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, and a physician spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, to better understand what toddlers need in a water shoe. Based on his recommendations and our research, we chose a wide range of options, from sandals to slip-ons, to fit into any family budget.

What to Look for in Water Shoes for Toddlers

Materials

Not all water shoes dry quickly, so if you’re looking for something your kids can wear for an entire day (or days in a row!), opt for a pair made from a foam-like EVA or mesh material. In fact, Dr. Mendeszoon specifically recommends mesh because it’s breathable to help avoid skin issues caused by feet sitting in damp conditions for too long. Dr. Medeszoon tells Verywell Family that these skin issues can include “maceration, soft skin, and even skin infections such as athlete’s foot, plantar warts, and bacterial infections.”

If you’re not interested in the mesh options, then there are some great foam-like styles, too. One thing to keep in mind with these water shoes is that kids' feet can slip around in them, so make sure the insole of the shoe is made from a material with some traction.

Design

The best design for your child depends a lot on the activities they like to do. For instance, a sneaker is best for kids who are running around on sidewalks, whereas something with a more durable sole is a better choice for kids who play in the woods or by a lake.

You’ll also want to pay attention to the traction on the sole to minimize the risk of your child slipping and falling. Also, check the construction of the shoe’s straps to avoid the shoe slipping off during play. And finally, consider whether you prefer open- or closed-toe styles. If you are stocking up on water shoes for summer camp or child care, keep in mind that many facilities require closed-toe shoes.

Size and Comfort

No matter what, if the shoe doesn’t fit your child well or is not comfortable, then they won't want to wear it. Be sure to pay attention to online sizing guides for water shoes because they can sometimes differ from standard sizes. Think about how the shoe will fit when it’s wet (will it become tighter, loser, significantly heavier, etc.), and when your child's feet swell in the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my kid need water shoes?

“Generally, toddlers would benefit from not wearing shoes if they are [at a] beach or lake or pool,” says Mark Mendeszoon, DPM. “Unless their feet are very sensitive, I would recommend that children go barefoot when swimming.” However, if kids are playing with water and are walking on surfaces that could cause injury, water shoes are certainly nice to have. Not only are they great for use at splash pads and any kind of water play, but they're also helpful at the beach and around a pool.
Can my kids wear water shoes all day?

Many types of water shoes can be worn all day, as long as they provide support for kids' feet and dry quickly. Water socks, on the other hand, aren't appropriate for all-day wear, as they don't provide as much protection and support for a child's foot.
Does my baby need water shoes for the beach?

If your baby isn't walking yet, water shoes aren't necessary. If they're beginning to toddle, water shoes can help protect their feet from the hot sand or sharp rocks and shells. However, Dr. Mendeszoon notes that if your child “[does] not have hypersensitivity in their feet and if the beach is not extremely rocky, the recommendation is to go barefoot.”

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old. She has personal experience in researching and purchasing a variety of children’s products for her own daughters, including water shoes. With two little ones who love to play in the water and run through the sprinkler, Ashley understands what parents are looking for in kid and toddler water shoes.

Additional reporting by:

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. To protect her son's feet from the elements, Katrina's water-loving kiddo wears various types of water shoes, including open-toed sandals and closed-toe slip-ons. The best water shoes for toddlers are comfortable and supportive and protect your child's feet where they need them most.