The 7 Best Water Shoes for Toddlers of 2021

Best Overall: KEEN Newport H2 Sandal

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It’s hard to go wrong with KEEN shoes, which is why these water sandals top our list. They’re durable, comfortable, and easy to put on—everything you want in a water shoe for a toddler. Not only that, but they come in a large variety of colors and styles. They start at size 1 and go all the way up to adult sizes, so the whole family can get in on the action, too.

They’re supportive and quick-drying and can be worn all day long for use in and out of the water. Customers rave about these shoes saying they’re versatile, fit well, and kids love them. They note that they’re nearly indestructible, don’t smell, and are easy to wash. For many, it’s the shoe they purchase over and over through the years as their kids outgrow them.

Best Budget: JIASUQI Baby Boys and Girls Barefoot Aqua Socks

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For an affordable yet adorable pair of water shoes, there are these from Jiasuqi. Made of 92 percent polyester and 8 percent spandex, they have flexible rubber soles and fit much like socks. They can be used at the beach, in the pool, or on land for pretty much any and all activities. They come in a ton of cute colors and designs featuring animals, patterns, and characters. The price is hard to beat, too.

Customers say they’re easy to put on and that they stay on, too. Parents love how versatile they are and say they’re cute and comfy for little feet. Customers also note that they’re well-made and a good value for the price.

Best for Wide Feet: Crocs Kid's Classic Clog

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If your kid has wide feet, it can be tough to find just the right fit, but these Crocs clogs can accommodate most any size foot. They come in tons of colors and sizes, and you simply slip them on to wear. A strap in the back helps keep them in place. They’re not going to be shoes they swim in, but for mucking around in rivers, stomping in mud puddles, and playing at the beach, they’re a great shoe that can go from land to water and back and forth all day.

They’re lightweight and built-in holes keep the air flowing. When it’s time to clean them off, they can be scrubbed down with soap and water.

Parents say these shoes are nearly indestructible, and they love how easy they are for kids to get on and off by themselves. They say the footbed is nice and wide and that they are comfortable shoes kids like to wear.

Best Water-to-Land Shoes: Stride Rite Made 2 Play Phibian Sneaker Sandal

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You never know what toddlers are going to get into during a given day, so shoes like these from Stride Rite that can go from land to water and back again are a great way to go. Parents give them high marks for durability, fit, and functionality. They look a lot more like typically athletic shoes than most other water shoes, but they can still jump right into to puddles, rivers, and anywhere else there is water. Washing them is simple, too, as they can be thrown right into your washing machine or hosed off. They come in a variety of color combinations and in toddler sizes 1 to 4.

Most shoppers love everything about these shoes. They say they are well-made, provide good support, and are easy to keep looking clean and fresh. Some note that their children got blisters when wearing them, but most say they’re comfortable. A few suggest sizing up if your child is between sizes.

Best Slip-on Water Shoes: Native Unisex Kid's Jefferson Slip-On Sneaker

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For on-the-go ease, parents and kids alike love these shoes from Native. Made of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate with a rubber sole, they’re peppered with holes to let the air flow through them and keep odors at bay. They come in toddler sizes 1 to 4 and sizes for older kids as well. The company notes that they run big, so if your child is between sizes, you may want to size down.

There are no straps or laces, so they’re not made for swimming, but for puddle-stomping and easy slip-on kicks at the beach or pool, they’re a great and stylish choice.

Parents and kids alike praise these shoes for their look and feel. They say they’re nearly indestructible, fit well, and are a great everyday shoe. Many say they buy them year after year. One customer wrote, “I love the warmer weather because that means it is Native season! My 3-year-old is rough on shoes, but these last all season. This is the third year that I've bought a pair for him, and I can't wait to grab the new glitter ones for my daughter next year, when she is walking.”

Best Water Sandals: Teva Tidepool Sport Sandal

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For warm weather months when kids want more of a sandal than a shoe, these cool kicks from Teva are a great choice. They come in a bunch of fun color combinations and in toddler sizes as well as those for older kids. A single hook-and-loop strap keeps them in place, and they can be worn at water parks, pools, the beach or anywhere else little toes want to dip or dive into some H2O.

The toes are covered, but openings on the sides provide ventilation. The soles are made of sturdy material to protect feet. Most buyers say they’re well-made and comfortable. They like how lightweight they are and say they’re great for warm weather.

Best Aqua Sock: O'Neill Kids Reactor Reef Boot

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If a day at the beach is in the cards then you'll want an aqua sock that can go seamlessly from the sand to the water without weighing your little one down. This pick does just that while also protecting their feet from sharp shells. Plus, they stay on tiny feet no matter what they encounter.

These come in various colors but are only available in larger toddler sizes. Parents say their kids love running around in them!