“Generally, the recommendation is to allow feet to develop and minimize shoes when children are in a protective environment," podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, tells Verywell Family. 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, a physician spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, says, “The recommendation is to use water shoes.” The best water shoes will be made of quality materials and have a thoughtful design to fit well and stay comfortable through all kinds of wet and dry activities. With Dr. Mendeszoon’s guidance in mind, we looked at the comfort, durability, and functionality of the many sandals, clogs, water socks, and more available for little kids. Here are the very best water shoes for toddlers right now. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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: $14
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.
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.
