Howler Brothers And Toyota Just Launched Land Cruiser-Inspired Swag
Austin, Texas-based lifestyle brand Howler Brothers says its culture is built on surfing, classic surf culture, fly fishing, western wear, waves, world cultures, food and music. Teens at our local high school here in Austin wear Howler Brothers t-shirts every day, and the 'Heed the Call' motto is omnipresent. Now, this brand is teaming up with Toyota with a collaboration born in the outdoors and featuring one of Toyota's most iconic models: the Land Cruiser.
The Howler Brothers x Land Cruiser collection is an homage to overlanders, off-roaders, and the outdoorsy crowd that doesn't much care for suits and 9-to-5 jobs. Inspired by Costa Rica and Toyota Land Cruiser-driven adventure, the limited edition collaboration includes jackets, hoodies, shorts, hats, and more.
The Howler Brothers x Land Cruiser collection features apparel and accessories for adventurous ... More people.
Howler Brothers t-shirts are notoriously soft, made from a blend of 60 percent cotton and 40 percent polyester. The graphics are unique and the shirts wash well; ask me how I know (we have a dozen or more of them in the house). Like the Land Cruiser, Howler Brothers apparel is rugged, classic, and long-lasting…even after countless rounds in the dryer.
The idea with this collaboration is to have clothing suitable for adventure. Those who like taking their SUV or truck out to the middle of nowhere to commune with nature and enjoy quality time with friends and family will appreciate the Howler Brothers theme.
Howler Brothers is based in Austin, Texas and makes lifestyle apparel and accessories.
After a two-year hiatus, Toyota brought the Land Cruiser back with a brand-new body style and a more attainable price tag. Starting with the 2024 model, the Land Cruiser is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine making 326 horsepower. The newest Land Cruiser shares a platform with the popular Lexus GX, long known for its boxy and go-anywhere capability. Sitting just above the Toyota 4Runner in size and below the three-row Sequoia, the Land Cruiser has seating for five passengers and can hold between 16 and 18 carry-on suitcases in the back.
There's a reason classic Land Cruisers can be seen just about everywhere in the world: it lasts forever and is as agile as a mountain goat. This is no fluffy SUV built for looks alone. Equipped with ventilated front seats, a 10-speaker stereo system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and all-terrain tires in the mid-grade Land Cruiser trim, it's a machine that I've tested off-road and can attest to its comfort and viability. And it's comfortable on the asphalt, too. The Land Cruiser is significantly more fuel efficient than its predecessor at 23 miles per gallon combined.
Howler Brothers teamed up with Toyota for a limited edition collection.
Looking for a gift for an adventurous dad in your life? These items start at $5.0o for a sticker and $18.00 for a key chain, while hats and t-shirts range between $40.00 and $45.00. At the top of the line is a cotton/heavy spandex blend jacket for $195.00 that features the Land Cruiser x Howler Brothers logo and a '4-Wheel Drive' patch on the arm.
The Howler Brothers x Land Cruiser collaboration will be available at HowlerBrothers.com for a limited time.
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My family spends as much time as possible outside, preferably submerged in a body of water. We live in Maine, where the beaches are rocky and the woods are damp, so we know that proper footwear can make or break outdoor adventures. As a Wirecutter writer, I love to nerd out on high-quality design, materials, and manufacturing. I'm also the author of our guides to the best first pedal bikes, kids bike helmets, kids lunch boxes, kids pajamas, and kids rain and snow boots, among others. For this guide: I consulted Wirecutter's guide to adult water shoes, took note of an editor's love letter to utilitarian hiking sandals, and solicited feedback from parents at Wirecutter about what shoes and sandals have worked best for their families over the years. I also read dozens of articles and reviews online, searching for the most popular and durable pairs. I weighed and measured each shoe and sandal, and I took note of the quality of the material, seams, and general construction. I sent my 5- and 8-year-old daughters to summer camp in a different pair of water shoes or sandals every day for two weeks, where they spent hours wading through a rocky creek and tromping through puddles. Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I'm never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. Read more about our editorial standards. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter Just like the beloved adult version, the Keen Kids' Newport H2 is an exceptionally comfortable and reliable waterproof hiking sandal. Its rugged outsole and generous toe protection offer the sturdiness of a hiking boot, while the quick-drying polyester upper makes it extra water-friendly. This best-of-both-worlds quality is hard to beat when it comes to summer adventures, and it resulted in hours of whine-free play during our testing. It's uniquely comfortable. Keen's signature rubber toe covering, which it calls the 'toe bumper,' offers superior protection from rocks and sticks, while the extra-wide toe box lets toes comfortably splay. My 8-year-old daughter has wide feet and experienced zero break-in discomfort the first time she wore these shoes. The EVA-foam insole is squishy and features arch support that worked well with all of our testers' feet. The durable lug soles offer impressive traction. Our testers felt confident and secure on river rocks and algae-covered beach stones in these shoes because of the multidirectional and deep indentations (lugs) on their rubber soles. Keen uses a fusion process to adhere the soles to the uppers, rather than glue, which it says is far stronger and more durable. Editor Kalee Thompson and her then-10-year-old son both relied on these sandals for a weeklong canoe-camping trip along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, near Maine's border with Quebec. 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Your kid can take their first steps in the Newport H2 and continue to wear the same style through elementary, middle, and high school — and into adulthood, should they so choose. Kids can pick from a vast array of bright and fun colors. Keen endearingly acknowledges that the Newport H2 is the world's ugliest sandal, but nobody seems to care. If anyone can pull off this shoe's bulbous toe and web-like upper straps, it's a kiddo, and you can choose from 10 to 16 colors and patterns depending on the size. Flaws but not dealbreakers It's on the heavier side. The Newport H2 sandal my 8-year-old tested (Big Kids' size 1) weighs 7 ounces. This makes it among the heaviest of the shoes we tested for this guide and therefore less ideal for actual swimming. It could be more breathable. Unlike the adult Newport H2, which has an open heel, the kids version has full rear coverage. If your kid would rather wear something similar that feels like a true sandal, Keen makes the Kids' Newport Boundless Sandal, which we haven't tested. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter The Keen Kids' Seacamp II CNX is another excellent hybrid shoe that our testers found exceptionally comfortable. Because it weighs less than our top pick, the similar Keen Kids' Newport H2, it offers more breathability and feels better suited for swimming. It might not fare as well on a long hike, but that's not always a requirement for this type of shoe. It's just as comfortable as our top pick but narrower. The Seacamp II CNX features the same springy EVA insole as the Newport H2, and though its 'toe bumper' doesn't offer quite as much coverage, our testers' toes were still completely protected. The toe box on the size 13 shoe was only 3.25 inches wide, compared with the Newport H2's 3.75 inches; the Seacamp II CNX's measurement was average among the shoes we tested, whereas the Newport H2's was the widest. If your kid has wide feet, they may be more comfortable in the Newport H2. This shoe feels more like a sandal than our top pick. With its thinner (but still rugged) outsole, slim upper straps, and larger exposed areas, the Seacamp II CNX has a lower-profile look and feel. This makes it slightly better suited for swimming but also less supportive for longer hikes on rugged terrain. The thinner lug sole is flexible but still sturdy. Though the heel height of the Seacamp II CNX is 0.75 inch (measured at the back of the shoe) compared with the Newport H2's 1 inch, it still offers solid traction with its chunky lug pattern. The sole is considerably more flexible than the Newport H2's sole, which is helpful for running, jumping, and beachside dance sessions. It's fused to the upper in the same durable way as the Newport H2. Just like our top pick, the Keen Seacamp II CNX features a sturdy lug sole that provides excellent traction on slippery river stones and beach rocks. It's more flexible, though, which some kids found to be more comfortable. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter A hook-and-loop strap and adjustable bungee cord offer the opportunity for a perfect fit, while generous openings on the sides of this shoe allow for greater breathability. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter The Keen Kids' Newport H2, left, has a slightly wider toe box and a more ample rubber toe covering than the Keen Kids' Seacamp II CNX, but both shoes are comfortable, sturdy, and machine washable. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter Just like our top pick, the Keen Seacamp II CNX features a sturdy lug sole that provides excellent traction on slippery river stones and beach rocks. It's more flexible, though, which some kids found to be more comfortable. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter It's easy to wash. I followed Keen's directive and put the Seacamp II CNX in the washing machine after several muddy days at camp, and I was impressed by how brand-new they appeared afterward. I deep-clean most of my kids' shoes, which require tedious hand-washing, once a season; with the Seacamp II CNX, I can envision washing them every weekend, essentially sending my kid to camp every Monday morning in a new pair of shoes (while fending off the dreaded stink of well-worn footwear). It's likely to achieve hand-me-down status. Keen sandals are known for their exceptional durability. Many online reviews mention successfully passing them from one child to the next. The huge selection of Seacamp II CNX pairs on eBay, many of them in great shape, speaks to their long-lasting nature. It comes in lots of sizes and colors. Just like the Newport H2 sandals, these shoes are made for toddlers through teens. You can choose from around 18 color choices in the little kid and big kid sizes and around six color choices for toddlers. Flaws but not dealbreakers Feet are open to the elements. Though the Seacamp II CNX's spacious openings offer excellent breathability, they also let in potentially unwelcome matter like sand and dirt. Though no hiking sandal offers complete protection from intruders, the Seacamp II CNX often returned home from camp filled with an impressive amount of straw and grass clippings. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter The Dream Pairs Kids Sports Sandals features an open heel with a hook-and-loop strap, which our testers found extra breathable and easy to operate. At about half the price of our top pick, it's a great budget option — but unlike our other hybrid picks, this sandal is not machine-washable. It's available in sizes little kid 5 to big kid 6 and a handful of bright colors. They have a handy rear strap. My daughters loved that they could loosen the hook-and-loop strap at the heel of the sandal and slide it on without adjusting the top strap or bungee closure. This rear strap also means that, should your kiddo have a rapid growth spurt halfway through the season, the sandal will likely accommodate the shift in size. They have a flexible lug sole and relatively wide toe box. The Dream Pairs sandals have a low profile and supple sole that is similar to the sole of our runner-up, the Keen Kids' Seacamp II CNX. The synthetic rubber sole's lug pattern is slightly less rugged than the pairs we recommend from Keen, but it still offers good traction on slippery width of its toe box falls directly between the Seacamp II CNX and the ultra-wide Keen Kids' Newport H2, which means it's a great choice for both wide and narrow feet. The Dream Pairs Kids Sports Sandal's lug sole isn't quite as rugged as that of our top and runner-up pairs, but it performed nearly as well in our traction tests. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter The Dream Pairs Kids Sports Sandal costs significantly less than the Keen Kids' Newport H2, but it likely won't last through multiple kids. Still, we think it offers a lot of bang for your buck. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter The Dream Pairs Kids Sports Sandal's lug sole isn't quite as rugged as that of our top and runner-up pairs, but it performed nearly as well in our traction tests. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter They're super comfortable, in and out of the water. The EVA foam insole is cushiony underfoot, and my daughters said the synthetic upper straps feel soft on their feet. Just like the Seacamp II CNX, it's lightweight but fits securely, so it's an excellent shoe for activities that involve both swimming and rock scrambling. The synthetic rubber toe cap protected toes just as well as the Keen pairs did in our testing. They're reasonably well made. The stitching on this shoe is surprisingly solid, and the upper is securely attached to the EVA insole and synthetic rubber outsole. Just like with the Keen pairs, the bungee closure operates smoothly. Flaws but not dealbreakers They're less durable than other pairs we recommend. Though Amazon reviews of this sandal are mostly positive, many complain of broken straps or deteriorating insoles. During testing, the hook-and-loop straps began to fray around the edges, but this didn't affect their function. Just like our runner-up, they let the outside in. My 8-year-old complained that, because the straps on this sandal are widely spaced and the heel is open, more small stones made their way into the shoe than with our top pick, the Newport H2. Dream Pairs does not recommend machine-washing the pair. Though some reviews have attested that these shoes do fine in the washing machine, I opted against it because a representative from Dream Pairs told me that they should only be hand-washed. Hand-washing them took a while, and I missed the drying power of the spin cycle. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter The Reima Lean UPF 50+ Water Shoes are soft and easy for kids to slip on independently, and they offer critical traction on slippery rocks. They have a sturdy synthetic rubber sole that protects little feet from pointy stones and shells, but they're lightweight enough that they feel comfortable while swimming. They come in toddler to tween sizes, and the UPF 50+ protection is a nice bonus: Top-of-the-foot sunburns are no fun. They're easy to slip on and off. The simplicity of a sock-style water shoe can't be beat — unless the opening is too tight or difficult to maneuver. The Reima Lean shoe's opening is stretchy enough to accommodate even sturdy feet and ankles, but it regains its snug fit as soon as it's on. The pull tab in the back is big enough for kids to slide a finger though, which is more helpful than the short tabs on other water shoes we tested. They're expertly constructed. All the stitching on the Reima Lean is top notch, from the accordion stitch around the stretchy ankle opening to the straight stitch securing the pull tab at the rear of the shoe. The synthetic textile upper, which is glued onto the synthetic rubber sole, stayed firmly fixed in place during testing. The removable insole nestles perfectly into the shoe, which wasn't the case with every water shoe we tested. The smooth rubber soles on the Reima Lean UPF 50+ Water Shoes offer a surprising amount of traction, and significantly more protection from sharp rocks and sticks than other similar pairs we tested. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter The ankle opening is extra stretchy, which meant our testers could easily put this shoe on and take it off independently. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter The cloth pull tab in the back is big enough for little kids to wiggle their fingers through, which further helps with easy on-and-off. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter The Reima Lean's smooth and stretchy fabric offers UPF 50+ protection, which can help prevent uncomfortable top-of-the-foot sunburns. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter The smooth rubber soles on the Reima Lean UPF 50+ Water Shoes offer a surprising amount of traction, and significantly more protection from sharp rocks and sticks than other similar pairs we tested. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter The sturdy sole provides slip resistance and toe protection. The synthetic rubber outsole on the Reima Lean looks smooth, with minimal grooves compared with the lug soles of the hybrid sandals we tested, but in our testing this shoe offered good traction on slick beach stones and rocks. And because the sole curls up onto the upper, especially around the front, it offers more protection from toe stubbing than other flat-soled water shoes. Despite its heft, the sole is flexible and pliable. They're machine-washable. Once you remove the insoles, you can put the shoes in the washing machine on delicate cycle. Just like the more rugged (machine-washable) waterproof hiking sandals we tested, they emerged from the spin cycle nearly dry. Flaws but not dealbreakers They come in only four colors. Though the three patterns and single solid color these water shoes come in are attractive, and my kids were drawn to the pair we tested, it would be nice if a wider variety of colors were available. They're on the narrow side. At just 3 inches wide in a size 13, this is the narrowest water shoe we tested. But my 8-year-old has wide feet, and she still found it comfortable. This is likely due to the stretchiness of the textile upper — it didn't bother her that her feet were slightly wider than the sole, and the fabric didn't seem to suffer from being slightly stretched. Still, if you know your kid has wide feet, they may not be the best choice. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter Several Wirecutter editors and writers attest that their kids have loved the Crocs Kids' Classic Clog since they were toddlers. My older daughter took her first steps in a tiny pair of hand-me-down Crocs, and now my kids wear them daily. They're not ideal for water activities or vigorous outdoor play, but they're an excellent everyday shoe that happens to be waterproof. It's comfortable and versatile. The Crocs clog is made with a cushiony EVA foam the company calls Croslite, which now includes 25% bio-based material. It has an extra-wide toe box, which means it's comfortable for nearly all feet. You can pull the adjustable heel strap forward for a slip-on style or back to go around the heel for a more secure fit: My family calls the latter 'sport mode.' It's waterproof and machine-washable. Although the Crocs clog is far inferior to our other picks for water activities like canoeing or swimming, it's great for everyday play, which, we find, frequently involves water in some way or another. An impromptu sprinkler session is stress-free when your kid's in Crocs: You can easily rinse off wet grass clippings and let them dry in the sun. They're also machine-washable, and they can stand up to vigorous scrubbing should the need arise. It comes in dozens of colors and patterns. You can choose from dozens of solid colors, as well as dozens of patterned and themed styles like splatter paint and Pokémon. (These styles cost more, and some come adorned with charms called Jibbitz.) The Croc Kids' Classic Clog features an easy peasy slip-on style, and an adjustable strap that can be worn in the front, as shown, or in the back. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter Some activities call for slightly sturdier shoes: moving the strap to the back offers extra stability. My family calls this 'Sport Mode.' Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter This shoe's toe box is nearly as wide as that of the Keen Kids' Newport H2, which makes it exceptionally comfortable for most kids, and a great choice for kids with wide feet. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter The Croc Kids' Classic Clog features an easy peasy slip-on style, and an adjustable strap that can be worn in the front, as shown, or in the back. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter It's available in a wide range of sizes, but it runs large. The littlest pair of Crocs is meant for new walkers, typically 12 months or under, while toddler and big kid sizes take care of all other ages. Many reviews online say that Crocs clogs run large, and I also found this to be true. Both of my daughters wear one size below their normal size with these shoes — but I've also found that they don't mind a roomy fit with Crocs clogs, so we've been able to stretch out each pair's use to two years. Flaws but not dealbreakers It's not practical for swimming or hiking. The Crocs clog is so lightweight (it weighs about half as much as the Keen Newport H2) that it's almost too buoyant underwater, and it falls off easily. And while it's fine for long in-town walks, it doesn't work as well for hiking or scrambling over rocks. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter Of the five pairs of toddler shoes we tested, the Merrell Little Kid's Bare Steps H2O Water Shoe stood out for its excellent traction, soft mesh upper, and parent-friendly hook-and-loop fastening system. Our tiniest tester loved wearing this versatile toddler shoe at the beach and by the pool, and we appreciated that its bright colors didn't show dirt easily. It's perfectly sized for chubby baby feet. This shoe has an extra-wide toe box, which is ideal for most early walkers. Buyer reviews say that they run big, but we appreciate that they come in half sizes, which is unusual with kids shoes. This makes it easier to find the perfect fit. The opening was slightly tight around our (adorably plump) two-year-old tester's ankles, but this was the case with nearly all of the shoes she wore during testing. They're available in little kid sizes 4 through 10. Its well-designed hook-and-loop strap is a parent's best friend. 'I like how the Velcro opens up all the way and allows ease for wide, wet, cranky feet to be put in,' Coco McCracken, parent to our little tester, said. Other toddler water shoes we tested were much harder to get on, with too-small openings or stiff uppers. This shoe only comes in four colors, but that's fine for toddlers. The Merrell Little Kid's Bare Steps H2O Water Shoe's extra nubbly sole offers new walkers superior traction protection at the beach, the pool, and the local splash pad. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter This shoe's stretchy ankle opening and hook-and-loop strap make it easy to slip onto chubby toddler feet. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter The Merrell Little Kid's Bare Steps H2O Water Shoe's extra nubbly sole offers new walkers superior traction protection at the beach, the pool, and the local splash pad. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter Its nubbly outsole provides critical traction to unsteady walkers. Little kids are prone to wiping out — it's just a fact of life. The Bare Steps H20 Water Shoe features deep, multidirectional grooves with a textured pattern that offers security on slippery wet rocks. The squishy EVA footbed insert is extra comfy. It offers nearly full coverage without sacrificing breathability. While some of the water-friendly toddler shoes we tested felt more like sneakers and were too bulky for beach days, these shoes feel like low-profile water shoes. Their synthetic upper is durable but extremely light, and leather-like reinforcements around the toe, heel, and strap offer durability without adding too much bulk. Flaws but not dealbreakers Openings on the sides let in unwelcome stones. They likely exist for airflow, but we only paid attention to the small openings on the sides of this shoe when our tester complained that small stones had snuck in. A more traditional sock-like water shoe is better at keeping sticks and stones out. The pair is hand-wash only. We wish these shoes were machine-washable for easy cleaning. But a Merrell representative confirmed that they need to be hand-washed. It's harder to get mud stains out by hand, and the shoes take longer to dry without the aid of the spin cycle. If you want an inexpensive sock-style water shoe: The Jiasuqi Kids Water Shoes proved to be the best of the three nearly identical pairs of popular kids water shoes we ordered from Amazon. Like the others we tested (the Centipede Demon Kids Water Shoes and Joinfree Kids Water Shoes), these shoes come in a wide variety of colors, some of which have hook-and-loop straps and some of which are sock-like. We preferred the sock-like pairs, and the Jiasuqi water shoe has the most colors with this style. It also has the highest percentage of five-star ratings of the three pairs and the widest size range, starting at toddler size 3. We found that the ultra-thin and stretchy upper material can easily accommodate different foot shapes, and it's extremely lightweight and comfortable for swimming. As you might expect, many reviews online complain about their lack of durability, but for around $12, it's a decent budget option. If you want a sleeker-looking water-friendly shoe: The Native Jefferson is another favorite of multiple Wirecutter parents. These slip-ons share many of the virtues of Crocs Kids' Classic Clogs, but they have a narrower fit, so they can be harder for little kids to pull onto wet feet. They also share some of the downfalls of Crocs clogs — mainly that they're not ideal for hiking or swimming. And unlike Crocs clogs, these shoes cannot be put in the washing machine. But they're well suited for daily use. Editor Marilyn Ong loves them for her three kids: 'They're a great water shoe that can stand in for 'real' shoes when you show up for dinner at a restaurant,' she said. They come in a ton of colors and styles, and they're sized for toddlers through adults. We also tested and liked the Native Robbie, which is similar to the Jefferson style but feels more athletic, with a grippier outsole and springier insole. Laura Motley for NYT Wirecutter After reading about dozens of pairs of kids water shoes, waterproof hiking sandals, and other versatile waterproof shoes online, I selected 26 well-liked pairs to test. I looked for: Comfort above all else: Shoes or sandals that feel tight, stiff, or otherwise uncomfortable are nonstarters for kids. I looked for pairs with supportive soles, flexible uppers, and wide toe boxes. Shoes or sandals that feel tight, stiff, or otherwise uncomfortable are nonstarters for kids. I looked for pairs with supportive soles, flexible uppers, and wide toe boxes. Quick-drying materials: Putting on a soggy shoe is no fun, and shoes that dry faster tend to stink less. Putting on a soggy shoe is no fun, and shoes that dry faster tend to stink less. Easy on and off: Bungee closures or hook-and-loop fastening should be easy for all but the littlest kids to operate by themselves, or the material of the shoe should be stretchy enough to easily slip on and off. Bungee closures or hook-and-loop fastening should be easy for all but the littlest kids to operate by themselves, or the material of the shoe should be stretchy enough to easily slip on and off. Solid traction: Both water shoes and hiking sandals should have rugged soles that offer solid slip protection — river stones and algae-coated beach rocks can be exceptionally slick. Both water shoes and hiking sandals should have rugged soles that offer solid slip protection — river stones and algae-coated beach rocks can be exceptionally slick. Easy cleaning: Many waterproof kids shoes are machine-washable. Some are easily wiped clean. We dismissed pairs that stain easily or require tedious hand-washing. Many waterproof kids shoes are machine-washable. Some are easily wiped clean. We dismissed pairs that stain easily or require tedious hand-washing. Durability: Ideally, a high-quality kids shoe or sandal will last at least a couple seasons (depending on how fast a kid's feet grow). And if you have multiple kids, your eldest's shoes should easily achieve hand-me-down status. Ideally, a high-quality kids shoe or sandal will last at least a couple seasons (depending on how fast a kid's feet grow). And if you have multiple kids, your eldest's shoes should easily achieve hand-me-down status. A wide variety of colors and patterns: If your kid would rather wear their sparkly Mary Jane shoes to summer camp, an appealing-looking (but practical) water shoe or sandal might help your cause. Before I sent the water shoes and sandals to the creek for real-world testing, I weighed and measured each pair (either size 13 or 1) and compared the width of the toe boxes especially. I also inspected the fastening systems and ruggedness of the soles. To test how quickly the shoes dried, I submerged them all in a bathtub around 3 p.m. and then laid them out on my back porch on a sunny day. I brought them in around 7 p.m. to protect them from overnight dew and rain. In the morning, I noted which pairs were dry and which were still uncomfortably damp. I also washed every pair according to manufacturer instructions and assessed their condition afterwards. Then I unleashed the shoes into the wild and listened to my kids' observations at the end of each camp day — plying them with frozen treats as needed in order to eke out as many details as possible. Coco McCracken, a fellow mom and writer who is currently reporting a Wirecutter guide on the best first shoes for kids, tested several pairs of toddler water shoes and sandals with her 2-year-old and other kid styles with her 5-year-old. She noted how easy (or difficult) it was to put the toddler pairs on and take them off. Then she observed as her kiddo toddled in the water and on the beach, and she noted any blisters or general discomfort. The Aleader Kid's XDrain Classic Knit Water Shoes have an appealing look and an intriguing design, with synthetic knit uppers and cushiony soles with drainage holes. But the textile upper showed dirt immediately, and Aleader recommends against putting them in the washing machine. This made them hard to keep clean. The popular-on-Amazon Centipede Demon Kids Water Shoes and Joinfree Kids Water Shoes are nearly identical to the Jiasuqi Kids Water Shoes, which are worth considering, but the Centipede Demon and Joinfree pairs come in a smaller range of sizes, and more of their available colors feature hook-and-loop closures, which we didn't like as much as sock-style slip-on water shoes. The Merrell Big Kid's Hydro 2 Sandal is similar to our top pick, the Keen Kids' Newport H2, with ample rubber toe protection and a hook-and-loop fastening system. But the bungee laces aren't adjustable, and some of our testers said that the stiff tongue of the shoe pressed into their ankles. Its toe box is about a half inch narrower than the Newport H2, so toes can't splay out as comfortably in these shoes. My daughters found the Merrell Big Kid's Hydro Quest shoes to be very comfortable, with a soft insole and stretchy synthetic upper. But they run narrow and long, so it may be hard to find the right size for your kid. They also come in only three colors. Two of our testers, ages 5 and 2, suffered painful break-in blisters with the Native Chase sandals, but they liked the way they looked. After the blisters healed, they became a favored daily shoe, but they're not as sturdy as the Native Jefferson style for running around. They could be a good fashion-forward waterproof sandal option for a kid who's willing to break them in. The Plae Sam 2-0 Sandal did well in our testing, proving to be comfortable and relatively quick-drying. It's also machine-washable. But it comes in only three colors, and our older testers weren't drawn to the look. We tried the See Kai Run Aven Mini and found that, while it was a struggle to get on a wiggly toddler's foot, it was a great shoe. See Kai Run is discontinuing this shoe. The company told us the Wilder II is similar, but as of July 2025 we haven't tested it. Our littlest tester did well in the Stride Rite Wade shoes on a cool day at the beach, but overall they felt too bulky and structured for most poolside and oceanside play. Though they're a hybrid shoe, like the Keen Kids' Newport H2, they feel more like a sneaker and less like a water shoe. We appreciate the fact that they're machine-washable, though. We found that Ten Little's Everyday Sandals were much more comfortable than the company's Splash Sandals, and they offered a surprising amount of traction. But they only come in three colors, and their sizing is geared towards smaller kids. Ten Little's Splash Sandals are like fashionable Crocs clogs, made with similar EVA foam but with the addition of a hook-and-loop strap and heel coverage. Our testers said the foam was stiffer and less comfortable than Crocs clogs, and while they loved the way they looked, they didn't seem to want to keep them on. The Teva Kid's Hurricane XLT 2 is a slightly more rugged version of the classic Teva, which I grew up hiking in during the 1990s. It worked well for me at the time, but that was before Keen upped the hiking sandal game in the early 2000s. Our testers preferred ultra-comfortable hybrid-style shoes with toe protection. Still, these Teva sandals come in appealing patterns and feel well made. The Teva Kid's Manatee Water Sandal appears to be Teva's answer to Keen's Newport H2, but our testers found it wasn't as comfortable. Plus, it only comes in three colors and is available in far fewer sizes than the Newport H2. After trying on the uniquely unattractive Ubfen Water Shoe, my daughters admitted that it was surprisingly comfortable. But upon close inspection, I noticed that the glue was coming out of the seam between the outsole and the upper, and overall it didn't seem very high quality — especially considering that when it's not on sale, it only costs around $5 less than one of our top picks, the Reima Lean Water Shoe. Jan and Jul Quick Dry Water Shoes come in several cute patterns and feature sturdy but flexible soles with a wide toe box. But the elastic around the opening doesn't give very much, and we had a hard time fitting them on our tiny tester's foot. Some reviews say they run small, and others say they don't stay on kids' feet. The Apolter Baby Water Shoes are highly reviewed on Amazon, but like with the Jan and Jul water shoes, it was hard to fit our toddler tester's foot through the opening. We might have had better luck if we'd sized up, but reviews offer mixed opinions on whether these shoes run big or small. Feet City Baby Water Shoes were much easier to get on than the other toddler water shoes we tested, with their hook-and-loop straps, but then they didn't stay on. And their textured EVA soles didn't offer much slip protection. This article was edited by Kalee Thompson and Amy Miller Kravetz.
