The Best Water Shoes To Keep Kids' Feet Safe And Ready To Play

Forbes

15-05-2025

Virtually all kids are drawn to playing in and around the water. Designed for splashing adventures, the best water shoes for kids are crafted with durable materials, have traction to prevent slips and dry quickly. Many kids want their shoes to look stylish too if they're going to actually wear them. After testing various styles with our own kids, researching the top options and interviewing two experts, we named the Keen Seacamp II CNX the best water shoes for kids. They're durable and nonslip, providing great support for kids' growing feet.
The best water shoes for kids have grippy soles to prevent slipping and falling.
Water shoes provide a lot of benefits beyond preventing slips and falls. 'They also prevent feet from overheating or forming blisters on pavement or sand at pools and beaches. In addition, they protect children's feet from rocks, debris, broken glass and other potential hazards—especially at outdoor water parks,' says podiatrist Sabrina Minhas. They also help protect feet from germs and fungus. Whether you need something your kid can wear all summer long or are looking for something special for a trip to the beach, these are the best water shoes for kids.
Zappos
Sizes: 8 to 13 little kids, 1 to 7 big kids | Colors: 21 total, including rainbow glow and dark olive/gold flame | Closure: Hook-and-loop and bungee cinch
The Keen Seacamp II sandals check all the boxes of a great water shoe: they're protective, durable and quick-drying. Minhas also likes them because they provide great support. If your kids are going to summer camp, this is a shoe that can take them on all of their adventures with a closed-toe and a quick-dry lining. The sole is durable enough for hiking and everyday wear, too. When they get back from a muddy adventure, the shoes are machine-washable.
There are tons of color options to choose from to suit every child's preferences—including a bunch of bright hues, which Minhas recommends choosing when possible to help spot your child in crowded areas. Reflective material helps with visibility, too. A hook-and-loop closure along with a bungee cinch helps the shoe stay snug on your child's foot, which is imperative with a water shoe.
Ten Little
Sizes: 3 to 13 little kid, 1 to 2 big kid | Colors: 5 total, including pink lemonade and aqua mint | Closure: Hook-and-loop
These American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) approved shoes are currently my wide-footed 3-year-old's favorite shoes for all of his summer adventures. They've even replaced his beloved Crocs. The sandals dry quickly when they get wet , so they're a good option for kids who are in and out of the water. Since the material doesn't absorb water, they also don't get heavy when they're wet. A flexible sole still provides support and is thick enough to protect feet from rocks or shells.
There are only five color options available, which is less than many of the other shoes on our list, but they do sell charms so your toddler can personalize their footwear. I've found the shoes very easy to clean by just wiping them down or hosing them off. 'The Ten Little Splash Sandals are wonderful; they are easy to put on and take off and provide great traction and support for little feet,' says Minhas. I can attest that they're easy to get on and off as my son can do it himself, which makes getting out the door much easier.
Amazon
Sizes: 4 to 13 little kid, 1 to 6 big kid | Colors: 23 total, including Mars orange/shell white and grasshopper green/shell white | Closure: Slip-on
Natives are popular among kids and parents because they're a no-fuss shoe, and they have lots of fun, bright color options for added visibility. Many kids enjoy wearing them for everyday summer activities because they can splash in a puddle without thinking twice. My young kids are able to slip them on and off on their own, which is super convenient.
Like other water shoes made out of similar material, they don't absorb water when they get wet, so they remain lightweight. They're also easy to clean with the hose or a quick wipe-down. The small holes all around the shoe allow for plenty of airflow and water drainage. However, they can let in small pebbles that can be difficult to get out without completely removing the shoe, so that can be frustrating for kids. According to Native, these shoes run narrow, so if your kids have wide feet, you'll probably want to size up. For kids who like the look and feel for Crocs but that need something with a closed toe and heel, Natives are a good alternative.
'All three of my kids have always loved Natives,' says Forbes Vetted editor Esther Carlstone. 'Not only are they easy to put on, take off and clean, they can also wear them to school since they're fully enclosed."
Amazon
Sizes: 9 to 13 little kid, 2 to 6.5 big kid | Colors: 21 total, including grey pink and blue yellow | Closure: Hook-and-loop or drawstring cinch, depending on color
If you know your child is only going to wear water shoes occasionally, finding a good value is key. Recommended by pediatric physical therapist and founder of Milestones & Motherhood, Dr. KC Rickerd, the Cior Athletic Water Sneaker is an affordable well-rounded water shoe with full foot protection and a grippy sole. These shoes are ideal for swimming. The stretchy fabric makes them easy to get on and off, but the closures help them stay put in the ocean or other water adventures. The flexible soles are ideal for foot development. With a wide range of sizes and colors, finding a pair your child likes will be easy. Plus, many of the options are bright, helping with visibility.
To help with drainage and drying, the soles have small holes on the bottom, so they don't have to walk around in squishy wet shoes. However, if your child is going somewhere where there might be sharp objects like shells or rocks that could injure their feet, opt for a more fully enclosed option.
Zappos.com
Sizes: 11 to 13 little kid; 1 to 7 big kid | Colors: 17 total, including neon floral lilac and mesh total eclipse | Closure: Hook-and-loop
Sometimes, kids want to let their toes free with a classic water sandal. The Teva Kids Hurricane XLT 2 sandals are stylish and good for romping through creeks or all-day wear. They're adjustable with three hook-and-loop closures to help your child get a secure fit that won't slip off, while soft padding on the heel strap prevents any uncomfortable chafing. The shoes have good traction on the bottom, with thick rubber for grip and foot protection.
Your kids have plenty of color options to choose from so they can find a style they like. Rickerd recommends closed-toe water shoes when possible to reduce the risk of injury to your child's toes. If you do choose an open-toe option like these sandals, try to be mindful of where they wear them. You might consider limiting this type of shoe to grassy or sandy areas to help prevent injury.
Crocs, Inc.
Sizes: 4 to 13 little kids, 1 to 6 big kids| Colors: 26 total, including golden hour and pink milk | Closure: Slip-on
Though Crocs are not typically a favorite among podiatrists and other experts, they are certainly a favorite among kids and parents. They're easy for kids of all ages to slip on and off, they dry quickly and kids like personalizing them with Jibbitz. Crocs are available in a wide variety of colors so kids can show off their style, and bright colors make it easier to spot your kid in a crowd. They're also super comfortable and a convenient water shoe. All three of my kids wear Crocs, whether it's to play with water in the backyard or to jump in puddles. Crocs don't absorb water, so they don't get heavier when they're wet, and they're easy to clean.
A word of caution: Crocs don't typically provide a snug fit, so your child's feet may slide around or even slip out. If you're looking for a true water shoe for swimming or intense adventures, check out the closed-toe and closed-heel options on our list.
Nordstrom
Sizes: 3 to 7 | Colors: 6 total, including coral and green | Closure: Slip-on
Though babies might not be trekking through streams or going down water slides just yet, they can still benefit from foot protection. Pool decks and sand can both get really hot in the sun, so water shoes for babies can help protect their feet from burning or getting cut on shells or other small items. These APMA-approved shoes have a flexible sole and a wide toe box, both of which are ideal for babies' foot development.
While they stretch to help get them on your baby's foot, reviewers say they run small. Particularly if your baby has wide or chubby feet, you'll likely want to size up. The shoes are made of a quick-drying material, so your baby won't be sitting in soggy shoes all day. Color options are limited, but all are bright and fun for summer.
Merrell
Sizes: 5 to 13 little kid, 1 to 7 big kid | Colors: 8 total, including olive green and navy/orange | Closure: Hook-and-loop
When you're sending your kid off to summer camp, they need a shoe that's durable, protective and capable of going in and out of the water. The Merrell Hydro 2 Sandal checks all three of those boxes. It has a closed-toe and heel, and the bottom has strong traction to keep them steady on all of their adventures. Because it's such a robust sandal, they'll be comfortable wearing it all day. They also have plenty of ventilation and a quick-dry lining.
There are quite a few fun color options, too, which can entice kids to actually want to wear their water shoes. A molded footbed and foot-hugging fit makes sure they'll be comfortable all day long.
The Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear team spends countless hours testing and researching products, including the best shoes for kids and the best baby shoes. We're parents ourselves, and we know how important it is to choose what's best for your kids.
Finding the best kids water shoes required product research, expert insights and experience using water shoes with our own kids. We learned about foot development to help us understand what types of shoes best support kids' growing feet.
Places where kids tend to wear water shoes are inherently slippery, whether it's rocks at a creek or a pool deck. 'Parents should first look for water shoes with sufficient traction and a good grip to prevent children from slipping on wet surfaces,' says Minhas.
Though a gripping sole is important for all types of shoes, Rickerd explains that it's particularly important when it comes to water shoes to prevent slipping and falling.
Having correctly fitting shoes is always ideal, and when it comes to water shoes, the right size can help prevent your child from slipping or developing blisters. Minhas explains that water shoes should have a comfortable, snug fit. 'Ill-fitting shoes can cause children to trip and fall or slide out of the shoes, leaving their feet unprotected,' she explains.
Additionally, Rickerd explains that proper fit is important because of how much kids' feet sweat. 'Children's feet sweat nearly two to three times the amount of an adult, which naturally increases the amount of potential for injury when shoes are ill-fitting or not appropriate for what they're doing,' she says. If their feet slip around, they can rub against the shoe, which could cause injury and discomfort.
To make sure your child's water shoes are fitting properly, Rickerd recommends checking their feet every hour or so when they're playing in the water. 'While many little ones will let you know if there is an area that is becoming uncomfortable, I find doing quick checks when they are actively wet can be helpful for spotting any areas of concern before they become a full-blown blister or area of discomfort,' she says.
Choosing something durable with strong materials can help protect your kids' feet. 'Do not use thin, flimsy, cheaply made shoes that won't hold up in an active water environment, or flip-flop -style shoes that provide no support and will easily slide off children's feet,' says Minhas.
The best water shoe strikes a balance between being durable but also constructed of lightweight materials that won't get too heavy when they get wet. You want the material to be able to dry quickly, too. 'Look for shoes made out of materials that are quick to dry to prevent water from pooling in them and creating a potential breeding ground for bacteria,' says Minhas. Quick-drying shoes are also helpful for kids who are in and out of the water as it can prevent them from walking around in wet shoes all day.
'From a safety perspective, certain types of water shoes are brightly colored and can make it easier to spot a running child in a crowded area,' says Minhas. Many shoes have a variety of color options, so look for ones that have neons or other vibrant hues that may help you quickly spot your child.
Water shoes are great for kids. In fact, Minhas calls them essential. 'Properly fitted water shoes with non-slip soles can protect children's feet from slipping around pools and slides," she says. They can also protect them from hot pavement or sand, rocks or other sharp objects and germs and fungus.
There are a lot of great water shoe brands which we've highlighted in our list, including Keen, Tenn Little, Merrell, and Teva. When choosing a water shoe brand, look for something high-quality with a non-slip sole and quick-drying material.
For something similar to Crocs, try the Ten Little Splash Sandals or Native Jeffersons. They both are made of a similar material that won't absorb water, dries quickly and is easy to clean. I've also found that my kids are able to get these shoes on and off themselves just like they can with Crocs.