Keep little feet protected in shoes they can wear all summer long.
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Whether toddlers are running through a sprinkler, wading at the beach, hiking through a creek, or splashing at their water table, water play can keep them occupied for hours on end. Water shoes are the best way to protect their tender soles from hot pavement or slippery, rocky surfaces, without having soggy socks or too-sweaty feet. The best water shoes for toddlers feature quality materials, thoughtful design, and comfort through any activity.
Whitney Fedor, DPT, PRPC, a physical therapist at Therapydia New Orleans, says water shoes are great for splash pads, poolsides, water parks, or beaches, especially for protecting feet from hot concrete. She also offers some suggestions for choosing shoes for toddlers. “I prefer to have children with developing feet in a shoe with less rigidity and a wider toe box to allow for great intrinsic muscle strength and toe function development,” Dr. Fedor says. For active kids involved in a variety of activities, consider a versatile sneaker-like shoe or sandal that can be worn all season. For swimming, opt for lightweight, breathable water socks.
We researched dozens of best-selling toddler water shoes to find these durable, high-quality, and fast-drying or water-resistant picks. We also spoke with a podiatrist and a physical therapist for insights into what to look for in safe, supportive water shoes for toddlers. The result is a collection of water shoes for toddlers in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and prices that work for several situations.
There’s a reason Crocs are so popular: They’re lightweight, comfortable, and durable enough to stand up to just about anything, including water play. Crocs are made of a molded foam that’s water-resistant and floats. They dry quickly and have holes for ventilation, so you don’t need to worry about overheating. The clog design means they’re not too bulky. They also have a pivoting heel strap for a more adjustable fit. You can use the strap behind the heel for more stability, or push it up so the shoe can be slipped on and off like true clogs.
I have a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old, and these are our go-to shoes all summer. They’re great for the beach, summer camp, or playing in the yard. They hold up extremely well and are super easy to clean. Classic Crocs are unisex and come in a variety of colors and designs, from neutrals like white and black to bright neons, tie-dye, and glitter. The design is customizable, too. You can place Croc charms, called Jibbitz, in the ventilation holes. There are thousands of charms, which toddlers will love picking out.
The sizing, especially for younger kids, may be difficult to figure out. While the Crocs official website offers a size chart with measurements, the Amazon page does not, so it can be confusing to find what will work.
These Native waterproof sneakers offer both protection and versatility. Unlike sandals, they’re fully enclosed, so you don’t have to worry about your little stubbing their toe or scraping their heel. They have a slip-on style that makes them easy to get on or take off, and they’re also made of an extremely lightweight rubber material that makes them feel like air. Holes all over keep them breathable and well-ventilated, and they dry quickly if they get wet.
Despite their light material, the shoes are sturdy and durable. They’re shock-absorbent and comfortable, with good traction. They’re also odor-resistant, which is ideal for shoes that might spend a lot of time in the water. They’re available in a rainbow of colors, and they don’t look like water shoes, which makes them a good fit for almost any outfit. Plus, they’re very easy to wipe clean, even if they can’t be thrown in the washing machine.
These offer little to no stretch, so if your child has wider feet, they may be hard to get on or off. You can try sizing up, but that may make them too big.
These toddler water shoes are proof that you don’t have to spend a lot to get a great quality product. At less than $15, these sneakers offer plenty of comfort and flexibility. They look like slip-on sneakers, but they have a Velcro closure along the top that gives them a much more adjustable fit. This also makes it a lot easier to get these on and off, especially for toddlers who have wider feet.
They’re made of a stretchy, breathable jersey fabric that feels a lot more flexible than many other options, with a thick, grippy EVA sole and a firmer toe box for better protection. Their style makes these look more like regular toddler sneakers than water shoes, so they can easily transition from outdoor to indoor play. The jersey is lightweight enough that these never feel too bulky or warm.
When it comes to colors and prints, these are a little limited. They’re only available in four print options, so they won’t match every outfit.
These Columbia sandals are ideal for places like water parks, where kids will probably be running between pools, water rides, and hot pavement throughout the day. They’re also well-suited for playing in a yard or wooded area. The closed-toe sandal style protects feet, while the rubber outsole offers plenty of traction on wet surfaces. The hook and loop strap and bungee laces offer a more adjustable, flexible fit. Overall, their durability and versatility mean you can use them all summer long.
The cushioned footbed makes them really comfortable to wear, and their hydrophobic lining and fast-drying construction ensure they’re water-friendly. The mesh ventilated sides throughout make them a breathable option for hot days, and the playful color combo options are fun for little ones. Bonus: They can be thrown in the washing machine when they need to be cleaned.
While these are great for running around, they’re not ideal for swimming. Another note is that the sizing may be a bit off, according to some parents, so some guesswork and returns may be required.
These lightweight, slipper-like water shoes offer full protection, support, and traction. That makes them great for multiple situations, whether kids are running on slippery grass or hot pavement, or wading in shallow water. Dr. Fedor is a big fan of this option, saying, “I used these as my child’s day-to-day shoes in the summer” because they “check all the boxes.” The Merrell’s barefoot feel makes them comfy and breathable, which is especially great for little ones who don’t like bulky or heavy shoes. The quick-drying, water-friendly uppers and linings mean you don’t need to worry about soggy feet.
They are flexible, with a Velcro closure for adjustability, and an extra-wide toe box and outsole with a rounded edge to aid in proper foot development. The nonmarking grooves in the outsole give plenty of grip for slippery situations. These high-quality, long-lasting kicks are also easy to clean and come in a wide variety of fun colors.
Dr. Fedor notes that these aren’t ideal for swimming, so if you’re looking for a water shoe to use in the pool, these probably won’t work. The insole may pop out easily when the shoe gets very wet.
Open-toe sandals can be great in warmer weather, especially when you’re dealing with chubby toddler feet. These picks are made of breathable mesh material with plenty of open space to keep small feet from getting overheated and sweaty. One thing we really love about them is how adjustable they are: there are two hook and loop closures that allow you to find the perfect fit for your toddler, which is particularly nice if you’re dealing with wide feet.
The cushioned EVA foam midsole and lightweight overall feel ensure maximum comfort. The rubber outsole is made to have great traction and be very durable. And they won’t get stinky fast—they’re coated with a peppermint-based anti-odor treatment to keep them smelling fresh. That’s definitely a plus since a lot of water play can make water shoes smell musty after a while.
While open-toe sandals can be great, keep in mind that they don’t offer much protection for your child’s toes. It also seems difficult to find all the sizes in all the available colors.
Keen sandals have long been a go-to favorite among parents for their quality, durability, and protection. These rugged sandals should be summer staples for toddlers who love getting outside and exploring. They’re water-resistant and repellent, with a quick-dry lining that makes them easy to wear for hours on end. The multi-directional lug pattern on the bottom is one you won’t find on every sandal and offers exceptional traction. The rubber toe box provides additional protection.
These also have a hook and loop closure and bungee system for a more flexible, adjustable fit. There’s arch support and a foam footbed for comfort, and they’re surprisingly lightweight. They’re also machine washable. Overall, we love these for running on uneven ground, slippery surfaces, and warm weather hikes.
These definitely have a more outdoor vibe to them, so aesthetically they’re not as versatile as some other sandals. And at over $50, they’re also on the more expensive side for sandals your little one may grow out of quickly.
If traction is your top priority, look no further than Robeez. The TPU material on the sole grips the floor to ensure that beginner walkers can’t easily trip or slip. There are plenty of other things to love about these, too. Made of stretchy neoprene, they have a very flexible feel, and the Velcro closure and bungee straps give them more adjustability. They completely cover the foot, with a tough rubber toe box for added protection, but the cut-outs and lightweight material keep them breathable.
The upper is water-resistant and quick-drying, so they can be worn for hours without feeling soaked. They also have a padded insole for a bit more cushioning, and a pull loop on the heel makes them easy to get on or off. Plus, we love the designs and bright colors that are offered.
Review their sizing chart before you order as these shoes may run big. The insoles may come out easily after they’ve gotten wet a few times.
These water socks are your best bet if you’re looking for footwear that can be worn while swimming and provide protection from hot or slippery surfaces. These water socks may seem overly simple, but as Dr. Fedor points out, that’s not a bad thing. “These are great for foot development and safety around the pool,” Dr. Fedor says. “My mind goes to less is more: Let the foot work more and not rely on the shoe for support.”
These are both chlorine- and salt-water-resistant, and the material is quick-drying so you don’t need to worry about pulling them off the moment they get out of the water. They are made of stretchy neoprene material that looks and goes on like a sock and has a nonslip sole. They have a pull loop by the heel, making them relatively easy to get on and off. They’re also super lightweight, inexpensive, and take up virtually no space in your beach or pool bag.
These are great for use in the water, but they’re not as protective or sturdy as many of the other water shoes on this list. If you want a shoe for hiking or multipurpose everyday use, these probably aren’t it.
For wiggly toddlers with wide feet, slip-on shoes may be out of the question. That’s why we love these Adidas. With a wide footbed and two adjustable straps, these sandals are one of the easiest pairs to get on and take off, even if your toddlers’ feet are on the chubby side. The two hook-and-loop straps are strategically placed to give you a more customizable size, and with both open, you never have to worry about jamming a clammy foot inside a tiny shoe hole.
They’re made of a super lightweight synthetic material that should dry quickly. The contoured footbed is comfortable and roomy. They have some decent traction and are built to last. And with an open toe and plenty of cut-outs, these are very breathable and cool on hot days.
These run big, so you may want to size down when ordering. They also don’t offer as much traction and durability as other options on this list.
We looked at more than 30 top-rated water shoes on the market to find the best options for toddlers. We studied their design and features, read through customer reviews, and kept a close eye on shopping trends to find the most durable and versatile options. When assessing water shoes, we considered comfort, materials, quality, traction, foot protection and support, closure type, and value. We also used our own experience as parents of kids who love the water to inform our choices.
We spoke with two experts to gain insights into what toddlers need in a great water shoe. Based on their recommendations and our own research, we chose a wide range of options, from sandals to slip-ons, to fit into any budget.
There are multiple types of water shoes available. Some will be suitable for both running around the yard and playing in the water, while others are meant only for swimming.
When looking for the best pair of water shoes for your little one, Dr. Fedor recommends considering the activities you will be engaging in and how frequently you plan to use them. “Is it for a splash pad, summer fun in the yard, or just for use in and around the pool?” she says. Your budget is another important consideration, as is the style of shoe you think will provide the smoothest experience getting shoes on and off a wiggly, wet toddler. Other things to think about include:
Fit is one of the most important aspects of water shoe safety, says Dr. Fedor, noting that poorly fitted shoes tend to fall off a child’s foot. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recommends always measuring your child’s foot before buying shoes to ensure the correct fit. The APMA also recommends measuring feet and shopping for shoes later in the day, as feet are more likely to swell as the day goes on. You’ll want to buy the larger size if your child’s feet are slightly different sizes.
Traction is another safety consideration. Water shoes must be capable of handling slippery surfaces, like slick pavement, rocks, or grass. “Avoid minimal grippiness,” Dr. Fedor says. “You want to make sure the shoe is secure on the child’s foot so when they approach water, the traction keeps them from slipping.” If you purchase water socks, know they may only be suitable for wearing in the water rather than running around a backyard.
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 offer as much protection and support.
For little ones who aren’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.
Jessica Booth is a freelance writer who covers parenting, shopping, wellness, entertainment, and wedding content. She has been freelance writing since 2017 and before that, she worked as an editor at an online publication for seven years. She has written for sites such as Brides, People, Insider, Bustle, Romper, Refinery 29, Cosmopolitan, Delish, The Daily Beast, Reviewed, She Knows, Scary Mommy, The Knot, and What to Expect. She also has two young daughters and has gone through many, many pairs of baby and toddler shoes with them.
New Design Sandals American Podiatric Medical Association. "What you should know. Children’s Foot Health."