Best Kids’ Beach Shoes – Protecting Little Feet at the Beach

Best Kids Water Shoes

We’ve highlighted here all our favourite kids’ water shoes perfect for a trip to the beach, or read on below to find out more detail on each, along with our buying guide for what to consider when buying a kids’ beach shoe.

	Brand	Style	Sizing
	Stride Rite Made2Play	Water Shoe	Infant to 12 years
	Speedo Surfwalker Pro 2.0	Water Shoe	Size 4 Toddler to 11 Little Kid
	UBFEN Water Shoes	Water Shoe	Size 11.5 Little Kid to 3.5 Big Kid
	KEEN Unisex Kid Newport H2 Sandal	Water Sandal	Size 4 Little Kid to Size 5 Big Kid
	HOBIKEAR Water Shoes	Toddler Sandal	Size 4.5 Toddler to 13.5 Little Kid
	Merrell Unisex Hydro Sandal	Water Sandal	Size 11 Little kid to 5 Big Kid + wide fittings
	JIASUQI Aqua Socks	Water Socks	Size 3 Toddler to 4.5 Big Kid
	Bigib Kids Swim Water Shoe	Water Socks	Size 3 Toddler to 13 Little Kid
	L-RUN Kids Barefoot Aqua Socks	Water Socks	Size 3 Toddler to 4.5 Big Kids

What to look for in a good pair of kids’ beach shoes

You might be wondering why water shoes for kids and toddlers are necessary if they’re going to be playing mainly in a well-groomed, sandy area. 

Well,  many excursions to different beaches and pools with my own bubs have taught me several things:

• Despite best efforts, trash is left behind on the beach and can cut your child’s foot if they step on it
• Rockier beaches can also bruise and cut the tender areas on your child’s feet
• When snorkeling they can prevent fins from rubbing feet and cuts from coral and rocks
• If it is an unusually hot day, you’ll want that added barrier between bub’s toes and the sand
• Kids’ beach shoes can easily be rinsed off and worn to and from your vehicle, saving on an extra pair of footwear
• Swimming shoes can provide extra traction on slippery and wet surfaces, such as you’ll find in splash pads and water parks

All things considered, a quality pair of beach shoes is an inexpensive way to add some extra protection that allows your child to build sandcastles and splish-splash to their heart’s content.

Water Shoes vs Water Sandals vs Water Socks

Water shoes or beach shoes for kids come in various styles; some are suited more for older kids, while others work better for toddlers and babies. 

Older children are much more active and will require a more durable swim shoe for traction on different surfaces, water sports, and to protect feet. 

Water shoes for toddlers and babies aren’t necessarily going to endure as much wear and tear, but similarly, protect bare feet on hot and slick surfaces and against abrasions.

All types of beach shoes/water shoes provide some measure of protection from water and sand and share similar qualities and materials. A good beach shoe will also work equally for your child at a water or splash park with slippery surfaces.

We look for the following qualities in a good beach shoe:

Lightweight Material

Kids’ swim shoes need to be constructed out of a quick-drying, flexible material such as neoprene that won’t weigh your bub’s feet down while they’re playing in the water.  A short drying time also means that you can quickly toss them into your beach bag without worrying about soaking the rest of the contents. 

Secure Fit

There is nothing worse than doctoring heel blisters on your little one due to ill-fitting shoes, so you’ll want to find swimming shoes that fit securely on your little kid’s feet…  Many different styles of kids’ aqua shoes have loop straps to keep them in place and prevent unwanted rubbing.

Anti-Slip Grip

A good pair of water shoes for kids will ideally have a cushioned sole with traction to prevent slipping and injuries from sharp rocks and objects, even the slippery surface of a splash pad area. It’s not as essential for babies and toddlers just learning to walk but is definitely important for older kids.

Cleaning and Care

The best thing about many water shoes for toddlers is that they can easily be rinsed and wiped down to be used again. Some are even machine washable, which is convenient in case you have an unusually messy outing. 

Best All-Terrain Water Shoe for Kids: Stride Rite Made2Play Phibian Water Shoe

Looking for a pair of beach shoes equally good on rough terrain as they are for water parks? We love that these Stride Rite shoes come in a wide variety of different sizes and bright colors, making them a perfect choice from Infant sizes and Little Kids, all the way up to Big Kid sizes (US 5). 

They have a slip-resistant, synthetic sole along with an additional strap on the top of the shoes to keep everything securely in place. 

In addition to scuff-proof technology, these kids’ beach shoes are made from a lightweight, ventilated material that is machine washable or can easily be wiped clean. 

Not only are the Stride Rite Made2Play Phibians easy to clean, but they also come with Aegis and Biome lining with antimicrobial treatment, which works to reduce odour in between washes.  This is always a good thing for busy little feet! 

We do recommend just using these for shorter periods of time, as prolonged wear can sometimes result in blisters. 

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Best Water Shoes for Toddlers: Speedo Surfwalker Pro 2.0 Water Shoes

These are an excellent option if you’re specifically looking for water shoes for toddlers.  The Speedo Surfwalker has a soft, waterproof neoprene upper with a comfortable, breathable mesh panel for accelerated drying time.

The velcro strap closure makes them easy to take on and off, and the unique outsole is designed for optimal water management and flow dispersion.  The sole’s s-trac thermoplastic material also protects your bub’s feet from hot sand and sharp objects. These are our favorites for the water park, rather than flip flops for toddlers. 

These swim shoes are also a breeze to clean.  Simply toss them in the washing machine and they’re as good as new.  They do tend to run large, however, so consider sizing down. 

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Also Consider: UBFEN Water Shoes for Kids

Lightweight and breathable, these are the perfect water shoes for kids that want something both stylish and sporty, ideal for your family beach vacation. 

They have soft and comfortable material that is flexible and quick-drying. The durable, non-slip rubber soles have a thickening insole to protect your child’s feet and an anti-collision design to protect little toes. 

While these shoes do have an upgraded rubber sole, they are more suited for sandy areas as opposed to rocky terrain.  The sizing can also be an issue, as they tend to run somewhat large. 

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Best Kids Water Sandals

This next selection is for more structured water shoes for kids, ideal for hiking trails where you’ll be crossing waterways, rock pooling and more rugged activities where sturdy foot support and a firm sole is required.

Best Kids Water Sandals: KEEN Unisex Newport H2 Sandal

If you’re looking for durable waterproof sandals for your child, the KEEN Newport H2 Sandal is our top pick.  We love the solid construction and color variety of this sandal, which makes it ideal for boys and girls alike.  The webbed upper part of the shoe is a lightweight and breathable polyester material with a trademark KEEN.PROTECT toe bumper. 

One of the key benefits of the KEEN sandal is the metatomical footbed, which is specifically engineered to provide arch support for growing feet.  This provides additional support and stability for those early walkers, which is always a plus.

Check prices on keenfootwear.com

They are a little pricier than other brands we mention here, but extremely good quality. We can recommend them as a small kid’s summer hiking shoe too.

You can see the full KEEN footwear range here – we love that their extensive range covers down to toddler size 4.

Best Toddler Water Sandal: HOBIBEAR Unisex Water Shoes

If you’re looking for inexpensive water shoes for toddlers, these closed-toe sandals are cute and very reasonably priced.  They’re easy to slip on and off, and the hook-and-loop closure helps to secure them in place. 

The synthetic sole is both flexible and durable, and it has an anti-slip design for safety.  The uppers’ breathable fabric dries rapidly so your child won’t experience discomfort while walking to and from your vehicle. 

While these toddler water shoes are a great option, they are not as well-suited for wide feet.  The sizing can also be a little tricky, so it’s best to refer to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer.

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Also Consider: Merrell Unisex-Child Hydro Sandal

While the Merrell Hydro Sandal does have some available toddler sizes, it has a wider range of styles and colors in both Little Kid and Big Kid sizes, as well as wider fittings.  Merrell has built a reputation for quality, long-lasting footwear, and these are no exception.

These classic sandals have a durable rubber outsole and M Select GRIP for added traction and a cushioned footbed for added comfort, they could easily be used as your child’s everyday shoes, too with a quick-dry upper. These beach shoes for kids are also suited for a wide range of activities, making them a versatile option and machine washable. 

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We have a complete comparison guide for durable kids hiking sandals over here.

Best Kids Water Socks

Water socks differ from water shoes and sandals in that they are essentially just socks for the water, to provide an extra layer of protection vs bare feet.  Instead of heavy cotton or wool meant to keep feet warm, they are made from moisture-wicking neoprene, polyester, or a similar material. 

Best Water Socks for Kids: JIASUQI Kids Summer Athletic Aqua Socks

Perhaps the number one reason why we love these kids’ water socks so much is the variety of designs and colors available.  You’ll surely find a pair that fits your child’s personality and interests. 

These water socks are made with an ultra-thin polyester and spandex blend that wicks away moisture and dries quickly.  They have a textured rubber outsole for added traction, and the upper strap secures them.  Your little ones can swim for hours or take on water slides in these comfortable, highly portable water socks. 

Given that these water socks are not as solidly constructed as water shoes or sandals, they do tend to wear out faster, especially if worn often. 

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Best Water Socks for Toddlers: Bigib Toddler Swim Water Shoes

These toddler water socks come up a bit higher on the ankle, which is perfect because many toddlers seem to be obsessed with removing their socks whenever possible!

Baby water shoes all the way to Size 5 big kids, the smooth neck design of the socks prevents rubbing, and the tab makes them easy to remove from wet feet.  The upper material is quick-drying, and they have a slip-resistant rubber sole to protect your little one’s feet. 

While these water socks for toddlers are designed to fit a bit snugly, it’s best to order a size up. 

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Also Consider: L-RUN Kids Swim Water Shoes Barefoot Aqua Socks

Made from a breathable diving material, these water socks for kids are extremely portable and quick-drying.  You can also easily remove the insole to wash them. 

We like the added velcro strap, as socks can sometimes tend to slip down after a while.  These kids’ water socks have an anti-collision toe design as well as a cushioned heel for added protection.

Toddlers are busy little people, so these water socks may wear out more quickly than good water shoes due to their more lightweight construction.  

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A pair of comfortable water shoes, in whatever form suits your child best, will allow for hours of play, both in the water and out.  Here’s to your next memorable beach adventure!