A family trip to the beach is full of endless, exciting possibilities and memories for you and your children to create and share. There are so many opportunities to run and explore in the sand and water, and if youโre like me, you want to make sure that your childrenโs feet are protected.
However, which water shoes are best for kids? And for Toddlers?
Weโve wondered the same things ourselves, which is why weโve compiled a list of beach shoes for kids that will help you find that perfect pair for your little one to enable hours of fun in the sun and give you some peace of mind.
This post is part of our tried and tested essential family travel product reviews series
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 kidsโ beach shoes
You might be wondering why water shoes for kids and toddlers are necessary if theyโre 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 childโs foot if they step on it
- Rockier beaches can also bruise and cut the tender areas on your childโs feet
- When snorkeling they can prevent fins from rubbing feet and cuts from coral and rocks
- If it is an unusually hot day, youโll want that added barrier between bubโs 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 heartโs 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 arenโt 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
Kidsโ swim shoes need to be constructed out of a quick-drying, flexible material such as neoprene that wonโt weigh your bubโs feet down while theyโre 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 youโll want to find swimming shoes that fit securely on your little kid’s feet…ย 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. Itโs 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.
You may also want to check out our selection of the best shoes to wear for theme parks
Best Kids Water Shoes
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 kidsโ 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.
Best Water Shoes for Toddlers: Speedo Surfwalker Pro 2.0 Water Shoes
These are an excellent option if youโre 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 soleโs s-trac thermoplastic material also protects your bubโs 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 theyโre as good as new. They do tend to run large, however, so consider sizing down.
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.ย
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 childโs 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.ย The sizing can also be an issue, as they tend to run somewhat large.ย
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 youโre looking for durable waterproof sandals for your child, the KEEN Newport H2 Sandal is our top pick.ย We love the solid construction and color variety of this sandal, which makes it ideal for boys and girls alike.ย The webbed upper part of the shoe is a lightweight and breathable polyester material with a trademark KEEN.PROTECT toe bumper.ย
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.
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 youโre looking for inexpensive water shoes for toddlers, these closed-toe sandals are cute and very reasonably priced. Theyโre 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 wonโt 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 itโs best to refer to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer.
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.
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 kidsโ water socks so much is the variety of designs and colors available. Youโll surely find a pair that fits your childโs 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.
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 oneโs feet.
While these water socks for toddlers are designed to fit a bit snugly, itโs best to order a size up.
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.
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. Hereโs to your next memorable beach adventure!
Found this beach gear review useful? You may also like:
- Best Baby Sun Hats – keeping babies’ heads protected, don’t head out into the water without a sun hat on your tot too.
- Best Family Beach Tents – when you’re finished in the water, it’s great to have a shaded spot to retreat to out of the UV rays.
- Best Kids Wetsuits – keeping kids warm and safe in cooler water
- Best Baby Wetsuits and Rashguards – ideally sized for the smallest member of your family
- Best family-sized beach blankets – ideal sand-free options for your next big day at the beach
- Snorkeling Sets for Kids – get exploring under the water with these snorkel sets ideal for kids
- Best Boogie Boards for kids – the perfect-sized boards for your little ones to enjoy the waves
- Ultimate Beach Packing List – don’t forget a thing next time you head to the beach with our essentials packing list (downloadable – just subscribe below and grab all our vacation packing lists straight away!)
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