Back in my days as a nanny, the kids universally loved the beach, and it’s no different now that I have my own children to chase after next to the water. Safety first, though, so kids should always have on their water shoes!
This article will be your guide to water shoes. I want to help you pick out the best water shoes for kids so that your children’s tootsies can be safe all summer long.
Water shoes for kids are a form of specialty footwear worn to prevent the feet from getting wet. Their most basic use is for swimming, but they can also be worn while boating, hiking, or kayaking. Some water shoes are flexible enough to be used in yoga and other pursuits where grip is paramount.
You can find water shoes for boys and girls online: Amazon is a popular outlet. You can also find them at shops like Walmart or Target. Water shoes can also be purchased at specialty sports stores. Sometimes you can even find them at tourist shops in beach towns.
Water shoes may also be called “water slippers” or “water socks,” depending on the brand and the design of the shoe. Sometimes you will also see them called “sport sandals,” though sport sandals tend to be more like reinforced regular sandals that happen to be secure and waterproof enough to wear while swimming.
Water shoes are very easy to clean. Most of the time, if you just run them under a hose, they’ll be clean since neither mesh nor rubber hold dirt. They will dry quickly in the sun. Many of them are machine-washable!
Aqua socks are a kind of water shoe with an extra-thin and flexible sole. Sometimes, “aqua socks” may refer to a special sort of sock that is designed to be worn with a water shoe, though this is less common.
A rubber sole with a mesh or textile upper that covers the whole foot; isually slip-on or velcro
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Similar to water shoes, but with a sandal-like top rather than one that covers the whole foot
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Usually made out of textile, but with a flexible fabric sole (or very thin rubber one) rather than a thick one
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Similar to water shoes, just with toe inserts
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There are many reasons why water shoes for girls or boys should be worn. The most basic reason is to protect the feet from the ground while at the pool or beach. The pavement poolside can become very hot or dangerously slippery, and beaches can hide sharp objects beneath the waves and sands. Water shoes for boys and girls help protect your little ones from these hidden dangers!
Everybody should be wearing water shoes, but they are especially important for young kids and toddlers. Water shoes will improve grip and protect a little one’s feet when they are not looking carefully at where they are running (even though you may tell your children over and over again not to run).
There’s no telling what’s hiding under the surface of the sand at the beach, or how hot the poolside cement will get. Kids aqua shoes protect feet from accidental injury. Nobody likes burnt or cut feet. It’s a good way to end a fun day prematurely!
Water shoes will protect toes from accidental stubbings, and may even prevent toenails from being pulled off in the event of tripping. Remember, kids will run even if you tell them not to!
Unlike regular toddler shoes, water shoes won’t turn into sopping wet and uncomfortable weights on your child’s feet. This can help prevent abrasions or blisters. The best water shoes for kids will protect your child’s feet and also dry quickly for maximum comfort.
Here are some details you may want to keep in mind when searching for water shoes:
These water shoes come in a variety of colors and offer a sole that is made from both textile and mesh. It also has a handy “pull” lace, which means that the shoes can easily be tightened for wearing and loosened for taking off. These also have a ton of color varieties: there is certainly something for everybody.
These are water socks: easy on, and easy off! They are also good for other activities where increased grip and foot flexibility are paramount, like yoga. They are not recommended for protecting the feet from sharp objects due to the soft sole.
These are outdoor sandals that are impervious to water. These would be great for the pool, the beach, and the mountains! If you are looking for water shoes to double as regular shoes, these are a great choice.
Modeled after the famous Teva sandal, these are made of light, fast-drying textile material on top with a velcro strap around the ankle. These are secure and will do double duty as “normal” sandals. However, they are unlikely to be as heavy-duty as the traditional Tevas made out of stronger strap material.
Offering a lycra upper with a synthetic sole and Phylon cushioning, these water sandals can keep both boys and girls comfy on their feet and splashing away all summer long. The color selections make them a great choice for both boys and girls.
I chose the Northside Brille II Water Shoe to showcase here because they work so well for my own family! Since I am so confident in this purchase, I am happy to recommend them to your family as well. We averaged overall ratings with price, quality, and variety.
As a mom, I fully believe in combining fun and safety this summer. As parents, we want to keep fun in the sun just that: fun. Water shoes for kids help make this possible. I love water shoes and my kids do too. I never let my kids at the pool or beach without the protection of water shoes. Have fun this summer, and happy shopping!
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