Best water shoes for kids: Expert Buyer guide and reviews

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.

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:

• Material: The biggest difference in water shoes is the upper: some of them are mesh, and others are quick-dry textile.
• Durability: Are you looking for something that will last a season, or are you looking for something that will last years?
• Type: Some water shoes are styled like shoes/sneakers and others are more like socks or sandals.
• Style: Some water shoes are open soled; some are closed. Some have velcro to adhere them to the child’s foot, and others are slip-on.
• Design: Are you looking for something unisex? Or does your princess like pink? Do you prefer specific colors for different children? What about patterns?
• Sole thickness: Depending on your use, you may prefer a water shoe with a thin sole (if you swim mainly at the pool), or one with a thicker sole (if you are hiking or at a beach).

• EQUICK: This company has four different designs of water shoes. They have solid, thick, lightweight soles and mesh uppers. The children’s shoes also come with velcro straps for extra security.
• OshKosh B’gosh: A very famous children’s clothing company, OshKosh B’gosh offers water shoes that have a lightweight sole with water-wicking plush fabric uppers. They offer seven different designs.
• Speedo: Well-known for their bathing suit designs, Speedo also offers a variety of water shoes for kids. They have six-different slip-on designs.
• CIOR: Offering a quick-dry textile upper with a rubber sole, these slip-ons come in seven colors for kids.
• Teva: The Teva take on the kid’s water shoe is similar to their sandal, with a velcro strap around the ankle. Two colors are offered.
• Northside: Offered in two colors, the Northside kids’ water shoe has an upper that combines both mesh and textile with a secure rubber sole.

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.

• Mesh and lace upper
• Has a shoe “tongue” like a more traditional shoe
• 21 color varieties

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!

Featured image source: freepik