What to Look for with Toddler Water Shoes
Design
Water shoes vary quite a bit in coverage and weight, from thin straps to a full sneaker. They can be made of leather, synthetic materials, or textiles.
Ease of putting them on
One concern, especially for toddlers, is ease of putting them on. Watch for if they are slip-on and what kind of straps or ties they use.
Comfort
As a parent, the last thing you want in a toddler shoe is one that hurts, rubs, or causes any other discomfort. With a water shoe (depending on what activity you are doing), you want a shoe that will protect your child’s feet and not cause blisters.
Durability and wear
You want toddler water shoes that are going to breathe and dry well. Another factor is how stinky they will get and how easy to wash they are. Some shouldn’t go in the washing machine, and some are more breathable and anti-microbial than others.
Sizing
This is important! Too loose can cause tripping or slipping. And too tight, especially with perforations, can cause blisters. Too big can mean your toddler trips and falls more easily. It can also be tricky to find the right toddler size in stock.
Color/pattern
Your child’s preferences will make a big difference here. Some shoes offer more colors and patterns than others. Even the design creates a big difference in style. Most are pretty basic, but a few have a sporty design or a fun pattern.
Ethics and safety
Synthetic materials can potentially create a lot of harmful emissions in the environment when they’re made. Leather is a concern for those avoiding animal products. Even textiles vary in how they are made–where they were made or imported from can make a difference in conditions. They can also be made with harmful dyes and chemicals.
12 Best Water Shoes for Toddlers
1. Native Unisex Kid’s Jefferson Slip-On Sneaker
2. Stride Rite Made 2 Play Water Shoe
Stride Rite has been making water shoes for kids for 85 years, and they offer this sturdy sneaker design. There are plain options, but they also come in bright colors and fun designs, like rainbow and emoji. They use a hook and loop closure.
The shoes’ uppers are made of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, with a synthetic sole that includes rubber pods for non-slip. The shoes are made in the USA and are vegan. This is a very popular shoe, and a big plus is they can be washed in the washing machine. They do have an anti-microbial lining to help with stink, so hopefully that will cut down on the need to wash them often! These shoes are a great choice for boating or hiking.
3. CIOR Fantiny Boy & Girls’ Water Aqua Shoes
4. tombik Toddler Water Shoes
Water shoes don’t come much cuter than these! With bright colors and fun designs, these water shoes from tombik are just adorable. You can choose between dinosaurs, sharks, unicorns, mermaids, tie dye, or solid colored designs – and all of them are darling.
In addition to having great aesthetics, the tombik toddler water shoes are designed to be ultra comfortable; they’re soft and flexible, quick-drying, and easy to put on and take off. And thanks to a thick sole with plenty of traction, your little one will be able to run around all summer wearing these!
5. JIASUQI Baby Boys and Girls Barefoot Swim Water Skin Shoes
6. Fanture Girls & Boys Water Shoes
7. Merrell Hydro Water Sandal
The Hydro Water Sandal is a strappy sneaker designed with a thick sole. It has decorative bungee lacing and comes in 10 colors with accent colors. It’s made of leather and textile with a rubber sole. It holds up for hiking with a wrap around toe guard and has an adjustable hook-and-loop closure. It is vented and includes a liner to avoid stickiness! This a great hardy option for a kiddo who will be doing some walking and hiking!
8. i play. Baby Toddler (1-4 Years) Water Shoes
9. UBFEN Water Shoes
10. Bigib Toddler Water Shoes
If you don’t want to sacrifice style for functionality, these are the water shoes for you! Bigib offers twelve fun, bright patterns on these water shoes, including octopus, whale, crab, sea world, shark, star fish, unicorn, dinosaur, and turtle so there is something for everyone.
With a rubber sole and high quality materials, these shoes are also slip-resistant and supportive. But best of all, the smooth neck design means that your toddler’s feet won’t get irritated or scratched when wearing these. I highly recommend these toddler water shoes for these reasons!
11. Salt Water Sandals by Hoy Shoe The Original Sandal
12. PLAE Kids’ Mimo Sneaker
PLAE Mimo “Mighty Mariner” sneaker is a popular choice for toddlers. The shoe is lightweight EVA, and the sole is synthetic. This is a very carefully engineered water shoe, using anatomical science. It follows the contours of a foot to be healthy for a child’s growth. It has a secure, adjustable fit with a tongue and tabs to make it easy for shoes to come on and off.
The sole is flexible for range of motion and protects from abrasion along with the toe guard. The heel avoids slips with a rubber, raised plug. It has an expanded tread pattern with raised lugs for extra slip grip. There are perforations a little higher on the shoe to avoid small rocks and debris getting under the foot. The PLAE Kids’ Mimo Sneaker comes in 8 colors.
The quality of this shoe isn’t as good as others on this list. These shoes can cause blisters.
Water Shoe Thoughts and Recommendations
FAQs
Do toddler water shoes cause blisters?
Water shoes are specifically designed to be worn in and around the water. This means that unlike sneakers, water shoes dry quickly so they won’t cause any blisters. As long as you find an option made of soft, water-resistant materials there shouldn’t be any problems as long as they fit properly.
What are important things to look for in a water shoe?
The most important thing to look for when shopping for toddler water shoes is comfort and durability. It is also a good idea to look for options that are easy for toddlers to put on and take off by themselves. Make sure to select the appropriate size and find a style that your child approves of. You can find plenty of quality choices on our list above.
Where can water socks be worn?
Water socks can be worn in many different settings including the pool, boat, and beach. Since they offer plenty of insulation, they will keep your feet warm in cold water. Additionally, water socks keep you stable when walking on wet surfaces. Additionally, they protect your feet from rough surfaces and help to avoid injuries.
