I'm the baby and kids gear writer, a mom to three and former teacher.
Virtually all kids are drawn to playing in and around the water. Designed for splashing adventures, the best kids water shoes are crafted with durable materials, have traction to prevent slips and dry quickly. Many kids want their shoes to look stylish too if they're going to actually wear them. After testing various styles with our own kids, researching the top options and interviewing two experts, we named the Keen Seacamp II CNX the best water shoes for little feet. They're durable and nonslip, providing great support for kids' growing feet.
Water shoes provide a lot of benefits beyond preventing slips and falls. "They also prevent feet from overheating or forming blisters on pavement or sand at pools and beaches. In addition, they protect children's feet from rocks, debris, broken glass and other potential hazards -- especially at outdoor water parks," says podiatrist Sabrina Minhas. They also help protect feet from germs and fungus. Whether you need something your kid can wear all summer long or are looking for something special for a trip to the beach, these are the best kids water shoes out there right now.
The Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear team spends countless hours testing and researching products, including the best shoes for kids and the best baby shoes. We're parents ourselves, and we know how important it is to choose what's best for your kids.
Finding the best kids water shoes required product research, expert insights and experience using water shoes with our own kids. We learned about foot development to help us understand what types of shoes best support kids' growing feet.
Places where kids tend to wear water shoes are inherently slippery, whether it's rocks at a creek or a pool deck. "Parents should first look for water shoes with sufficient traction and a good grip to prevent children from slipping on wet surfaces," says Minhas.
Though a gripping sole is important for all types of shoes, Rickerd explains that it's particularly important when it comes to water shoes to prevent slipping and falling.
Having correctly fitting shoes is always ideal, and when it comes to water shoes, the right size can help prevent your child from slipping or developing blisters. Minhas explains that water shoes should have a comfortable, snug fit. "Ill-fitting shoes can cause children to trip and fall or slide out of the shoes, leaving their feet unprotected," she explains.
Additionally, Rickerd explains that proper fit is important because of how much kids' feet sweat. "Children's feet sweat nearly two to three times the amount of an adult, which naturally increases the amount of potential for injury when shoes are ill-fitting or not appropriate for what they're doing," she says. If their feet slip around, they can rub against the shoe, which could cause injury and discomfort.
To make sure your child's water shoes are fitting properly, Rickerd recommends checking their feet every hour or so when they're playing in the water. "While many little ones will let you know if there is an area that is becoming uncomfortable, I find doing quick checks when they are actively wet can be helpful for spotting any areas of concern before they become a full-blown blister or area of discomfort," she says.
Choosing something durable with strong materials can help protect your kids' feet. "Do not use thin, flimsy, cheaply made shoes that won't hold up in an active water environment, or flip-flop -style shoes that provide no support and will easily slide off children's feet," says Minhas.
The best water shoe strikes a balance between being durable but also constructed of lightweight materials that won't get too heavy when they get wet. You want the material to be able to dry quickly, too. "Look for shoes made out of materials that are quick to dry to prevent water from pooling in them and creating a potential breeding ground for bacteria," says Minhas. Quick-drying shoes are also helpful for kids who are in and out of the water as it can prevent them from walking around in wet shoes all day.
"From a safety perspective, certain types of water shoes are brightly colored and can make it easier to spot a running child in a crowded area," says Minhas. Many shoes have a variety of color options, so look for ones that have neons or other vibrant hues that may help you quickly spot your child.