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7 Best Kids’ Water Shoes (2025 Reviews)

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When the heat of summer comes around, you’re likely going to be spending some time in the water. Whether it’s a pool, lake, beach, or other body of water, getting your child a pair of water shoes is a great idea. Water shoes can help protect your child’s feet from sharp rocks, stubbed toes, and more.

There are tons of options and styles on the market, making it difficult to find just the right pair. I’ve gathered up the 7 best kids’ water shoes to help you narrow down your choices and make the process a little easier for you.

The Best Kids’ Water Shoes

  • 1. SAGUARO Mens Womens Kids Water Shoes

    (Best for all ages — $$)

    Why it’s great: These water shoes have options and sizes for the whole family, from toddler to adult. With plenty of colors and designs, there’s something for everyone. The upper is made of flexible spandex that’s easy to slip on and dries quickly. The rubber sole offers plenty of traction and protection. It also has an elastic cord with an easy-to-adjust buckle for the perfect fit. The bottom has holes to drain out the water faster and there’s a rubber toe cap at the front to prevent stubbed toes. They also have a foam insole for comfort and support.

    Keep in mind: The insole isn’t glued in, so it often comes out when your child pulls their foot out. However, this makes them easier to clean and dry out when not in use.

    Good for: Families that want matching water shoes.

    SAGUARO Mens Womens Kids Water Shoes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Seannel Kids Water Shoes

    (Best for younger kids/toddlers — $)

    Why it’s great: These shoes are easy to slip on and perfect for little feet. They come in toddler and little kid sizes and are super easy to clean – just wipe them down. The upper has holes all over that allow better airflow and help dry out the shoes and little feet in them super fast. Since these have full bottom rubber soles, they can be used outside of the water and the holes will help prevent stinky feet and overheating. They offer great traction and protection, both in and out of the water. These shoes come in a variety of colors for both boys and girls. You can even choose from a full-back slip-on or a strap.

    Keep in mind: These run a little small, so you’ll likely want to buy a size up.

    Good for: Toddlers and younger kids who need water shoes.

    Seannel Kids Water Shoes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Crocs Kids' Swiftwater Sandal

    (Most versatile — $$$)

    Why it’s great: These sandals are perfect for summer! Whether you’re running errands, playing at the park, or playing in the water, these shoes can do it all. The super lightweight upper offers protection and ventilation, keeping little feet comfortable and dry. They also dry quickly and have an adjustable band for the most comfortable fit. Plus, the velcro closure makes them easy for kids to get on and off by themselves. The thick rubber soles offer plenty of traction and protection, with a large toe cap at the front to protect little toes.

    Keep in mind: These can be a little pricey, but since they’re super versatile, they’re worth the cost.

    Good for: Kids who love Crocs and need sandals they can wear in and out of the water.

    Crocs Kids' Swiftwater Sandal

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 4. CIOR Boys & Girls Water Shoes

    (Most comfortable — $$)

    Why it’s great: These water shoes come in a variety of colors and styles for girls and boys. The top velcro closure offers the perfect fit, without compromising on the sleek and stylish look. The upper is made of a quick-dry webbing material that’s super flexible and comfortable. Plus, they have an EVA foam insole that cushions your child’s foot and offers maximum shock absorption. The pull tab on the heel makes them easy to slip on and off and the hard rubber outsole offers plenty of protection and grip. These also have a drain hole on the bottom that helps these shoes dry out even faster.

    Keep in mind: These do need to be broken in a bit, so have your child wear them a few times before a long day in them.

    Good for: Kids who want the most comfortable water shoe.

    CIOR Boys & Girls Water Shoes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. UBFEN Water Shoes for Kids

    (Most protective — $$$)

    Why it’s great: These shoes are durable and protective enough to work for running, hiking, and water sports. The hard rubber soles will keep little feet protected and have plenty of grip and traction. The upper is made of quick-drying elastic and it has a velcro strap across the top to keep them in place and allow for the perfect fit. The insole and the outsole are both non-slip and these shoes are ultra-lightweight. They come in a variety of fun colors and patterns with sizing from toddler to big kid.

    Keep in mind: These may be a little harder for younger kids to get on and off by themselves.

    Good for: Kids who do a lot of hiking across creeks and rivers and need water shoes that will protect their feet.

    UBFEN Water Shoes for Kids

    View on Amazon.com ➜

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  • 6. HIITAVE Kids Water Shoes

    (Best aqua socks — $)

    Why it’s great: These are soft and flexible, just like a water sock. They’re also super easy to slip on and off. However, these do have an elastic thermoplastic rubber sole that offers some protection and is completely skid-resistant. There’s a heel loop that helps to slip them on and gives your child an easy way to hang them to dry. These are super breathable and lightweight. They’re also very flexible and dry quickly. They come in a variety of cute patterns and prints for both girls and boys.

    Keep in mind: The outsole is pretty thin, so these won’t hold up to hiking or rough terrain.

    Good for: Kids who need some lightweight, flexible water shoes for the beach or water park.

    HIITAVE Kids Water Shoes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. JIASUQI Kids Boys Girls Quick-Dry Athletic Water Shoes

    (Best budget option — $)

    Why it’s great: If you need an affordable pair of water shoes for the beach, lake, or water park, these are a great option. Not only do they slip on and off easily, but they also have a velcro strap to help keep them in place. The thin rubber outsole offers some protection and is anti-slip, giving your child plenty of traction in and out of the water. They’re super flexible and stretchy, making them extra comfortable. These come in a variety of fun patterns for both boys and girls. They also come in toddler to big kid sizes and are machine washable.

    Keep in mind: These run a little small and will shrink in the dryer, so you may want to size up and make sure to air dry them.

    Good for: Kids who need an affordable pair of water shoes.

    JIASUQI Kids Boys Girls Quick-Dry Athletic Water Shoes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

Best Overall

SAGUARO Mens Womens Kids Water Shoes

The SAGUARO Mens Womens Kids Water Shoes is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..

SAGUARO Mens Womens Kids Water Shoes

View on Amazon.com ➜

FAQs about Kids’ Water Shoes

  • 1. Why should I get my child water shoes?

    Water shoes protect your child’s feet when they’re playing in the water. Whether it’s from a stubbed toe, sharp rocks, or something else, a water shoe prevents your little one’s feet from getting hurt. They also are quick-drying, so your child’s feet won’t stay wet long once they’re out of the water.

  • 2. Can my kids wear their water shoes all day?

    This varies slightly based on the water shoe that you choose. If the water shoe that you buy has plenty of support for your child’s feet, they can be worn all day long. Since they dry extra fast, you won’t have to worry about them keeping your little one’s feet soggy, either. However, if you choose water socks instead of water shoes, they won’t offer the protection necessary for all-day wear.

  • 3. Where would my kids wear their water shoes?

    Water shoes are a great choice for any type of water play or water sports. This means pools, beaches, lakes, creeks and rivers, and more. If you’re boating, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, or any other type of water sport, water shoes are the perfect footwear. They’re also a great option for water parks.

  • 4. How do you clean kids’ water shoes?

    The vast majority of water shoes can just be wiped down or rinsed off after use. However, double check the manufacturer’s recommendations for a more thorough cleaning. Some are machine washable, while others will have to be hand washed. Almost all water shoes should be left to air dry.

  • 5. What should I look for in kids’ water shoes?

    This will vary based on the types of activities that your child needs them for. The most important things to look out for are the materials, design, support, and comfort. You’ll likely want a pair that dries super quickly, to help keep your child’s feet dry. Rubber bottoms offer more protection and traction than water socks. However, water socks are easier to slip on and off, especially for younger kids and toddlers. Find a pair that fits your child properly and feels comfortable, as these are the two most important factors for any type of shoe.

Conclusion

No matter what type of water play is your favorite, a pair of water shoes is essential. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a water park, or the lake, water shoes will help protect your child’s feet. The style you choose will vary based on your plans, but there’s something for everyone on this list. From water socks to sandals to shoes, you should be able to find the perfect pair for your child.