Many kids don’t care what they’re wearing when they’re romping in the water. But the right pair of water shoes can prevent slips and blisters, and therefore lead to happier kids—and parents. For the best kids water shoes, look for durable construction, good traction and quick-drying materials. It helps if they look cool, too. After testing various styles with our own kids, researching the top options and interviewing two experts, we named the the best water shoes for little feet. They’re durable and nonslip, providing great support for kids’ growing feet.
Why We Named It Best Overall
The Keen Seacamp II sandals check all the boxes of a great water shoe: They’re protective, durable and dry out fast. Podiatrist Sabrina Minhas also likes that they provide great support. If your kids are going to summer camp, this is a shoe that can take them on all of their adventures with a closed-toe and a quick-dry lining. The sole is durable enough for hiking and everyday wear, too. When they get back from a muddy adventure, the shoes are machine-washable.
Tons of color options suit every child’s preferences—including a bunch of bright hues, which Minhas recommends choosing when possible to help spot your child in crowded areas. I tested a pair of these water shoes with my 4-year-old twins, and they were immediately excited to try them on. The shoes stay on really well with no slipping. Reflective material helps with visibility, too. A hook-and-loop (similar to Velcro) closure along with a bungee cinch helps the shoe stay snug on their feet, which is imperative with a water shoe.
Who Might Not Like It
Though the shoes went on no problem, they weren’t as comfortable for my kid with super wide feet as they were for my kid with more average feet.
Why We Named It Best For Toddlers
Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), these shoes are a favorite of my wide-footed 4-year-old for all of his summer adventures. They’ve even replaced his beloved Crocs. The sandals dry quickly when they get wet, so they’re a good option for kids who are in and out of the water throughout the day. Since the material isn’t absorbent, they don’t get heavy when they’re wet and they don’t give him blisters like his Crocs sometimes do. A flexible sole still provides support and is thick enough to protect feet from most rocks.
This year, Ten Little has expanded its color options, including more neutral colors as well as brights. They also sell so your toddler can personalize their footwear. I’ve found the shoes very easy to clean by just wiping them down or hosing them off. “The Ten Little Splash Sandals are wonderful; they are easy to put on and take off and provide great traction and support for little feet,” says Minhas. I can attest that they’re easy to get on and off as my son can do it himself, which makes getting out the door much easier.
Who Might Not Like It
Ten Little Splash Sandals are best for younger kids who aren’t going on super rugged adventures. Older kids or those participating in outdoor activities over sharp rocks and especially rugged terrain should check out our top pick, the .
Why We Named It Best Lightweight
Native Shoes are popular among kids and parents because they’re a no-fuss shoe, and they have lots of fun, bright color options for added visibility. At only 4.9 ounces, they’re super lightweight, and thanks to the holes and the material, they don’t hold onto water. Many kids enjoy wearing them for everyday summer activities because they can splash in a puddle or through the sprinklers without thinking twice. My young kids are able to slip them on and off independently, which is super convenient.
The shoes are easy to clean with the hose or a quick wipe-down. For kids who like the look and feel of Crocs but need something with a closed toe and heel (a requirement of some camps and schools), Native Shoes are a good alternative. “All three of my kids have always loved Native Shoes,” says former Forbes Vetted editor Esther Carlstone. “Not only are they easy to put on, take off and clean, they can also wear them to school since they’re fully enclosed."
Who Might Not Like It
According to Native Shoes, these run narrow, so if your kids have wide feet, size up or consider a different shoe. I’ve definitely found them to run narrow on my 7-year-old.
Why We Named It The Best Value
If you know your child is only going to wear water shoes occasionally, finding a good value is key. Recommended by pediatric physical therapist Dr. KC Rickerd, the Cior Athletic Water Sneaker is an affordable well-rounded water shoe with full foot protection and a grippy sole.
The stretchy fabric makes them easy to get on and off, but the closures help them stay put on kid’s feet in the ocean or other water adventures. The flexible soles are ideal for foot development. With a wide range of sizes and colors, finding a pair your child likes is easy. Plus, many of the options are bright for good visibility. To help with drainage and drying, the soles have small holes on the bottom, so kids don’t have to walk around in squishy wet shoes.
Who Might Not Like It
Because of the drainage holes, these shoes aren’t best for particularly dangerous areas. If your child is going somewhere where there might be sharp objects like shells or rocks that could injure their feet, opt for a more fully enclosed option.
Why We Named It Best Sandal
Sometimes, kids want to let their toes free with a classic water sandal. Teva Kids Hurricane XLT 2 sandals are stylish and good for romping through creeks or all-day wear. They’re adjustable with three hook-and-loop closures to help them get a secure fit that won’t slip off, while soft padding on the heel strap prevents any uncomfortable chafing. The shoes have good traction on the bottom, with thick rubber for grip and foot protection. Kids have plenty of color options to choose from so they can find a style they like.
Who Might Not Like It
Rickerd recommends closed-toe water shoes when possible to reduce the risk of injury to your child’s toes. If you do choose an open-toe option like these sandals, try to be mindful of where they wear them. You might consider limiting this type of shoe to grassy or sandy areas to help prevent injury.
Why We Named It Most Comfortable
Though Crocs are not typically a favorite among podiatrists and other experts, they are certainly a popular among children and parents. Kids find them super comfortable and convenient, they’re easy for all ages to slip on and off, they dry quickly and kids like personalizing them with . Crocs are available in a wide variety of colors so kids can show off their style, and bright colors make it easier to spot your kid in a crowd. All three of my kids wear Crocs, whether it’s to play with water in the backyard or to jump in puddles. Crocs don’t absorb water, so they don’t get heavier when they’re wet, and they’re easy to clean.
Who Might Not Like It
Crocs don’t typically provide a snug fit, so your child’s feet may slide around or even slip out. If you’re looking for a true water shoe for swimming or intense adventures, check out the closed-toe and closed-heel options on our list. It’s also worth nothing that Crocs and similar slip-on shoes banned from many camps and schools, due to risk of injury.
Why We Named It Best For Babies
Though babies might not be trekking through streams or going down water slides just yet, they can still benefit from foot protection. Pool decks and sand can both get really hot in the sun—water shoes help protect their feet from burning or getting cut on small items like shells even if they’re just crawling or cruising.
These APMA-approved shoes have a flexible sole and a wide toe box, both of which are ideal for babies’ foot development. The shoes are made of a quick-drying material, so your baby won’t be sitting in soggy shoes all day. Color options are limited, but all are bright and fun for summer.
Who Might Not Like It
While they stretch to help get them on your baby’s foot, reviewers say they run small. Particularly if your baby has wide or chubby feet, you’ll likely want to size up or check out a different option.
Why We Named It Best For Summer Camp
When you’re sending your kid off to summer camp, they need a shoe that’s durable, protective and capable of going in and out of the water. The Merrell Hydro 2 Sandal checks all three of those boxes. It has a closed toe and heel, and the bottom has strong traction to keep them steady on all of their adventures. Because it’s such a robust sandal, kids are comfortable wearing it all day. There’s also plenty of ventilation and a quick-dry lining.
There are quite a few fun color options, too, which can entice kids to actually want to wear their water shoes. A molded footbed and foot-hugging fit make sure they’ll be comfortable all day long.
Who Might Not Like It
These shoes can take a bit of time to be broken in. If you want to avoid blisters or sores, it’s best if kids wear them in short sessions at first. Many reviewers also note that these shoes run big, so you might want to size down.
How We Chose The Best Kids Water Shoes
Here’s how we selected the best kids water shoes, based on product research, expert insight and first-hand experience.
- First-hand experience: We used a variety of water shoes with our kids, including four of the pairs on this list.
- Expert insight: We consulted with a podiatrist and a pediatric physical therapist to learn more about how kids’ feet develop and what type of shoes support that development, as well as what type of water shoes are most protective.
- Design evaluation: We favored shoes with plenty of traction to prevent slipping, quick-drying materials and durable construction. With daily use in mind, we also considered how easy it is to get the shoes on and off, which can be a difficult task particularly when you’re dealing with wet feet and squirmy kids.
- Variety: We considered various types of water shoes, including sandals and slip-on shoes. Because kids’ feet grow so quickly, we also considered shoes that are budget-friendly as well as splurge-worthy options.
What To Look For In The Best Kids Water Shoes
Traction
A sole that grips is good for all types of kids shoes, but Rickerd says that it’s particularly important when it comes to water shoes to prevent slipping and falling. Minhas adds, “parents should first look for water shoes with sufficient traction and a good grip to prevent children from slipping on wet surfaces.”
Proper Fit
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 says.
Additionally, Rickerd says 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, discomfort or blisters.
Rickerd recommends checking their feet every hour or so when they’re playing in the water, too. “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.
Durability
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.
Materials That Don’t Soak Up Water
The best water shoe strikes a balance between being durable but lightweight when wet. “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.
Color
“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.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted frequently tests and reports on all types of kids shoes and apparel.
- Alicia Betz, the author of this article, is the baby and kids gear writer at Forbes Vetted. She’s a mom to three young kids and has tested a variety of kids shoes, including half a dozen kids water shoes.
- This article is overseen and edited by Margaret Badore, the senior baby and kids gear editor at Forbes Vetted. She’s a mom to three and frequently tests the newest kids and baby gear—and recently wrote a guide to the best baby clothes.
- Our kids shoe coverage also includes the best shoes for kids, the best toddler shoes, the best rain boots for kids and the best kids winter boots.
- We frequently update this guide to re-evaluate our choices, make sure our recommendations are still available and ensure accuracy. It was most recently updated by Betz in April 2026.
Our Experts
- is a podiatrist at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.
- is a pediatric physical therapist and founder of Milestones & Motherhood. She is a mom of three.