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If there is one thing little kids love, it’s playing in the water, whether running through the sprinkler, having a squirt gun or water balloon fight, wading in a shallow creek, or splashing in their water table. There are times when you can let them do some of that barefoot, but there are other instances when you'll want a pair of water shoes for your toddler to protect their tender soles. The best water shoes for toddlers feature quality materials, have a thoughtful design to fit well, and stay comfortable through all kinds of wet and dry activities. To find the best water shoes for toddlers, we spoke with a podiatrist, who’s also a foot and ankle surgeon and physician spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, about what features to look for in toddler water shoes, including materials, design, size, and comfort. We carefully considered size range, materials, water safety, shipping options, and family budgets when reviewing products. A pediatrician on our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding the importance of going barefoot, what to look for in toddler shoes, and when water shoes are necessary. From closed-toe slip-ons to open-toed sandals, we’ve selected various types of water shoes for toddlers to keep your favorite tootsies safe, supported, and stylish. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Slip-On: Best Budget: Best for Water Parks: Best Closed-Toe: Best Open-Toed Sandal: Best Closed-Toe Sandal: Best Non-Slip: Best Aqua Socks: In This Article Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQs Why Trust Verywell Family Pros Lightweight design Perforated upper for breathability Heel strap helps them stay in place Cons Sizing for kids can be difficult to figure out Crocs are widely known and loved, partially because of their unique look but mostly because they are such great shoes for any time, and that's why they're our top pick for water play. The shoes are made from a soft, durable, and lightweight molded foam that is water-resistant and floats. The clogs also feature a pivoting heel strap that helps keep them in place during play. Kids will love the numerous color options to choose from, plus the perforated holes along the top of the shoe can be decorated with charms for personalization. We think that these shoes truly are worth the hype. Pros Versatile style Lightweight and comfortable More than a dozen color options Cons Shoe has no stretch, so can be difficult to slip on wider feet Available in a rainbow of colors, the Jefferson is a very popular slip-on kids' shoe because its design makes it perfect for general play, casual events, and fun in the water. They have a sneaker-like style but are made completely from EVA, which is water-resistant, super lightweight, and comfortable. The shoe upper is perforated to allow for air circulation and quick drying. We love the slip-on design of these shoes, but be mindful of the size you purchase because they can be difficult to get on if your child’s foot is wide (either naturally or due to swelling from heat). Pros Breathable sandal-shoe design Easy to get on and off Affordable price Cons Limited color and design options These shoes tick so many of our boxes: They're a breathable sandal shape, have a Velcro strap like a sneaker, and are very budget-friendly. The upper part of the shoe is made from lightweight neoprene, and the hard sole has a non-slip design that extends over the tips of the toes for extra protection. You also don’t have to worry about sacrificing comfort for a lower price because these shoes are made with a cushioned foam footbed for a little extra comfort.Plus, they come in a couple more style options (though selection is limited). Pros Quick-dry upper Hard soles Pull-tab heel Cons No sizes under 8T available For older toddlers who are ready to venture into water parks, we really like these form-fitting water shoes. The hard soles and a breathable, quick-dry upper ensure that they won’t feel heavy or restrictive when they’re swimming. Thanks to the hook-and-loop strap across the top, they’ll definitely stay put on water slides, in wave pools, and lounging along a lazy river. These shoes are also super flexible, so they’re great for running (in a safe place, not by a pool, of course). Kids will enjoy the many fun colors to choose from, while adults will appreciate the pull tab on the heel that makes them a little easier for tots to pull on. Pros Mesh upper Extra toe protection Cute style Cons Toddlers may have trouble putting on/taking them off solo Not only are these water shoes just adorable, but they’re also great for keeping little feet protected. While the upper part of the shoe is made from breathable mesh, the bottom sole is hard and comes up over the toe box of the shoe, preventing stubbed toes and providing extra traction to avoid slips and falls. The shoes feature pull-tab heels and have a slip-on design similar to a sock that helps them stay in place. While perfect for kids who have a handle on their motor skills, younger toddlers may need help getting the shoes on and off. These water shoes are flexible to provide a barefoot feel, but just a heads up that they run small, so you may want to size up. The 16 Best Toddler Shoes of 2024 for Small Feet on the Move, Tested and Reviewed Pros Rubber sole Foam footbed for cushioning Mesh upper Cons Run large The Teva Psyclone XLT Sandals are a great option for small feet to breathe and feel supported simultaneously. A lightweight EVA foam midsole provides extra cushioning for the ultimate comfort while special shock absorption in the heels handles puddle-jumping impacts like a pro. We love how the easy hook-and-loop closure helps kiddos find their favorite fit and makes putting on and taking off the shoes a breeze. The mesh upper provides additional breathability to keep feet comfortable and cool regardless of where their next water adventure begins. The 8 Best Swim Diapers for Every Trip to the Beach or Pool Pros Sandal style Toggle lace for custom fit Hook-and-loop strap Cons Too bulky for swimming If you want a breathable water shoe for your toddler, you can’t go wrong with this pair from Keen. The sandals have a stretchy toggle lace that helps give a snug fit, as well as a hook-and-loop strap that makes putting them on and taking them off solo a bit easier for young kids. We really like these because they offer the sandal style without sacrificing durability or quality. They feature a hard rubber sole, rounded rubber toe bumpers, and an upper made from polyester webbing. They are slightly heavier than some of the other shoes on this list, so we do not suggest them for anything that will involve swimming. The 11 Best Baby Beach Products Pros Rubber sole specifically designed for traction Soft upper that isn’t itchy Variety of colors/prints Cons Less breathable than other styles Technically, all water shoes should be non-slip, but like everything else, not all are created equal. We chose these as our favorite non-slip option because they are super cute and have a rubber sole specifically designed for traction to reduce the risk of slips and falls. The upper part of the shoe is made from a soft fabric that has a snug fit but isn’t itchy, and the heels feature a pull tab. These shoes are available in a variety of adorable colors and prints, plus they’re very reasonably priced—which is always a perk. Pros Flexible design for barefoot feel Extra padded toe for protection Lightweight Cons Wear out quickly For a water shoe with a barefoot feel, these aqua socks by Apolter are our favorite. They have a non-slip rubber sole to protect feet, while the flexible, unstructured upper allows toddlers to strengthen their feet and improve balance. Even with the rubber sole, these shoes are lightweight, and the upper is made from a soft, quick-drying, breathable fabric. As expected, these aqua socks slip onto the foot just like socks, but they also have a pull-tab on the heel to make putting them on and taking them off a little easier. Finally, these shoes have a little extra padding along the tips of the toes for protection, and we love the wide variety (30+) of fun color and print options. The Best Sunscreen for Kids to Protect Their Precious Skin We chose the best water shoes for toddlers by studying the design and features of more than 30 top-rated water shoes on the market. We also researched reviews from customers and competitors and monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings on water shoes for toddlers. We also spoke withMark Mendeszoon, DPM, a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, and a physician spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, to better understand what toddlers need in a water shoe. Based on his recommendations and our research, we chose a wide range of options, from sandals to slip-ons, to fit into any family budget. Does my kid need water shoes? “Generally, toddlers would benefit from not wearing shoes if they are [at a] beach or lake or pool,” says Dr. Mendeszoon, adding that unless kids have sensitive feet, he recommends kids go barefoot while swimming. However, if kids are playing with water and walking on surfaces that could cause injury, water shoes are certainly nice. Not only are they great for use at splash pads and any kind of water play, but they're also helpful at the beach and around a pool. Can my kids wear water shoes all day? Many types of water shoes can be worn all day, as long as they provide support for kids' feet and dry quickly. Water socks, on the other hand, aren't appropriate for all-day wear, as they don't provide as much protection and support for a child's foot. Does my baby need water shoes for the beach? If your baby isn't walking yet, water shoes aren't necessary. If they're beginning to toddle, water shoes can help protect their feet from the hot sand or sharp rocks and shells. However, Dr. Mendeszoon notes that if your child's feet aren't hypersensitive and the beach isn't rocky, opt for bare feet. Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old. She has personal experience in researching and purchasing a variety of children’s products for her own daughters, including water shoes. With two little ones who love to play in the water and run through the sprinkler, Ashley understands what parents are looking for in kid and toddler water shoes. Additional reporting by: Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. To protect her son's feet from the elements, Katrina's water-loving kiddo wears various types of water shoes, including open-toed sandals and closed-toe slip-ons. The best water shoes for toddlers are comfortable and supportive and protect your child's feet where they need them most.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VW-Family-best-water-shoes-for-toddlers-4684720-5b6763baabfb466a931ca622ff42f2d4.jpg "The 9 Best Water Shoes for Toddlers to Protect Tiny Feet (1)")
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Best Closed-Toe Sandal
KEEN Kid Newport H2 Sandal
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