9 Best Toddler Water Shoes (Updated Guide for Parents)
Great for summer, vacations, and even wet playground days!
This post contains affiliate.
Toddler water shoes are a must-have. Whether your child is jumping in puddles, transitioning from playground to beach, or darting from picnic table to splash pad, they need shoes that can keep up.
This guide covers:
Quick picks for the best toddler water shoes
Tips for choosing the right shoe for your child
In-depth reviews of each recommended shoe
🛌 Quick Picks: Best Toddler Water Shoes
In depth reviews of each shoes are further down in this post!
Best Overall - Keen - closed toe, durable, great for all terrains and also the most expensive. Check price on Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos | Walmart
Best for Hiking/Multi-Terrain - Merrell – One of the best quality on this list, the Bare Steps H20 is great for littles, and the Hydro version offers more terrain support as kids get a little older. More affordable than Keen; but can’t go wrong with anything from them though! Check price on: Amazon | Merrell | Zappos | Walmart
Best for Wide Feet - Ten Little – These are sort of like Crocs meets Native in Keen’s style and a favorite of ours. They offer an adjustable top strap, closed toe, and textured insole to keep slippery feet in place. The wide toe box also supports kids who have actual wide feet, not just a wide ankle. Check price on: Amazon | Ten Little | Nordstrom
Best Waterproof Sneaker - Native Jefferson – we’ve had these for 6 years, and our our go-to daily sneaker for Florida’s wet weather. Kids can easily get them on and off alone; but they aren’t the most snug fitting if your child needs to climb or go into more challenging terrain (like wading through water). Check price on: Native | Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos | Nordstrom Rack | Walmart
Most Budget-Friendly - a step above an aquasock but still cheap enough that if you’re only using them for a vacation with some hiking you
Best Adjustable Fit - Nike Sunray - not all styles of this shoe have the adjustable width strap, but the one’s that do are perfect for wide feet if Keen don’t fit. Check price on: Nike | Amazon | Kohl’s | Nordstrom Rack | Walmart
Best Aquasock - Bigib Swim Shoes – cute designs for littles that stay on in water and offer non-slip soles for pool decks or slippery surfaces
Best Aqua Sock-Sneaker Hybrid - Crocs Swiftwater - if you want the drainage of an squasock, with the toe protection of a sneaker, these are it! Check price on: Amazon | Crocs | DSW | Zappos
Best Barefoot Water Shoe - Ubfen - Think Vibrams, without the full toe enclosure, for littles! These are lightweight, flexible, adjustable ankle strap, and a kid favorite!
🧱 How to Choose the Best Water Shoes for Toddlers
Consider:
Intended Use: Ocean? Pool? Splash pad? Rocky beach? Everyday in a generally wet terrain? One time vacation?
Sole Thickness: Thin for poolside, thicker for hiking or rocky terrain
Independence: Can your child put them on/off solo?
Closure Type: Velcro is easier and more secure than slip-ons
Material: Quick-dry mesh is ideal; some styles offer machine washability, and other’s are more of a EVA waterproof foam (double check these have skid resistant insoles otherwise kids will be sliding all over!)
Toe Type: Closed toe offers more protection; open toe is cooler for hot days. A wide toe box is ideal for kids who spend most of their time barefoot and have a solid toe spread
🔍 In-Depth Reviews
Keen
Best Overall
Sneaker + sandal hybrid with rubber soles for excellent traction
Closed toe, lightweight, machine washable
Great ankle support and durable enough for hiking
Comes in 12+ colors
Pros: Wide-foot friendly, fast drying, supportive, tons of colors
Cons: May need to size up
Check price on Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos | Walmart
Merrell
Best for Multi-Terrain/Hiking
One of the best quality on this list, the Bare Steps H20 is great for littles, and the Hydro version offers more terrain support as kids get a little older. More affordable than Keen; but can’t go wrong with anything from them though!
EVA footbed, breathable mesh lining, elastic + velcro closure
Pros: Secure fit, great traction, quick dry
Cons: Limited toddler sizing/colors
Check price on: Amazon | Merrell | Zappos | Walmart
Ten Little Splash Sandals
Best For Wide Feet
These are sort of like Crocs meets Native in Keen’s style and a favorite of ours. Designed with a foot-shaped toe box and APMA approval, they promote natural foot development and all-day comfort. Lightweight, flexible, and made from easy-to-clean EVA foam, they offer secure Velcro straps, slip-resistant insoles and soles, and fun charm customization. The wide toe box also supports kids who have actual wide feet, not just a wide ankle.
Pros: Wide toe box for healthy development, APMA-approved, lightweight and flexible, easy to clean, secure Velcro fit, non-slip soles, durable, and customizable with charms.
Cons: Limited color choices; charms are extra; not as snug as other picks on this list
Check price on: Amazon | Ten Little | Nordstrom
Native Jefferson
Best Waterproof Sneaker
we’ve had these for 6 years, and our our go-to daily sneaker for Florida’s wet weather. Kids can easily get them on and off alone; but they aren’t the most snug fitting if your child needs to climb or go into more challenging terrain (like wading through water).
Waterproof, odor-resistant, and ultra-durable (mine have lasted 3 kids!)
Comes in nearly every color, easy for toddlers to put on themselves
Pros: Breathable, durable, closed toe, long lasting
Cons: Moderate to clean, can irritate sensitive skin
Check price on: Native | Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos | Nordstrom Rack | Walmart
LeIsfIt
Most Budget Friendly
Great fit for infants or young toddlers
A step above aquasocks for more durable terrains, but won’t last years like some of the pricier picks (making it great for limited use like a vacation or few weeks out of the year)
Ultra-light with rubber sole, breathable fabric
Pros: Quick dry, budget friendly, fun prints
Cons: Not the most durable/long lasting (though better than an aquasock)
Nike Sunray
Best Adjustable Fit
Dual velcro straps for a perfect fit on growing feet
Lightweight foam with durable cushion and slip-resistant sole
Pros: Adjustable, supportive, comfortable, 5 colors
Cons: One review cited insufficient slip resistance
Check price on: Nike | Amazon | Kohl’s | Nordstrom Rack | Walmart
Bigib
Best Aquasock
Cute designs for littles that stay on in water and offer non-slip soles for pool decks or slippery surfaces.
Pros: Slip on design, quick dry, protects feet from hot pool decks, large selection of cute designs
Cons: Not durable or adjustable
Check price on: Amazon
Crocs Swiftwater
Best Aqua Sock-Sneaker Hybrid
If you want the drainage of an aquasock, with the toe protection of a sneaker, these are it!
Pros: Multi-purpose, slip-on ease, toddler-friendly, snug fit with adjustable top strap for added durability
Cons: Mixed reviews on slip resistance, not always available in toddler sizing
Check price on: Amazon | Crocs | DSW | Zappos
Ubfen
Best Barefoot Water Shoes
Think Vibrams, without the full toe enclosure, for littles! These are lightweight, flexible, adjustable ankle strap, and a kid favorite!
Pros: Safe, breathable, quick-dry, grippy sole
Cons: May run wide
Final Thoughts: Our top pick is the Keen Stingray Sandals for their all-around performance and durability. But every shoe on this list has its strength, depending on your child’s needs and activities.
Whichever you choose, you're one step closer to a safer, splash-ready summer!