The ten Finest Water Sneakers for Toddlers to Put on on the Seashore, Pool, or Park

Whether or not toddlers are working by a sprinkler, wading on the seaside, mountaineering by a creek, or splashing at their water desk, water play can maintain them occupied for hours on finish. Water sneakers are one of the simplest ways to guard their tender soles from scorching pavement or slippery, rocky surfaces, with out having soggy socks or too-sweaty ft. The finest water sneakers for toddlers characteristic high quality supplies, considerate design, and luxury by any exercise. 

Whitney Fedor, DPT, PRPC, a bodily therapist at Therapydia New Orleans, says water sneakers are nice for splash pads, poolsides, water parks, or seashores, particularly for defending ft from scorching concrete. She additionally affords some recommendations for selecting sneakers for toddlers. “I desire to have youngsters with creating ft in a shoe with much less rigidity and a wider toe field to permit for excellent intrinsic muscle power and toe perform improvement,” Dr. Fedor says. For energetic children concerned in quite a lot of actions, think about a flexible sneaker-like shoe or sandal that may be worn all season. For swimming, go for light-weight, breathable water socks. 

We researched dozens of best-selling toddler water sneakers to seek out these sturdy, high-quality, and fast-drying or waterproof picks. We additionally spoke with a podiatrist and a bodily therapist for insights into what to search for in protected, supportive water sneakers for toddlers. The result’s a set of water sneakers for toddlers in all kinds of colours, sizes, and costs that work for a number of conditions. 

Our Favourite Water Sneakers for Toddlers

Finest Water Sneakers for Toddlers: Crocs Children Basic Clogs

Why We Like It

There’s a purpose Crocs are so widespread: They’re light-weight, comfy, and sturdy sufficient to face as much as absolutely anything, together with water play. Crocs are fabricated from a molded foam that’s waterproof and floats. They dry rapidly and have holes for air flow, so that you don’t want to fret about overheating. The clog design means they’re not too cumbersome. In addition they have a pivoting heel strap for a extra adjustable match. You need to use the strap behind the heel for extra stability, or push it up so the shoe will be slipped on and off like true clogs. 

I’ve a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old, and these are our go-to sneakers all summer season. They’re nice for the seaside, summer season camp, or taking part in within the yard. They maintain up extraordinarily properly and are tremendous simple to scrub. Basic Crocs are unisex and are available in quite a lot of colours and designs, from neutrals like white and black to brilliant neons, tie-dye, and glitter. The design is customizable, too. You may place Croc charms, referred to as Jibbitz, within the air flow holes. There are literally thousands of charms, which toddlers will love selecting out. 

However Take Observe

The sizing, particularly for youthful children, could also be tough to determine. Whereas the Crocs official web site affords a dimension chart with measurements, the Amazon web page doesn’t, so it may be complicated to seek out what is going to work. 

The Particulars:

• Measurement vary: Toddler to grownup
• Materials: Proprietary Croslite (a sort of froth)

Finest Slip-On: Native Sneakers Children’ Jefferson Sneaker

Why We Like It

These Native waterproof sneakers supply each safety and flexibility. In contrast to sandals, they’re absolutely enclosed, so that you don’t have to fret about your little stubbing their toe or scraping their heel. They’ve a slip-on fashion that makes them simple to get on or take off, they usually’re additionally fabricated from a particularly light-weight rubber materials that makes them really feel like air. Holes throughout maintain them breathable and well-ventilated, they usually dry rapidly in the event that they get moist. 

Regardless of their mild materials, the sneakers are sturdy and sturdy. They’re shock-absorbent and cozy, with good traction. They’re additionally odor-resistant, which is right for sneakers which may spend a whole lot of time within the water. They’re out there in a rainbow of colours, they usually don’t seem like water sneakers, which makes them a superb match for nearly any outfit. Plus, they’re very simple to wipe clear, even when they will’t be thrown within the washer. 

However Take Observe

These supply little to no stretch, so in case your little one has wider ft, they could be exhausting to get on or off. You may attempt sizing up, however which will make them too massive. 

The Particulars:

• Measurement vary: 4T-13C; 1-6Y
• Materials: Rubber and EVA 

Finest Price range: DSG Direct Toddler Water Sneakers

Why We Like It

These toddler water sneakers are proof that you simply don’t have to spend so much to get an important high quality product. At lower than $15, these sneakers supply loads of consolation and suppleness. They seem like slip-on sneakers, however they’ve a Velcro closure alongside the highest that offers them a way more adjustable match. This additionally makes it rather a lot simpler to get these on and off, particularly for toddlers who’ve wider ft. 

They’re fabricated from a stretchy, breathable jersey material that feels much more versatile than many different choices, with a thick, grippy EVA sole and a firmer toe field for higher safety. Their fashion makes these look extra like common toddler sneakers than water sneakers, to allow them to simply transition from out of doors to indoor play. The jersey is light-weight sufficient that these by no means really feel too cumbersome or heat. 

However Take Observe

In relation to colours and prints, these are a little bit restricted. They’re solely out there in 4 print choices, in order that they gained’t match each outfit. 

The Particulars:

• Measurement vary: 4T-12C 
• Materials: Jersey and EVA 

Finest for Water Parks: Columbia Children Techsun Wave

Why We Like It

These Columbia sandals are perfect for locations like water parks, the place children will most likely be working between swimming pools, water rides, and scorching pavement all through the day. They’re additionally well-suited for enjoying in a yard or wooded space. The closed-toe sandal fashion protects ft, whereas the rubber outsole affords loads of traction on moist surfaces. The hook and loop strap and bungee laces supply a extra adjustable, versatile match. Total, their sturdiness and flexibility imply you should utilize all of them summer season lengthy. 

The cushioned footbed makes them actually comfy to put on, and their hydrophobic lining and fast-drying development guarantee they’re water-friendly. The mesh ventilated sides all through make them a breathable choice for warm days, and the playful colour combo choices are enjoyable for little ones. Bonus: They are often thrown within the washer once they must be cleaned. 

However Take Observe

Whereas these are nice for working round, they’re not best for swimming. One other notice is that the sizing could also be a bit off, in keeping with some mother and father, so some guesswork and returns could also be required. 

The Particulars:

• Measurement vary: 4T-13C; 1-7Y
• Materials: Mesh and leather-based, rubber outsole 

Finest Slipper-Like: Merrell Naked Steps H20

Why We Like It

These light-weight, slipper-like water sneakers supply full safety, assist, and traction. That makes them nice for a number of conditions, whether or not children are working on slippery grass or scorching pavement, or wading in shallow water. Dr. Fedor is an enormous fan of this feature, saying, “I used these as my little one’s day-to-day sneakers in the summertime” as a result of they “examine all of the bins.” The Merrell’s barefoot really feel makes them cozy and breathable, which is particularly nice for little ones who don’t like cumbersome or heavy sneakers. The quick-drying, water-friendly uppers and linings imply you don’t want to fret about soggy ft.

They’re versatile, with a Velcro closure for adjustability, and an extra-wide toe field and outsole with a rounded edge to help in correct foot improvement. The nonmarking grooves within the outsole give loads of grip for slippery conditions. These high-quality, long-lasting kicks are additionally easy to scrub and are available in all kinds of enjoyable colours. 

However Take Observe

Dr. Fedor notes that these aren’t best for swimming, so should you’re on the lookout for a water shoe to make use of within the pool, these most likely gained’t work. The insole might come out simply when the shoe will get very moist. 

The Particulars:

• Measurement vary: 4T-10C
• Materials: Leather-based, EVA, rubber

Finest Open-Toe Sandal: Teva Psyclone XLT Sandal

Why We Like It

Open-toe sandals will be nice in hotter climate, particularly while you’re coping with chubby toddler ft. These picks are fabricated from breathable mesh materials with loads of open area to maintain small ft from getting overheated and sweaty. One factor we actually love about them is how adjustable they’re: there are two hook and loop closures that can help you discover the right match in your toddler, which is especially good should you’re coping with extensive ft. 

The cushioned EVA foam midsole and light-weight general really feel guarantee most consolation. The rubber outsole is made to have nice traction and be very sturdy. And so they gained’t get smelly quick—they’re coated with a peppermint-based anti-odor therapy to maintain them smelling recent. That’s positively a plus since a whole lot of water play could make water sneakers scent musty after some time. 

However Take Observe

Whereas open-toe sandals will be nice, needless to say they don’t supply a lot safety in your little one’s toes. It additionally appears tough to seek out all of the sizes in all of the out there colours. 

The Particulars:

• Measurement vary: 4T-13C; 1-3Y
• Materials: Mesh, EVA foam, rubber

Finest Closed-Toe Sandal: Eager Seacamp II CNX

Why We Like It

Eager sandals have lengthy been a go-to favourite amongst mother and father for his or her high quality, sturdiness, and safety. These rugged sandals ought to be summer season staples for toddlers who love getting outdoors and exploring. They’re waterproof and repellent, with a quick-dry lining that makes them simple to put on for hours on finish. The multi-directional lug sample on the underside is one you gained’t discover on each sandal and affords distinctive traction. The rubber toe field offers further safety. 

These even have a hook and loop closure and bungee system for a extra versatile, adjustable match. There’s arch assist and a foam footbed for consolation, they usually’re surprisingly light-weight. They’re additionally mechanically cleanable. Total, we love these for working on uneven floor, slippery surfaces, and heat climate hikes. 

However Take Observe

These positively have a extra out of doors vibe to them, so aesthetically they’re not as versatile as another sandals. And at over $50, they’re additionally on the costlier aspect for sandals your baby might develop out of rapidly. 

The Particulars:

• Measurement vary: 4T-13C; 1-7Y 
• Materials: Rubber, EVA, polyester webbing

Finest Non-Slip: Robeez Water Sneakers 

Why We Like It

If traction is your high precedence, look no additional than Robeez. The TPU materials on the only grips the ground to make sure that newbie walkers can’t simply journey or slip. There are many different issues to like about these, too. Manufactured from stretchy neoprene, they’ve a really versatile really feel, and the Velcro closure and bungee straps give them extra adjustability. They fully cowl the foot, with a powerful rubber toe field for added safety, however the cut-outs and light-weight materials maintain them breathable. 

The higher is waterproof and quick-drying, to allow them to be worn for hours with out feeling soaked. In addition they have a padded insole for a bit extra cushioning, and a pull loop on the heel makes them simple to get on or off. Plus, we love the designs and brilliant colours which can be provided. 

However Take Observe

Evaluation their sizing chart earlier than you order as these sneakers might run massive. The insoles might come out simply after they’ve gotten moist just a few occasions. 

The Particulars:

• Measurement vary: 5T-10C 
• Materials: Neoprene, rubber 

Finest Aqua Sock: Inexperienced Sprouts Water Socks

Why We Like It

These water socks are your finest guess should you’re on the lookout for footwear that will be worn whereas swimming and supply safety from scorching or slippery surfaces. These water socks could appear overly easy, however as Dr. Fedor factors out, that’s not a foul factor. “These are nice for foot improvement and security across the pool,” Dr. Fedor says. “My thoughts goes to much less is extra: Let the foot work extra and never depend on the shoe for assist.” 

These are each chlorine- and salt-water-resistant, and the fabric is quick-drying so that you don’t want to fret about pulling them off the second they get out of the water. They’re fabricated from stretchy neoprene materials that appears and goes on like a sock and has a nonslip sole. They’ve a pull loop by the heel, making them comparatively simple to get on and off. They’re additionally tremendous light-weight, cheap, and take up nearly no area in your seaside or pool bag. 

However Take Observe

These are nice to be used within the water, however they’re not as protecting or sturdy as lots of the different water sneakers on this listing. If you would like a shoe for mountaineering or multipurpose on a regular basis use, these most likely aren’t it. 

The Particulars:

• Measurement vary: 3-10T
• Materials: Neoprene 

Best to Put On and Take Off: Adidas Children AltaSwim 2

Why We Like It

For wiggly toddlers with extensive ft, slip-on sneakers could also be out of the query. That’s why we love these Adidas. With a extensive footbed and two adjustable straps, these sandals are one of many best pairs to get on and take off, even when your toddlers’ ft are on the chubby aspect. The 2 hook-and-loop straps are strategically positioned to present you a extra customizable dimension, and with each open, you by no means have to fret about jamming a clammy foot inside a tiny shoe gap. 

They’re fabricated from a tremendous light-weight artificial materials that ought to dry rapidly. The contoured footbed is comfy and roomy. They’ve some respectable traction and are constructed to final. And with an open toe and loads of cut-outs, these are very breathable and funky on scorching days. 

However Take Observe

These run massive, so you could need to dimension down when ordering. In addition they don’t supply as a lot traction and sturdiness as different choices on this listing. 

The Particulars:

• Measurement vary: 3-9T 
• Materials: EVA

Our Evaluation Course of

We checked out greater than 30 top-rated water sneakers available on the market to seek out the perfect choices for toddlers. We studied their design and options, learn by buyer evaluations, and saved a detailed eye on procuring traits to seek out essentially the most sturdy and versatile choices. When assessing water sneakers, we thought of consolation, supplies, high quality, traction, foot safety and assist, closure sort, and worth. We additionally used our personal expertise as mother and father of children who love the water to tell our decisions.

Our Consultants

We spoke with two specialists to realize insights into what toddlers want in an important water shoe. Based mostly on their suggestions and our personal analysis, we selected a variety of choices, from sandals to slip-ons, to suit into any price range. 

• Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, podiatrist, foot and ankle surgeon, and doctor spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation
• Whitney Fedor, DPT, PRPC, bodily therapist at Therapydia New Orleans

Kinds of Toddler Water Sneakers

There are a number of varieties of water sneakers out there. Some might be appropriate for each working across the yard and taking part in within the water, whereas others are meant just for swimming. 

• Water sneakers: Toddler water sneakers will look much like another pair of toddler sneakers, besides they’re fabricated from sturdy supplies that make them appropriate for water play. They’ll dry quicker than different sneakers or they’ll be waterproof in order that they don’t keep moist. They’re additionally slip-resistant, sturdy sufficient to face as much as rocky surfaces or bumpy pavement, and protecting sufficient to maintain little ft from getting damage or burned. 
• Water sandals: Toddler water sandals additionally look much like another pair of sandals, however once more, they’ll be fabricated from supplies that may stand up to water play and never keep moist. Whereas these are perfect for scorching climate, they aren’t at all times as protecting as water sneakers: they could go away the toe or heel open and generally is a bit extra light-weight. 
• Water socks: If you happen to’re on the lookout for footwear that your toddler can swim in, water socks are finest. Manufactured from versatile materials, these sock-like slip-ons are light-weight, made to get soaking moist, and gained’t weigh them down within the water. Whereas they need to maintain ft protected on scorching, tough, and slippery surfaces, they’re not as sturdy, sturdy, or protecting as water sneakers or sandals. 

Elements to Contemplate When Shopping for Water Sneakers for Toddlers

When on the lookout for the perfect pair of water sneakers in your baby, Dr. Fedor recommends contemplating the actions you can be participating in and the way ceaselessly you propose to make use of them. “Is it for a splash pad, summer season enjoyable within the yard, or simply to be used in and across the pool?” she says. Your price range is one other necessary consideration, as is the fashion of shoe you assume will present the smoothest expertise getting sneakers on and off a wiggly, moist toddler. Different issues to consider embody:

• Supplies: Not all water sneakers dry rapidly, so if you’d like one thing your children can put on for a complete day, go for a pair made out of a foam-like EVA or mesh materials. Dr. Mendeszoon particularly recommends mesh as a result of its breathability helps keep away from pores and skin points brought on by damp situations, akin to “maceration and pores and skin infections akin to athlete’s foot, plantar warts, and bacterial infections.” The only real materials ought to have some traction. Dr. Fedor suggests a rubber sole as the best choice: “If we’re shopping for sneakers for the pool, then we’re OK to go along with one thing extra versatile, whereas for the yard we’d want a thicker sole.” 
• Design: The very best design in your little one relies upon rather a lot on the actions they love to do. For example, a sneaker is finest for teenagers who love working round, whereas one thing with a extra substantial sole is a more sensible choice for teenagers who’ll be romping within the woods and creeks. Take note of the traction of the only to attenuate the chance of your little one slipping and falling. Verify the development of the shoe’s straps to keep away from the shoe sliding off throughout play; Dr. Fedor prefers Velcro straps for adjustability. And at last, think about whether or not you like an open- or closed-toe fashion. If you happen to’re stocking up on water sneakers for summer season camp or daycare, know that many amenities require closed-toe sneakers. 
• Measurement and Consolation: It doesn’t matter what, if the shoe doesn’t suit your little one properly or is just not comfy, they gained’t need to put on it. You’ll want to take note of on-line sizing guides for water sneakers as a result of they will generally differ from normal sizes. Take into consideration how the shoe will match when it’s moist (will it grow to be tighter, looser, considerably heavier, and many others.) and when your little one’s ft swell within the warmth. And don’t purchase one thing too massive within the hopes it’s going to last more. 

The right way to Use Toddler Water Sneakers Safely

Match is without doubt one of the most necessary features of water shoe security, says Dr. Fedor, noting that poorly fitted sneakers are likely to fall off a toddler’s foot. The American Podiatric Medical Affiliation (APMA) recommends at all times measuring your little one’s foot earlier than shopping for sneakers to make sure the right match. The APMA additionally recommends measuring ft and purchasing for sneakers later within the day, as ft usually tend to swell because the day goes on. You’ll need to purchase the bigger dimension in case your little one’s ft are barely totally different sizes. 

Traction is one other security consideration. Water sneakers should be able to dealing with slippery surfaces, like slick pavement, rocks, or grass. “Keep away from minimal grippiness,” Dr. Fedor says. “You need to be certain the shoe is safe on the kid’s foot so once they method water, the traction retains them from slipping.” If you buy water socks, know they could solely be appropriate for sporting within the water reasonably than working round a yard. 

Can Children Put on Water Sneakers All Day? 

Many varieties of water sneakers will be worn all day, so long as they supply assist for teenagers’ ft and dry rapidly. Water socks, however, aren’t applicable for all-day put on, as they don’t supply as a lot safety and assist. 

Does My Toddler Want Water Sneakers for the Seashore? 

For little ones who aren’t strolling but, water sneakers aren’t needed. In the event that they’re starting to toddle, water sneakers will help defend their ft from the recent sand or sharp rocks and shells. 

Who We Are

Jessica Sales space is a contract author who covers parenting, procuring, wellness, leisure, and marriage ceremony content material. She has been freelance writing since 2017 and earlier than that, she labored as an editor at a web based publication for seven years. She has written for websites akin to Brides, Individuals, Insider, Bustle, Romper, Refinery 29, Cosmopolitan, Delish, The Day by day Beast, Reviewed, She Is aware of, Scary Mommy, The Knot, and What to Count on. She additionally has two younger daughters and has gone by many, many pairs of child and toddler sneakers with them.