Heading to a lake or the beach is a lot of fun, especially with your little ones. But the murky lakeshore and seashore full of shells can be rough on your toddler's feet. The best way to protect those piggies is with a good pair of toddler water shoes. If you find a pair that's comfortable and fun, your toddler will love wearing them.
You want your child to be comfortable, and you want them to be able to move freely. With early walkers, this can feel like a tall order when they're going to be wading in water, but I promise you it's not. There's actually not a lot to think about when buying your toddler's water shoes other than fit, style, and material.
Fit
Water shoes are not something you want to buy a size up so that you can get more wear from them. The should fit snugly, with enough room for the toe box, and the heel of the shoe should not gape when your baby is walking. This keeps them as steady on their feet as possible, which is so important when your little one is walking on slippery surfaces.
Style
There are a few basic styles available: sock shoes, water shoes with a strap, and more rugged fabric sandal-style shoes. Sock shoes are exactly what you're thinking: They pull on like socks, and they have a flexible, grippy bottom. The water shoes with a strap offer a bit more adjustability, and they're easier to put on and take off than the sock shoes (at least in my opinion). Water sandals are great for activities for when you need more than just a water shoe: Think a party at the lake or a family hike.
Material
The best toddler water shoes contain some combination of a neoprene or neoprene-like material, along with a flexible bottom. I'm not a fan of plastic shoes for the water because I have found that they pool water in places, making them heavier than they need to be. They're great for a splash pad or playing with a sprinkler, but not ideal in natural water areas.
All of the shoes that made this list are breathable, drain quickly, and will protect your little's feet from sharp seashells or any other ick they might find.
Whether your little one is running around by the lake or hanging out in the backyard, their feet will be safe and comfortable in these sandal-style water shoes. The top strap is fully adjustable and the neoprene dries quickly, sped up by the multiple points of open shoe.
Have you ever seen a cuter pair of water shoes? I think not. This highly rated pair of aqua socks has a non-slip rubber bottom and quick-drying fabric, and it comes in dozens of colors.
The inside is smooth and soft to the touch, which is great for kids who don't love feeling the seams.
So, you have a particularly wiggly wiggle worm? They don't walk, so much as bounce? You need these: They are the most flexible toddler water shoes I've ever seen.
Sock-style, quick-drying fabric, rubber soles that can practically roll into themselves ... what could be better?
A happy medium between a sandal and a strap shoe, these Mary Janes are stylish and fun. Your kid could easily wear these from the beach to a party with no problem. They are made of a neoprene-like material that is as soft as it is quick-drying.
If you don’t ask your toddler if these shoes are fast, you’re doing it wrong. The stitching on the stretchy fabric that criss-crosses this pair of shoes helps provide stability to the instep, and the strap below the ankle allows for a snug, adjustable fit.
Rugged — but still flexible and water-friendly — this toddler water shoe is the most like a traditional sneaker. The drawstring laces are adjusted easily, and the shoe pulls on quickly, in spite of the extra equipment. This is a great option for toddlers with narrower feet who need the tighter lacing.
Let's be real: You can already picture these on your baby's feet, and you're smiling just thinking about it. Luckily for you, these are also one of the most highly rated toddler water shoes on Amazon. They hold up to a toddler's machinations, they're extremely moisture-wicking, and the bottoms are flexible and durable.
Merrell is one of the best outdoor brands there is, and these shoes are definitely the most durable and easiest to wear on this list. They are a bit pricier, but I think you'll find that the quality more than makes up for the price.
One thing of note on this shoe is that it has an extra-wide toe box, which is the best for a toddling gait.
When I asked friends for links to the shoes they've bought for their kids to go boating and swimming at the lake, two different parents who do not know each other texted me these shoes. They're cheap, cheerful, and do exactly what they're designed to do.
Sometimes, basic really is best.
Cat BowenParenting EditorCat Bowen is the parenting editor at BestProducts.com where she researches all of the best products for families from pre-conception through their teen years, focusing on matching scientific evidence with real-life needs.
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