9 Best Toddler Water Shoes 2025 [Aqua Socks, Sandals, Sneakers + Hiking]!

DGIX

May 8, 2025

Discover our best toddler water shoe picks, how to choose the best water shoes for your toddler, and tips for cleaning water shoes!

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

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

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

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)

Check price here!

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

Crocs Unisex Kid's Swiftwater Splash Water Shoes

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

Check price on Amazon

FAQS About Toddlers Water Shoes:

Do toddlers need water shoes?

Yes! Toddler water shoes make a great option for keeping your toddler’s feet safe from hot pavement or sand, while also offering added traction if they run poolside or on a post-rained on park. Plus water shoes dry quickly, which reduces the likelihood of smelly shoes or irritation to your toddler’s feet!

With that said, we don’t think “swim shoes” or “aqua socks” without a durable sole are must haves by any means. Instead it’s more about finding a shoe that can keep up with a toddler’s pace and ever changing mind (e.g. playground to the beach and back again), while providing comfort, support, and safety.

What are the benefits of water shoes for toddlers?

Lightweight – critical if going from the water to land to not weigh down the child
Fast drying reduces irritation or odor in shoes
Rubber soles for extra traction and grip on slippery surfaces while also keeping small feet from getting burnt
Rubber and closed toe options protect little feet from getting stubbed

How to choose the best toddler water shoes:

When choosing the best toddler water shoes, consider the type of shoe, durability, material, intended use, and whether it fosters independence.

For instance, if you intend to use the water shoes just by the pool, you’re likely be fine with an easy slip on/off shoe that has some traction. However if you plan to visit a rocky beach, you’ll want something that has a thicker sole so no rocks push through.

We as a montessori family, we personally look for toddler shoes that foster independence. Meaning your toddler is able to put them on without adult assistance.

What are the different types of toddler water shoes?

Water resistant or proof sneakers – great for summer camp or preschool or if you live in a hot/wet climate
Water sandals – these come in closed and open toe options
Aqua socks – think water ready baby booties!

What is the difference between toddler sandals and toddler water shoes?

Water shoes encompass the various water resistant and waterproof styles: sandals, sneakers, and aqua socks. While toddler sandals aren’t necessarily water resistant or waterproof.

How do I clean toddlers water shoes?

Most toddler water shoes don’t need to be cleaned. However if you plan to hike or adventure in your water shoes it’s helpful to look for a pair that can be machine washed. Generally we recommend following the manufacture instructions.

How I wash our toddler water shoes:

Spot clean with soap, water, and a rag
In the washing machine on delicate in a mesh bag. I generally sit them outside in the sun to dry. If I do put in the dryer it’s always on low heat.

Are jelly shoes water shoes?

Not really – while they are waterproof, they are made from a PVC plastic that can cause sweat, chaffing, bleeding, and blisters in many people. We don’t recommend them as water shoes as a result.

Final Thoughts:

Toddler water shoes provide an added layer of comfort and safety through multiple terrains.

We love the Keen Stingray Closed Toe Sandals for their durability, multi-purpose use, and machine washable cleaning. The Nike Sunray Adjust 5 Toddler Water Sandals are a great option for growing feet thanks to their multiple adjustable straps. And my daughter LIVES in Native Jefferson Water Friendly Sneaker year round in Florida!

Whichever you choose, you can breathe easier knowing your child has a little more traction and grip on their soles and they won’t be running around in wet shoes all day!