Clothing
The Best Water Shoes for Babies and Toddlers for the Beach, Pool, and Park
Warm-weather activities can be tough on little feet, especially if your child doesn’t have the right footwear. This is where baby and toddler water shoes come in. These shoes are designed to protect your child’s feet from hot sand, slippery surfaces, sharp rocks, and more. The best water shoes for babies and toddlers are lightweight, quick-drying, and equipped with non-slip soles to ensure safety and comfort, whether they’re playing by the pool or at the beach.
In short, if you’re heading to the pool, beach, splash pad, or any water-based activity, a good pair of water shoes is a must. Not sure how to tell the difference between baby swim shoes and water sandals? Don’t worry! We’ve broken down the various types of kids’ water shoes and shared our top picks for infants and toddlers. Among our favorites is the Crocs Toddler Classic Clog, which we selected as the overall best choice. Keep reading to shop our top recommendations.
How We Chose the Best Baby and Toddler Water Shoes
To help you find the best water shoes for your little one, we researched a wide range of options from trusted brands and reputable online retailers. This way, you won’t have to spend hours sifting through choices. Here’s how we compiled our list:
- Our team tested and reviewed water shoes they’ve personally used with their own children.
- We surveyed nearly 350 members of The Bump community about their experiences with baby water shoes. Parents rated specific brands and styles based on their real-world use.
- We gathered insights from The Bump community forums to understand what parents liked and disliked about different shoes.
- We expanded our research by reading external forums, message boards, and customer reviews to get a national perspective on what parents prioritize in water shoes for their kids.
- We took several key factors into account, including size options, material, and closure style, to make sure our picks meet various family needs.
At The Bump, editorial integrity is a top priority. You can learn more about how we create and review all our content, including product reviews, here.
Best Baby and Toddler Water Shoes
Overall Best Toddler Water Shoes: Crocs Toddler Classic Clog
What We Love:
- Flip-up heel strap
- Easy to put on and take off
- Simple to clean
Things to Consider:
- Some parents find they run small
Whether you love them or not, Crocs are a staple in toddler water shoes—and it’s clear why. Made from eco-friendly, ultra-durable EVA material, these shoes come in a variety of colors and patterns. They’re also fully waterproof and comfortable. As Alex, a parent who participated in our survey, shared: “I love that they’re sturdy, comfy, customizable with charms, and easy to clean.” We couldn’t agree more!
The standout feature of these shoes is how easy they are to slip on and off. The pivoting heel strap keeps your child’s feet secure while they play, and the simple design encourages kids to put them on independently. As Molly, another survey respondent, mentioned: “My toddler can put the Crocs on by herself, and it makes her feel accomplished!” These shoes check all the boxes and will be a go-to for years.
Material: EVA upper, lining, and sole | Sizes: C4 to C10
What Parents Say:
- “Every kid I know loves walking in Crocs. They keep feet cool, comfy, and stay on well.” — thequeenbee, The Bump forum member
- “They dry quickly and stay on well, protecting toes while keeping them dry.” — Teresita, survey respondent
- “Great color options and durability, perfect for outdoor play.” — Jenna B., TKWW associate director
Best Toddler Water Shoes for New Walkers: Merrell Bare Steps H2O Water Shoe
What We Love:
- Flexible design
- Grippy, wide soles for stability
- Easy Velcro straps
Things to Consider:
- Some parents report they need to be broken in
These baby water shoes from Merrell are all about grip and comfort. Featuring grippy rubber soles and a breathable mesh upper, your little one will have no problem staying steady on wet or uneven terrain. The wide nubby sole helps with balance, and the lightweight design feels almost like being barefoot. They dry quickly, making them great for any aquatic adventure.
Material: Leather and textile upper, rubber sole | Sizes: Little Kid: 4 to 10; Big Kid: 2 to 7
Best Toddler Water Shoes for Outdoor Activities: Stride Rite 360 Oceano Sandal
What We Love:
- Adjustable closures
- Water-resistant
- Machine-washable
Things to Consider:
- Mixed reviews on sizing
Stride Rite has been a go-to brand for early walkers since 1919, and for good reason. These toddler water shoes combine the best features of sandals and sneakers. With a high-traction sole, quick-drying materials, and adjustable closures, these shoes are perfect for water activities and easy to get on and off.
Material: Textile lining, plastic sole | Sizes: Little Kid: 5 to 10; Big Kid: 11 to 13
What Parents Say:
- “Non-slip and comfy—great for outdoor adventures.” — Chelsie, survey respondent
Most Versatile Toddler Water Shoes: Native Shoes Jefferson Water Friendly Slip-On Vegan Sneaker
What We Love:
- Versatile style
- Lightweight
- Shock-absorbing sole
Things to Consider:
- Narrow fit; sizing up is recommended
These slip-on shoes are perfect for both wet and dry environments. Lightweight and durable, they feature a flexible EVA material that makes them easy to clean. The vented design keeps little feet cool and dry, while the shock-absorbing sole offers comfort on all terrains. Plus, they come in baby, toddler, big kid, and even adult sizes—perfect for matching family footwear!
Material: EVA upper, lining, and sole | Sizes: Little Kid: C2 to C10; Big Kid: C11 to J6
What Parents Say:
- “These shoes are amazing. I LOVE them.” — BarefootContessa, The Bump forum member
Best Adjustable Toddler Water Shoes: Robeez Water Shoes
What We Love:
- Grooved rubber sole
- Lightweight and breathable fabric
- Quick-drying
Things to Consider:
- Spot clean only
Robeez toddler water shoes combine the convenience of slip-ons with the security of an adjustable Velcro strap. This helps prevent slippage during active play. The breathable fabric keeps feet cool and dry, while water flows in and out with ease. Plus, they come in fun prints your child will love.
Material: Neoprene upper, rubber sole | Sizes: 5 to 10
Best Toddler Swim Shoes: Bigib Toddler Kids Swim Water Shoes
What We Love:
- Easy-on, easy-off style
- Slip-resistant soles
- Lightweight
- Budget-friendly
Things to Consider:
- Parents recommend sizing up
These swim shoes are perfect for any water-based activity, from swimming to splashing around. Their lightweight, flexible design makes them ideal for kids who don’t want to wear bulky water shoes. They’re also slip-resistant, ensuring your little one stays safe as they play in the water.
Material: Rubber | Sizes: Infant: 3; Toddler: 4 to 10; Little Kid: 11 to 13; Big Kid: 1 to 3
Best Slip-On Toddler Water Shoes: Green Sprouts Baby/Toddler Water Shoes
What We Love:
- Easy-on, easy-off style
- Quick-drying
- Non-slip soles
Things to Consider:
- Spot clean only
- Available in only two colors
Thanks to a pull loop, these Green Sprouts water shoes are super easy to slip on and off, making them perfect for toddlers who can’t sit still. The non-slip soles keep little feet secure, while the quick-dry material is resistant to both chlorine and saltwater.
Material: N/A | Sizes: 4 to 10
What Parents Say:
- “They’re cute, with great grip—perfect for water play.” — Genevieve, survey respondent
Most Stylish Toddler Water Shoes: Salt Water Sandals Sun-San Surfer
What We Love:
- Durable, scuff-resistant leather
- Can be dressed up or down
- Lightweight, flexible sole
Things to Consider:
- Runs large
- Open-toed style
- Not as easy to put on as other options
These water-friendly sandals are stylish yet functional. Made with soft, water-resistant leather and a non-slip sole, they’re perfect for both water activities and more formal outings. The adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit, while the brass buckles resist rust, making them ideal for all kinds of outdoor fun.
Material: Leather upper, rubber sole | Sizes: Baby: 0 to 12 months; Walker: 12 to 24 months; Toddler: 2 to 4 years; Little Kid: 4 to 8 years; Big Kid: 8 to 12 years
What Parents Say:
- “They can be dressed up or down, and they last forever.” — The Bump forum member
- “I’ve been buying Saltwater sandals for years. They’re durable and my kids love them.” — kjunspice, The Bump forum member
Types of Water Shoes for Kids
When choosing the best water shoes for your little one, consider your upcoming plans. Will you be at the beach, pool, or splash pad? Here are the main types of toddler water shoes:
- Baby and Toddler Water Shoes: These shoes look like regular footwear but are made from materials that dry quickly and can withstand getting wet. They offer excellent protection from hot sand, slippery surfaces, and rough terrain.
- Baby and Toddler Water Sandals: Perfect for light water play like sprinklers, these sandals keep your child comfortable but expose their toes, offering less protection than full water shoes.
- Baby and Toddler Swim Shoes: Designed for swimming, these sock-like shoes are lightweight and flexible. They’re also great for protecting feet from hot pavement once out of the water.
Size Guidelines for Kids’ Water Shoes
Kids’ shoe sizes vary by brand, so always consult the manufacturer’s size chart to ensure the best fit. Water shoes should be snug to prevent slipping but not too tight to cause discomfort.
