Water shoes are essential summer vacation gear, especially for kids. It is one of our must-have children's travel accessories when we head to any beach or pool destination.
Luckily, there are many types and models available, so picking the right pair shouldn’t be that big of a problem.
However, you may want to consider a few things before you decide. These include but are not limited to the type of shoes, build quality, materials used, sole thickness, and others.
First, we’ll investigate how to pick the right aqua shoes for your child before reviewing the best water shoes for kids on the market.
Not in the mood for research and reading and just want to find out which is the best?
THE BEST WATER SHOES FOR KIDS
Our top pick is the Bigib Quick Dry Non-Slip Water Socks
- Super affordable
- Cute animal prints
- Comfy & Decent grip
Keen for all the info? Keep reading.
Water Shoes vs. Conventional Shoes
Water shoes, as you might imagine, are made for aquatic activities. Since standard shoes are stronger, sturdier and more resilient than your average water shoes, why not equip your kids with standard shoes when going to the beach?
First and foremost, the uppers of regular shoes tend to soak up water. The added weight might be problematic during activities.
Water shoes, on the other hand, are made of materials that don’t soak up water nearly as much. They’re lightweight and dry much quicker than regular shoes. Some water shoes are also machine washable.
Types of Water Shoes
You can group water footwear into water shoes, water sandals, and water socks.
Water shoes are the most common swimming and water-ready shoes. They resemble conventional sneakers, though they’re lighter and made of water-resistant materials. Usually, they’ll have rubber soles and mesh or fabric uppers. They also dry faster than sneakers.
Water socks are the lightest type of swimming footwear. You can bend them easily, while most of them can be completely rolled up to save space in the suitcase. They have thin rubber soles and thin mesh uppers. As to be expected, they’re not as sturdy as shoes but more flexible and far lighter.
Water sandals are sandals made to get wet. You’ll find flexible rubber soles and breathable tops of mesh, fabric, or polyester.
Best Water Shoes for Kids for 2023
In our opinion, the best water shoes in the kids’ category are the Bigib Kid’s Water Shoes.
These awesome beach shoes are super comfortable and dry quickly. The rubber soles offer excellent grip.
These highly affordable aqua socks are in fact very well made. You can roll them up for transport and throw them into the washer after a day at the beach.
Bigib offers these in a range of adorable animal prints.
Best Kids Water Shoes 2023 Comparison Chart
Below is our comparison chart of some of the best kids water shoes; which are mentioned in this article.
You can then read my kids water shoe reviews below featuring the best kids swim shoes that is currently on the market.
Brand | Price | Sizes | Features | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toddler: 3-10 Little Kids: 1-13 | Range of styles available for boys and girls Quick-Dry Non-Slip Flexible Can roll up | ||
 | Toddler: 1- 4 Little Kids: 4-8 Big Kids: 8-12 | Big range of styles available for boys and girls Quick-Dry Rubber sole Flexible | ||
 | Toddler: 7.5-10 Little Kids: 11-13 Big Kids: 2-4 | Styles available for boys and girls Quick-Dry Lightweight | ||
 | Toddler: 5.5-10 Little Kids: 1-13 Big Kids: 3-9 | Styles for both boys and girls Textile upper + Rubber outsole Anti-slip Drainage + quick-dry features | ||
 | Toddler: 6-10 Little Kids: 1-13 Big Kids: 4-4.5 | Styles for both boys and girls Rubber outsole Anti-slip Quick-dry | ||
 | Toddler: 4-10 Little Kids: 1-13.5 Big Kids: 3.5-4 | Styles for both boys and girls Rubber outsole Anti-slip Quick-dry | ||
 | Toddler: 8-9 Little Kids: 10-13 Big Kids: 1-7 | Styles for both boys and girls Rubber outsole Anti-slip Quick-dry | ||
 | Little Kids: 11.5-13 Big Kids: 1-3.5 | Styles for both boys and girls Rubber outsole Anti-slip Quick-dry | ||
 | Toddler: 3-10 Little Kids: 1-13 Big Kids: 4 | Styles available for boys and girls Quick-Dry Flexible and breathable Lightweight and slip resistant Polyester/Spandex with rubber sole | ||
 | Toddler: 8-10 Little Kids: 1-13 Big Kids: 3.5-6 | Styles for both boys and girls Breathable and durable air mesh Water drain Cushion outsole Synthetic Quick dry |
How to Choose Kids Beach Shoes for Your Child
There are several things to consider. These include waterproofing, materials, ease of use, and sole thickness.
Waterproofing
Water shoes should be as waterproof as possible. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t let water in at all. So, what’s the catch?
The materials should be water resistant, meaning they don’t soak up that much water when submerged. The less water the soles and uppers retain, the lighter the shoes will be and the more comfortable for your kid.
Materials
The most popular materials are synthetic, rubber, and textile.
Synthetic materials like polyester and more exotic materials are used for the uppers. These lightweight and hydrophobic materials are perfect for aqua shoes. Many of them are meshed to make the feet breathable and prevent excessive sweating and odor.
Textile is the most popular alternative for the uppers. It is the right option for kids who have sensitive skin or excessively sweaty feet.
Rubber is a popular material for the outsoles. Well-designed rubber soles can be very comfortable and grippy.
Ease of Use
Water shoes should also be easy to use. This means several things. First of all, they should be easy to get into, or they’ll test the patience of younger kids.
They should also be easy to get out of; however, they must not slip off on their own. Also, it is very convenient to have machine washable shoes. Finally, the best water shoes shouldn’t take up too much space when packed up for travel.
Soles Thickness
You should make your choice based on activity and setting. Also, you should factor in the age and activity level of your child.
For example, if you’re heading to a rocky beach and your child is an active, adventurous type, thicker soles might be in order.
On the other hand, aqua socks with thin soles might suffice for infants. Finally, thicker soles offer better protection, while thinner soles tend to be more comfortable and lighter.
Top 10 Kids Aqua Shoe Reviews
The list covers all the positive aspects and downsides of each pair of kids aqua shoes.
Here are the reviews of, in our opinion, the best kids water shoes.
If you also have a baby or toddler, we also have a page with the best baby and toddler water shoes here.
1. Bigib Barefoot Aqua Socks Review
Aqua socks are our pick for the best footwear for little kids during the scorching summer months. The Bigib Barefoot Aqua Socks are designed to be worn without regular socks. These are definitely very affordable water socks.
The Bigib socks are available in a range of cute animal prints for boys and girls alike. They feature soft fabric uppers and rubber outsoles. The uppers are equipped with overlays and have smooth neck lines. Soles are flexible and have a relatively good grip.
These socks are easy to slip on and take off. They’re also a tight fit, so you might want to go a size higher if your child has wider feet.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on these socks or click the button below.
2. Native Jefferson Water Shoes Review
The Native Jefferson Water Shoe is available in an array of color options in a solid two-tone. Size-wise, these cover 1 to 12 year-olds.
The shoes are made of odor resistant Vegan shock-absorbent rubber soles and flexible rubber uppers. The all-over perforations control temperature and allow airflow around the feet so feet don't get smelly.
The Native water shoes are made for both boys and girls and can be used indoors and outdoors. They fit comfortably around the feet and have been designed to be quick and easy to slip on and off.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on these water shoes or click the button below.
3. UBFEN Water Shoes Review
The UBFEN water shoes have an upper made of a diving material. The material means that the shoes are quick drying, can stretch, and have good breathability so your child won’t sweat too much in them.
The rubber soles provide perfect protection to the feet when walking on the rocks.
UBFEN offers these shoes in a wide range of colors for both boys and girls.
The water shoes are perfect for beach walking, volleyball, yoga, swimming, and water sports like snorkeling, weatherboarding, sailing, parasailing, boating and kayaking.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on these water shoes or click the button below.
4. CIOR Fantiny Water Shoes Review
If you’re after a pair of affordable and well-made beach shoes for your kids, you might want to take a look at the Fantiny Water Shoes by CIOR.
These kids’ water shoes have rubber outsoles with strategically placed drainage holes. The soles are supremely flexible, allowing you to roll up the entire shoe for transport. They also sport anti-slip design. The insoles are made of a soft meshed material that allows the feet to breathe.
The uppers are made of a lightweight mesh material and equipped with adjustable Velcro straps. They are soft and snug and there’s a strap for added convenience. And they come in loads of colors and designs as well!
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on these shoes or click the button below.
5. Centipede Demon Kids Water Shoes Review
If you’re after a pair of affordable and well-made beach shoes that are more of a water sock design then the Centipede Water Shoes are perfect.
These kids’ water shoes have ant-slip rubber soles that are flexible but also provide great protection from your child's feet being hurt when walking over stones or other sharp objects.
The shoes are extremely flexible, allowing you to roll up the entire shoe for transport.
The uppers are made of breathable, quick-dry material and have adjustable Velcro straps. They are soft and snug and come in loads of colors and designs as well!
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on these shoes or click the button below.
6. HIITAVE Kids Water Shoes Review
The HIITAVE kid's water shoes are made from diving material making them comfortable to wear.
The smooth neck design prevents scratching when wearing. It has a velcro strip making the shoes easy to put on and take off.
These shoes have ant-slip rubber soles that are flexible and provide protection when walking over stones or rock hopping.
The shoes are extremely flexible, allowing you to roll up the entire shoe for transport.
They are soft and snug and come in loads of colors and designs as well!
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on these shoes or click the button below.
7. Racqua Kids Water Shoes Review
The Racqua kid's water shoes are perfect for active boys and girls. They can be used for indoor play, beach activities, swimming, pool, yoga, walks, running, and various sports activities.
These water shoes are made with rubber soles and breathable, quick-dry fabric uppers. The soles are soft, flexible, and highly drainable. They also provide a good grip.
The best thing about these shoes is that despite the thick rubber sole they are still super flexible.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on these shoes or click the button below.
8. Quickshark Kids Water Shoes Review
The Quickshark water shoes for kids can be used for indoor and outdoor activities. They are great for playing on the beach, walks or running around. They are also perfect, for water sports like swimming in a pool or the sea
These water shoes are made with rubber soles and breathable, quick-dry lycra fabric uppers. The lycra fabric also helps keep the kids feet cool when wearing.
The water shoes have a velcro strap and hook on the back of the shoe making it easy to slip the water shoes on and off.
The soles are soft, flexible, and highly drainable. They also provide a good grip.
The best thing about these shoes is that they can fold up when transporting so they take up very little space in your luggage or beach bag.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on these shoes or click the button below.
9. JIASUQI Barefoot Aqua Socks Review
The JIASUQI Barefoot Aqua Socks are made for active boys and girls. They can be used for indoor play, beach activities, swimming, pool, yoga, walks, running, and various sports activities.
These aqua socks are made with rubber soles and polyester/spandex uppers. The soles are soft, flexible, and highly drainable. They also provide a good grip. On the other hand, they are sufficiently breathable and very soft. They’re 92% polyester with 8% spandex for flexibility.
The best thing about these socks is that you can fold them for transport and they won’t distort when unpacked. On the downside, the insole lining on these socks is not fixed.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on these socks or click the button below.
10. ALEADER Kid’s Dry Water Shoes Review
If your kid is very active and you want better protection than aqua socks, you’re going to need a pair of water shoes. The ALEADER Kid’s Dry Water Shoes are among the best in their class.
These shoes come in three varieties – slip-on, flexible, and Knit. All three, however, have the same mesh uppers and thick rubber soles.
The synthetic fabric offers unparalleled breathability. The soles provide good draining and excellent grip.
ALEADER offers these kids water sneakers in a range of colors that are suitable for both girls and boys.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on these shoes or click the button below.
Our Pick for the Best Kids Wet Shoes
The best water shoes for kids should be able to provide comfort, style, and function. All the shoes we have reviewed provides all three but if you are still undecided, we would recommend the Bigib Water Shoes. They are slip-resistant and provide comfort while they are running around.
Further Reading:
- After some more fabulous gear for travel? Click to see our favorite travel essentials.