Slip Resistant Shoes for Kids – PREVENT Your Kids from Falling Down!

Looking for the best slip-resistant shoes for kids? Whether your child is running through puddles or playing on wet playgrounds, slip-resistant shoes can make a big difference in keeping them safe. Kids are naturally drawn to wet and slippery surfaces—and let’s face it, they don’t walk around puddles, they leap into them! That’s why choosing shoes with reliable traction is essential. Slip-resistant shoes are specially designed to reduce the risk of falls by providing superior grip and stability. With durable rubber outsoles and thoughtful tread patterns, these shoes help your child stay on their feet no matter how slick the surface.

What Are Slip Resistant Shoes?

Have you come across terms like “slip-resistant,” “no-slip,” “anti-slip,” or even “slip-proof” shoes? You might be wondering what these actually mean—and whether they really work. Let’s clear something up right away: there’s no such thing as a magical “no-slip” shoe. As much as we wish we could give our kids superhero-level traction, no shoe can guarantee they’ll never slip or fall. However, some shoes are specially designed to greatly reduce the chances of slipping by offering better grip and stability—especially on wet or slick surfaces.

A young boy mid-air as he leaps into a puddle, sending water splashing in every direction.

How Can You Identify Which Shoes Are Slip-Resistant?

It can be tricky to spot slip-resistant shoes since most kids’ shoes aren’t clearly labeled that way. The good news? I’ve fitted countless pairs over the years and know exactly which styles offer the best slip-resistant outsoles—so you don’t have to guess. To know if a shoe is truly slip-resistant, start by taking a close look at the outsole—it tells you everything about how much grip the shoe offers, especially on wet surfaces.

  • Material matters: Rubber soles are your best bet for maximum traction. Always check that the outsole is made from rubber—not just any random material.
  • Flexibility counts: A soft, flexible outsole helps your child stay stable and balanced as they move, especially on slick ground.
  • Don’t skip the tread: One of the most important features of a slip-resistant shoe is its tread pattern. Look for shoes with finer, more detailed tread designs than what you’d see on regular sneakers. That’s where the real grip comes from.
When choosing shoes for your kids, avoid flat tread designs. Look for deeper, well-defined tread patterns—these grooves are key to providing better grip and making the shoes more slip-resistant.

The Best Slip Resistant Shoes for Kids – Prevent Slips and Falls

As a shoe fitter with years of experience, I’ve curated a list of the top slip resistant shoes for kids in 2025. These selections take into account safety, comfort, and style, ensuring that your child has the best footwear possible. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Uovo Sneakers. These waterproof and durable slip resistant shoes for kids will help keep your child’s feet dry and protected, even in rainy or wet conditions.

Waterproof sneakers for boys.
Waterproof sneakers for girls.
Fully waterproof sneakers for kids.
  • Order the shoe style Uovo on Amazon
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Bungee closure
  • Anti-collision and strong toe-cap
  • Slip-resistant outsole
  • Fully waterproof
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Chandler 2 CNX by Keen. These Keen durable slip resistant sneakers for kids provide a rugged outsole and feature a water-resistant membrane to keep feet dry and comfortable, even in wet conditions.

Waterproof sneakers for kids.
Waterproof sneakers for girls.
  • Order the shoe style Chandler 2 CNX by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Elasticized lace panel with hook-and-loop closure
  • Protective rubber toe bumper to protect your toes
  • Reverse Strobel construction provides a streamlined interior
  • Water-resistant
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Moab Speed 2 by Merrell

These Merrell durable slip resistant shoes are lightweight and provide excellent traction to help reduce slips and falls.

Merrell waterproof sneakers for girls.
Merrell waterproof sneakers for boys.
  • Order the shoe style Moab Speed 2 by Merrell on Zappos or Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Lace-up closure
  • Higher traction outsole provides grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces
  • Lightweight EVA midsole
  • Waterproof
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Mishansha. The Mishansha toddler slip resistant shoes are lightweight, flexible, and feature a non-slip sole, breathable upper, and secure hook-and-loop closure—perfect for keeping toddler feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions.

Waterproof shoes for toddlers.
Waterproof shoes for toddler boys.
  • Order the shoe by Mishansha on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Water-resistant
  • Non-slip rubber sole with convex texture pattern design provides excellent traction
  • Velcro closure with toggle lace
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

4. Agility Peak by Merrell. These water-friendly slip resistant kids’ shoes have a lightweight design that allows for easy movement, while the durable sole provides excellent traction and support on various terrains.

Merrell waterproof sneakers for boys.
Merrell waterproof sneakers for girls.
  • Order the shoe style Agility Peak by Merrell on Zappos or Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Toggle elastic lace closure
  • Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
  • Water-friendly
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

5. Targhee by Keen. These are the most durable slip resistant shoes for kids as they provide a rubber toe-box and feature a rugged, slip-resistant sole for excellent traction on wet surfaces.

Waterproof Keen sneakers for girls.
Waterproof sneakers for boys.
  • Order the shoe style Targhee by Keen on Amazon or Zappos
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • Adjustable bungee laces
  • Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
  • Super-resilient cushioning adds to their comfort
  • Waterproof
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

These shoes are fully waterproof to keep your child’s feet warm and dry, no matter the weather. Plus, they feature non-marking outsoles with M Select GRIP technology for excellent traction on any surface.

Reach Out for Personalized Shoe Recommendations

As a passionate shoe fitter, I understand that every child’s feet are unique, and finding the perfect pair of shoes can sometimes be challenging. Children’s feet grow rapidly, and their shape and size can vary greatly, making it essential to find shoes that fit well. If you have specific concerns or need tailored advice, I encourage you to reach out for personalized shoe recommendations. By considering the shape, size, and any specific foot conditions your child may have, I can provide suggestions that ensure a perfect fit and optimal safety.

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape

I created a virtual shoe fitting service service to help you accurately measure your child’s shoe size from the comfort of your home. In the guide, I walk parents through how to determine not just the exact length and width—whether narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide—but also whether their child has a high instep, which is key to finding the right fit.

Why Slip-Resistant Shoes Matter for Kids

Wet floors, icy sidewalks, and slick surfaces can quickly turn into hazards for active kids. That’s where slip-resistant shoes come in—they’re designed to keep your child steady and safe during all their adventures. Here’s how they help:

  • Reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls so your child can move confidently, even on slippery ground.
  • Help prevent injuries like sprains, bruises, broken bones, and even concussions.
  • Built to last, these shoes are made to handle rough play and everyday wear and tear.