Editor’s Note: This post has been updated and revised for accuracy on April 2022 and reflects an up-to-date selection of the best swim shoes for kids.
Have you been looking for a pair of shoes that your child can wear inside the swimming pool or the ocean? Swim shoes are specially designed to be worn inside the water, and they will protect your kids’ feet against sharp objects like seashells or rocks. They will also protect your kids’ feet when walking on hot sand. The swim shoes described in this article are specifically designed to be worn inside or outside the water.
What type of shoes does your child normally wear during the summer? If you are tired of the trippy flip-flops and Crocs that make your child more prone to falls and injuries, then you need to provide your child with a pair of water shoes. Don’t let them use their everyday sneakers to play during the summertime since they take forever to dry out when they get wet. This will make your child’s skin softer and more prone to developing issues such as blisters.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes
I have been working for a specialized children’s shoe store for over 10 years now that focuses on children with foot and leg problems, but we provide regular shoe fittings as well. I am familiar with which shoe brands and which shoe styles are better than others.
Worried about your kids’ shoes becoming all soggy and wet when your child is playing in the water? Looking for the most comfortable water shoes for your child? Look no further, I will provide you with a selection of the best swim shoes for kids that I have fitted before.
The swim shoes for kids that I recommend won’t become heavy once they get submerged in water and they will dry out quickly when your kid leaves the pool. The best water shoes for kids are made of extremely durable and water-resistant materials, with a rubber outsole that will provide maximum grip in wet conditions and protect your kids’ feet against objects as well.
Kids’ swim shoes come in a very large variety of styles, whether you’re looking for slip-on shoes ideal for a day at the beach or lace-up water sneakers.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at a selection of the best swim shoes for kids. Keep in mind that all water shoes run extremely large, so you will need to order a half a size smaller than your child’s foot size.
The Best Swim Shoes for Kids – The 3 Top Choices!
Choice #1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Are you looking for swim shoes for your kids that will make their swimming experience so much more pleasant and comfortable? Below you can find one of the most popular pairs of swim shoes for kids, designed specifically to fit the swimming needs of your child. The insole of these shoes will feel very soft on your kid’s feet since it is very skin friendly and doesn’t cause itching or irritation.
This water shoe can fit children with medium or wide feet.
With an eye-catching and attractive design and a variety of color options, this pair of shoes will surely be loved by your kids as well. The perfect pair of swim shoes is ready to be brought home and worn by your child.
Choice #2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The next style I describe has a very soft and synthetic sole and is one of the most durable among kids’ water shoes. This water shoe style has an outstanding range of features and is highly likely to become your kid’s favorite.
This water shoe can fit children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet.
These unique swim shoes have an innovative feature by having a thermoplastic rubber outsole, which works in wonderful ways by offering water management and flow dispersion. This resists the hot ground from harming your children’s delicate feet and gives them protection from sharp objects as well.
If you are concerned about the saltwater of the beach harming your kids’ feet, you can stop worrying now. Sit back and relax at the beach while your little ones enjoy the summertime by wearing these magical pair of shoes.
Choice #3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The third style that I recommend is perfect for a day spent beside the pool or at the beach. Coming at a very budget friendly and economical price, these shoes are a definite for your kids. They are very durable and long lasting which means the material will not break down easily. Your child will definitely outgrow these shoes before they wear them out. This product is designed to revolutionize your child’s underwater experience.
This water shoe can fit children with medium or wide feet:
What I love the most about these shoes is how versatile they are. Even if your children don’t like switching shoes, they can wear these all day long because they dry up really easily. They won’t start smelling either. These shoes come in a large variety of colors that are eye-catching and exciting for kids.
These are the top 3 swim shoes for children in terms of support, comfort, and durability. I have fitted all these 3 styles and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
If none of these shoes are available in your child’s shoe size or if you need the shoes to be made of a specific color don’t hesitate to email me at:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Swim Shoes for Kids – Protect Your Kids’ Feet!
Why is it so important to choose the right pair of water shoes for your child? Water shoes facilitate fast motion and will help your child run comfortably even on the sand. Their movement will be smooth and unhindered in these shoes. Protective footwear is critical for water play to keep your kids’ feet healthy.
The water shoes that you decide to purchase for your child must be fitted properly to prevent your child from getting blisters and foot infections.
Water shoes are a needed piece of equipment for swimming as well as for different water sports, which include scuba diving and even sun bathing. Even a casual day at the beach calls for wearing proper water shoes.
Are You 100% Sure of Your Child’s Foot Size? – Let’s Find Out!
I always recommend parents to take their children to their local fitting children’s shoe store that they trust, the issue is that most fitting stores have been closing down and parents need to end up buying their kids’ shoes online. There is nothing wrong with this, but you must know your child’s exact foot size to know what size to order.
I created a resource that showcases the best fitting children’s shoe stores by state:
The Best Kids’ Shoe Stores In The United States – Where To Go For Proper Fittings
If after looking at that resource you still can’t seem to identify a shoe store in your area, then proceed to take a look at an article I created that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
In that article I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.
Water Shoes for Kids – Choose Them Wisely!
I will definitely give you the go-ahead and recommend you pick up any of the shoes from the above and try them for your kids. Skim through the best choices of water/swim shoes available in the market and try to lay your hands on something that you completely trust.
I have fitted all of these styles and I can guarantee to you that they are made out of the best quality and they provide the best fit. I have given you suggestions for all the trustworthy swim shoes, but the final call is yours.
A lot of parents have asked me about Crocs and how safe they are for their kids’ feet. I actually wrote a post where I explain the advantages and drawbacks of providing your child with a pair of Crocs. Go to the link below:
Crocs for Children – Is Your Child in Danger when Wearing Crocs?
Click on the image of the water shoe that will suit your kids’ needs better! Remember, that they all serve different purposes, from fitting a wide foot, to having an adjustable strap, to drying faster, so choose them carefully!
Is there a particular water shoe style that has worked well for your child’s feet? Please share your findings in the comment section below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
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Hi Juan,
The Sunville toddler’s shoes would be my #1 choice. Like you, the adjustable strap at the back is a great idea. My son is 2 1/2 years old and he loves swimming but it can very stressful worrying about him slipping around the pool area, not to mention infection.
It looks like #3 shoes also have the strap at the back. I need to check out sizes. Unfortunately I don’t think they deliver to S.E. Asia and if they did it might be a bit too expensive?
Unless I can find similar over here.
Craig,
Thank you for stopping by. The adjustable strap makes a huge difference when it comes to keeping these shoes on. The strap also allows the shoe to hug the foot, allowing your child to feel more secure and stable when swimming or when running around the swimming pool.
Well said, couldn’t put it better myself – Flip-flops & regular sports shoes take a lifetime to dry up, lol..
Who has time for that?
I’d not only get these type of shoes for my kids but myself as well if possible – They’re very affordable & protect feet well.
Henry, great points! I think it is important for summer shoes to be able to dry quickly, that way our kids’ feet can stay dry and healthy. Parents tend to like choice #1 and choice #3 because of the fact that they come with an adjustable strap.
Interesting post! I normally buy my kids swim shoes in the summer for use at the splash pad or at the beach. It helps protect their feet from rocks, bee stings, slivers, etc. while having fun in the water. One thing I have noticed is that if I go with the same size as their shoes, they are too loose and fall off easily, causing tripping. I normally go a size smaller on water shoes. Is this what you would recommend as well?
Sarah,
You are 100% correct. When it comes to water/swimming shoes, you should always get a shoe size smaller of what they actually measure since these type of shoes tend to run extremely long. Kid swim shoes can provide a lot of benefits like the ones you mentioned above, but if we don’t get our children the right shoe size, then we will end up compromising their stability and causing problems. Thank you for sharing Sarah!
This is actually a really cool article. I have a three year old, and we go swimming all the time. Although he can’t quite swim yet, he loves getting his feet wet. He has very sensitive feet, however. They seem to chafe quite easily. Is there a pair that you recommend that would solve this issue?
My preferences are option #1 and option #3 because they come with an adjustable strap that will hug the feet, providing the child with more stability and control over how tight he/she might like the shoes. Another advantage is that they will dry quickly, that way they won’t compromise your kids’ sensitive skin.
I have never actually thought too much about shoes for swimming/water sports, but everything you’ve described makes a lot of sense!
I love the fact that it would make walking in the swimming area safer and if on holiday, the hot sand wouldn’t damage their feet and sensitive skin!
I think number one would be my first choice. I like the toggle adjustment and it looks more appealing, although totally agree that the colour popping fabrics of number 2 would probably call out to children as their choice!
It’s definitely something I would consider for my children, especially if we were going abroad somewhere!
Jess,
You actually make a very good point that I forgot to mention in my post. These type of shoes will protect our kids’ feet from the hot sand! Specially since children tend to have sensitive skin. Thank you for sharing!