The Best Swim Shoes for Kids – Stop Blisters and Foot Infection
Are you searching for the best swim shoes for kids that can handle pool days, beach trips, and everything in between? The right pair of swim shoes will protect your child’s feet from sharp objects like seashells, rocks, and even hot sand, while offering the comfort and flexibility they need to move with ease. I’ll introduce you to top-rated swim shoes that are perfect for wearing in or out of the water—designed to prevent blisters, foot infections, and slips, all while supporting your child’s growing feet.
Preventing Blisters and Infections
Swim shoes help prevent blisters by reducing friction between the foot and rough or sharp surfaces. Additionally, they provide a barrier against harmful bacteria and fungi that can cause infections. Children are particularly susceptible to these issues due to their more delicate skin and immune systems.
Can the Swim Shoes that I Recommend Fit Children with Wide Feet?
Absolutely! The water shoes I recommend are designed to accommodate a variety of foot shapes — whether your child has medium, wide, or even extra wide feet. Simply check the description below each shoe to find the best fit for your child’s unique foot shape.
The swim shoes I recommend stay lightweight in the water and dry quickly once your child is out. Made from durable, water-resistant materials with grippy rubber outsoles, they offer excellent traction and protect your child’s feet from sharp or slippery surfaces. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Swim Shoes for Kids in 2025
Aqua Socks: Centipede. These swim shoes for kids are designed with an open mesh upper for breathability and quick-drying capabilities. They are made with a flexible and super-cushioned sole design that offers protection and comfort.
- Order the water shoe by Centipede on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Thick rubber sole provides good traction and protection for toddlers during all aquatic adventures
- Adjustable velcro closure and heel pull tab make these water shoes a breeze to put on and take off
- Quick-dry body allows your toddler’s feet from drying quickly.
- I suggest that you get this water shoe a whole size bigger than your child’s current foot size
Water Shoes: Merrell Barestep. These water shoes for kids can be worn in the ocean or the swimming pool. They will protect your child’s feet against unseen, sharp underwater objects.
- Order the shoe Bare Steps H2o by Merrell on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Extra wide toe box gives wiggle room to growing toes
- Convenient alternative closure for a snug fit and easy on/off
- M Select GRIP for flexible, non-marking traction
- I suggest that you get this water shoe a half size bigger than your child’s current foot size
Aqua Athletic by CIOR. This is a lightweight, quick-drying water shoe designed for active kids. It features a breathable mesh upper, a cushioned insole for comfort, and a durable rubber outsole that provides excellent traction on wet surfaces—perfect for pool play, beach adventures, or water parks.
- Order the shoe Aqua Athletic by CIOR on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- EVA material sole with rubber pods provides an exceptionally lightweight midsole with excellent bounce-back and durability
- Breathable insoles with holes also made of soft EVA materials help absorb shock
- Excellent traction
- I suggest that you get this water shoe a half size bigger than your child’s current foot size
What I love most about these swim shoes is their incredible versatility. Even if your child doesn’t enjoy changing shoes throughout the day, these can be worn from the beach to the boardwalk without a problem. They dry quickly, stay fresh, and don’t develop that unpleasant smell other wet shoes often do. Plus, they come in a wide range of fun, vibrant colors your kids will actually want to wear!
Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations
If you’re still unsure about the best swim shoes for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out. As a passionate shoe fitter, I’m here to provide personalized recommendations based on your child’s specific needs and foot conditions.
Finding the Right Shoe Size Online
Ordering shoes online can be tricky, especially when determining the correct size. That’s why I’ve created a virtual guide to help you find the perfect fit for your child. This resource provides step-by-step instructions to measure your child’s feet accurately at home.
Swim Shoes for Kids – Protect Your Kids’ Feet!
Why is choosing the right pair of water shoes so important for your child? The right water shoes allow your child to move freely and comfortably—even on hot sand or slippery rocks. They support fast, smooth motion and reduce the risk of slips or injuries. More importantly, they provide essential protection to keep your child’s feet safe, healthy, and ready for endless water play.
Do Crocs and Natives Qualify as Water Shoes?
No, they don’t. While Crocs and Natives might be popular choices for casual wear, they do not offer the necessary support and protection required for swim shoes. They lack the secure fit and traction essential for safe water play.
If you’re fed up with flip-flops that trip your child or Crocs that slide right off, it’s time to consider a better alternative—water shoes. These are a must-have for active summer days. Unlike everyday sneakers that stay soaked and take forever to dry, water shoes are designed to dry quickly and protect your child’s feet. Letting your child run around in wet sneakers can soften the skin and lead to painful blisters and other foot issues. Water shoes keep their feet supported, safe, and ready for adventure.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.