Water shoes for kids - Recommendations

When it comes to safety and kids, you should never compromise. That is why a good pair of water shoes for kids is also a great investment, since they protect from sharp objects, provides heat and has UV protection. It is, however, important that they are comfortable so they are not too heavy or uncomfortable to wear for prolonged periods of time - especially as they fill with water.

The best water shoes for kids have a thick and flexible sole, that shapes itself after the surface the kid is walking on - no matter if it is the seabed, sandy beach or the tiles along the pool. This way, nails, or sharp objects can’t get into the foot.

Apart from this, they should always have a non-slip sole with a secure footing, so the kids can run around and play on wet surfaces without the risk of slipping.

To achieve this, you can get different kinds of water shoes:

• Fixed water shoe: These are often the cheapest. Here you get the benefit, that once they’re on - they stay on. This is typically more comforting with smaller kids, who can’t get them off without help. The disadvantage is that they can be clingy and heat up the feet if you are out of the water.
• Adjustable water shoes: These are typically the second cheapest. These can be adjusted over the strap or on the back, with a buckle or Velcro. This is typically preferred by slightly older kids, and gives some freedom to the adults, since it’s so easy that the kid can easily get them on or off by themselves. These won’t seem as clingy since you can adjust the firmness, but they can still get hot since they also have a closed construction.
• Water sandals: These are often the most expensive kind, but also the most popular. These are recommended for both the youngest and slightly older kids, especially on extra hot days during the summer, since the water sandals give the opportunity to air out the feet, and a less clingy fit.
• Bathing socks: These are not shoes, but more like a sock. So they don’t have a thick sole, and are made from a thinner layer of polyester. They won’t protect you from sharp objects like the shoes will, but they are very light and airy to wear. These are often used primarily to protect the feet from UV rays.