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Summer is that time of the year when your toddler does everything he loves most and hates most: run and play with water outside and wear shoes!? The American Association of Pediatrics defend that barefoot is healthy for proper muscular development, just like good shoes are needed for protection outdoors! And because we know the little ones hate shoes, experienced moms lean on comfy, breathable, waterproof, and easy-to-wear water shoes for toddlers to make the most out of summertime.
☾ Related: How To Buy The Right Baby Shoes Size Online (Most times)
For each situation, there is a more appropriate type of water shoe to protect your toddler from blisters, cuts, and falls; to keep your little toddler boy’s feet comfy, cool, not smelly, and ready to go.
The Mood Guide Dinosaurs
There are a few amazing trusty brands in the market and some absolute mom’s favorites water shoes that keep the fun going summer after summer.
☾ Related: The Best & Cutest Water Shoes for Toddlers Girl
Your boy will likely outgrow his summer shoes by fall, so the least we expect is shoes that keep up at least until the end of the season, no matter what they are used for! So, we don’t feature shady disposable brands here, ok? Only the best water shoes for toddlers boy summer-approved by moms: breathable, comfy, resistant, quick-drying, non-slippery, and, of course, fun. As usual, from the quality and safety perspective, we don’t suggest anything our little Maya wouldn’t wear!
So pack up all the sharks, dinosaurs, bears, and trucks, and let’s find the perfect water shoes for your princess!
Closed-Toe Water Shoes for Toddlers Boy
Here are mom’s ultimate closed-toe water shoes for toddlers, from first walkers to marathon champions. From super-light aqua socks to be used in pools to super resistant, yet flexible, rubber soles waterproof shoes for rocky lakes.
i play. Blue Toddler Water Shoes For Summer
Photo from buybuyBaby
These aqua socks are non-slippery, have UPF 50+ sun protection, and do not use toxic dyes like formaldehyde and azo dye. A great option for little swimmers, because they are lightweight.
However, it’s less resistant than rubber soles water shoes, so if you have a very active toddler on a very rocky area, you may need a backup.
Sizes: 3 to 6
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i play. by green sprouts no-slip blue water shoes for toddlers
Photo from buybuyBaby
Also available in pink and aqua!
These water shoes are a more resistant rubber sole alternative to bare aqua socks.
They have quick-dry neoprene uppers and traction-engaging rubber soles. They are great for non-rocky beach trips!
Sizes: 4 to 9
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Speedo Toddler Tidal Cruise Toddler Water Shoes
Photo from Speedo
Also available in blue!
Speedo water shoes are one of the most wanted by moms!
From Speedo website: “Mesh construction delivers ventilation and faster drying time, while the easy slip-on design offers a secure fit.” And a lot of satisfied moms agree!
Sizes: 4 to 11
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OshKosh Shark Summer Water Shoes For Toddlers
These shark water shoes are a new arrival for summer 2021, but OshKosh quality mom’s old friend!
They have a comfy padded insole, an easy hook-and-loop strap, and are water-resistant! Also, they are machine washable!
Sizes: 4 to 12
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Little Kid’s Bare Steps® H2O Sneaker
Photo from Merrell
Available in 6 colors
Several moms put these shoes daily on their toddlers, especially on first walkers, even if there is no water involved!
Moms love the flexible soles, the ease of wash, comfortable insole, wide toe box, and breathable upper. Also, it’s made of recycled material and is quick-drying! So, there you go!
Sizes: 4 to 10 | Width: M and W
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Native Jefferson Water Friendly Vegan Slip-On Sneaker
Photo from Nordstrom
Has anyone asked for PETA certified vegan water shoes for toddlers?
Native Shoes are famous for having a comfy and ultralightweight EVA construction. They are shock absorbent, waterproof, odor-resistant, and come in more than 10 colors!
Sizes: Baby, Walker, Little Kid, Big Kid
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Lightweight Water Shoes for Hiking
Good toddler water shoes for hiking are designed to transition seamlessly from the trail to the water. In free translation, it means that you won’t have to negotiate a shoe change between snacks, dirty diapers, bugs, and carrier loads!
And what makes high-quality toddler water shoes for hiking? Quick-drying, grip soles, breathable, easy to wash, easy to put-on, closed-toes, and comfortable. What makes them extra special? Non-trace grip shoes, machine washable, and any technology that prevents stink.
Stride Rite Made2play® Phibian Sneaker Sandal
Photo from Stride Rite
Easy to put on, comfy on toddlers feet (we know how emotional they are), and very easy to clean!
Actually, they are 100% machine washable! Finally, the lining has antimicrobial treatment that prevents odor.
Sizes: 4 -10
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Columbia Techsun Wave Sandal For Toddlers
Photo from Columbia
One of mom’s favorites for outdoor play, little hikes, beach, and lake excursions.
The upper is mesh and leather, making it sturdy and breathable. The midsole is cushioned for comfort and no-traction rubber sole to keep everyone on their feet.
Real moms reviews are raving. They say the Columbia Techsun is easy to wash, easy to put on and off, no stinky, comfortable, and resistant.
Sizes: 4 – 7
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Get ready for the adventure ?
Disney Swim Trunks, $30
Keen Toddlers’ Newport H2 Water Shoes for Boy
Photo from Keen
Keen’s shoes are considered one of the best by moms. And these are the best-rated water shoes for toddlers on Keen’s website. And why moms love it?
They are: easy to put on, machine washable, quick-drying material, resistant, anatomically engineered to be comfortable, and the grippy soles are non-marking. Finally, they come in 9 fun different colors!
Sizes: 4 – 7
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Water Sandals for Toddlers Boy
They have pretty much the same use as closed water shoes, but they have a more open design and are more breathable. A few models are completely open sandals and others will have a closed-toe.
Adidas Altaventure Water Sandals For Toddlers
From the DSW website: “This sandal features quick-drying fabric upper and Velcro closure that offer sock-like fit and plush footbed that cradles her foot in comfort.”
The parent’s reviews confirm that they are really easy to put-on and very comfortable.
Sizes: 4 – 9
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Teva Hurricane XLT 2 Water Shoes For Toddlers
Photo from Teva
The Hurricane sandals are a cult for vegan footwear! The webbing is made from recycled plastic and it’s quick-drying. It features a soft heel-strap padding and a sole with even more traction than the previous version.
The insole is cushioned and they perform amazingly from light hiking to the playground to water activities! Besides, they come in 17 unique colors!
Sizes: 4 – 10
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Columbia Techsun Vent Sandal For Toddlers Boy
The Vent sandals get this name because they have vented soles to drain water. The synthetic leather upper is quick-drying, the midsole is cushioned, and the rubber sole has advanced traction.
The double velcro straps offer a better fit from narrow to wide feet!
Sizes: 4 – 7
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Keen Toddlers’ Stingray Sandals
Photo from Keen
Another major mom’s favorite, like pretty much anything from Keen’s!
And who can say it better than an active toddler’s mom?
“This is my 2-year-old daughter’s favorite shoes. Here is what we love about them in no particular order:
1. Quality in 30 days with everyday wear, the soles still look amazing, still lots of grip, the bed of the foot is just fine, no seams are broken, and the fabric-like material on top has not sun-bleached or worn.
2. Softness/ flexibility yet durable: She wears no socks with these shoes and has sensitive skin, they leave no marks. The sole of this shoe is incredibly forgiving. I am an advocate for barefoot and feel this does does a great job of protecting a foot but allowing feel.
3. Excellent toe protection
4. The colors are super fun.
5. She can put them on and off herself!
6. They do not stink when they get wet and dry multiple times.
7. The sole does not get overly slippery when she gets them wet so her foot does not slip around” Review by Kenna, on Keen.com, 08/11/20
Sizes: 4 – 10
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Waterproof Nike Sandals for Toddlers Boy
Nike Sunray Adjust 5 V2 Sandals for Toddler
Photo from Babyshop
For active princesses!
From the Nike website: “The Nike Sunray Adjust 5 is built to keep up with little ones in water, on land, or wherever adventure takes them. The quick-dry design has a strap on top and behind the heel to keep it from slipping off. Lightweight, flexible foam provides durable cushioning that lasts.”
Sizes: 2C – 10C
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Nike Sunray Protect 2 Sandals for Toddlers
From the Nike website: “Get your little ones outside in the Nike Sunray Protect 2 Sandal, featuring total toe coverage and outsole traction perfect for outdoor play. Hook-and-loop straps make on and off easy, while openings on top promote airflow when little feet get hot.”
Sizes: 2C – 10C
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What do you think?