The upper material used to make beach shoes should be the first thing you look at, as this is where the shoes will be getting their water-friendly properties. You want a pair of footwear that will dry quickly so that your child is not running around with wet feet all day after having splashed in the water. The best materials for this will resemble mesh or neoprene and will be made out of synthetic fibers. Some makers use rubber which is another excellent option, as long as it allows for water accumulated in the shoe to be easily drained. Beach shoes with cut-out designs are an excellent choice because the extra airflow will provide a quicker drying time, as well as much needed breathability that can prevent the overgrowth of bacteria and formation of odors.

Secondly, the upper should be flexible enough so that it allows a good fit. Small children have chubby, sensitive feet, and constricting them can easily lead to painful blisters which you should avoid, especially if you are on holiday at the seaside. A flexible upper will provide a better experience while putting them on and will adapt to your little one’s feet to ensure they aren’t feeling any discomfort while exploring the world.

Another great feature to have is UPF protection that will provide safety from the sun’s damaging rays that can cause painful burns or even allergic reactions on sensitive skin. If you know that your toddler is sensitive to the sun, it is best to provide them with a pair of shoes that covers more skin, so as to make sure they stay safe throughout the day.

Finally, if you know that your child is going to be getting wet and spending a lot of time in shoes, you need to think about bacteria and odor control. Moist footwear can lead to the overgrowth of bacteria that can not only result in smelly feet but can damage the skin or aid the development of conditions, such as yeast overgrowth. It is crucial that your child does not spend a long time in wet shoes, and that the ones you choose for them are breathable and allow good airflow. In addition, you can look for models which have been treated with anti-bacterial treatments that can help prevent the problems we mentioned.

The outsoles need to do a lot of work, most of which is of a protective nature. A good outsole will be sturdy enough not to be punctured by items your child may step on, and it should stand the test of salty and chemically treated water which can cause problems with footgear that have been inadequately glued.

The first thing you need for the soles is for them to be non-slip, which can make a huge difference in their experience. Toddlers and little children are not only new to walking and running, but they tend to be clumsy and you need to be able to relax; knowing that the shoes they are wearing are not a safety hazard. Surfaces around swimming pools and fountains can be especially dangerous, with just one missed step leading to serious injury; so, you have to be certain that your child has a good pair of shoes that won’t have them skimming around like they are walking on ice.

Secondly, the sole will be the part which protects them from hot sand, rocks, and pebbles, which can sometimes even be sharp; anything found in grass or on the surface underfoot, twigs, and even sea urchins if you plan on visiting wild beaches. This means that a soft, flimsy outsole is out of the question if you know your child will be doing a lot of walking, or if you plan on visiting more than just the local swimming pool. Furthermore, children’s motion control is still low, so you need to be sure the outsole is protecting all parts of their feet, including their sensitive little toes. Many companies offer water shoes with raised toe bumpers which are a great choice, as they will provide a higher level of protection your kids will love. Even more, when choosing the next pair of beach footwear for your kid, make sure that you consider the heat the outsole can take, especially if you are going to be walking on hot sand and concrete during the summer months.

When thinking about a pair of these, you need them to be as practical and versatile as possible. Toddlers are not exactly known for their patience, and it is almost impossible to expect of them to change shoes every time they want to do a different activity. That’s why the pair you choose for your child needs to be versatile enough so that your little one is unbothered and happy. While some shoes may be excellent for swimming, you may find that they do not offer the protective features your child needs. Others that do well with rough surfaces may get too heavy when wet. Before making a purchase, think about the use you want to get out of your kid’s water shoes – will you be using them at a swimming pool, or at the beach, or maybe you want something to last you all summer and that can be worn every day? Do you go on lots of walks, and if yes, what sort of surfaces do you mostly walk on? These are all things you need to consider, and ideally, you will be able to opt for a shoe that will tick all the boxes for you and your child.

This criterion could have been the first one on our list, as we know that getting a pair of shoes on a child can be an absolute nightmare. Not only will they often be distracted, but even when they are fully concentrated on putting on their shoes, you may find that you are the one who has to do all the work. That’s why choosing a pair that is easily put on and removed is crucial, so that you actually get to use them.

Hook-and-loop closures are a well-known favorite among parents and kids, as they make this process much easier. You can choose a pair of shoes that either has a top or a back hook-and-loop closure, and this will allow you to easily get them on but, also, to adjust the fit as much as you need to. Some have more than one hook-and-loop closure, such as the Teva Tide, so you can rest assured there won’t be a hassle to put on and off, even after they have gotten wet.

Other types may offer stretchy fabric at the ankle and a pull tab that will ease the process of putting them on, but this may be a bit more complicated, especially once they are wet.

Toddlers are picky about what they wear and this, also, applies to their shoes. Some even go as far as to prefer not having any footwear on them when out and about. Of course, for safety reasons, this is impossible. So, it is your task as a parent to ensure your child is feeling as good as possible in the footwear you have chosen for them.

The level of comfort a pair will provide depends on the materials used; as well as, the type of construction. If possible, choose the shoes with the softest materials, without any stitching on the inside that could cause sore sports for your little one’s sensitive feet.

Furthermore, toddlers with wide feet can prove to be more difficult to fit, due to the fact that their feet can’t get into regular shoes. One thing you may be able to do is to go one size up, but this option is not an ideal solution. Instead, you can purchase shoes that are made out of softer materials that will stretch and adapt to your child’s feet more easily. Crocs are, also, a great option, as they make several types of fits; all of which are well suited for wide and chubby feet.

Another thing to consider is the construction and flexibility of the soles. A more flexible pair will have softer soles and will help your child develop their motor skills better than a chunky pair. However, the softer a pair of outsoles, the bigger the risk of your child hurting themselves in the case they step on a sharp or hard object. This is why it is best to consider the type of use you want to get out your kid’s next pair; then, make your selection, accordingly.

Despite being small and using very little material, children’s shoes tend to be quite expensive. With the rate at which your child grows out their shoes, it is very important to consider the price of your chosen item. A perfect pair will offer high quality and a wide versatility of use at a low price. However, this is very difficult to come by, so you need to look at ‘price-to-use’ ratios instead. If you want a pair of shoes that you will only use for one week while you’re on holiday, there’s no need to splurge and spend a large amount of money on a pair of beach shoes.

If, however, you live in a place that requires your child to wear water-friendly summer shoes on a daily basis, you may want to invest a bit more to ensure that your chosen footwear, actually, makes it through the end of the season. Some parents will opt for sizing up, in order to allow for some growth, which is always a good idea, as this way you know that you won’t have to be buying a new pair of shoes every couple of months. Some makers have even taken growth into consideration, making footwear which will facilitate some growth without becoming uncomfortable and hurt your little one’s feet.