Water Shoes for Youth and Children
Swimming in the ocean. Jumping in the river. Running through the sprinkler. Wherever there’s water, kids wanna play in it. And we say: yes, get in there, kid! Because if you ask us, getting dirty, wet and tired is the whole point of summer vacation. Most kids would just as soon go barefoot, but you know that sharp shells, pointy rocks, and other nasty surprises are always out there. (Remember when you were a kid and you stepped on a crab? Ugh.) Yeah, shoes are required.
With that in mind, we made sure a lot of our KEEN kids’ shoes are water-friendly. But how do you decide which pair will work best for your kiddo? We got you. To find their perfect pair of water shoes, choose the sentence that describes them best.
“My kid needs some sturdy outdoor sandals for family hikes, camping, and boating trips.”
Supportive and rugged, the Newport H2 sandal is well-ventilated and airy feeling (like a sandal should be), but it still protects their feet while they’re climbing, biking and otherwise doing their kid thing. The heavy tread rubber sole helps them get a grip when it’s slick or muddy. It has that roomy KEEN fit that lets them wiggle their toes while they play. And it loves water: rivers, streams, lakes, oceans, puddles, you name it!
“We took these water sandals on our trip to Hawaii and my 12-year-old daughter used them for kayaking and a mild hike through a forested area and they did great!” - Kiku in California
Pro tip: Your kid’s summer camp said they need to wear closed-toe shoes. Guess what: Newport sandals count!
Got a kid who’s constantly kicking off their sandals? The Seacamp sandal has a flexible, low-profile outsole for a barefoot feel. The streamlined shape also makes it great for paddle sports (like learning to SUP).
“This shoe is the perfect summer time shoe. It can handle hiking, water play, and running. My son loves them so much that he's wearing them in the winter... in Germany... 😩” - Rachel in Germany
Pro tip: The Seacamp has a slimmer, more contoured shape than the Newport. If the Newport feels too loose on their little foot, the Seacamp might be a better fit.
“My kid just needs an everyday summer shoe that can also get wet.”
We recommend the Stingray shoe. It’s made of molded EVA, so it’s super lightweight and cushiony, and it won’t get waterlogged when they decide to run through that fountain at the park.
“My little one is just learning to walk.”
For little guys and gals who are still getting the hang of this whole one-step, two-step thing, we direct parents and grandparents to the toddlers’ Seacamp II CNX sandal. It has a more contoured fit and a slim, low-profile outsole - those two things combine to help them balance. And when they get soaked by the sprinklers, it’s quick-drying!
“Good for running around at the park or the pool - quick dry and comfortable, plus a closed toe so my daughter can wear them to camp! Easily her favorite summer shoe!” - Dad of a very active 2 year old! in New Jersey