Best Water Shoes for Kids at Splash Pads: Tested and Ranked

Water shoes are one of those splash pad items that parents skip the first time — and regret immediately. Hot pavement, slippery wet concrete, and drainage grates are a recipe for burned feet and scraped toes. After one barefoot visit, most families never leave home without them again.

We've evaluated dozens of water shoes across four criteria to find the best options for kids at splash pads. Whether you have a wobbly toddler or an active eight-year-old, there's a pair on this list that will work for your family.

How We Scored These Water Shoes

Each shoe was evaluated on a Splash Pad Performance Score out of 10 across four criteria:

• Grip and traction — rubber soles that handle wet, smooth surfaces without slipping
• Drainage — how quickly water drains out so feet don't stay waterlogged
• Comfort and fit — secure enough to stay on active kids, comfortable enough to wear for hours
• Durability and value — how well they hold up through a full season and whether the price is justified

Splash Pad Performance Scores at a Glance

Splash Pad Performance Score by water shoe. Scores reflect grip and traction, drainage speed, comfort and fit, and durability and value. Higher is better. Scores are editorial opinions based on product research and testing — verify current models and sizing with each manufacturer.

Our Top Picks

1. Keen Newport H2 Sandal — Our Top Pick

Score: 9.5/10

The Keen Newport H2 is our top pick for splash pads without question. It's the shoe we'd put on our own kids first. The closed-toe design protects little feet from drainage grates and stubbed toes, the rubber sole has exceptional wet-surface grip, and the bungee lace system with hook-and-loop strap keeps it securely on even the most active toddlers.

What separates the Newport H2 from everything else on this list is the combination of protection and drainage. The mesh upper drains immediately and dries fast, while the toe cap handles the inevitable collisions with splash pad equipment. These shoes also hold up season after season — we've seen families use the same pair for two or three summers with proper care.

The price point is higher than most on this list, but the durability makes it excellent value over time.

Best for: All ages, especially toddlers and young kids who need toe protection. Our first recommendation for any splash pad family.

2. Merrell Hydro Junior — Best Runner-Up

Score: 9/10

Merrell makes some of the best outdoor footwear in the world, and the Hydro Junior brings that pedigree to water play. The M Select GRIP outsole is genuinely excellent on wet surfaces — noticeably better than most dedicated "water shoes" from brands that don't specialize in outdoor footwear.

The single bungee lace closure makes it easy for older kids to put on and take off independently, which parents appreciate after the fifth time helping at the splash pad. Drainage is fast through the mesh upper, and the footbed dries quickly between uses.

Our only note: sizing runs slightly narrow. If your child has wide feet, size up or try the Keen instead.

Best for: Kids ages 4 and up, families who want outdoor-grade grip and durability at a mid-range price.

3. Native Jefferson Child — Best Lightweight Option

Score: 8.5/10

The Native Jefferson is a cult favorite among splash pad and pool parents, and for good reason. It's lightweight, easy to slip on and off, and the EVA foam construction means it dries almost instantly. There are no laces, no straps, no fussing — kids can manage these independently from a young age.

We love the Jefferson for younger kids who resist shoe-wearing. The fun colors help, and the perforated design drains water as fast as any shoe on this list. The trade-off is protection — with an open design and no toe cap, it's not ideal for rough pavement or active running around equipment.

It's also one of the most washable shoes on the list — toss them in the washing machine and they come out like new.

Best for: Toddlers and preschoolers, kids who resist wearing shoes, families prioritizing quick on/off ease.

4. Speedo Surfwalker Pro — Best Budget Performance

Score: 8/10

Speedo knows water, and the Surfwalker Pro delivers solid performance at a price that makes it easy to buy a size up for next season without overthinking it. The drainage ports are well-placed, the rubber sole handles wet surfaces reliably, and the bungee closure keeps the fit secure during active play.

It's not as burly as the Keen or as refined as the Merrell, but for the price it punches well above its weight. We've seen these hold up through full summers with regular use, which is all you can ask at this price point.

Best for: Budget-conscious families, buying a spare pair to keep in the car, older kids who outgrow shoes quickly.

5. Teva Hurricane Drift — Best for Older Kids

Score: 7.5/10

Teva's Hurricane Drift is our top pick for older kids (roughly ages 7 and up) who want something that looks less like a "little kid water shoe." The open-toe sport sandal design gives it a grown-up aesthetic while the EVA foam sole and quick-dry straps handle splash pad conditions well.

The hook-and-loop straps are adjustable and stay secure, and the cushioned footbed is noticeably more comfortable than thinner options on this list. Drainage is good through the open design.

Our one caution: the open toe means no protection for smaller kids who tend to stub toes or catch feet on equipment. For older kids who move more deliberately, it's a great choice.

Best for: Kids ages 7 and up, families who want a sandal that works beyond just splash pads.

6. Nike Sunray Adjust — Best Brand Recognition

Score: 7/10

The Nike Sunray Adjust is the choice for kids who care about what's on their feet. It's a well-made sport sandal with reliable grip, quick-dry straps, and the kind of Nike aesthetic that older kids specifically request. It handles splash pad conditions capably without anything that makes it a standout performer.

Honestly, the Nike name does a lot of work here. The Teva Hurricane and Merrell Hydro perform better at similar or lower price points. But if your child insists on Nike and you want something that will actually work at a splash pad, the Sunray Adjust won't let you down.

Best for: Brand-conscious older kids, families where "cool factor" matters for getting shoes worn consistently.

7. Crocs Classic Clog — Most Controversial Pick

Score: 6.5/10

We include Crocs because millions of families use them at splash pads and they do work — we just want to be honest about the trade-offs. The ventilation ports drain water well, they're incredibly easy to put on and take off, and the cushioned sole is comfortable. They're also easy to find, inexpensive, and available in every color imaginable.

The issue is fit security. Crocs move around on feet more than any other shoe on this list, which means they come off during active play and can cause trips and falls on wet surfaces. The foam sole also offers less grip than dedicated water shoes on slippery concrete.

If Crocs are what you have, they're fine. We just wouldn't buy them specifically for splash pad use when better-performing options exist at similar price points.

Best for: Casual splash pad visits, kids who already own Crocs, situations where any water shoe is better than none.

8. Old Navy Canvas Water Shoe — Best Entry-Level Option

Score: 5.5/10

Old Navy's canvas water shoes earn their place on this list as the most accessible option. They're widely available, very inexpensive, and functional enough for occasional splash pad visits. Drainage is adequate, the rubber sole handles basic wet surfaces, and they come in a huge range of sizes and colors.

Where they fall short is durability and grip. The canvas upper takes longer to dry than mesh alternatives, the sole wears down faster than dedicated outdoor footwear brands, and the grip on very slippery surfaces isn't as reliable as higher-ranked options.

That said, for a toddler who will outgrow them in three months anyway, there's a real argument for spending less and sizing up more frequently. No shame in that math.

Best for: Tight budgets, very young children who outgrow shoes quickly, occasional rather than frequent splash pad visits.

Our Overall Recommendation

For most families, the Keen Newport H2 is worth every penny — especially for kids under 6 who are most vulnerable to foot injuries at splash pads. The closed toe, excellent grip, and multi-season durability make it the clear best-in-class.

If the Keen is out of budget, the Speedo Surfwalker Pro is our budget pick. It does everything a splash pad water shoe needs to do at a price that makes frequent replacement painless.

One final tip: buy water shoes a half size large. Kids' feet grow fast, and a little extra room means you'll get more than one summer out of a quality pair.

Quick Comparison

Planning your next splash pad visit? Check our Ultimate Splash Pad Packing List and Sun Safety Guide for everything else you need.