The Overlooked Beach Item Your Kids May Appreciate More Than Toys Or Floaties

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You made sure to pack the beach toys, the sunscreen, the towels, and enough snacks for a week, much less an afternoon. But there's another item you may want to add to your packing list: water shoes. Also called beach shoes or aqua socks, these shoes might make all the difference between having a crying, uncomfortable child and a happy beachgoer. 

Natural bodies of water, like lakes or oceans, can be rocky and sharp. Thanks to their rubber soles, water shoes give little feet protection from cuts and scrapes that can happen from walking barefoot or in flip-flops as kids explore. They can also protect against stinging jellyfish or snapping crabs that can sneak up. Additionally, wearing water shoes gives kids more traction on wet and slippery surfaces, which might help them avoid falling or tripping. 

Finally, sand can be hot! It can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Unless you plan to carry your child across the beach at all times (along with the rest of your gear), water shoes may be a necessity. But why not just wear regular shoes? Wet sneakers and other types of daily shoes might harbor bacteria and fungi when they get soaked, since they aren't designed to dry quickly like beach shoes. Water shoes are typically made using a mesh design that lets water drain, or neoprene, which provides insulation for those cold beach days.

Whether your child will be wearing water shoes at the shore, the pool, or the lake, any type you buy should be designed to drain water, dry fast, and have a grippy sole for traction on slippery surfaces. The Centipede Demon Kids Water Shoes are a lightweight option that work well in many wet scenarios. "Versatile, can wear on the beach or in the water, keep your feet safe, easy to wash, and fit well," shares one reviewer. The shoes also come in enough fun color combinations that kids are sure to find a style they are happy to wear.

If your child might be navigating rockier terrain, you may prefer an option that has a thicker sole, like the Stelle Kids Water Shoes. This shoe has a substantial, almost sneaker-like bottom with extra coverage in front of the toes.  "These are great water shoes for a kid that wants to wade in creeks, play in streams, and generally be in the water all summer," says one buyer. 

Whatever shoe style you choose, make sure your child's feet can flex comfortably. Other options to increase comfort include ergonomic-friendly options, straps, and adjustable drawstrings to help keep sand at bay. Otherwise, you may be stuck with a pair of shoes your kid won't wear, turning a fun outing into a frustrating day. And after packing all that gear, the last thing you want to do is head straight home.