Ensuring that your kids are ready for a day out on the boat is essential. if you don’t have the proper boat shoes, you know it will end up being a difficult day for everyone involved. The great thing about kids boat shoes is that they can also be worn out to dinner, for picture day at school, and for that next family BBQ when you all try to coordinate outfits. If you have been looking for the best kids boat shoes for both boys and girls, we have you covered in this guide.

What To Look For In The Best Kids Boat Shoes

The most important thing to look for in a kid’s boat shoe is the sizing. If the size is not perfect for your child, get ready to hear some complaining and maybe even a refusal to wear them. Once you have the sizing figured out, here are a few other things to keep in mind.

Laces

Does your kid know how to tie laces? A good portion of boat shoes come with laces, and this can become a part-time job trying to keep them tied. Make sure you consider the laces’ decision.

Color

Most people think of boat shoes as lighter color; however, many are navy and dark. The great thing about the darker boat shoes is that they will also hide the dirt a little better.

Non Slip

The idea of a boat shoe is that it has better traction on the deck of a boat. Of course, the boat shoes also need to look cute and be comfortable but make sure the bottoms of the boat shoes are actually going to be functional when it comes to keeping your kid on their feet.

Multi Purpose

Kid’s boat shoes are not always the most reasonably priced shoes on the market. Make sure that you can get some use out of these shoes and that you will be able to wear them to a few other locations than just the boat.

Top 10 Best Kids Boat Shoes in 2021

Now let’s take a look at the best kids boat shoes in 2021. We made sure that we had options for all budgets and all ages on our list. If you have more than one kid to purchase boat shoes for, this list should have you covered!

Best Kids Boat Shoes For Girls: Sperry Girls Lounge Away

The Sperry Girls Lounge Away is our favorite kids boat shoe for girls. With the Lounge Away, you are not going to have to worry about laces, the shoe is cute and comfortable, and it can be worn easily without socks. This is a classic pair of shoes for a girl to have, and it comes in a variety of little kid and big kid sizes. Sperry is a trusted name in kids’ boat shoes, so be prepared to see some Sperry choices on our list.

  • Great boat shoes for girls
  • Easy to get on and off
  • Light color will match with a variety of outfits

Best Casual Kids Boat Shoe: Hawkwell Kids Boys Loafers

If your kids are anything like ours, then the idea of a fancy and uncomfortable shoe will not sit too well. Luckily with the Hawkwell Kids Boys Loafers, you will get a comfortable and easy-to-wear shoe that does not have any laces to tie and can simply allow kids to enjoy wearing the shoe. If you want some color options to choose from, the Hawkwell shoes come in a few different color options.

  • Comes in a few different colors
  • Casual loking shoe
  • Easy to get on and off

Best Classic Kids Boat Shoe: Sperry Authentic Original

The Sperry Authentic Original kids boat shoe is the best classic boat shoe on the market. If you grew up around boats and spent your life in the coastal areas of NC, SC, or GA, chances are you have quite a few of these Sperry Authentic originals around. We love the classic look of this shoe and the fact that it matches with everything. If you don’t yet have a classic pair of Sperrys in your kid’s wardrobe, now is the time to add one.

  • The most iconic boat shoe
  • Available in a wide range of sizes
  • Premium pricing but holds up over time

Best Washable Kids Boat Shoe: Sperry Bodie Washable Sneaker

We all know that saltwater can do some damage to shoes. If you want a shoe that can be thrown in with your next load of wash, then the Sperry Bodie Washable Sneaker is a perfect choice. This shoe will have a slightly more casual look than some others on the market, but it cleans up so well after a wash. Expect to see the colors fade slightly over time, but that is fairly standard with the sun, salt, and kids shoes in general.

  • Holds up well after a wash
  • Salt stains will come off
  • Has a few color options and sizes for big and little kids

Best Peformance Kids Boat Shoe: Columbia Bahama PFG Boat Shoe

If you like more of a performance type shoe or have kids that are seriously into fishing and running around on the deck of a boat, than the Columbia Bahama PFG Boat Shoe is a perfect choice. This is a sleek-looking boat shoe that comes in some unique color choices for both boys and girls. The Columbia Bahama PFG Boat Shoe holds up quite well, and if you can convince the kids, this one works well as a hand-me-down.

  • Good quality boat shoe
  • High performance bottom
  • Comes in some unique color patterns

Best Toddler Kids Boat Shoes: Lonsoen Toddler Boat Shoes

Toddlers grow out of shoes so fast that they sometimes only wear them a few times before being sent to the back of the closet. What we love about the Lonsoen Toddler Boat shoes is that they are comfortable, come in a wide range of colors, and they are really fairly priced. If you have an event or just a really great outfit that you want your toddler to have kids’ boat shoes for, this is a perfect choice to consider. In addition, the non-slip base will help prevent some falls.

  • Very low pricing
  • Huge color selection
  • Non slip base to help prevent falls

Best Kids Boat Shoes Without Laces: Cherry Popo Loafers

If your child is not good at tying their own laces, the Cherry Popo Loafers are a great choice. Tying shoes is hard; we have all been there. However, when you have a shoe like this for your kids to wear, you can all save some time and frustration. The Cherry Popo comes in a wide range of colors. This could be a good choice for school in addition to the boat and even church.

  • Fair pricing
  • Comes in a wide range of colors
  • Very easy to get on and off, no laces

Best Rubber Kids Boat Shoes: Crocs Child Boat Shoes

You are either a fan of Crocs, or you are not. However, there is no denying the fact that the Crocs Child Boat shoes are a good choice for a day out on the boat. These shoes are unisex, come in various colors, and the rubber material makes them an excellent choice even if your child is heading in and out of the water. If a Croc falls off the side of the boat, just rinse it at the end of the day. This is the easiest kids’ boat shoe you will ever own.

  • So easy to take care of
  • Works for boys and girls
  • Comes in severl different colors

Best Big Kids Boat Shoes: Nautica Kids Spinnaker Boat Shoes

There is no denying the fact that little kid boat shoes are cute. However, the big kids need the performance. After all, the big kids are the ones doing the work on a boat. The Nautica Kids Spinnaker Boat Shoes hold up out on the water and for a day at school. We like the smart and classic look of these shoes. In addition, Nautica products hold up well over time. Take care of these shoes, and you may pass them down to the next sibling.

  • Great looking boat shoe
  • A bit cheaper than the Sperry
  • Works for school and a day on the boat

Best Cheap Kids Boat Shoe: coXist Boy’s Lace up Boat Deck Shoe

To be honest, we were a little surprised by the pricing of this coXist shoe. This kid’s boat shoe is one of the most affordable on the market, yet it looks like a high-end boat shoe. If you are in the market for something affordable that does not look cheap, take a look at the coXist. These are mostly offered in the toddler and little kid sizes. Color selection is limited, but for the price, it’s hard to complain.

  • Very fair pricing
  • Good toddler and little kid selection
  • Comfortable shoe

Conclusion

We hope you now feel like you have some great options for kids’ boat shoes. The Sperry name comes up quite often on our list, and they are indeed the leaders in this product category. However, companies like Nautica and Columbia also have earned their spot on the top kid’s boat shoe guide. Make sure you find something that looks good, feels good, and will help your kid feel comfortable the next time they are out on the boat.