Summer is finally here and at Happy Little Soles one of our most popular summer styles is a barefoot water shoe or sandal. It used to be a difficult challenge to source a hard wearing barefoot water shoe. Fortunately we now have lots of options available to ensure plenty of choice for all feet, wherever you are going and whatever you are doing.
A water shoe is one that is designed to get wet during summer adventures. It is usually a sandal in design to allow for quick draining of water and rapid drying. It ensures that the shoe doesn't get heavy and absorb water following paddling and splashing about.
We are delighted that we now have a wide range of options that meet these criteria. New for this summer we have some great water safe barefoot adventure sandal options from Reima and Merrell alongside our favourite Pediped Sahara sandals and options from popular and reliable brands such as Bobux, Freet, Vivobarefoot and Slipfree. In this Blog post we are delighted to introduce you to our range and show you the wide variety of water safe barefoot friendly sandals in all fits, designs and sizes.
Pediped Sahara
No water shoe blog would be complete without a reference to the Pediped Sahara. This rugged yet lightweight and flexible sandal is perfect for paddling and wading on beach and river alike. Water-safe, machine-washable, super durable and above all comfortable the Sahara is not our best selling summer shoe for nothing! Available in a great range of colours it definitely earns its place in any holiday suitcase.
1. Pediped Sahara Sand 2. Pediped Sahara Pink Cloud 3. Pediped Sahara Grey Lime 4. Pediped Sahara Navy Blue
Reima Rantaan
Reima's new barefoot range includes the Rantaan water-safe sandal that is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. They offer barefoot comfort, protection, and performance in all wet and dry conditions. Designed as an everyday sandal that can also function as a water shoe, they have a quick drying mesh upper with light fabric lining and open sides to ensure free draining when used in the water. Their barefoot sole unit is zero drop, 4mm thin and is lovely and flexible. It is a medium width with a good shape to the toe box. They have a removable 4mm insole but are fine to wear without the insole to increase the barefoot experience and get more ground feel.
1. Reima Rantaan Water Sandal Berry 2. Reima Rantaan Water Sandal Violet 3. Reima Rantaan Water Sandal Turquoise 4. Reima Rantaan Water Sandal Navy
Merrell Hydro Quest
A water-friendly sandal from Merrell Barefoot, based on the popular kids Trail Glove trainers. The Hydro Quest has the same barefoot sole unit as the trainers with a more open design. Perfect for all summer activities, this sandal offers super grippy wet and dry traction while the thin and flexible zero-drop sole offers a great barefoot feel. The Hydro Quest is made with a quick drying, water friendly vegan mesh upper with neoprene lining. There are two velcro closures to give a good adjustment and offer a great fit for different feet. The sole remains the same thin and flexible zero drop Merrell kids barefoot sole unit. It is 5mm thick sole with a 3 mm lug and overall 8mm stack height.
1. Merrell Hydroquest Sandals Grey Black 2. Merrell Hydro Quest Sandals Purple Pink
IGOR Nemo Jelly Shoes
The Igor Nemo Jelly Shoes are the perfect addition to your summer footwear collection, offering a stylish and functional barefoot jelly sandal that is designed to be water-safe. These sandals are ideal for beach days, poolside lounging, or any summer adventure. Made from soft and flexible rubber, the Igor Nemo sandals feature a zero-drop sole with a 4mm stack height, promoting natural foot movement and barefoot comfort. With a medium to wide fit, they provide ample toe space and a secure fit for all-day wear.
1. Nemo Jelly Pink 2. Nemo Jelly Green 3. Nemo Jelly Blue 4. Nemo Jelly Yellow
Freet Zennor
The Freet Zennor has been a great addition to the water shoe range. Designed as an open shoe/sandal hybrid it is water safe and hard wearing whilst having impeccable barefoot credentials with a zero drop and super flexible sole. Available in both Junior and Adults options.
1. Freet Juniors Zennor 2 Sandals Black 2. Freet Juniors Zennor 2 Blue
Bobux
The range of water sandals from Bobux has increased year on year as they grow in popularity. Bobux offer water safe options on the all sole units, including the Summit which is the most barefoot option and on the narrower fitting Play sole unit. This gives a great option for those too narrow for the wider fitting Sahara and Freet. All of their other sandals are on the medium width i-walk sole unit and come in a range of colours and designs. Tropicana is an innovative new sandal in the Quick Dry Collection from Bobux. They are made from a unique fast drying leather that can be exposed to water without marking and dry fast to keep feet comfortable. An ideal sandal for all kinds of summer play.
1. Bobux Summit Sandals Forest 2. Bobux SU Tidal Sandal Navy 3. Bobux Tidal Sandal Orchid 4. Bobux Tropicana Sandals Radiant Raspberry
Slipfree
Slipfree is a brand of fantastic pool and swim shoes designed to protect against slipping for use around indoor and outdoor pools and on the beach. They are made from a high-tech fabric to protect feet on hot sand and rough surfaces while allowing for comfortable movement with a thin and flexible sole – ideal for barefoot wear. They are now available in a range of sizes to fit the smallest feet right up through junior and adult sizes and in a great range of colours and designs.
See the full range of Slipfree here.
Vivobarefoot Ultra
Last, but no no means least, there is the ever popular Vivobarefoot Ultra. A barefoot alternative to Crocs and a quick drying practical option for the summer. The light weight design and ultra-thin puncture resistant sole protects little feet whilst the open, seam free, construction keep them cool and comfortable whilst protecting the toes and ensuring they are suitable for everyday use.
1. Vivobarefoot Kids Ultra Bloom Ocean Wave 2. Vivobarefoot Kids Ultra Sunrise 3. Vivobarefoot Kids Ultra II Dusty Green JJF 4. Vivobarefoot Kids Ultra II Glacial Green
