Merrell Unisex-Child Bare Steps H20 Water Shoe Review
The Merrell Unisex-Child Bare Steps H20 Water Shoe is designed specifically for active little feet that love water adventures. With a striking dark blue and green color scheme, these shoes not only look great but are also packed with features that make them an excellent choice for your child.
This shoe promotes healthy foot development thanks to its extra-wide toe box and rounded edges on the outsole. The clever design ensures that your child's foot can grow naturally while providing the support they need during playtime. Additionally, the water-friendly upper and linings mean that splashes and spills won't be a problem. Cleanup is easy too; these shoes are machine washable!
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Features
- Water-friendly upper and linings for aquatic activities
- Alternative closure for easy on/off
- Extra-wide toe box and rounded edges for proper foot development
- Footbed made from 10% recycled EVA
- Outsole composed of 20% recycled rubber
- Multi-directional flex grooves in the outsole for maximum flexibility
- Non-marking outsole with extra grip
Pros
- Comfortable fit that supports natural foot development
- Easy to clean due to machine wash capability
- Environmentally friendly materials used in construction
- Excellent grip for slippery surfaces
- Quick on/off design enhances usability
Cons
- May not offer enough arch support for some children
- Color options are limited
- Sizing may run slightly large, requiring careful selection
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Merrell Bare Steps H20 | KEEN Newport H2 | Adidas Terrex CMTK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-Friendly | Yes | Yes | No |
| Recycled Materials | 10% EVA, 20% Rubber | No | 15% Recycled Polyester |
| Closure Type | Alternative Closure | Hook and Loop | Lace-up |
| Toe Box Width | Extra-wide | Standard | Narrow |
Detailed Review
The Merrell Unisex-Child Bare Steps H20 Water Shoe stands out in the market of kids’ footwear, particularly for water activities. Its focus on comfort and practicality makes it a go-to choice for parents looking for reliable shoes for their adventurous children.
In terms of comfort, the extra-wide toe box allows young feet to move freely without being cramped, which is essential for healthy foot development. The multi-directional flex grooves provide freedom of movement, making it easier for kids to run and play without feeling restricted. Parents can appreciate how the non-marking outsole offers stability and traction, giving children the confidence to explore various terrains.
On the environmental side, it's commendable that Merrell has incorporated recycled materials into the shoe's design. This aspect does not just add to sustainability efforts but also shows an awareness of modern consumers who value eco-friendly choices.
One potential drawback is the lack of significant arch support, which some children may require, especially if they have specific foot conditions. Furthermore, while the alternative closure method is convenient, it may not suit every child’s preference compared to traditional laces.
Overall, the Merrell Unisex-Child Bare Steps H20 Water Shoe is an outstanding option for kids needing a water-friendly, flexible shoe that prioritizes comfort and foot health. Despite some minor downsides, its many advantages make it worth considering for any parent.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Excellent comfort with wide toe box, minimal restrictions. |
| Durability | 4/5 | High-quality materials ensure long-lasting wear. |
| Design | 4/5 | Attractive colors and practical features for active kids. |
| Value for Money | 4.5/5 | Good price for quality build and eco-friendliness. |
| Fit | 3.5/5 | Sizing can run large; careful selection advised. |
User Reviews
We love the Merrell brand for our toddlers. Wide toe box leaves room for growth. The sizing is definitely generous compared to other brands which is great. The sole is durable, but flexible which is great for growing feet. Mine have sweaty feet so we love these for the spring-fall and bonus, they are machine washable and clean up so well. These will be passed down for sure
I can't speak highly enough of these shoes. They are classic high quality Merrell. They are so easy to slip on and off. The soles are incredibly supportive. My daughter's feet are secure in these because of the straps across the foot and around the ankle. I love that the ankle strap and straps across her feet can adjust as she grows. The velcro is so strong too! We live pretty minimally and frugally, but I wanted a high quality supportive and versatile summer shoe and these are perfect. They are so cute, people keep commenting on how cute her shoes are. They are worth the price tag in my opinion.
I keep buying these shoes because my son loves them and they are super comfortable. We don't even use them only as water shoes because we live in warm climates so we use them for hikes, bike riding, running around, and pretty much everything and they never fall apart nor make my son's feet feel sweaty or stinky. I will buy thousands more 😄😍
My daughter has had wide feet from the get-go and we have not been able to find shoes for her that fit properly for months. These were the best find for a solution for her. Straps are very easily adjustable with the Velcro. Shoe is leather in the straps and a nice footbed with a nice width. Overall a great value for the price/quality. They have held their quality and held up to high activity and lots of running. I will definitely be buying these in more colors & sizes as she grows out of them.
These are super comfy and cute for our toddler boy. Love that they are Velcro at the back and really easy to adjust to growing feet!
These fit well, my daughter is able to walk in them easily. They are not too bulky. I chose this shoe because it is a “barefoot” shoe, so much better for development. She goes into water with them (sprinkler not fully submerged) and they’ve held up well all summer. I’d recommend!
These check all the boxes for me, flexible soles and wide toe box (both very important for foot health), durable soles, comfy straps, velcro for easy on and off, and they’re cute! My only complaint and why I docked a star, the inner sole material wore down extremely quickly, like less than a month of having them and they look much, much older.
We love love love these shoes. They are the most flexible shoes we have. Great quality, light weight, with great traction, breathable… the list goes on. We have ordered our 3rd pair and sad that we are going to be growing out of the available sizes very soon. Please make these in every size