Our verdict: You could pay a lot more for a grippier design, but if you want something to offer a bit of comfort and protection at the beach, or for splashing around in streams and ponds, you can’t really go far wrong here
Buy from Regatta (£20.00 £7.95)
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First impressions
The Regatta Jetty Aqua shoes look sturdy, well-made and comfortable. They were easy to get on and off, and with plenty of tread on the bottom, they look like they’ll make a decent all-rounder – perfect for a children’s shoe, in other words.
Fit
We’d recommend going down a size (at least!). Testing on a 10-year-old boy who usually wears size three, these were much too big – they felt more like you’d expect a size four or five.
Are they comfortable?
They were really comfortable on flat, dry land, and great for wearing around the edge of a swimming pool. However, once we took them into the sea they quickly filled with small pebbles and sand. Of course, this was quite likely because they were not true to size and therefore not tight enough, but without having the opportunity to test a range of sizes, it’s hard to make claims on that front.
Are they grippy?
With plenty of tread on the soles, we expected them to perform well on the grip front. And this was indeed the case until we got into the water. Disappointingly, though, once wet, the grip was seriously reduced, so probably not one for clambering over wet rocks. The manufacturer describes them as “slip resistant”, which feels about as far as you’d want to push it.
Are they easy to pack?
In terms of portability, you couldn’t ask for more – they’re very transportable and take up very little room. They easily fold up to shove into the side pocket of a bag.
Are they durable?
The thick rubber sole suggests that you’d get good wear from your Jetty Aqua shoes. The quality is good, as you’d expect from Regatta. Unless you’re using these on a very regular basis, I’d expect to grow out of them before they wear out.
Is there any toe protection for rougher terrain?
While there is rubber around the front of the toe, and at the heel, it doesn’t offer a great deal of protection, and as a parent, I wouldn’t feel confident in my child wearing these in more demanding environments.
Good value?
Regatta have a reputation for decent quality at an affordable price, and that’s exactly our view of the Jetty Aqua shoes.
Best suited for:
Days out at the beach.
Facts at a glance: Regatta Jetty Aqua shoes
- Range of sizes: Children’s 9 up to adult 6
- Range of colours: Black or Red/Blue Marl
- Sole: Lightweight TPR outsole
- Slip on? Yes
- Fabric: Nylon/elastane stretch fabric
Buy from Regatta (£20.00 £7.95)
For more options, check our our roundup of the best water shoes.
