Osprey OSX Wetsuit Shoes Kids – Junior EVA Foam Aqua Water

Well done Osprey on that one!

I purchased this for my 9-year old, and to be used in cold UK waters, for walking mainly on rocky and sandy beaches, for playing in water-pools at the beach, and for bodyboarding/surfing.

Overall, we are more than satisfied:
1) The shoe fits well and is snug enough not to be lost when operating in the water, particularly in waves;
2) It is well articulated and its sole flexible (which is better when walking) and yet thick enough to cushion the sole of the foot. We also like the anti-slip sole (little rubber studs) and the extra padding from the removable inner sole (practical to dry the shoe faster);
3) The neoprene is of good quality and, at 2mm of thickness, warm enough for late spring to early autumn water temperatures. It also stretches nicely so that the foot can be slipped into it easily, whilst contracting about the foot for a comfortable fit. The fabric does not rub against the skin as with lesser quality products;
4) We like the velcro strap, which closes the fabric around the ankle;
5) The tip of the shoe/toes and the heel are protected with rubber recesses, which is good against impacts;
6) After a spin in the washing machine, the shoe dries quickly overnight.

3 minor caveats:
1) I found that the width of the shoe follows UK measurements pretty well (my child is an F), but its length is longer than expect (a size 2 feels more like a 2.5 or a 3). But, I wouldn’t worry about this, and it gives children spare space to grow into the shoe;
2) Some stitched seams unravelled in 2 very small areas, around the ankle. This can happen with other products, so I cannot judge if this is systematic for this brand. That said, we caught it on time and stitched it back without any problem. Those things happen, although I’d recommend that the manufacturer ensures that stiches are strong and properly knotted for what is a product that is used in aggressive conditions;
3) After a few uses, the fabric split a little over 3 cm around the big toe of one of the shoes. I wasn’t able to determine whether this was due to stress and a weak fabric, or a stress point in that particular shoe or our use of the product (maybe my child caught the shoe against a rock or a sharp object). So, I can only report the situation, rather than give an explanation as the origin of that damage. But, the shoe can still be used (the fabric is not torn) and will be repaired soon.

Conclusion: For the price, it’s a very good and satisfactory product, particularly if you’re planning to use it over the holidays and don’t want to spend on a more expensive brand.

Note: Rinse (with fresh water) and dry your shoes and inner soles separately. Don’t expose them to direct sunlight for long periods of time (e.g., when drying them), which degrades neoprene and rubber, and they will last longer!