July 14, 2026 — A recent incident report details a concerning experience with Sketchers 407011L sandals, sold as water shoes, which allegedly caused severe ankle injuries to a child after becoming wet. The incident highlights potential safety issues that consumers should be aware of regarding footwear designed for wet conditions.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident, reported on June 24, 2026, involved a pair of Sketchers 407011L sandals, specifically labeled as water shoes. According to the report, the consumer’s son wore the sandals, which had been purchased approximately one week prior. The shoes had been worn four times without issue before this incident. The problem arose when the shoes became wet. After getting wet, the sandals reportedly caused severe wounds to the child’s ankles, resulting in ulcerations, significant swelling, and pain. The injuries occurred suddenly once the shoes were exposed to water, indicating a change in their material or structural integrity when wet.
Safety Concerns
This incident raises several significant safety concerns for consumers, particularly regarding footwear marketed for use in wet environments:
- Immediate dangers: The primary immediate danger is severe skin injury, including abrasions, lacerations, and ulcerations. These types of wounds can be extremely painful, especially in sensitive areas like the ankles. Open wounds, particularly those sustained in potentially non-sterile environments (like outdoors or in water), are highly susceptible to bacterial infections. The reported swelling and pain also indicate significant discomfort, which can impact a child’s mobility and overall well-being.
- Long-term risks: Severe wounds can lead to scarring. If deep, ulcerations may require extended healing times and could potentially lead to chronic skin irritation or sensitivity in the affected area. Untreated or severe infections can also have long-term health consequences.
- Who might be affected: Children are particularly vulnerable due to their sensitive skin and activity levels. However, anyone wearing these shoes, especially in conditions where they might get wet, could be at risk. The incident suggests a potential design or material flaw that manifests when the product is exposed to water, which is precisely its intended use.
- Property damage potential: The incident report does not mention any property damage related to this product.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own Sketchers 407011L sandals or similar water shoes, please take the following actions:
- Immediately Stop Use: If you experience any discomfort, irritation, or skin injury from these shoes, especially after they get wet, discontinue use immediately.
- Check Your Product: Verify if you own the Sketchers 407011L model. Look for the model number typically found on the shoe’s tag, inside the tongue, or on the packaging.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you or your child has sustained injuries like those described (wounds, ulcerations, swelling, pain), consult a medical professional promptly to prevent infection and ensure proper treatment.
- Inspect Before Use: Before using any water-specific footwear, particularly for children, carefully inspect the interior and exterior for any rough edges, loose parts, or material defects that could rub or chafe the skin when wet.
- Report Incidents: If you or someone you know has experienced a similar incident with this product or any other consumer product, it is crucial to report it to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov. This helps authorities track incidents and identify potential broader safety issues.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to Skechers USA, Inc. directly to report your experience and inquire about their return or replacement policies.
Manufacturer’s Response
On July 1, 2026, Skechers USA, Inc. responded to the incident report. The manufacturer acknowledged the information and expressed regret regarding the customer’s reported negative experience. They stated that while their shoes are designed for comfort, style, and safety, footwear is subject to various conditions encountered in everyday use. Skechers confirmed they are in contact with the customer to arrange for the return of the shoes for inspection in an attempt to resolve the issue.
Skechers encourages anyone with questions or concerns about their products to contact them directly:
Skechers USA
1-800-746-3411 (Mon-Fri 6:00 am to 7:00 pm Pacific time)
Or visit their help center: https://www.skechers.com/help-center.html?url=HelpCenter/s/article/How-do-I-contact-Skechers-Customer-Care or use their Web Form: https://customercare.skechers.com/HelpCenter/s/contactsupport
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
Licensed to practice law ONLY in California.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.