If your child swims every week, you’ll know how quickly swimming gear gets tested. We’ve been through several pairs of goggles over the years, and some have been frustratingly difficult to adjust, especially when you’re trying to get everyone ready before a lesson starts.
After putting the Arena Kids Swimming Goggles through their paces, here is my direct, no-nonsense breakdown of where they succeed and where they fall short based on real family use.
The Pros: Why We Own Multiple Pairs
We actually have multiple pairs of these goggles because, for the most part, they make swim training entirely hassle-free.
- Dead Simple to Fasten: One of the biggest advantages is the strap adjustment system. The release button makes it quick to loosen or tighten the goggles without wrestling with stiff rubber straps. Our kids can usually adjust them themselves, which means less time helping with equipment and more time getting into the pool.
- Grab and Go for Training: These goggles have held up well during weekly swimming lessons and training sessions. Once fitted properly, they stay comfortable and provide a good seal for everyday swimming.
- Tons of Variety: Arena offers a good range of colours and lens options, so it’s easy to find a pair that suits your child’s preference. Clear lenses work well for indoor pools, while tinted lenses can be useful if they swim outdoors.
- Easy to Clean: One feature I really like is that the lenses can be removed if dirt or grime gets trapped inside. It’s much easier to clean them thoroughly than many cheaper goggles where debris gets stuck around the edges.
- Unbeatable Price for the Quality: Considering the price, they’ve performed well. They aren’t premium racing goggles, but for regular lessons and club training they offer excellent value.
The Cons: The Reality of Design Trade-offs
While they are excellent value, there are two distinct design limitations you need to keep in mind before buying:
- The Single-Strap Dive Problem: The single strap keeps the design simple, but it isn’t quite as secure as a split-strap design. During normal swimming we’ve had no issues, but when the kids started practising dive entries, the goggles occasionally shifted or came off completely. If your child is focusing on competitive swimming and diving from the blocks, it’s something to consider.
- The Lens Reassembly Catch: Although it’s useful that the lenses can be taken out for cleaning, I’ve found they don’t always fit back together quite as neatly afterwards. If they aren’t clipped back in correctly, they can let in small amounts of water. It’s not a major problem, but it’s worth taking your time when reassembling them.
The Verdict: Worth It?
For everyday swimming lessons, school swimming and regular club training, I’d happily recommend these goggles. They’re affordable, comfortable and simple enough for children to use without constantly asking for help.
The only situation where I’d look at a different model is if your child is regularly practising racing dives, as a split-strap design tends to stay in place more reliably.
One extra tip: keeping a small bottle of anti-fog spray or anti-fog drops in your swim bag can make a noticeable difference. It helps keep the lenses clear throughout the lesson and means less stopping to rinse or wipe the goggles.
Overall, these have been a solid purchase for our family, and we’ve ended up buying more than one pair because they’ve been reliable for everyday use.
If you need a reliable, budget-friendly set of training goggles, grab them on Amazon here: Arena Kids Swimming Goggles.
