The 8 best sandals which are safe and comfortable for your little one, plus stylish too

Selection of kids' sandals

by Laura Healy |
Published on

It's great, as adults, when you can finally pack away the welly boots and socks and wear your favourite sandals, but kids don't always seem to be as keen. Often, children prefer closed toe shoes to sandals for a variety of reasons, but are sandals even good for little ones' feet?

Tim Payne, Managing Director of retail at Charles Clinkard, a footwear retailer says, "wearing sandals is generally good for children's feet, especially in hot weather. Sandals allow feet to breathe, reducing the risk of overheating and fungal infections." However, he does add that "it's important to balance sandal use with wearing more supportive, closed-toe shoes, particularly for activities that involve running, jumping, or other strenuous movements.”

It is true that children seem to trip more when wearing sandals or jelly shoes and some really don't like the feeling of stones and grit getting in their shoes, and who blames them. That said, sandals are really convenient during warmer weather, or a trip to the seaside, or holidaying around the pool. Tim says, "they offer excellent breathability, keeping feet cool and dry, which reduces the risk of fungal infections and discomfort from perspiration. Sandals are also easy for children to put on and take off, promoting independence and convenience, especially during outdoor play and water activities.”

The best safe and comfortable sandals

The best safe and comfortable sandals

Best overall sandals

Not only are these sandals super stylish with a pink animal print design but they are also podiatrist approved. We love the simple fisherman style that offers a closed toe and will help prevent irritating stones and grit getting into your little one's sandals. They also have a padded back to ensure comfort and added protection. Commercial Content Writer for Mother and Baby, Laura Healy, says, "we love the design which is both smart and casual for all occasions. More importantly though, they are comfortable and they don't rub my four year old's feet. She finds easy to wear with both bare feet and in socks, plus they don't cause her to trip which helps us relax. I think they will be really durable and continue to look great and provide safe comfort during the warmer weather for my daughter's feet."

The child friendly strap is a great addition because it lets children have the independence of putting on their own sandals, plus that is convenient for parents too when you are trying to get somewhere quickly. They are also designed to have a generous fit so you don't need to size up and they will allow some wiggle room for your little ones' feet.

These are great for hot days, but not ideal for around the pool or at the beach because they are not supposed to be submerged in water, however, made of leather, if they do get wet they will dry off naturally without damage.

Pros

  • Podiatrist approved
  • Padded back for comfort and protection

Cons

  • Not suitable for using in water
Size: Up to size 34
Material: Leather
  • Anti-rust buckle
  • Padded back
  • Wide fit
  • Stylish design
  • Child-friendly strap

Best sandals for wide feet

Birkenstock is recognised for comfort and these sandals for kids provide just that. Stylish in a metallic finish, they are great for older children who have opinions about what they wear (and younger children too!) With a wide feet they are comfortable for your little ones' feet and they provide a secure sole which adequately supports the foot. One reviewer said, "sandals were a perfect fit. My grand daughter finds them very comfortable due to the wider fitting."

However, with a buckle fitting these might be tricky for little ones to put on themselves and they are not great for areas where they might get wet, such as around the pool or at the seaside.

Pros

  • Stylish design with metallic finish
  • Wide fit for extra comfort

Cons

  • The buckle might be fiddly for younger children
Size: 5 infant - 7 junior
Material: Synthetic uppers, suede lining
  • Metallic finish
  • Ankle strap
  • Wide fit
  • Suede lining

Best waterproof sandals

Made from waterproof neoprene, this are perfect for days at the beach. Plus we love how lightweight they are. For safety and comfort the soles are impact absorbing and the double rip tape fastening ensures security but is also easy for little fingers to do themselves.

One reviewer, Helen, said, "great looking, practical pair of sandals, which my fussy 5 year old is very happy to wear. Adjustable, and fine for beach/paddling as well as general wear in the summer. Nice colours, and well made." While another reviewer added, "smart, comfy and a practical colour, great sandals for kids. I end up buying a pair every year for my son and daughter as their feet grow." However some parents thought the strap at the back was too loose and doesn't hold the foot in place making them uncomfortable.

Kids will love the dinosaur design though making them perfect for all summer adventures.

Pros

  • Waterproof so perfect for round the pool or at the beach
  • Lightweight for comfort

Cons

  • Back strap is sometimes too loose
Size:In fact 4 - Junior 2.5
  • Double rip tape fastening
  • Waterproof neoprene
  • Fun dinosaur design
  • Suitable up to junior 2.5
  • Lightweight

Best kid's sandals for an occasion

With a smart design, including metallic leather and a cute flower, these kids' sandals are great for special days out, or a party. Your little one will love running around and dancing in these stylish sandals, which are designed to be safe and comfortable too. We love that they have padded insoles and a soft foam footbed to ensure absolute comfort whatever the occasion. One reviewer said, "they are sturdy and fit beautifully."

They have a rip tape fastening which means not only are they easy to put on and take off but they are adjustable too, plus the fabrics are breathable even on hot days and the close toe allows air, to keep feet cool, but also protects those delicate toes. While they do have an adjustable strap some reviewers thought the width came up a little narrow and could be more generous.

Pros

  • Smart and stylish design with metallic leather
  • Closed toe for protection

Cons

  • Fitting is quite narrow
Sizes: 2 - 7 junior
Material: Leather
  • Closed toe
  • Flower feature
  • Breathable material
  • Padded in sole
  • Foam footbed

Best lightweight sandals

CrocsCrocs

We know kids love wearing Crocs, not only are they comfortable and easy to take on and off independently, they are also lightweight and waterproof. One reviewer said, "they are the perfect summer sandals. He is able to put them on by himself. Perfect for playing with sand and water table."

We love the pivoting heel strap that lets you (or your little one) choose between wearing them as a clog, or with the heel strap for extra security. The folded Croslite material means that they support your child's foot all day, whilst also providing comfort. One reviewer commented, "His feet are supported and he's able to walk properly and comfortably. The fact you can run them under the tap when they get messy is a massive bonus! He won't wear wet shoes so these work great at the beach too as they are wipe dry. He's never had a mark on his feet from wearing them either so I know they don't rub." While another reviewer said, "they're comfortable for my son to wear all day and not complain about his feet hurting or them getting too hot and sweat."

It is important to note that they can come up quite wide, which might make them less supportive for narrow feet, however, they are durable and easy to clean and available in a variety of colours. You can even personalise them with Jibbitz charms.

Pros

  • Made from comfortable, durable material
  • Available in a wide range of colours

Cons

  • Quite wide to support narrow feet
Sizes: 4 - 10
Material: Molded Crosslite
  • A wide range of colours
  • Selection of Jibbutz charms to add
  • Versatile heel strap
  • Lightweight

Best kids sandals for all terrains

These are ideal for all your adventures however big or small. They have a protective toe cap which ensure little toes stay safe when running around. Plus the quick drying mesh and PU fabric ensures feet are cool and comfortable, whilst also providing stability. We love the choice of colours for all tastes too. One reviewer said, "they are well made, good price, fitted well and were wide so little feet weren't crushed and looked good. Definitely would recommend these sandals."

Able to withstand sand and water, these are great for little explorers and extremely durable too. One reviewer said, "my 4 year old loves these, they fit well, do not pinch, are very durable, and easy to clean." However, some reviewers said they are quite heavy to wear which isn't ideal for hot days.

Pros

  • Durable and hardwearing shoes
  • Quick drying and breathable material

Cons

  • Heavy to wear, especially in hot weather
Sizes: 1 - 13
Material: PU and synthetic mesh
  • Quick drying and durable
  • Breathable
  • Available in a range of colours
  • Protective closed toe

Best themed sandals

Frozen kids' sandalsAmazon

Kids love clothes and shoes with their favourite characters on, but they are not always as practical. We love these sandals because they are Disney Frozen themed but also safe and comfortable for little feet. With a closed toe for extra protection and an adjustable strap to ensure a secure fit, they are also incredibly lightweight.

They have a hook and loop strap which means little ones should be able to put them on and take them off independently, plus they are stylish with a silver material. One reviewer said, "my daughter absolutely loves them and she wears them almost everyday."

Reviewers did note that they are sized quite big, so could slip on smaller feet.

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable for warm weather
  • Adjustable strap for secure fitting

Cons

  • Sized quite large with a generous fit
Sizes: 7 - 13
Material: Faux leather
  • Disney Frozen themed
  • Adjustable strap
  • Lightweight

Best durable sandal

Totes kids sandalsJohn Lewis

While they may not be the prettiest, or sparkliest of sandals, your little one will love the comfort and you will be reassured their feet are safe. These sandals are seam free with no scratchy stitching and also have a compression proof insole for lasting comfort. We love how durable and versatile they are no matter where you go and what you do.

With open toes feet will stay cool and the sandals can easily be slipped on and off. Even better, after all the fun at the beach, or exploring, these sandals are machine washable so will look shiny and clean again in no time.

They are only available in navy, which might not appeal to all children, but they will love how they feel and parents will like how easy they are to clean and look after.

Pros

  • Stitch and seam free to reduce irritation
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Only available in navy
Sizes: Junior 2 - Infant 1
Material: Synthetic rubber
  • Machine washable
  • Durable yet lightweight
  • Stitch and seam free
  • Easy to slip on and off

What are the best materials for safe and comfortable sandals?

Tim advises, "leather and high-quality manmade materials are the best choices for children's sandals. Leather is durable, flexible, and breathable, and it conforms to the shape of the foot over time, providing a custom fit. High-quality synthetics can offer similar benefits and are often more water-resistant, making them ideal for summer activities. Both materials are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring the sandals stay in good condition despite frequent wear.”

Should you get your child's feet professionally measured when buying sandals?

As parents, we might make the annual trip to the shoe shop to buy school shoes but for trainers and sandals, we don't always get our little ones' feet measured. But should we? Tim says, "yes, it is highly recommended to have children's sandals professionally fitted. Professional fitting ensures that the sandals offer the right support, fit snugly without causing discomfort, and accommodate the natural growth and shape of a child's foot. Proper fitting helps prevent issues such as blisters and poor foot development, ensuring that children can wear their sandals comfortably for extended periods.”

What are the disadvantages of sandals for children?

While there are lots of advantages for children wearing sandals, Tim cautions that there are disadvantages too. He says, "the main disadvantages of sandals are that they can offer slightly less support and protection. Sandals don’t always provide the same level of arch support as closed-toe shoes, which can be crucial for the proper development of children's feet. Additionally, open designs expose feet to potential injuries from sharp objects, rough surfaces, and uneven ground.“

What is the best footwear for children for hot weather?

If you are planning to jet away for some sunshine, what shoes are best for your little ones' feet? Tim suggests, "for hot weather, breathable shoes are the best choice. Lightweight shoes with canvas or mesh uppers provide good ventilation and support. Well-fitted sandals, particularly those with a supportive footbed and straps that secure the foot, are also excellent. Other options include water shoes, which are designed to handle wet conditions while providing comfort and protection. These types of shoes ensure that children's feet stay cool, dry, and comfortable during hot weather activities.”

About the expert

Tim Payne joined The Clinkard Group in 2008, initially working in a senior role within the supply chain and was promoted to the position of Trading Director of Charles Clinkard in 2016. Charles Clinkard has been providing high quality footwear for 100 years. Charles Clinkard maintain their reputation for high quality shoes and outstanding customer service thanks to a team who are passionate about working meticulously to provide the best footwear for all the family. In 2021, thanks to his dedication to the growing business, Tim was appointed Managing Director of Retail at Charles Clinkard, the first non-family member Managing Director of the group's retail division.

Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting, she is particularly interested in the toddler years and eco-friendly baby products, as well as children’s literature. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and has published short stories in the UK and Ireland, as well as previously writing freelance for her local paper.

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