Kids Fashion

Made for Play: The Best Summer Sandals and Shoes for Toddlers and Little Kids

written by MELISSA GUIDA-RICHARDS & GIANNA ALDANA

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best toddler sandals"
best toddler sandals
Source: @nativeshoes
Source: @nativeshoes

Without fail, the first thing my boys do when they get home is chuck off their shoes and socks. Because letā€™s face it: Sneakers and other cold-weather shoes can feel suffocating. So, now that the warm weather is here, I went on a quest for the best toddler sandals and summer shoes for my (sometimes) fickle children.

I let my kids pick their favorite color, but I insist that their sandals are secure, waterproof, and ready to support them through all of our summer adventures. They also have very different feetā€”my oldest needs wide sizesā€”so hand-me-downs donā€™t usually work. Plus, they usually get plenty of wear with all the outdoor play each summer. So, Iā€™m also looking for durable options to fit my budget that are also good for their feet.

ā€œWhen looking for sandals, try to avoid things like flip flops or shoes with little structure,ā€ said pediatric physical therapist, Mary Noreen Cheng. ā€œInstead, look for something that continues to have stability and a secure strap in the back to hold them in place.ā€

Luckily, there are so many different brands out there that give my kids enough options to choose from to meet their preferencesā€”and the support, affordability, and protection to check all of my boxes. Read on for the best toddler sandals and closed-toe shoes for your kidsā€™ cute little feet this summer.

Toddler & Little Kid Sandals for Summer

We are big fans of sandals, mostly because it takes significantly less time to put them on your kids when youā€™re on the go. To help you out this season, weā€™ve rounded up our top sandals that are comfortable and lightweight for hot summer days. Gear up and scroll through our picksā€”weā€™re sure youā€™ll find a pair (or two) that youā€™ll love. 

blue toddler sandals
Old Navy
Double-Strap Matte Jelly Sandals

2 colors available

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pink toddler strap sandals
Old Navy
Secure-Close Strap Sandals

Designed with a secure ankle strap, this sandal is the perfect shoe for your little one to wear all summer long.

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brown toddler strap sandals
H&M
Fisherman Sandals

2 colors available

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blue tie dye sandals
Target | Cat & Jack
Ade Footbed Sandals

These sandals have an open-toed design and hook-and-loop closure that makes putting them on and taking them off easier than ever. Bonus: Theyā€™re super cute AND super affordable at just $10.

6 colors available

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columbia kids atheltic shoes
Columbia
Techsun Wave Sandal

4 colors available

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pink toddler velcro sandals
H&M
Velcro Sandals

4 colors available

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kids colorblock strap sandals
Zara
Technical Sandals

Made in the cutest color combination, these technical sandals feature a strap closure and rubber lug sole.

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lime green slide sandals
Target | Cat & Jack
Beck Footbed Sandals

4 colors available

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clear jelly sparkly sandals
Target | Cat & Jack
Sunny Jelly Sandals

Jelly sandals are so nostalgic, and with these adorable sandals, your little one can experience them, too.

3 colors available

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black strap sandals
Zara
Leather Sandals
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kids brown leather strap sandals
Carterā€™s
Faux Cork Sandals

These faux cork sandals are easy to clean and come with adjustable straps. Whatā€™s not to love?

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pink purple strap sandals
Old Navy
Double-Strap Slide Sandals

4 colors available

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eyelet strap sandals
H&M
Ankle Strap Sandals
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light brown leather belt sandals
Old Navy
Faux-Leather Buckled Strap Sandals

Cute and a little more formal, these faux leather sandals include an ankle strap to make them easy to get on and off.

3 colors available

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platform beige sandals
Zara
Platform Toe Post Slides

4 colors available

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green foam kid sandals
Target | Cat & Jack
Noa Footbed Sandals

These footbed sandals are a great option for your older kids to wear on repeat all summer long.

7 colors available

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kids foam pink sandals
Old Navy
Flatform Slide Sandals

3 colors available

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chambray clogs
H&M
Denim Sandals

We couldnā€™t resist adding these denim sandals to the mix, which will be perfect for their Fourth of July ā€˜fit.

2 colors available

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kids navy blue slides
Target | Cat & Jack
Kris Sport Slide Sandals

2 colors available

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green colorblock suede sandals
H&M
Ankle Strap Sandals

These sandals are crafted with hook-loop foot and ankle straps, making them easy to slide on and off.

3 colors available

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olive green straps sandals
Carterā€™s
Adventure Sandals
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kids nike sandals
Nike
Sunray Protect 2 Sandals

These Nikeā€™s kidā€™s sandals are so durable and comfortable. The closed-toe helps protect children from stubbing a toe.

3 colors available

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Toddler & Little Kid Closed-Toe Shoes for Summer

If youā€™ve been on the hunt for shoes that are perfect for your summer excursions, look no further. Weā€™ve scoured the internet for breathable and durable closed-toe shoes that are great for hiking, the beach, and other outdoor activities that your little one will be partaking in this summer. Weā€™ve included a list of picks that are functional yet comfy and are up to your kidā€™s personal style. Everymom Tip: We highly suggest investing in more than one pair so that you can have a backup when one gets ruined or needs to be washed. 

kids white velcro sneakers
Old Navy
Double Secure-Strap Sneakers

Offering toe and sole protection for little feet, these breathable sneakers are cute, lightweight, and cushioned.

2 colors available

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baby grey canvas sneakers
H&M
Canvas Sneakers

3 colors available

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native blue shoes
Amazon | Native
Jefferson Shoe

A tried-and-true summer staple, these Native shoes are perfect for playtime, feature a shock-absorbent sole, and are ultra comfortable.

10+ colors available

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daisy print kids sneakers
Old Navy
Mary-Jane Canvas Sneakers

2 colors available

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kids grey water shoes
Amazon | Merrell
Unisex-Child Bare Steps H20

Perfect for your active little one, these shoes have an extra wide toe box to give wiggle room for their growing feet.

9 colors available

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baby white closed toe sneakers
Zara
Open Sneakers

2 colors available

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toddler black athletic sneakers
Target | Cat & Jack
Robin Sneakers

Meant to keep up with your kiddo, youā€™ll constantly be reaching for these breathable sneakers.

3 colors available

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purple and grey athletic sneakers
Carterā€™s
Active Play Sneakers
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metallic sneakers
Zara
Metallic Sneakers

These metallic sneakers are as functional as they are cute. Theyā€™re made with an adjustable lace-up closure and are so stylish, we wish they came in our size!

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dino pattern water shoes
Gap
Active Patterned Shoes
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kids navy blue waterproof sneakers
Amazon | See Kai
Saylor Water-Friendly Sneaker

Made with mesh textile material, these shoes are perfect for any water activities. Plus, thereā€™s a rubber toe cap for added protection.

2 colors available

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grey kids sneakers
Target | Cat & Jack
Brock Jogger Sneakers
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pink slip on water shoes
Cat & Jack
Jourdan Water Shoes

Ideal for days spent by the water, these slip-on shoes are made with a mesh front and will keep their feet secure no matter the activity.

2 colors available

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kids rainbow sneakers
H&M
Lightweight-Sole Sneakers
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blue croc sneakers
Target | Joybees
Aspen Slip-On Clog

Another solid water shoe, these clogs are designed with EVA for a cushioned, supportive feel.

2 colors available

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grey water sneakers
Old Navy
Perforated Slip-On Shoes

4 colors available

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kids blue athletic shoes
Amazon | Dream Pairs
Outdoor Athletic Shoes

Top-selling on Amazon, this highly-rated kids sandal features a quick-drying insole and a super lightweight fit with shock-secure straps that are perfect for the pool, beach, or home.

8 colors available

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kids light blue sperry shoes
Sperry
Coastal Break Sneaker
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kids plaid water-friendly sneakers
Dickā€™s Sporting Goods
Water Shoes

Throw a fun patterned option into their collection with these breathable and stretchy water shoes.

4 patterns available

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blue denim slip on shoes
Cat & Jack
Bergen Slip-On Sneakers

2 colors available

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grey metallic waterproof sandals
Zappos | KEEN
Seacamp II CNX Shoes

These shoes are perfect for toddlers or little kids who love playing in the water. They are machine washable and secure, so kids can enjoy running around without worrying their sandals will fly off.

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black water shoes
Target | Cat & Jack
Grover Slip-On Water Shoes

3 colors available

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