The 10 Best Toddler Sandals for Warm Weather Adventures
Aside from style, of course, there are a couple things you should consider when shopping for a toddler sandal: comfort and safety. Since your kiddos feet are still growing and developing, it’s important to make sure the shoe fits them properly, providing plenty of wiggle room without being restrictive. Looking at a size chart (like the one here) can be a helpful place to start when shopping for any type of toddler shoe.
When it comes to sandals for toddlers, look for features like thick rubber soles (if they’ll be engaging in active play, water time or hiking) and velcro closures so they can be more autonomous when it comes to putting on and taking off their own shoes. If you’re concerned about slipping, tripping and falling—which are all common occurrences during this stage of life—know that a properly-fitted shoe will cut down on this, as will a toddler sandal with a rubber sole and good traction.
Below, we’re sharing some of the best kid’s sandals for everything from water play to family photos
Overall best toddler sandals
Thousands of five-star reviews don’t lie: Salt Water Sandals have been a family favorite for decades, and for good reason. These sandals are available in a range of colors and styles for boys and girls alike, and even for adults (many of whom likely wore them as a kid themselves). Crafted with real leather and hand-stitched for extra durability, Salt Water Sandals can be worn in water or on land, and claim to fit even better after they’ve been wet, since they mold to your little one’s foot.
Material: Leather upper, rubber sole | Sizing: Baby: 0 to 12 months, walker: 12 to 24 months, toddler: 2 to 4 years, little kid: 4 to 8 years, big kid: 8 to 12 years
- Brass buckle won’t tarnish or rust
- Lightweight, flexible sole
- Sandals are open-toed
- Can run large, according to some reviewers
Best baby sandals
The Kolding was specially designed for little feet, with a soft interior lining that should come as no surprise from an UGG product. This brand is known for its combination of comfort and fashion, and these adorable baby sandals are no exception. Parents say the foam footbed is great for little ones who are just transitioning into walking, and the classic fisherman design will make sure their first steps are taken in style.
Material: Rubber sole, faux leather insole and straps | Sizing: 2 to 7
- Wide back strap for heel support
- Machine washable
- Some parents found sizing confusing
Best toddler boy sandals
If you’re looking for the best way to dress your little boy’s toes in the warm-weather months, be sure to check out this classic toddler boy sandal from Ten Little. While these lightweight and durable toddler sandals are great for both boys and girls, we love the Sand color for boys, since it’s likely to easily coordinate with just about any outfit your kiddo owns. A velcro strap makes it super simple for him to put his shoes on all by himself, and features like a textured insole and extra traction on the bottom make for a safer shoe while he’s mastering those walking skills.
Material: Not listed | Sizing: 4 to 13, including half sizes
- Suitable for wet or dry wear
- Dry quickly when wet
- Only available in three colors
- Only available in a closed-toe option
Best toddler girl sandals
Sure, your little girl may have her heart set on that pair of light-up Frozen sandals, but sometimes, a classic sandal just makes more sense (and matches with more—just saying!). That’s why we’ve chosen these pretty, soft pink leather fisherman sandals as our pick for the best toddler girl sandals. This closed-toe sandal still lets in plenty of fresh air on warm days, while the leather upper and footbed provide a safe, secure and slip-free place for her piggies. With a rubber sole and velcro closure, these toddler sandals are just as suitable for play as they are for dress-up days.
Material: Leather upper and inner, rubber sole | Sizing: 1 to 7
- Soft pink color matches with a variety of clothing and styles
- Velcro closure allows toddlers to easily put their shoes on and take them off
- Rubber sole allows for enhanced safety while playing
- Sizing only goes up to a 7
- Only available in pink
Best toddler jelly sandals
It might be difficult for adults to understand, but when you’re a toddler, jelly sandals are a total vibe. Now, you and your little one can both agree on a jelly sandal when you slip this option from Shooshoos on their foot. These sandals are made from eco-conscious, organic materials with a 100 percent no-sweatshop guarantee. The super flexible material and buckle closure ensures a secure fit, and these sandals are suitable for both wet or dry wear.
Material: Not listed | Sizing: 4 to 10 toddler
- Available in four chic, trendy colors
- More stylish than traditional jelly shoes
- Not a slip-on shoe like many toddler jelly sandals
Best toddler flip flops
Flip flops are a classic summer staple, but when choosing a pair of toddler flip flops, safety should be top of mind since toddlers are known to run everywhere. These flip flops from Reef have lots of features we love to give your little one an edge on safety while wearing them. First and foremost, the heel strap provides a secure fit which reduces the likelihood of slipping off. A cushioned and anatomically supportive footbed is perfect for running and jumping, and the synthetic toe strap is suitable for use in the water as well as on dry land.
Material: Rubber sponge outsole, synthetic leather strap with jersey lining | Sizing: 3 to 12
- Footbed contours to feet for all-day support
- Neutral colors that match with anything
- Heel strap is not removable
- Pricey option for flip flops
Best toddler gladiator sandals
Is your toddler a trend-setter? If so, a pair of toddler gladiator sandals might just be on your summer shopping list—and we love this basic but dependable pair from Carter’s. Available in a brown faux leather finish, these toddler sandals are sure to become a fast favorite. They’re cute, affordable and available in a variety of sizes.
Material: Not listed | Sizing: 4 to 13 toddler, 1 to 3 big kid
- Feature a hook-and-loop velcro closure
- Brown color matches with most clothing
- Affordable price point
- Not available in other colors
Best toddler hiking sandals
If your little one will be tagging along for a day on the trails, it’s best that they have their very own pair of toddler hiking sandals. There are lots of great pairs to choose from, but we love the Kamik Kick sandals for their sporty look, supportive design and open sides for breathability. The closed toe ensures their tiny toes will stay safe, especially on slippery or rocky terrain, while the rubber soles help with traction.
Material: Waterproof synthetic leather upper, rubber sole | Sizing: 5 to 10T (little kid and big kid sizing also available at select retailers)
- Closed-toe but open sides for safety and breathability
- Velcro closure
- Limited color range
Best closed-toe toddler sandals
Closed-toe sandals are a great option for toddlers if you’re concerned about the safety of their little feet. Whether you’re having adventures in the woods or simply running through the splash pad at the neighborhood playground, falls and scrapes can be more easily avoided with a durable pair of toddler sandals like these from KEEN. Available in a host of cool color combinations, these closed-toe toddler sandals are made with rubber for excellent traction, and feature a pull-string adjuster for a secure fit.
Material: Rubber sole with polyester webbing | Sizing: 4 to 7 toddler, 8 to 13 little kid, 1 to 5 big kid
- Polyester webbing dries quickly
- Rubber sole provides great traction and extends to cover both toe and heel section
- Wide variety of sizes available
- High price point for toddler sandals
Best toddler waterproof sandals
KEEN makes our list of the best toddler sandals again with this unisex, quick-drying waterproof shoe. The Stingray features a PFC-free polyester upper that dries super quickly, making it a wonderful option for a day at the pool or splash pad. The hefty rubber sole extends over the toe to prevent slips and falls when playing in or near water.
Material: Polyester upper with rubber sole | Sizing: 4 to 7 toddler, 8 to 13 little kid, 1 to 5 big kid
- Available in lots of great colors and patterns
- Velcro closure
- Some patterns/colors only available in kid sizes rather than toddler sizes
To help you find the best toddler sandals on the market today, we browsed lots of different options from the most trusted brands and retailers. We considered features like material, comfort and safety. For each pair, we read user reviews to find out how the sandals performed for other families and didn’t consider any toddler sandals with less than an average four-star rating.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here
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