While it’s generally recommended that children go barefoot as much as possible, the necessity of a good pair of protective and comfortable sandals for outdoor activities cannot be overstated. This is particularly crucial for parents or guardians of toddlers, typically aged 1 to 3 years, as these sandals play a significant role in protecting their sensitive little feet.
Table of Contents
- The Closed Toe Sandal VS The Open Toe Sandal for Toddlers
- Choosing the Best Sandals for Toddlers
- Features of a Good Sandal for Toddlers
- Reviews: The Best Sandals for Toddlers
- Index Table: Top Rated Sandals for
The Closed Toe Sandal VS The Open Toe Sandal for Toddlers
The biggest debate regarding sandals for toddlers is whether to get an open or closed-toe sandal and if you want an open or closed heel design.
For the most part, a flip-flop or open-back sandal should never be considered for toddlers, and a sandal with a toe that is too wide and opening should never be considered for toddlers.
However, here are some pros and Cons of the open-toe vs. closed-toe design sandal;
Open Toe Sandal – The Open sandal can be safe and comfortable if the opening is not so wide that your toddler completely pushes their toes over the edge and out of the sandal. There should, however, still be either a closed or sling back, no open back. The open toe also does not protect the toes from bumps and stubs.
Closed Toe – I find the closed-toe a more protective and better option for toddlers as there is no chance of toes overlapping or bumping. However, you should still ensure plenty of toe room so your child can comfortably splay their toes. With this option, also look for a closed or slingback design.
Choosing the Best Sandals for Toddlers
With these practical tips, you can confidently choose the most suitable sandals for your little one, knowing you’re making an informed and practical decision. This knowledge empowers you to provide the best care for your toddler’s feet.
- Closures and Adjustability – It is advisable to select shoes with some closure and fit options that you can adjust, such as Velcro straps or a lace-up bungee system.
- Soft Materails – Leather is comfortable, soft, and conforms to the feet’ shape. Avoid hard plastic and rubber footwear and always opt for smooth, genuine, or synthetic leather. Other than leather, look for breathable mesh and polyester that are ventilated and quick drying.
- Cushioning – Some soft cushioning is comfortable for little feet but not so much as to limit movement and feeling, as toddlers still need to find their way around, walking and keeping their balance steady.
- Slip Resistant Rubber Outsole – A rubber sole that offers good grip and stability is advised to prevent slips.
- Open or Closed Toe – A small open or closed toe design is ideal.
- Soft Linings – Look for soft linings in the footbed and upper that will not chafe or irritate sensitive young skin.
- Rest assured, a good quality brand made from durable materials with proper construction should last a while, providing you with a pair of trusty sandals for your toddler. This assurance can give you peace of mind about your investment in your child’s comfort and safety.
- Back Buffer – Always look for a closed slingback with some buffer or protection to prevent friction and discomfort against the ankle and heel. This feature is important as it prevents the sandal from rubbing against the toddler’s ankle, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort.
- Proper Fit – As with any shoe, look for a snug fit that does not squeeze and ample toe room.
Features of a Good Sandal for Toddlers
- Uppers – Soft leather or synthetic leather upper with an open or closed-toe design. Closed-back with protective ankle collar.
- Adjustable straps with Velcro or bungee closure.
- Footbed – Comfortable and slightly cushioned footbed.
- Outsole – Durable and high grip rubber outsole.
Reviews: The Best Sandals for Toddlers
Below are some of the top-rated Sandals that are ideal for Toddlers;
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1
Closed Toe Water Sandals for Toddlers
The Keen Sea Camp is a tough, water-friendly sandal with a protective closed toe for little feet.
- Soft, breathable synthetic, polyester upper with a protective rubber toe bumper and closed-toe design.
- A durable and slip-resistant rubber outsole.
- Inside is an Aegis microbe shield, a technology that provides protection against moisture and odors, keeping the sandals fresh and comfortable for longer periods.
- The hydrophobic mesh lining keeps tiny feet dry and irritation-free.
- Available in fun colors for boys and girls.
2
mesh Uppers Toddlers Sandal
These two superb closed-toe design sandals for toddler feet are ideal for outdoor play.
- Lightweight mesh is the upper with area cutouts and a protective Bump toe.
- Adjustable strap closures that allow for a better fit.
- The shoe is easily machine washable and very durable.
- Available in a few color selections for young girls and boys.
3
Sandal for Toddlers
From Skechers, we have the C-Flex and Hypno-Splash, fun and water-friendly, quick-drying sandals for Toddlers.
- Available in boys’ colors and a pink or purple option for the girls.
- Soft printed mesh fabric upper that is lightweight and breathable.
- There is an adjustable toe and instep strap for a customizable fit.
- The midsole is cushioned for shock absorbency, and the high-traction outsole is flexible for easy movement.
- A comfortable and molded design that is also water-friendly.
4
Sandal for Toddlers
- The Keen Newport H2 is a top favorite in adult adventure sandals, and why not for your toddler as well?
- Soft and comfortable Polyester upper with a smooth jersey lining.
- A Metatomical molded EVA footbed and comfortable cushioning.
- The durable rubber outsole is non-marking and offers exceptional grip.
- Breathable and lightweight with a protective closed toe for little feet.
- Available in many bright and fun color selections.
- It also features a lace-up bungee system.
5
Fisherman’s Toddlers Sandal
The Stride Rite range for toddlers offers a comfortable and protective sandal for little outdoor adventurers.
- Soft and smooth textile and synthetic upper with a hook and loop closure and a fisherman’s style design.
- A comfortable and plush memory foam footbed and an anti-sting odor-resistant lining.
- The durable rubber outsole offers good grip and cushioning.
- Machine washable and quick drying.
6
Sports Sandal for Toddlers
The Psyclone from Teva is a more open-toe design soft mesh sandal for little feet.
- A textile and synthetic upper with an open toe and adjustable closure provides an easy and customizable fit for little feet.
- Available in a few boys’ and girls’ color selections.
- The breathable and lightweight mesh upper keeps little feet cool and comfortable. The soft EVA foam footbed supports small feet, and a durable and flexible rubber outsole ensures safer and better movement.
7
Toddler Sports Sandal
From Nautica, we have the perfect sports and water sandals for toddlers.
- The rubber sole is durable and ensures excellent grip and flexibility.
- The uppers are lightweight and quick-drying, breathable mesh.
- There are many color varieties for boys and girls.
- The insole offers good cushioning and comfort.
8
Toddler Water Sandals
One of my favorite sandals for my toddler girls is the Crocs Classic design, which is accessible on and off and very comfortable and breathable.
- The Crocs sandals consist of 100% soft and foamy Crosslite material.
- The footbed has an anatomical design that offers excellent cushioning.
- The sandal is very lightweight and durable, with a slip-resistant sole.
- There are large ventilation holes that also drain water.
- In this model, you can choose from plenty of color options for boys and girls.
9
Soft Sole Sandal for Toddlers
The Apakowa kids sandal comes a toddler and little kids sizes as well as many color options.
10
Water Sandal for Toddlers
A top brand with some stunning kids model sandals is Keen.
- The Venice H2 is a water-friendly sporty sandal for toddlers and small children.
- The uppers are synthetic, adjustable, and quick-drying,
- The entire sandal is fully washable and adjustable in fit.
- There is a comfortable and supportive EVA Midsole and footbed with an odor-resistant lining.
- The thick and durable rubber outsole has Multi-direction lug patterns for extra grip and support.
Index Table: Top Rated Sandals for
| No. | Product | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keen® - Closed Toe Water Sandals for Toddlers |  |  |
| Keen | 96.8 |
| 2 | OshKosh® - mesh Uppers Toddlers Sandal |  |  |
| OshKosh | 98 |
| 3 | Skechers® - Sandal for Toddlers |  |  |
| Skechers | 97 |
| 4 | Keen® - Sandal for Toddlers |  |  |
| Keen | 97 |
| 5 | Stride Rite® - Fisherman’s Toddlers Sandal |  |  |
| Stride Rite | 96 |
| 6 | Teva® - Sports Sandal for Toddlers |  |  |
| Teva | 98 |
| 7 | Nautica® - Toddler Sports Sandal |  |  |
| Nautica | 97 |
| 8 | Crocs® - Toddler Water Sandals |  |  |
| Crocs | 98 |
| 9 | Apakowa® - Soft Sole Sandal for Toddlers |  |  |
| Apakowa | 96.8 |
| 10 | Keen® - Water Sandal for Toddlers |  |  |
| Keen | 98 |
