While children can go barefoot outdoors, choosing the right protective, comfortable sandals helps parents feel confident they are supporting their toddler’s foot health and safety.
The Closed Toe Sandal vs. the Open Toe Sandal for Toddlers
The debate over open- or closed-toe sandals can feel overwhelming, but understanding their pros and cons helps parents feel more assured in selecting what’s best for their toddler.
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 an 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 tips, you can confidently select the most suitable sandals, empowering you to care for your toddler’s feet and feel more in control of their comfort and safety.
- 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 sensation, as toddlers still need to find their way around, walk, and keep 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 high-quality brand made from durable materials and properly constructed 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;
We hope you love the products we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
1
Closed Toe Water Sandals for Toddlers
Keen Sea Camp 2 - Boys
Currently unavailable
Keen Sea Camp 2 - Girls
Currently unavailable
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 protects against moisture and odors, keeping the sandals fresh and comfortable for longer.
- The hydrophobic mesh lining keeps tiny feet dry and irritation-free.
- Available in fun colors for boys and girls.
2
mesh Uppers Toddlers Sandal
OshKosh Emon - Boys
Currently unavailable
OshKosh B’Gosh Selene - Girls
Currently unavailable
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
Skechers Hypno-Splash - Boys
Currently unavailable
Skechers C-Flex Shine Star - Girls
Currently unavailable
From Skechers, we have the C-Flex and Hypno-Splash, fun and water-friendly, quick-drying sandals for Toddlers.
- Available in boys’ colors, with a pink or purple option for 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
Keen Newport H2 - Boys
Currently unavailable
Keen Newport H2 - Girls
Currently unavailable
- 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, fun color options.
- It also features a lace-up bungee system.
5
Fisherman’s Toddlers Sandal
Stride Rite Made2Play - Boys
Currently unavailable
Stride Rite Made2Play - Girls
Currently unavailable
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
Teva Psyclone - Boys
Currently unavailable
Teva Psyclone - Girls
Currently unavailable
The Psyclone from Teva is a soft, open-toe 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, flexible rubber outsole ensures safer, better movement.
7
Toddler Sports Sandal
Nautica Sports - Men
Currently unavailable
Nautica Sports - Women
Currently unavailable
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, quick-drying, and breathable mesh.
- There are many color varieties for boys and girls.
- The insole offers good cushioning and comfort.
8
Toddler Water Sandals
Crocs Classic - Men
Currently unavailable
Crocs Classic - Women
Currently unavailable
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
Apakowa Kids - Men
Currently unavailable
Apakowa Kids - Women
Currently unavailable
The Apakowa kids sandal comes a toddler and little kids sizes as well as many color options.
10
Water Sandal for Toddlers
Keen Venice H2 - Men
Currently unavailable
Keen Venice H2 - Women
Currently unavailable
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 |
