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Having a good pair of outdoor sandals is essential if you’ve got active kids. My kids start wearing sandals as soon as the snow melts, and I have to bribe them to take them off in the fall when the temperatures dip below freezing. In between, those kids water shoes get put through A LOT, so you want to make sure you’re buying the best kids sandals you can find.
My kids sandals go swimming, hiking, biking, and probably a lot of things that I’d rather not know about. And since we’re all about encouraging our kids to be active and go explore, giving them a good pair of shoes is a MUST.
This year, we got a jumpstart on our extensive annual sandal review for kids. Our family is taking a trip through the tropics, and with the exception of a few hikes, our kids have been in sandals nonstop for MONTHS! We’ve been testing some of our favorites in new conditions as well as some sandals that are new to us to help you find the best sandals for your kids!
Quick Picks! Here are our picks for the best kids sandals: (more detailed info below) Chaco Z1 EcoTread – HANDS DOWN the MOST DURABLE KIDS SANDALS! We’ve had one pair last over 10 years and through all 5 kids and have yet to have a pair break or wear out. Perfect for playing in water, great traction and arch support, and never give our kids blisters! Merrell Hydro H2O Hiker – best closed toe sandals, lightweight, great construction, budget friendly. Salt Water Sandals– great for toddlers, best leather sandals, perfect for dressing up a bit + adventure play. Reima Ratas Sandals – great sport sandals, easy hook and loop closure perfect for younger kids
Well, obviously comfort is really important, but traction is a close second. You see, kids take these shoes EVERYWHERE, and it’s important that whether they’re on the rocks or in the river that they’re not going to slip.
Some kids prefer closed-toed sandals (I like these for kids 4 and under since they’re constantly tripping), and many summer camps require closed-toed footwear so keep that in mind when shopping around. My older kids prefer traditional sandals with adjustable straps, so a lot of it is a personal preference. We do a lot of whitewater rafting so sandals that do REALLY well in the water are a must for us (learn all about how we got into rafting with kids here).
Make sure that your kids sandals have a back on them for extra security. If they just slide on, they’ll likely lose them in the water, or they won’t provide the stability they need to be active outdoors.
What kids sandals are the best for the outdoors?
Personally, my favorite kids sandals are these ones. They last forever, are super adjustable, and they never get too stinky! Even though we get our kids great hiking shoes, I know that in the summer, these are the footwear they’ll choose for most hikes.
However, every kid is a bit different, so it’s important to find what works best for your kids. How do you narrow it down? Well, it’s a bit of trial and error so I highly recommend trying on several. Most stores don’t have a great selection of sandals for active kids, so I recommend ordering several online and then returning the pairs that don’t work.
Do kids need waterproof sandals?
YES! If you’re buying your kids sandals, make sure that they’re waterproof so they can splash and play to their hearts delight. In the summer kids are also much more prone to hot sweaty feet, so having waterproof sandals also means that they’re easy to wash so they don’t get all smelly. All of the sandals we recommend below are waterproof.
Should I buy my kids closed or open toed sandals?
A lot of this comes down to personal preference. Four of my kids prefer open-toed sandals and one loves closed-toed sandals. If you’re going to be doing a lot of hiking in sandals or are planning to wear them to summer camp, grab closed-toed sandals. If you’ll primarily be using the sandals on the lake or at the river, I recommend open–toed sandals. As I mentioned above, kids 4 and under do better with closed-toed sandals since they trip more frequently and often stub their toes.
The 11 Best Sandals for Kids Outdoor Play in 2023
We’ve reviewed the best sandals for kids all in one place. These are all sandals for active kids that can stand up to running, hiking, climbing, and splashing in rivers and lakes. If you’re looking for other shoe recommendations, check out our review of the best kids hiking shoes.
In our family, we consider Chacos the best sandals for kids and adults alike. They offer great traction with Vibram soles and the straps are totally adjustable. They can be thrown in the washing machine (we do this at least monthly), and seem to last forever (seriously, we just passed a pair on to the 5th kid and they are in great shape still), so they’re a great long term value.
These are the best shoes for rafting, canoeing, or kayaking with kids. If you’re looking for kids sandals that stay on in the water, these are our top pick. With no Velcro closures, they always stay secure and never lose their shape!
THESE ARE EASILY THE MOST DURABLE SANDALS WE’VE EVER FOUND!
The Merrell Hydro H2O kids hiking sandal are our favorite closed toed sandals for kids. They are excellent for kids who need or want more foot protection in a sandal, and are a great kids’ sandal for protecting toes (making them a great toddler sandal – they go down to size 9).
Best of all, they do all of this without being too clunky or heavy like other similar sandals. These sandals for children offer the perfect combination of flexibility and support in the sole, so they’re the best kids sandals if you want lots of versatility. We like these sandals for children for hiking, running, water play, and of course climbing! Not only are these sandals incredibly well made, but they’re a great deal and are much more affordable than other children’s sandals.
Until last year, I WOULD NOT have considered these an adventure sandal…that is until a friend gave us a pair of these. These shoes have a synthetic sole and a waterproof leather upper (yes, it’s seriously waterproof) so they can really be worn everywhere.
These waterproof kids sandals were the only shoes our youngest owned for an entire summer and they were great for everything from exploring to church, and I can’t recommend them enough (especially for toddlers!!). These are easily the best toddler sandals that we’ve found for all around use. If you want kids waterproof sandals that can go from the trail right to a nice dinner out, these are the ones.
We absolutely love all things Reima for kids outdoor gear, and their sandals are no different. We’ve had a pair of kids Reima sandals in the rotation at our house for the last several years and the Ratas are our favorite childrens sandals from Reima. They’re simple enough that my 3-year-old can put them on and off alone, but still give enough support for hiking a couple of miles. And after several years of use and multiple kids, they’re still in great shape and can keep being passed down. The lining is extra comfortable and soft, so these kids sandals are great for kids with sensitive feet. I love that these shoes are comfortable and secure and the traction gives kids lots of freedom to explore in the water.
Keen Newport H2 Sandals for kids offer a bit of everything. The soles of the Keen Newport are thick and rugged, almost like a hiking shoe, yet they’re completely waterproof and allow water to drain through the many openings in the side. These are our top recommended sandal for summer camp since they’re tough and durable and have a closed toe. The Keen Newport is a sandal that’s been around for years, and with good reason. These are some of the best sandals for kids. The only downside to these sandals is that the soles are really stiff, maybe too stiff for some kids. For a lighter weight option, check out our review of the Keen Newport below.
Teva Hurricane’s are a classic outdoor sandal with a classic design that’s been around for decades, which is in no way a bad thing. It’s a style and fit that’s been around for decades and works SO WELL. Teva’s are super adjustable with 3 different Velcro adjustments, making them easy to fit and also easy to size up a bit (we always get our Tevas 1/2-1 size bigger since I know I can cinch them down well, especially in the heel). The new heel padding is also a great upgrade to make these a super comfortable sandal, especially for all day wear. These kids TEva Sandals come in more color options than you can imagine, so if your child has a specific color that they just can’t get enough of, you can probably find Tevas in that color. Find great prices on kids Teva Sandals here.
These sandals for kids by Merrell are actually a combination of sneaker and water shoe and we really love them. These closed toed sandals are perfect if you need full foot protection, want to keep sand and rocks out of your shoes, or are going to be doing a combination of light hiking and water play or stream crossing.
The littlest on a hike with his Merrells, and headed rafting later in the day.
While I wouldn’t fully recommend these water shoes for a full hike, they’ve been so amazing for my toddler who has to jump in every puddle and stomp through every stream. They’re a shoe that’s made to drain water and still keep him moving down the trail.
If you’re looking for a good supportive shoe, but want one that’s lightweight and has a minimalistic feel, this is a great option. These minimalist sandals for kids are much lighter weight than a traditional Keen like the Newport, but still offers great quality. We love that these closed toes sandals for kids have great stability, traction and foot protection but won’t slow kids down. Best of all, these can be thrown in the washing machine (boy moms REJOICE)! Compare prices on the Kids Keen Seacamp Sandal here.
With a combination of leather and mesh, the Jambu Squamata is a great mix of a tennis shoe and a sandal. It provides lots of foot protection and traction, while still being water friendly. This could be a great option to wear with socks occasionally if you’ll be in several different climates this summer and want one shoe to do it all! Check out these prices in on the JambuKD Squamata Sandal.
A Teva Sandal with a bit more support, the Tirra is a great option for both fit and comfort. The Velcro webbing straps are easily adjusted and dry quickly, while underneath the padding keeps kids feet comfortable and secure. The rubber soles also offer the great traction when wet that Teva is known for! Find great prices on Kids Teva Tirra Sandals here.
Crocs are a must have for young kids, in my opinion. They’re easy to put on, comfortable, and they float (my favorite feature!). While traditional Crocs aren’t the most stylish shoe, the Crocs Swiftwater takes the comfort that kids love from Crocs and puts it into an adventure sandal.
When choosing sandals for toddlers, it is important to consider several factors to ensure that they are safe, comfortable, and provide the necessary support for your child’s growing feet. Here are some tips to help you choose good sandals for toddlers:
Look for sandals with a closed toe: Closed-toe sandals provide more protection for your child’s toes and help to prevent injuries. This is especially helpful for toddlers from age 1-2.5 years old, when they’re the most likely to trip and stumble.
Check the fit: Make sure that the sandals fit well and are not too tight or too loose. There should be enough space for your child’s toes to move freely, but not so much that their feet slide around inside the sandals. Also, with chunky toddler ankles, make sure that the ankle straps are not too tight.
Choose sandals with adjustable straps: Adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit of the sandals and ensure that they stay securely on your child’s feet.
Check the sole: The sole of any toddler sandals should be flexible, but not too thin. A thicker sole will provide more protection and cushioning for your child’s feet.
Choose sandals made from breathable materials: Toddler feet can get super sweaty, so choosing toddler sandals that are breathable is really important.
Get sandals that dry quickly: I’ve yet to meet a toddler who isn’t completely drawn to puddles or any other type of water they can find. Quick drying sandals for toddlers are always our top recommendation!
What are the best sandals for toddlers?
Toddlers usually do best with a closed toe sandals. We prefer the Merrell Hydro H2O Hiker or the Keen Seacamp Sandal for Toddlers. We also really like Salt Water Sandals for toddlers.
What brand of sandals is best?
The overall best brand of sandals for kids is Chacos. If you’re looking for closed toed shoes, we recommend Merrell sandals for kids, or for leather sandals for kids, Salt Water Sandals are fantastic.
Are Flip Flops Good For Kids To Wear?
Unless you’re at a sandy beach, flip flops aren’t good sandals for kids. Most children’s flip flops provide almost no arch support, offer horrible traction, and don’t stay on kids feet well at all. To help children have the freedom to run, play, and explore, we recommend getting kids sandals with a strap on the back, good traction, and proper arch support.
Do Kids Need To Wear Closed Toed Sandals?
Closed toed sandals are great for kids who are accident prone and stumble a lot, however, they’re not necessary. Many kids prefer open does sandals for exploring and active pursuits.
What Are The Best Closed Toed Sandals?
The most well known closed toed sandals are the Keen Newport, but we find the stiff sole can be difficult for kids to wear and be active in. We think that the Merrell Hydro H2O sandal is the best closed toed sandal for kids.
About Jessica Averett
Hi, I’m Jessica, a mom of 5 kids and married to my favorite adventure partner. I love to bike, ski, camp and hike. We've visited over 40 countries with our kids, but are equally happy on the road as we are exploring our home state of Utah.
I think Chaco Z1Ecotread Kids Sandal is one of the best due to its great features including durability, Fully adjustable, great traction, and arch support.
– Best Leather Sandals For Kids
For Kids
Since summer and nice weather are coming, now we need to choose the right sandals for a child. Your article helped me with that. Thanks!
My advice is to take waterproof sandals!
I think Chaco Z1Ecotread Kids Sandal is one of the best due to its great features including durability, Fully adjustable, great traction, and arch support.