The 8 Best Toddler Sandals for Warm Weather Adventures
As the warm weather approaches, you’re probably looking to trade in those boots and lace-up shoes for baby sandals and toddler flip flops to keep those teeny tiny toes cool. Summer is full of outdoor adventures to explore together, whether you bring your little one along for a family hike or take them out for an afternoon at the splash pad. To help you find just what you’re looking for, we’ve rounded up some of the best toddler sandals for you to shop ahead of the sunny days to come.
To help you find the best toddler sandals on the market today, we researched dozens of options from leading footwear brands and reliable online retailers. This way, you don’t have to spend hours scrolling. Here are the steps we took to create this roundup:
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We put our staff to work, asking them to evaluate brands they’ve personally used with their families.
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We surveyed almost 350 members of The Bump community about the toddler sandals they used. We then asked parents to rate brands and specific styles based on their firsthand experience.
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We researched what was being said about toddler sandals in The Bump community forums to learn what parents liked and disliked about specific styles and brands.
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To understand how these toddler sandals have worked for families, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring external forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents nationwide looked for in the best toddler sandals.
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Lastly, we considered several aspects when sourcing toddler sandals to include in our roundup, such as size options, material and closure style, to name few.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best toddler sandals
- Wear well over time
- Lightweight, flexible sole
- Can be worn in water
- Can be dressed up or down
- Open-toed style
- Run large, according to some parents
Salt Water Sandals have been a favorite of parents nationwide for decades, and for good reason. Crafted with real leather and hand-stitched for extra durability, these toddler sandals can be worn in water or on land. In fact, they claim to fit even better after they’ve been wet since they mold to your little one’s foot. According to Ashlee Neuman, content director for The Bump and mom of two, “they truly do it all—thanks to the beautiful designs, these can serve as my kids' ‘nice dress-up sandals,’ but the soft, water-friendly leather means my little ones can comfortably wear them all day long, whether at daycare, the playground or even the beach!”
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 kids themselves). in my life, a member of The Bump community forums, agrees, saying: "[My child] had a pair last summer and I will get her another pair this summer. She walked great in them, and I like that they can be dressed up or down. I had a pair every summer growing up." It’s safe to say that these ultra-durable toddler sandals for girls and boys will be a staple in your household for years to come!
Material: Leather upper, rubber sole | Sizes: 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
Our community says:
"I've purchased Salt Water sandals for my girls every summer since they started walking! We all know toddlers can be super particular, but my girls have always been happy—even excited!—to put on their Salt Water sandals." – Ashlee N., content director for The Bump and mom of two
"We do Saltwater Sandals, the ones with the thicker poly sole. Those things are awesome, and they last forever. Nice thick supportive soles, adjustable leather straps." – mandm, The Bump forum member
"Another Saltwater girl here. I bought the surfers in red last year and [my child] wore them a ton. They still look new! Her feet are a little wide, but I like that they adjust on top as well. I'm going to be buying a few pairs this year." – kjunspice, The Bump forum member
Most versatile toddler sandals
- Water-resistant, quick-drying material
- Textured insoles
- Velcro closure
- Only three color options
If you’re looking for an everyday footwear option for warm weather, check out these classic toddler sandals for boys and girls from Ten Little. The lightweight style is halfway between a casual sneaker and a sandal—offering tiny toes the best of both worlds. We’re fans of the cute color options and the suede-like material that’s water-resistant to boot. The Velcro strap makes it super simple for tots to put their shoes on all by themselves and features like a textured insole and extra traction on the bottom make for safer shoes while your kiddo is mastering those walking skills.
Material: N/A | Sizes: 4 to 13, including half sizes
Best easy-on easy-off toddler sandals
- Flip-up heel strap
- Easy-on easy-off style
- Waterproof and easy to clean
- Mixed reviews about sizing
It’s safe to say that Crocs are among the most popular toddler sandals on the market, and it’s easy to see why. The iconic design is closed-toe to protect feet on outdoor adventures while being breathable and comfortable. However, the standout feature has to be the pivoting heel strap. Little hands can easily move it back and forth, encouraging independent dressing from a young age. A parent who responded to our survey told us: “My toddler can put the Crocs on by herself which helps her feel super successful and happy; she loves them!” You’ll also appreciate the lightweight, flexible material that’s waterproof and easy to keep clean; pro tip: You can even run these through the washing machine. To sum it up, thequeenbee, a member of The Bump community forums, says: “Some people hate them, but every kid that I've ever known loves walking in their Crocs. They keep their feet cool, they're comfortable and they stay on really well.” We totally agree!
Material: EVA upper, lining and sole | Sizes: C4 to C10
Our community says:
"We love classic Crocs! Great color selection and durability. No fuss, and perfect for outdoor play when you want to protect little toes in the warmer months." – Jenna B., associate director of revenue operations at TKWW
"I like how quick they were to dry and how they stayed on [my child's] and prevented him from hurting. His toes were protected and they were dry by the time we got back to the car." – Teresita, The Bump survey respondent and mom of two
"I like that they are sturdy and seem comfy. I also like that they are customizable with charms and easy to clean." – Alex, The Bump survey respondent and parent of one
Best toddler jelly sandals
- Super lightweight and flexible
- Easy-on easy-off closure
- 360-degree comfort
- Parents wish they came in larger sizes
When you’re a toddler, jelly sandals are a total vibe. Case in point: The Isabella Glitter Fisherman Sandal from Crocs. Just like the brand’s iconic clog, these feature a closed-toe design that’s ideal for all-day play while still being open enough for breathability and comfort. Your little one will love the soft, flexible material that’s comfy and glittery. If that’s not all, parents say they’re easy for tots to put on and take off by themselves, thanks to the simple hook-and-loop closure.
Material: Thermoplastic upper, lining and outsole | Sizes: C4 to C10
Best toddler flip flops
- Contoured footbed for added comfort
- Secure heel strap
- Strap isn’t removable
Flip flops are a classic summer staple, of course. But, when choosing a pair of toddler flip flops, safety should be top of mind since toddlers are known to run everywhere. Thankfully, this option from Reef has lots of features to keep your little one stable while wearing them. First and foremost, the heel strap provides a secure fit which reduces the likelihood of slipping off, even if they’re zooming around. What’s more, 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 | Sizes: 3 to 12
Best toddler sandals for outdoor activities
- Durable, according to The Bump community
- Polyester webbing dries quickly
- Rubber sole for traction
- Some parents say they get smelly easily
- High price point
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 an array 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, polyester webbing | Sizes: Toddler: 4 to 7; Little kid: 8 to 13; Big kid: 1 to 5
Our community says:
"LOVE the Keen sandals. Made very well and last a long time. Plus, if they get wet they dry very quickly." – CMM05, The Bump forum member
"My girls both wear Keens in the summer and they are super cute and really durable." – LizLemon77, The Bump forum member
"We just got [my child] some Keens and I love them. They are going to hold up really well this summer and they come in tons of patterns and colors." – amykins1283, The Bump forum member
Best adjustable toddler sandals
- Parents say they’re good for wide feet
- Easily adjustable straps
- Sturdy footbed
- Quick-drying straps
- Open-toed style
If your little one has feet that are wide, narrow or anywhere in between, these toddler sandals from Teva are sure to be a perfect fit. The brand’s classic style features a sturdy, durable footbed that’s been designed to withstand outdoor activities all summer long. The sandal also has Velcro straps that can be easily adjusted to fit your toddler’s foot; the padded heel and toe straps can both be loosened or tightened in seconds. You’ll also love how the straightforward closure will encourage your kiddo to put these on and take them off independently. If that’s not all, these toddler sandals have been treated with a natural peppermint-based anti-odor treatment to keep them fresh no matter how many adventures they go on.
Material: EVA foam midsole, rubber outsole, polyester straps | Sizes: 4 to 10
Best baby sandals
- Wide back strap for heel support
- Machine-washable
- Mixed reviews about sizing
Last but not least, baby sandals that are equal parts cute and functional. 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 | Sizes: 2 to 7
Apart from style, of course, there are a couple of things you should consider when shopping for a toddler sandal: comfort and safety. Since your kiddo’s feet are still growing and developing, it’s important to ensure 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). What’s more, opt for Velcro closures so they can be more independent when it comes to putting on and taking off their own shoes; this is especially helpful if they’ll be wearing them to daycare or summer camp. 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.
About the writer:
Christin Perry is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in pregnancy, parenting and health and wellness topics. As a mother of four (ages 5, 10, 12 and 14), she’s gone through the paces and has used what seems like every product under the sun—and she’s used that experience to write dozens of product roundups for The Bump. Christin considers herself lucky to have worked for a long list of other large clients, including Forbes Advisor, Verywell Family, Parents, Parade, The Knot, Apartment Therapy and Dwell, to name a few.
Plus, more from The Bump:
The Bump March 2024 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of almost 350 parents from The Bump community, and asked what brand and style of toddler sandals they’ve used with their children.
Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.
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