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As the parent of a toddler, my gut reaction to the question of what makes a great toddler sandal is simple: any sandal my kiddo will put on and keep on is a winner. After consulting medical professionals and recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), though, I learned there are some other key points to consider in what makes for the best toddler sandals. 

But to my credit, a toddler’s willingness to wear sandals is definitely a baseline prerequisite. These small humans are infamous for being tough customers, and it’s no small feat to find a winning sandal for their developing feet. But, with tips from pros on how to select the best toddler sandals—and then a selection of our absolute favorite options on the market—you can rest assured you’ll find a stylish, safe, and toddler-approved sandal for warm-weather fun. Related story Amazon Has an Unbeatable Prime Exclusive Deal on a Set of UGG Cooling Bed Sheets for Just $19

The Best Toddler Sandals at a Glance

Overall Best Toddler Sandals: Ten Little Everyday Sandals, $39
Best Budget Sandals for Toddlers: Cat & Jack Toddler Ade Footbed Sandals, $10
Best Toddler Sandals for Boys: Nike Sunray Protect 2, $36
Best Toddler Sandals for Girls: Ugg Kolding Fisherman Sandal, $45
Best Water-Friendly Toddler Sandals: Crocs Toddler Classic Clog, $35
Best Toddler Jelly Sandals: Mini Melissa Possession, $59
Best Machine-Washable Toddler Sandals: See Kai Run Wilder, $50
Best Closed-Toe, Breathable Sandals: Native Shoes, Jefferson, $35
Best Sandals for New Walkers: Stride Rite Splash Sandal, $30–$48
Best Adaptive Sandals for Toddlers: Billy Footwear Billy Sandal, $40-$45

What To Look for in Toddler Sandals, According to Professionals

First and foremost, know that all toddler shoes are for the purpose of keeping feet safe and protected while walking outside. “Key features to look for when buying sandals for toddlers include comfort, fit, and lifestyle,” says pediatrician Steph Lee, MD. 

Comfort

Regarding comfort, she says to “look for sandals that are more cushioned or have some arch support. The bottom of toddlers’ feet are still developing, and having extra cushion for support helps the sandals feel more comfortable.”

Fit

According to HealthyChildren.org, the parenting website from the AAP, another two key points to look for include, first, selecting shoes with traction, which helps to prevent sliding on slippery surfaces. And, second, ensuring the fit of the shoe isn’t too tight. To test if a shoe might be too tight, make sure there’s a finger’s worth of distance between the big toe and edge of the shoe.  Related story Amazon Has an Unbeatable Prime Exclusive Deal on a Set of UGG Cooling Bed Sheets for Just $19

It’s also important for early-walker shoes to have a deep heel cup to provide ankle support, a wide toe box to allow for natural toe splay and optimum balance, and a flexible sole, says Anne Wolfe, DPT, a pediatric physical therapist in North Carolina. 

For sandals with straps, Dr. Lee says it’s important that the strap rests below the base of the toe knuckle. This helps ensure a toddler can walk without their toes slipping out of the shoe and disrupting their normal gait.

Lifestyle

All of these recommendations for selecting a toddler’s shoe also apply to sandal selection. One added point of shoe construction that sets some sandals apart from other shoes, though, is the open toe. Good news on that front: According to Wendy Johsnon, MD, a pediatrician with Tribeca Pediatrics in New York City, it’s not a safety issue to let your kid’s tootsies get some fresh air on a hot day. “Open-toe sandals are fine as long as where they’re walking is safe if they fall,” says Dr. Johnson. 

To help gauge whether an open-toe sandal might be appropriate, Dr. Lee suggests that “if you’re running around rocks where your little one might stub their toe, then opt for closed-toe sandals,” she says. “If you’re enjoying the outdoors on a grassy lawn or at a water park, open toed sandals likely would not be a problem. No matter the style, make sure to check your toddler’s feet for any cuts or scrapes after being outdoors and wash with warm soapy water to prevent skin infections.” 

So, for fun in the sun without sweaty, trapped, unventilated feet, look no further than the best toddler sandals for your any and every need.

The Best Toddler Shoes, According to Pros and Toddler Parents

best overall

Ten Little, Everyday Sandals

All of Ten Little’s shoes are created with the help of podiatrists and pediatricians to ensure the shoes support healthy foot development. The Everyday Sandals are a closed-toe, breathable option that’s water-resistant and fast-drying. They also feature both external traction on the sole and a textured insole to keep feet in place. 

Colors Available: Blue, Pink, Brown
Sizes: 4-13 (in half-sizes)
Material: Natural rubber outsoles, 100 percent cotton lining, phthalate-free vegan leather

Pros:
Traction
Lightweight
Water-resistant

Cons:
Spot-clean

best budget

Cat & Jack, Toddler Ade Footbed Sandals

These Birkenstock lookalikes offer the elevated style of the long-beloved iconic double-strap sandal, but at a much more lovable price. The wide, foot-crossing straps are adjustable by buckle closure, and the heel strap closes via Velcro, allowing for quick on-and-off experience once the buckle settings are fitted appropriately.

Colors Available: 6 total colors
Sizes: 5T-12T
Material: Plastic

Pros:
Price

Cons:
Velcro might wear out
All-plastic material might not be comfortable

best boy sandals

Nike, Sunray Protect 2

These sandals from Nike have the look of an athletic sneaker, but offer the ventilation and water-resistance that helps ensure healthy airflow on summer days. The cushioned footbed offers comfort and support while traction on the outside keeps kids safe on any surface. 

Colors Available: Blue, black
Sizes: 2C-10C
Material: Synthetic leather upper, foam midsole

Pros: 
Adjustable fit
Traction on the exterior

Cons:
Quick-drying but not waterproof
Seem optimized for water activities

best girl sandal

Ugg, Kolding Fisherman Sandal

These sturdy shoes from UGG blend comfort, style, and foot support, which is perhaps the winning formula for toddler sandals. The hook-and-loop ankle strap offers an adjustable fit and makes putting them on and taking them off an easy task.

Colors Available: White, metallic gold
Sizes: Baby (0-12mo); Walker; Toddler(12-24mo)
Material: Synthetic upper, textile lining, synthetic sole

Pros:
Supportive
Cushioned

Cons:
Price

best water-friendly

Crocs, Toddler Classic Clog

It’s hard to be near a daycare or preschool in warmer months without noticing a full rainbow’s worth of Crocs on toddler feet (along with the customizable Jibbitz that help kids express themselves). These waterproof shoes are a great option for water play, in addition to providing all-day comfort and foot protection. Toddlers with wide or thick feet may find that Crocs allow for the roominess they need. 

Colors Available: 16 total colors
Sizes: C4-C10
Material: Croslite, the brand’s proprietary material that feels like foam

Pros:
Lightweight
Easy to clean
Waterproof

Cons:
Lack stabilizing features that other sandals offer

best jelly sandal

Mini Melissa, Possession Sandals

Mini Melissa’s Possession jelly sandals are a throwback style flex that will delight any millennial parent—or vintage-loving toddler, I suppose. (With that in mind, it’s worth noting the Possession is available in an adult version as well—and who doesn’t love a matching moment?) The toddler style’s metal buckle is just for looks, sitting atop a Velcro closure for easy on-and-off access. 

Colors Available: 11 total colors
Sizes: Toddler (11M-12M); Little kid (1M-3M, 13M); Big kid (4M). More sizes available directly from Mini Melissa.
Material: PVC, velcro, metal buckle

Pros:
Protected-toe construction
Easy to take on and off
Matching adult style

Cons:
Price
Jelly material might irritate some, especially when wet or sweaty

best machine-washable

See Kai Run, Wilder Sandal

This machine-washable sandal from See Kai Run has a laundry list accolades: The American Podiatric Medical Association approved it, it’s water-friendly, it has two hook-and-loop straps that allow for a customized and supportive fit, and it provides outer traction to keep feet safe and sturdy. Did we mention it’s machine-washable? 

Colors Available: Gray, Navy, Berry
Sizes: 5T-10T
Material: polyurethane leather upper, EVA foam footbed

Pros:
Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
Machine washable
Water-friendly 

Cons:
Price

Best closed-toe, but still breathable

Native Shoes, Jefferson Child

What’s especially notable about these water-friendly, closed-toe, breathable shoes is that they can be dressed up or down. Many adults look for day-to-night options that can take them from pool-to-dinner in the summer, and Native Shoe’s Jefferson offers the same for toddlers. 

Colors Available: 11 total colors
Sizes: C2-J6
Material: Rubber, Injection Molded EVA

Pros:
Wipeable
Odor-resistant
Lightweight 

Cons:
Lack stabilizing features that other sandals offer

best for new walkers

Stride Rite, Splash Sandal

Calling all water babies! The adjustable Splash Sandal offers traction to keep every splash zone safe and a foam footbed for comfort. And with patterns that include fun options like a flamingo, shark, or ice cream cone, depending on your selected color, how could you not have a great time?

Colors Available: 8 total colors
Sizes: Little Kids 3-6
Material: Ortholite memory foam sole

Pros:
Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association
Adjustable
Fun pattern and color options

Cons:
Price
Water-resistant, not waterproof

best adaptive sandal

Billy, Kids’ Billy Sandal

Billy Footwear is a brand committed to creating shoes that work for people of all physical abilities. This toddler sandal offers adaptive features like an adjustable heel strap that allows for a customizable fit and a toe-wrapping zipper that makes taking the shoe on and off easy. The sandal comes in three colors, all using durable faux leather and high-traction soles—marrying fashion and function.

Colors Available: White, silver, brown
Sizes: Walking (5M-7M); Toddler (8M-12M); Little kid (13M-3M); Big kid (4M-7M)
Material: Synthetic upper and lining, rubber sole

Pros:
Adaptive

Cons:
Spot-clean only

Experts in This Article

Steph Lee, MD: Pediatrician
Anne Wolfe, DPT: Pediatric physical therapist in North Carolina
Wendy Johsnon, MD: Pediatrician with Tribeca Pediatrics in New York City

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