10 Greatest Toddler Sandals Based mostly on Pediatrician Recs 2024

April 12, 2024

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Because the mum or dad of a toddler, my intestine response to the query of what makes an incredible toddler sandal is straightforward: any sandal my kiddo will placed on and carry on is a winner. After consulting medical professionals and suggestions from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), although, I realized there are another key factors to think about in what makes for the very best toddler sandals.

However to my credit score, a toddler’s willingness to put on sandals is certainly a baseline prerequisite. These small people are notorious for being powerful clients, and it’s no small feat to discover a profitable sandal for his or her growing toes. However, with suggestions from execs on methods to choose the very best toddler sandals—after which a number of our absolute favourite choices available on the market—you possibly can relaxation assured you’ll discover a trendy, protected, and toddler-approved sandal for warm-weather enjoyable.

The Greatest Toddler Sandals at a Look

Total Greatest Toddler Sandals: Ten Little On a regular basis Sandals, $39
Greatest Price range Sandals for Toddlers: Cat & Jack Toddler Ade Footbed Sandals, $10
Greatest Toddler Sandals for Boys: Nike Sunray Shield 2, $36
Greatest Toddler Sandals for Ladies: Ugg Kolding Fisherman Sandal, $45
Greatest Water-Pleasant Toddler Sandals: Crocs Toddler Basic Clog, $35
Greatest Toddler Jelly Sandals: Mini Melissa Possession, $59
Greatest Machine-Washable Toddler Sandals: See Kai Run Wilder, $50
Greatest Closed-Toe, Breathable Sandals: Native Jefferson, $35
Greatest Sandals for New Walkers: Stride Ceremony Splash Sandal, $30–$48
Greatest Adaptive Sandals for Toddlers: Billy Footwear Billy Sandal, $40-$45

What To Search for in Toddler Sandals, Based on Professionals

In the beginning, know that each one toddler sneakers are for the aim of maintaining toes protected and guarded whereas strolling outdoors. “Key options to search for when shopping for sandals for toddlers embrace consolation, match, and life-style,” says pediatrician Steph Lee, MD.

Consolation

Concerning consolation, she says to “search for sandals which might be extra cushioned or have some arch assist. The underside of toddlers’ toes are nonetheless growing, and having further cushion for assist helps the sandals really feel extra comfy.”

Match

Based on HealthyChildren.org, the parenting web site from the AAP, one other two key factors to search for embrace, first, choosing sneakers with traction, which helps to stop sliding on slippery surfaces. And, second, making certain the match of the shoe isn’t too tight. To check if a shoe is perhaps too tight, be certain there’s a finger’s value of distance between the large toe and fringe of the shoe.

It’s additionally vital for early-walker sneakers to have a deep heel cup to supply ankle assist, a large toe field to permit for pure toe splay and optimum stability, and a versatile sole, says Anne Wolfe, DPT, a pediatric bodily therapist in North Carolina.

For sandals with straps, Dr. Lee says it’s vital that the strap rests beneath the bottom of the toe knuckle. This helps guarantee a toddler can stroll with out their toes slipping out of the shoe and disrupting their regular gait.

Life-style

All of those suggestions for choosing a toddler’s shoe additionally apply to sandal choice. One added level of shoe building that units some sandals aside from different sneakers, although, is the open toe. Excellent news on that entrance: Based on Wendy Johsnon, MD, a pediatrician with Tribeca Pediatrics in New York Metropolis, it’s not a security difficulty to let your child’s tootsies get some recent air on a scorching day. “Open-toe sandals are tremendous so long as the place they’re strolling is protected in the event that they fall,” says Dr. Johnson.

To assist gauge whether or not an open-toe sandal is perhaps applicable, Dr. Lee means that “for those who’re operating round rocks the place your baby may stub their toe, then go for closed-toe sandals,” she says. “For those who’re having fun with the outside on a grassy garden or at a water park, open toed sandals doubtless wouldn’t be an issue. Regardless of the fashion, be certain to examine your toddler’s toes for any cuts or scrapes after being outside and wash with heat soapy water to stop pores and skin infections.”

So, for enjoyable within the solar with out sweaty, trapped, unventilated toes, look no additional than the very best toddler sandals on your any and each want.

The Greatest Toddler Footwear, Based on Execs and Toddler Mother and father

greatest total

Ten Little, On a regular basis Sandals

All of Ten Little’s sneakers are created with the assistance of podiatrists and pediatricians to make sure the sneakers assist wholesome foot growth. The On a regular basis Sandals are a closed-toe, breathable choice that’s waterproof and fast-drying. In addition they characteristic each exterior traction on the only real and a textured insole to maintain toes in place.

Colours Out there: Blue, Pink, Brown
Sizes: 4-13 (in half-sizes)
Materials: Pure rubber outsoles, one hundred pc cotton lining, phthalate-free vegan leather-based

Execs:
Traction
Light-weight
Waterproof

Cons:
Spot-clean

greatest funds

Cat & Jack, Toddler Ade Footbed Sandals

These Birkenstock lookalikes provide the elevated fashion of the long-beloved iconic double-strap sandal, however at a way more lovable value. The huge, foot-crossing straps are adjustable by buckle closure, and the heel strap closes by way of Velcro, permitting for fast on-and-off expertise as soon as the buckle settings are fitted appropriately.

Colours Out there: 6 complete colours
Sizes: 5T-12T
Materials: Plastic

Execs:
Value

Cons:
Velcro may put on out
All-plastic materials won’t be comfy

greatest boy sandals

Nike, Sunray Shield 2

These sandals from Nike have the look of an athletic sneaker, however provide the air flow and water-resistance that helps guarantee wholesome airflow on summer time days. The cushioned footbed affords consolation and assist whereas traction on the skin retains children protected on any floor.

Colours Out there: Blue, black
Sizes: 2C-10C
Materials: Artificial leather-based higher, foam midsole

Execs:
Adjustable match
Traction on the outside

Cons:
Fast-drying however not waterproof
Appear optimized for water actions

greatest lady sandal

Ugg, Kolding Fisherman Sandal

These sturdy sneakers from UGG mix consolation, fashion, and foot assist, which is maybe the profitable formulation for toddler sandals. The hook-and-loop ankle strap affords an adjustable match and makes placing them on and taking them off a straightforward job.

Colours Out there: White, metallic gold
Sizes: Child (0-12mo); Walker; Toddler(12-24mo)
Materials: Artificial higher, textile lining, artificial sole

Execs:
Supportive
Cushioned

Cons:
Value

greatest water-friendly

Crocs, Toddler Basic Clog

It’s exhausting to be close to a daycare or preschool in hotter months with out noticing a full rainbow’s value of Crocs on toddler toes (together with the customizable Jibbitz that assist children specific themselves). These waterproof sneakers are an incredible choice for water play, along with offering all-day consolation and foot safety. Toddlers with huge or thick toes could discover that Crocs permit for the roominess they want.

Colours Out there: 16 complete colours
Sizes: C4-C10
Materials: Croslite, the model’s proprietary materials that appears like foam

Execs:
Light-weight
Straightforward to scrub
Waterproof

Cons:
Lack stabilizing options that different sandals provide

greatest jelly sandal

Mini Melissa, Possession Sandals

Mini Melissa’s Possession jelly sandals are a throwback fashion flex that can delight any millennial mum or dad—or vintage-loving toddler, I suppose. (With that in thoughts, it’s value noting the Possession is offered in an grownup model as effectively—and who doesn’t love an identical second?) The toddler fashion’s steel buckle is only for seems to be, sitting atop a Velcro closure for simple on-and-off entry.

Colours Out there: 11 complete colours
Sizes: Toddler (11M-12M); Little child (1M-3M, 13M); Massive child (4M). Extra sizes obtainable immediately from Mini Melissa.
Materials: PVC, velcro, steel buckle

Execs:
Protected-toe building
Straightforward to tackle and off
Matching grownup fashion

Cons:
Value
Jelly materials may irritate some, particularly when moist or sweaty

greatest machine-washable

See Kai Run, Wilder Sandal

This machine-washable sandal from See Kai Run has a laundry record accolades: The American Podiatric Medical Affiliation accepted it, it’s water-friendly, it has two hook-and-loop straps that permit for a custom-made and supportive match, and it offers outer traction to maintain toes protected and durable. Did we point out it’s machine-washable?

Colours Out there: Grey, Navy, Berry
Sizes: 5T-10T
Materials: polyurethane leather-based higher, EVA foam footbed

Execs:
Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation (APMA)
Mechanically cleanable
Water-friendly

Cons:
Value

Greatest closed-toe, however nonetheless breathable

Native, Jefferson Baby

What’s particularly notable about these water-friendly, closed-toe, breathable sneakers is that they are often dressed up or down. Many adults search for day-to-night choices that may take them from pool-to-dinner in the summertime, and Native’s Jefferson affords the identical for toddlers.

Colours Out there: 11 complete colours
Sizes: C2-J6
Materials: Rubber, Injection Molded EVA

Execs:
Wipeable
Odor-resistant
Light-weight

Cons:
Lack stabilizing options that different sandals provide

greatest for brand new walkers

Stride Ceremony, Splash Sandal

Calling all water infants! The adjustable Splash Sandal affords traction to maintain each splash zone protected and a foam footbed for consolation. And with patterns that embrace enjoyable choices like a flamingo, shark, or ice cream cone, relying in your chosen shade, how might you not have a good time?

Colours Out there: 8 complete colours
Sizes: Little Youngsters 3-6
Materials: Ortholite reminiscence foam sole

Execs:
Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation
Adjustable
Enjoyable sample and shade choices

Cons:
Value
Waterproof, not waterproof

greatest adaptive sandal

Billy, Youngsters’ Billy Sandal

Billy Footwear is a model dedicated to creating sneakers that work for folks of all bodily talents. This toddler sandal affords adaptive options like an adjustable heel strap that permits for a customizable match and a toe-wrapping zipper that makes taking the shoe on and off simple. The sandal is available in three colours, all utilizing sturdy fake leather-based and high-traction soles—marrying style and performance.

Colours Out there: White, silver, brown
Sizes: Strolling (5M-7M); Toddler (8M-12M); Little child (13M-3M); Massive child (4M-7M)
Materials: Artificial higher and lining, rubber sole

Execs:
Adaptive

Cons:
Spot-clean solely

Specialists in This Article

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