Flip Flops for Kids – The Best Styles for Your Kids’ Feet!
When summer hits, flip flops for kids become a go-to for easy, breezy footwear. They’re convenient, affordable, and kids love slipping them on and off. But not all flip flops are created equal—some can lead to foot and leg pain if worn for long periods. As a shoe fitter with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how the wrong flip flops can affect growing feet. The good news? There are supportive, kid-friendly styles that offer both comfort and protection—and I’ll show you the best ones.
Kids’ flip flops are a summer staple, but many parents wonder—how long is it really safe for kids to wear them? Most flip flops are designed for short-term use, like quick trips to the pool or beach, not for all-day wear. The truth is, while many styles lack support, there are a few flip flops made with structure and cushioning to better protect growing feet. If your child loves flip flops, choosing the right pair can make all the difference.
Is It Safe for Children to Wear Flip Flops?
The main concern with kids wearing flip flops is their lack of support and stability. Imagine trying to run in them—it’s uncomfortable and risky. Since most kids won’t stop running just because they’re wearing flip flops, it’s important to be cautious. While some parents even question whether flip flops should be banned, I believe they’re fine for short-term use—as long as you choose the right pair.
Are Flip Flops Good for Everyday Wear?
The short answer is: not for everyday use. While flip flops are convenient and allow for breathability, they lack the essential support needed for growing feet.
Flip flops generally lack support, heel cushioning, and a secure fit. This can lead to various issues such as foot pain, blisters, or even more serious conditions like plantar fasciitis or heel spurs later in life. For short-term wear, such as at the beach or poolside, flip flops can be fine, but for extended wear, they are not recommended.
What Makes the Flip Flops I Recommend the Better Choice?
When looking for flip flops for kids, there are a few key features that can make a significant difference in comfort and foot health:
- Extra Cushion and Padding: Flip flops with cushioned footbeds help absorb shock and provide more comfort than traditional flat flip flops.
- Secure Fit: Opt for flip flops with backstraps or adjustable straps. This ensures the footwear stays in place and reduces the risk of tripping.
- Durability: Materials like EVA or rubber not only provide cushioning but also last longer, making them a good investment.
My Top Flip Flop Recommendations in 2025
Discover my top-rated flip flops for kids that combine comfort, support, and style. Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
- Order the flip flop Mush II by Teva on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Croslite foam offers all-day comfort and support
- Water-friendly
- I suggest that you get this flip flop a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
- Order the flip flop Fanning by Reef on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Airbag in the heel for all-day cushioning
- I suggest that you get this flip flop a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the flip flop WateLves on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- The outsole of these kids’ flip flops are made of Molded EVA for stable support
- Arch-shaped insole
- I suggest that you get this flip flop a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the flip flop by Reef on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Molded footbed and soft padded straps giving all around comfort for every step
- EVA footbed that has a durable non-marking EVA outsole
- I suggest that you get this flip flop a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the flip flop Spotlightcr by Rocket Dog on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Anatomical compression molded EVA provides good support
- Quick-drying
- I suggest that you get this flip flop a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
Get the Correct Shoe Size Online with My Virtual Guide
Ordering the correct size online can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve created a virtual guide to help parents determine their child’s shoe size accurately. Ensuring a proper fit is crucial, as ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort and foot issues. Follow my step-by-step instructions to measure your child’s foot and find the perfect size.
Best Alternatives to Wearing Flip Flops – Crocs or Keen Sandals?
While flip flops can work for short durations, you should consider other alternatives for longer wear. The first summer shoe that often comes to mind is Crocs. You’ve probably heard all the buzz—kids can’t get enough of them, while many parents are less enthusiastic. But love them or not, there’s no denying Crocs are a favorite for a reason!
Are Crocs more supportive than flip-flops? Yes—they offer a more stable base and better toe protection. However, they’re not ideal as everyday summer shoes. Many parents tell me their kids never want to take them off, which raises concerns. While Crocs aren’t known as the safest footwear for children, they won’t harm your child’s feet—as long as they’re worn in moderation.
Another great alternative to flip-flops is equipping your child with a rugged, all-terrain sandal—like Keens—that can handle both play and adventure!
Keen Sandals for Children
Yes, they might cost more than flip-flops, but Keen sandals offer unbeatable support, stability, and protection. They’re the top pick for summer play and camp adventures. Parents love how these sandals shield their kids’ feet with tough rubber soles while still providing the comfort and support growing feet need.
How to Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations
If you’re unsure about the best footwear for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out for specific shoe recommendations. Whether you’re concerned about the fit, support, or suitability for a particular activity, professional guidance can help you make informed decisions.
While flip flops are a great summer choice for kids’, you learned here that there are several other alternatives.
Your articles are great! i just discovered them recently, and have certainly benefitted. my 4 year old so has long narrow feet, and i have had such a hard time finding shoes that he can run in (he is VERY active). I tried the Asics you mentioned, and they fit great! He runs so much better in them! Now, are there any flip flops that could work for narrow feet? It seems like his toes can be hanging over the edge, but the straps are still so loose above his foot. All he has right now are his sneakers, but we live in a super hot climate, so I’d like him to have something to slip on easily for short periods of outside time or water play. Thanks for all your information. It’s been really helpful to us!
Hello Jules,
Wearing the correct type of shoes has a direct impact on the way we walk and run, and you were able to experience it with your son.
It’s hard to fit a pair of narrow feet in a pair of flip flops. Why don’t you provide him with a summer sandal that he can play with and run around all day? Have you ever heard of Keen sandals? There is a particular style that will fit the shape of your son’s feet and you can find it Here:
Narrow Sandals for Boys
You can learn more about Keen sandals in an article I wrote called:
Keen Sandals for Children – The Best Summer Sandal
I hope this helps!
Are slides better than flip flops? My son prefers to wear Nike slides, what do you think about them? He always looks so unstable in them, specially when he tries to run. What is a good summer shoe that provides good stability and support? We also buy our kids shoes from Amazon since they offer the best prices, do you agree with this?
Hello Marie,
Slides and flip-flops are practically the same and serve the same purpose. They are meant to walk comfortably around the house, or around the beach. However, they don’t provide any stability whatsoever, so I would’t allow my child to wear them around the swimming pool. A good summer shoe that provides good support is called Keen sandals. I describe these sandals in this post:
Keen Sandals for Children – The Best Summer Sandal
Amazon definitely offers the best prices for kids shoes!
Yay for flip flop season! I admit that I do buy flip flops for my kids, but they only wear them if we’re running out to the store real quick or they just need to slip something on real quick for a fast errand. They definitely do not run in them.
What do you think about swim shoes? My kids wear these when we go to the pool or the beach, but it seems like they aren’t much better in terms of support. Is it harmful for them to wear them all day? My kids like them because the pavement is often hot when going to and from the pool or when they get out to jump in or stand in line at the diving boards. Where can I get swim shoes for my kids? Do you have any recommendations? Good quality yet affordable?
Hello Theresa,
That’s exactly what flip flops are meant to be worn for, short distance walking! I wouldn’t recommend wearing swim shoes all day since they don’t provide any type of support to your kids feet.
Swim shoes are great for wearing around the pool and inside it, but not for wearing the whole day! Have you ever heard of Keen sandals for kids? They are great summer shoes that your children can wear after the swimming to run round and play with. They provide great support and stability, and they are the number one choice for parents when it comes to choosing summer shoes! I wrote a post about Keen sandals and you can find it here:
Keen Sandals for Children – The Best Summer Sandal
Hi Juan,
You have written a very informative article about children’s shoes and flip flops. Reading this article lets me realize how dangerous flip flops can be for my grand kids!
While I would not suggest that they be banned, I definitely think children should be supervised when wearing flip flops and should not be allowed to play in them.
Maybe they should put a warning sign on then when they are being sold so parents can see the dangers before they purchase them.Do you think flip flops can permanently damage children’s feet?
Native shoes are comfortable and will protect the children’s feet, unlike flip flops. I would prefer to give my grandkids native shoes to wear but my grandkids only wear flip flops around the house and to the beach. Can I order Native shoes through your website? Where is the cheapest place to buy them?
Hello Luna,
Flip flops are not dangerous as long as they are worn the way they are supposed to be worn. Flip flops for kids are meant to be sued to go to the swimming and come back, or walk around the beach. Basically when your child is doing short periods of walking, it’s okay for them to wear flip flops. However, flip flops should never be worn for long periods of walking or when your children are running around.
Native shoes are awesome, but I wouldn’t allow my child to run around in them. You can definitely order Native shoes from my website, and you will notice how Amazon offers the best prices for them!
Extremely informative website, and many of these things not many people I doubt have even thought of as far as flip flops are concerned! Love the way you show us the best flip flops for kids! My kids are always falling when they wear flip flops, so the ones that come with the straps on the backs are the ones I ordered.
Hello Holly,
Yes, the one that come with the straps will provide your child with more stability and hopefully he or she will STOP falling. Remember that flip flops are meant to be used to go to the swimming pool and come back, or when you are walking on the beach. If your child needs a shoe that provides more stability and support, you should take a look at this post:
Keen Sandals for Children – The Best Summer Sandal
Hi Juan Pablo
I didn’t know there’s so much to learn when it comes to kids’ footwear. This article is quite an eye opener. I thought flip flops were the best natural option for hot and dry seasons but I didn’t know there could be so many disadvantages associated with them.
To imagine being the cause of my kid’s blisters, or other foot problems for not being careful in choosing appropriate footwear for them is quite sobering!
How much better in terms of material and design could you say Crocs’ are when it comes to protecting kids feet and keeping them as comfortable as possible in the hot and dry seasons?
Kids flip flop are great for walking to the swimming and coming back, or when walking to the beach. They are not meant to be worn for long distance walking, just an easy thing for your kids to put in and out without the help of the parents.
Crocs are no different than flip flops, but they do provide toe protection. That is the main difference between Crocs and flip flops! If your kids like to run around a lot, they will be probably better off with a pair of Keen or Jambu sandals!