Keen Sandals for Children – The Best Summer Sandal
Have you been looking for a pair of comfortable, supportive, lightweight, and flexible sandals that dry quickly and provide good traction? Keen sandals are the number one choice for parents who want to provide their kids with a pair of supportive, comfortable, and durable sandals. They are the most versatile types of sandals since children can wear them for longer periods of time and for different types of activities such as going to the beach, wearing them to summer camp, or going hiking.
Among Keen sandals, certain styles are better than others in terms of comfort, fit, and support. The good news is that I know exactly which styles are better than others since I have fitted them all before.
Key Features of Keen Kids Sandals
Keen sandals are designed to withstand the wear and tear of active play. They are constructed with high-quality materials that ensure long-lasting use. The sandals feature a robust rubber sole that provides excellent traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls during play.
Keen sandals provide a velcro strap so your children can control how tight or loose they want them. Some styles also have a type of closure called lock laces, which means that your child only needs to push a button to make the sandals tighter, and push on it again to make the sandals looser.
Keen Sandals: The Perfect Combination of Fashion and Function
Keen shoes have been the subject of much fashion debate. They may not be the prettiest shoes you will provide for your child, but they are unquestionably the perfect summer shoe for outdoor activities such as boating, hiking, going to the beach, or riding a bicycle. The newest styles in 2024 are actually quite fashionable.
There are certain parts of the world where people experience 7 or 8 months of summer. In the US, summer in Texas is really long and the sandal season is literally 7 to 8 months. Wouldn’t it be great if children could wear a sandal that provides them with support and stability to run around for most of the day?
Why Are Keen Sandals so Popular? – Unbeatable Versatility!
1️⃣ Fit: Keen sandals are extremely comfortable and fit children with narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet —depending on the style that you choose.
2️⃣ Support: Keen sandals provide shock absorption, which helps keep children’s feet and legs healthy by minimizing the impact that their feet take every time they come in contact with the ground.
3️⃣ Durability: Keen sandals are practically indestructible since they come with a durable outsole and a reinforced rubber toe-box.
Keen sandals are the most well-made functional and all-terrain sandal that I have ever fitted. The footbed on Keen sandals is wonderfully molded and cushioned; they fit the foot with ease.
How Much Do Keen Sandals Cost?
Most Keen kids’ sandals range from $40 to $55 depending on the style that you choose. You might find them cheaper if you purchase an older style. I believe this is a great price, considering that if fitted properly, your child will wear them for the whole season and more, if you live in a place with predominant summer weather.
I always recommend parents take their kids to be properly fitted for shoes at their local children’s shoe store. If you don’t have a children’s shoe store in your area, you should consider traveling to your closest one! Seriously, parents travel 30 to 45 minutes to come to our shoe store. It is true that we are one of the best children’s shoe stores in the country and we do specialize in children that have foot problems.
What Is My Go-To Keen Sandal for Kids?
The Keen Newport is my go-to style in terms of fit (it can accommodate wide feet), support, and durability.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best Keen sandals for children. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Keen Sandals for Children – The Most Comfortable Styles
Take a look at the description below each sandal to find out if that specific style can fit your child’s foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide). Many of the sandals featured below come in several color options, so if your child likes a specific model, please make sure to click through and see if they have the desired color.
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Order the shoe style Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Knotch River by Keen on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Open-toe with support and protection underfoot
- Built with lateral support to help stabilize the ankle and heel
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Knotch River by Keen on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Open-toe with support and protection underfoot
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Seacamp II CNX by Keen on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lightweight midsole allows little feet to move naturally
- Integrated, contoured arch and metatarsal ridge provide underfoot support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Seacamp II CNX by Keen on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Two points of adjustability for a custom fit
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Knotch Creek by Keen on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Lightweight midsole allows little feet to move naturally
- Integrated, contoured arch and metatarsal ridge provide underfoot support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Seacamp II CNX by Keen on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Two points of adjustability for a custom fit
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Order the shoe style Seacamp 2 CNX by Keen on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap with bungee closure for a secure fit
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Seacamp 2 CNX by Keen on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap with bungee closure for a secure fit
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Elle Backstrap by Keen on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Built with lateral support to help stabilize the ankle and heel
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Newport H2 by Keen on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Verano Open by Keen on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Moxie Sandal by Keen on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap with bungee closure for a secure fit
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
What Sandals Size Should You Order?
Keen sandals are not available in half sizes; they are available in whole sizes only. This factor will also play a key role in which size you will end up ordering for your child. If your child is in between sizes always sized them up so they can wear them for the whole summer.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape Online
I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.
How Do Keen Sandals Fit? – Let’s Find Out!
Keen sandals are available in whole sizes only. This means that if your children measure a foot size 10 1/2, then you will have to provide them with a shoe size 11 to allow for growing room. If your child measures a foot size 10, then you will need to get the shoe size 11 —since the sandals are not available in half sizes— You should always round up.
➡️ If your children have narrow feet, you will need to provide them with the Moxie or the Seacamp style.
➡️ If your children have wide or extra wide feet, you will need to provide them with the Newport style.
If you want to learn more about how each Keen sandal style fits, please go to another article on Keen sandals fit.
Are Your Kids’ Keen Sandals Starting to Smell? – Proven Solution
I have heard several parents comment about how bad Keen sandals start to smell after their children wore them for a couple of months. Imagine your child wearing them most of the day throughout the summer, there is a high chance that the sandal might develop a smell.
Some parents raised a concern that it is really hard to get rid of the smell. Unfortunately, there are no products in the market right now that can help get rid of the smell, so don’t waste any money on products thinking that they will help.
I will tell you the proven method to remove the smell from these sandals. It’s a home-based product secret: Use baking soda and vinegar and the smell will be gone! Please make sure you rub it throughout the sandal, especially in the neoprene part.
This is the most effective solution to get rid of the smell. I have spoken with several parents who have tried my home-based secret, and they said it worked perfectly. Try it and let me know how it worked out for you in the comments section below.
Is Your Child Flat-Footed and Overpronating? – Arch Support!
If your child has feet issues such as overpronation, flat feet, or low muscle tone, then this is the type of sandal that will provide them with the most support.
Several parents that have children who wear orthotics always ask me what type of shoes they can wear over the summer. They have invested time and money in orthotics and they want to make sure that during the summer, their children can run and play in a sandal that will keep their feet and legs healthy.
If you look closely at how Keen sandals are made, you will realize that they have the structure of a sneaker.
I created an article where I describe the best Keen sandal styles for children with foot issues.
Keen Sandals for Women – Get Them for Half of the Price!
Did you know that Keen sandals come in men’s and women’s sizes as well? They are perfect for adults who need a great supportive sandal and love hiking, camping, zip lining, city touring, running around, etc. If you are on your feet all day, this is the sandal for you. It will provide you with excellent support, comfort, and stability.
I have fitted several moms that bring their kids to the shoe store in Keen sandals, and they love them.
If you wear a women’s shoe size 8 (or smaller) you can get the kid’s version of the Keen sandals in a size 6 and you will pay half of the price. I am talking about the same quality, structure and support, but for half of the price.
Do you happen to need a pair of Keen sandals for yourself? There is a different website that describes the best summer sandals for women.
Are Any Other Sandal Choices Available?
Do not hesitate to contact me directly at my email if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes for your child.
Does your child already own a pair of Keen sandals? What is your favorite style? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
Thank you for this wonderful article! I ordered the moxie sandal for my daughter who has a narrow foot and a different style for my son with medium feet. They wore these shoes all summer long and they have held up extremely well. The first day she wore them, she stepped in a huge mud puddle. I simply rinsed them out and she continued to play. I feel good knowing that my daughter (who is particularly hard to find shoes for) has well fitting and supportive sandals. Your blog is gold!
Hi Jennifer,
I am glad the sandals worked out for your children’s feet! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you ever have trouble finding a particular shoe style for your kids!
Thanks for this article – but I’m a little stuck 🙁
This is my son’s third summer wearing shoes and we’re on to our third pair of Newports. They have served us brilliantly until this summer. Last summer he was in a size 7, this year I ordered a size 8 and even though the length is fine we are seriously struggling getting his foot into them because of the width and, once on, the strap is barely long enough to secure in place. This has not been an issue in previous years. Is there anything we can do with the shoe (he’s comfortable in it once it’s on) or, is there a wider fitting alternative you could recommend?
Thanks!!
Hello Daneet,
That might be a sign that the sandals might be too narrow for his feet. I assume that we are talking about a toddler’s shoe size. Which Newport style did you try? The one I recommend is the Newport H2:
Sandal for Toddler with Wide Feet
If you already tried that style, please get back to me and I will recommend a different sandal style.
A lot of other brands, like Pediped and Stride Rite, make sandals in this style or similar styles. (The Pediped Canyon and Sahara and the Stride Rite Jayden, for example.) Any thoughts on these? How might one asses these? Or would any similar style be fine, so long as it fit well? (My mind tends to overflow with questions like this.)
Additionally, what are your opinions on the Stride Rite Phibian?
Hello Brynn,
The Pediped Canyon or the Sahara are great sandals in terms of support but they don’t provide the same stability as Keen sandals do. Notice how thet don’t come with a toggle lace to hug your kids’feet. The same applies to the shoe style that you mentioned made by Stride Rite. To answer your questions they are great sandal styles but Keen sandals are more versatile in the sense that they provide the same support but more stability for when your kids’are running and playing around.
The Stride Rite Phibian doesn’t provide good support, it is pretty similiar to wearing a pair of Crocs.
I hope this helps!
Yes, thank you, that does help! I was guessing any big differences might have to do with the toggle, actually, as soon as I put more thought to it, but the confirmation is nice.
Brynn,
You had the right idea! Believe me when I tell you that having the toggle vs don’t have the toggle makes a huge difference.
Where is your store?
Hello Marni,
The store is located in Potomac, Maryland.
It’s cool to know we can save money by buying kid sandals for half price but still fit an adult. When we buy kids sandals for adults does the fit feel just as good? I really like the idea of just using baking soda and vinegar to clean and remove the smell. I have some runners that fit really well and tried to get the smell out. Do you think using the same homemade formula would work on my runners?
Great site, makes me look forward to summer!!!
Bit chilly up in Canada right now;)
Cheers
Paul
Paul,
I have fitted a lot of mother’s who come in the store and they love the children’s shoe version, whether it is a running sneakers, sandals, or dress shoes. The quality and support is the same as the adult’s shoes. However, the sizing translation only works with women who wear a shoe size 8 1/2 or below.
I wouldn’t use baking soda and vinegar for running shoes. There are products out there that will help taking the smell away, but start with wearing breathable socks.
Hi Juan! You offer some great information on your website. I work for a very large online retailer, and we sell tons of shoes! I’m pretty good at assisting women with their fit ….. but not so much for children. The information that you provide will be very helpful to me in my job. By the way …. we do sell the Keen brand and they are quite popular during the warm weather months.
That’s awesome! I would love to do something like that but I will probably miss the face to face interaction, specially with the children! I am sure you sell tons of Keens during the Summer season. Anytime you have a question that you might not know the answer. let me know!
I’ve looked up Keen sandals before for adults, but was taken back by the price. But you know what, you make a good point. You do have to pay a premium for good, quality shoes. And kids need shoes that are very comfortable because they are so active. I’m sure that this will help them enjoy playtime more since their shoes will be the last thing they need to be worried about, Thanks!
Raquel,
What woman shoe size do you wear? The reason why I am asking this is because if you wear a woman size 8 or below, you can get the children’s version of the Keen sandals and end up saving a lot of money! Keen sandals offer maximum support and stability, they are high quality sandals and that is the main reason why the price is higher. Your feet won’t be disappointed, trust me!
Cool! Thank you for letting me know. I’m a size 7, so looks like I can definitely get the kids version and save a few bucks. 🙂
Hi Juan!
I have been looking for supportive sandals like these for a while since my child wears orthotics. I couldn’t find anything close to these in terms of support and thanks god I was able to find your website. Can you please tell me what is the price for each pair and what colors these shoes come in.
Thank you,
Alham
Alham,
Keen sandals offer maximum support and is a must have for children who wears orthotics. The structure of the sandal is very similar to the one of a good supportive sneakers. It even comes with a built in arch which will help children who are flat footed improve their balance and walk straighter. If you click on this link: Best Keen Sandals for Kids with Flat Feet – Find Out Which is the Most Supportive Style! you can see the prices of the sandals and the available colors they come in. Good luck and let me know if you have any further questions.
I’ve seen a lot of kids wearing flimsy sandals and flip flops while playing in the park and playground, and you can see that they aren’t on solid footing when it comes to active play. Kids need to be able to run and jump and balance on play equipment in the summer, so proper footwear is essential. Running shoes are too hot for warm weather play, and not practical around water, so these Keen sandals look just perfect for busy kids running around in the sun.
Laurie,
I agree 100% with you! We all know how children are always running around. It doesn’t matter if they are in the park, school, supermarket… they are always running! Providing them with footwear that delivers maximum stability and support is a must.
Hello Juan,
I had never heard of Keen sandals before reading this article. They sound perfect. My son (age 11) lives in sandals and Crocs. If he had his way he wouldn’t wear anything but Crocs and sandals. I have caught him outside with friends playing catch with the football in the snow wearing Crocs and wearing sandals when it is 30 degrees outside. Anyway, you get the point.
His foot is a little wide but not overly wide, so do you think Keen’s will be okay?
I wear a woman’s size 6, I could get a pair of the girl’s for myself. What size would that translate to?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Xin
Xin,
Children love to wear Crocs and I understand 100% why your child loves them so much. They like the roomy feeling they provide and how easy they can slide them on and off. I wrote a post about Crocs you can probably benefit from: Crocs for Children – Is Your Child in Danger When Wearing Crocs? I would probably recommend the Newport style made by Keens for him since it has a wider toe-box compared to the other styles. He will feel much more secure running around with his friends in Keens rather than in Crocs.
If you wear a woman size 6 you probably need to get the children’s size 4 and you should be good to go 🙂