Keen Sandals for Children – The Best Summer Sandal

Are you searching for the perfect pair of sandals that are comfortable, supportive, lightweight, and flexible—all while drying quickly and providing excellent traction? KEEN sandals are a top choice among parents looking for durable, all-terrain footwear that keeps up with their child’s adventures. These sandals stand out for their versatility, making them ideal for everything from beach trips and summer camp to hiking trails and everyday play. With many options available, which Keen sandals should you consider for your child? Here are my top picks for 2025 based on my years of shoe-fitting experience.

Key Features of Keen Kids Sandals

Before diving into specific brand recommendations, let’s discuss the essential features you should look for when shopping for kids’ sandals:

Feature One: High Quality Materials. Keen is known for using high-quality materials that make their sandals practically indestructible. The materials used are not only durable but also environmentally friendly, aligning with Keen’s commitment to sustainability. This is crucial for active kids who love to explore and play. These sandals are often passed to other siblings as they remain in great shape even after a whole summer of active play.

Purple Keen Moxie for kids
A vibrant pair of purple KEEN sandals designed for kids, offering the perfect blend of style, comfort, and durability.

Feature Two: Adjustable Closures. One of the standout features of Keen sandals is their adjustable closures, which include both Velcro and toggle lace systems. This design allows for easy on and off, a convenience that parents and children alike appreciate. The adjustable closures also ensure a secure fit, accommodating various foot shapes and sizes.

Grey and red Keen Seacamp for kids
An image of a pair of Keen sandals with a Velcro strap and an adjustable toggle lace system for easy on and off.

Feature Three: Excellent Traction. Keen sandals feature rugged outsoles that provide superior grip on different surfaces. Whether your child is climbing a playground or hiking a trail, Keen sandals offer the stability they need.

Kids' sandals with good traction to prevent slips and falls.
An image of the bottom of a pair of Keen sandals with excellent thread to help prevent slips and falls.

KEEN sandals are hands down the most well-crafted, all-terrain sandals I’ve ever fitted! Their molded, cushioned footbed provides exceptional comfort and support, ensuring a secure, effortless fit for every adventure.

How Much Do Keen Sandals Cost?

The cost of Keen sandals can vary depending on the style and size. On average, you can expect to pay between $40 to $60 for a pair of Keen sandals for children. While this may seem like a significant investment, the durability and comfort they offer make them worth every penny. You can score a better deal by choosing an older style, often available at a lower price without compromising on quality!

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. The style remains a top choice for its versatility and comfort. Its closed-toe design offers protection, while the secure fit ensures your child can run and play without worry. The Newport is perfect for both everyday wear and outdoor adventures.

Keen Newport sandals for kids in navy blue and purple
One of the best-selling Keen sandals for kids: the adventure-ready Keen Newport!

Here’s a look at the best kids’ sandals for 2025, each chosen for its unique features and benefits, designed to cater to the diverse needs of children and the varied activities they engage in. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you

Best Keen Sandals for Children – The Most Comfortable Styles

Check the descriptions below each sandal to find the best fit for your child’s foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide). Many styles come in multiple colors, so click through to find your child’s favorite!

KEEN Newport H2

These KEEN Newport H2 sandals are the most supportive ones and the toe bumper offers extra protection. The Velcro strap and secure fit lace capture system ensures a snug fit, providing the stability needed for uneven terrains.

Supportive-navy-blue-Keen-sandal-for-kids
Pink Newport sandal for girls.
Supportive kids Keen sandals for kids with flat feet.
Supportive Keen sandals for kids with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Order the sandal style Newport H2 by KEEN on Zappos or Amazon
  • 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

Keen Moxie

The Keen Moxie sandal is a stylish yet adventure-ready option designed specifically for girls. Unlike other KEEN sandals, it features a sleeker, more feminine design while still providing the signature KEEN durability and protection. It has a lighter, more flexible feel compared to the Newport H2, and is ideal for girls with narrower feet.

Narrow sandals for girls.
Keen kids purple sandal.

Key Features

  • Order the Moxie sandal by Keen on Zappos or 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

Keen Elle

These open toe Keen sandals provide two adjustable straps to accommodate various foot shapes and secure your child’s feet inside the sandals.

Keen Elle for kids
  • Order the shoe style Elle Backstrap by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
  • 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

Boundless by Keen

The Boundless by KEEN is a comfortable and durable sandal featuring an adjustable back strap for a customizable, secure fit.

Navy blue adaptable Keen sandal for boys.
Adaptable Keen sandal for kids.
Purple adaptable Keen sandal for girls.
  • Order the Boundless style by Keen on Amazon or Zappos
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Adjustable back strap
  • Durable dual density cushioning offers shock absorption on impact
  • Water-friendly and machine washable
  • Accommodates orthotics
  • Lace-lock bungee closure can be secured and released with one hand
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Seacamp by KEEN

The Seacamp kids KEEN sandals are a durable, water-friendly sandal that features a quick-drying, breathable upper and a secure fit with adjustable straps.

Grey and red Keen Seacamp for kids
Pink Keen Seacamp sandals for kids.
  • Order the shoe style Seacamp 2 CNX by Keen on Amazon or Zappos
  • 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 whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Knotch River by Keen

The KEEN Knotch River sandal is a lightweight, adventure-ready sandal designed for active kids.

Navy blue open toe Keen sandals for kids.
Open toe Keen sandals for kids.
  • 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 whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Contact Me Via Email for Specific Keen Sandal Recommendations

Every child’s foot is unique, and finding the perfect fit requires personalized attention. Feel free to contact me via email for specific Keen sandal recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape. Whether your child has wide feet, high arches, or any other specific needs, I can provide guidance to help you choose the best pair.

What Sandal Size Should You Order?

KEEN sandals come in whole sizes only, which means choosing the right fit is key! If your child is between sizes, I always recommend sizing up—this way, they’ll have room to grow and enjoy their sandals all summer long.

Find out how do kids' Keen sandals fit.

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape Online

I always encourage parents to take their kids to a local children’s shoe store for a proper fitting—it can make all the difference in comfort and support! If there isn’t one nearby, consider making the trip. Many parents happily travel 30 to 45 minutes to visit our store because we’re known as one of the best children’s shoe stores in the country, specializing in foot health and expert fittings for kids with unique needs.

For families without access to a local children’s shoe store, I offer a virtual shoe fitting service to ensure your child gets the perfect fit from the comfort of your home. With expert guidance, I’ll help you determine the right size so your child can enjoy comfortable, well-fitted shoes no matter where you are!

Special Considerations for Kids with Foot Problems

I’ve compiled a comprehensive resource of supportive sandals tailored for kids with various foot conditions such as flat feet, low muscle tone, and overpronation. This resource includes recommendations based on arch type, heel alignment, and pronation, ensuring your child receives the support they need. 

Supportive Keen Newport sandals for kids with flat feet vs a pair of unsupportive sandals.
A side-by-side comparison of two KEEN kids’ sandals, highlighting the difference in support and stability.

Keen Sandals for Women – Get Them for Half of the Price!

Did you know KEEN sandals are available for men and women too? They’re perfect for hiking, camping, zip-lining, city exploring, and everyday adventures!

Here’s a money-saving trick: If you wear a women’s size 8 or smaller, you can buy the kids’ version for half the price! A woman’s size 8 equals a kids’ size 6, and a woman’s size 7 equals a kids’ size 5—same quality, support, and durability, just at a better deal! If you’re considering Keen sandals for women, buying the kids’ version can save you a significant amount of money, while still providing the same high-quality features.

An image of a woman enjoying the kids’ version of Keen sandals.

Are Your Kids’ Keen Sandals Starting to Smell? – Proven Solution

Many parents mention that KEEN sandals start to smell after months of wear, especially when kids wear them all summer long. Some have struggled to eliminate the odor, but unfortunately, no product reliably removes it—so don’t waste money on ineffective solutions.

A woman covering her nose reacting to a strong odor from Keen sandals.

Here’s what to do to keep them fresh and odor-free:

Regular Cleaning: Make it a habit to clean sandals regularly. Remove dirt and debris after each use and wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of bacteria and fungi, which are the primary causes of odors.

Use Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda inside the sandals and let them sit overnight. This helps absorb odors and freshens them up. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can effectively neutralize smells without damaging the sandal material.

Sun Exposure: Let the sandals dry in the sun. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and can help eliminate bacteria that cause odors. The warmth also helps dry out any moisture trapped in the sandals, further reducing the risk of odor development.

Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts water and vinegar, and use it to wipe down the sandals. Vinegar is effective at neutralizing odors and is safe for most materials. This natural cleaning solution is gentle yet powerful, ensuring that the sandals remain in good condition while smelling fresh.

Keen sandals have been the subject of much fashion debate. They may not be the prettiest sandals 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 2025 are actually quite fashionable.