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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 🙂