Native Shoes – The Must Have Shoe for the Summer
Searching for the perfect summer shoes for your child? Parents are choosing Native shoes for their kids over flip flops and Crocs. They’re waterproof, easy to slip on, and versatile enough for any summer adventure. Compared to other brands like Crocs, Native stands out with its eco-friendly design and sleeker look. As a dedicated children’s shoe fitter, I’ve found that some Native styles fit and perform better than others—and I’ll walk you through the best ones below.
No More Crocs or Smelly Sandals
Tired of Crocs slipping off or dealing with the odor from worn-out Keen sandals? Native Shoes might be the perfect summer upgrade. They’re breathable, easy to clean, and offer a secure fit that stays put—so your child can play comfortably without the hassle (or the smell!). Most children find Native shoes comfortable, stylish, and they love how breathable they are!
The Advantages of Wearing Native Shoes
When it comes to summer footwear, Native Shoes outshine other options like Crocs and traditional sandals. Their unique blend of style, comfort, and practicality makes them a favorite among children and parents alike. Here’s why they stand out:
Breathability and Comfort
Native Shoes are crafted with small perforations that allow air to circulate, keeping feet cool and preventing odors. This design feature is particularly beneficial during the hot summer months when children’s feet are prone to sweating. Unlike some other summer shoes that can trap moisture and cause discomfort, Native Shoes keep feet fresh and dry throughout the day.
Easy Maintenance
Say goodbye to smelly sandals and dirty shoes! Native Shoes are incredibly easy to clean, which is a huge plus for busy parents. A simple rinse with water removes dirt and grime, while their quick-drying material ensures they’re ready to wear in no time.
Versatile Style
Native Shoes come in a wide range of colors and designs, making it easy to find a pair that matches any outfit. Whether your child is heading to the beach, a playdate, or a family outing, Native Shoes are versatile enough for any summer activity. Their stylish appearance means they can easily transition from casual play to more formal occasions, providing a go-to option for all summer events.
Which Native Shoe Style Is Best for Your Child’s Foot Shape?
Not all feet are the same—and that’s why choosing the right Native style matters.
Robbie: The most versatile of the bunch, perfect for medium to wide feet. With added cushioning and support, it’s built for all-day comfort and everyday adventures.
Jefferson: Best for narrow to medium feet, this sleek, snug-fitting style hugs the foot for a secure, no-slip fit.
Miles: A great choice for medium to wide feet, offering a roomier feel while still delivering solid support.
With so many styles to choose from, selecting the right pair of Native Shoes can be overwhelming. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through them.
The Best Native Shoes for Kids in 2025
Each style offers unique features that cater to different needs, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every child. Here are my top picks for the summer of 2025:
Jefferson. These Native shoes for kids are lightweight and feature breathable perforations and a snug, secure fit—making it ideal for kids with narrow to medium feet who need comfort, style, and easy wear all summer long.
- Order the Jefferson water shoe by Native on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- The EVA upper is flexible and features all-over perforations so their feet can breathe
- Perforations control temperature and let feet breathe
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Miles. The Miles style offers a roomier fit with the same lightweight, breathable design Native is known for—perfect for kids with medium to wide feet who need extra space without sacrificing comfort or style.
Key Features
- Order the Miles water shoe by Natives on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- The EVA upper is flexible and features all-over perforations so their feet can breathe
- Rubber outsole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Robbie. Designed with a wider, cushioned fit, the Robbie is perfect for kids with medium to wide feet—offering all-day comfort, flexibility, and a secure slip-on style that’s great for active summer play.
- Order the shoe style Robbie by Native on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- The EVA upper is flexible and features all-over perforations so their feet can breathe
- Rubber outsole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
To order the correct shoe size online, take advantage of my virtual shoe fitting service. This service helps you determine the correct shoe size online, ensuring a perfect fit without the hassle of returns.
Need Help? Contact Me for Personalized Assistance
If you’re unsure which Native Shoe will work best for your child’s foot shape, don’t hesitate to reach out. As a dedicated shoe fitter, I’m here to provide personalized recommendations tailored to your child’s needs. Understanding the nuances of each style and fit can make a significant difference in your child’s comfort and enjoyment.
Everything Parents Want to Know About Native Shoes: FAQs Answered
Curious if Native Shoes are the right choice for your child? Here are the most frequently asked questions parents have—answered with expert insight!
Will Native Shoes make my child’s feet sweaty or smelly?
Not at all! They’re actually a fresher alternative to Crocs or flip-flops. While not designed for intense activity like hiking or long-distance walking, Native Shoes are breathable and odor-resistant, making them perfect for casual summer play.
Can my child wear them in the water?
Yes—but think splash zones, not swim sessions. They’re great around pools, on boats, or at the beach, but not intended for swimming.
If my child wears a size 1.5, should I buy a size 1 or 2?
Go with size 1. Native Shoes tend to run long, so sizing down is usually the better fit.
Will Native Shoes fit my child’s wide feet?
Generally yes—for wide feet, they’re a good match. However, they might not be the best fit for extra wide feet.
What about kids with high insteps?
No problem! The flexible upper material accommodates high insteps well.
Can my child wear these with socks?
Technically yes—but style-wise, they’re meant to be worn sock-free, similar to sandals.
What are Native Shoes made of?
They’re crafted from a soft, lightweight plastic—similar to Crocs, but with a gentler feel on the feet.
How do Native Shoes compare to Keens?
They’re in different categories: Keens are rugged and built for adventure, while Natives are lightweight, fun, and easy to slip on—perfect for everyday summer play.
Are Native Shoes machine washable?
Yes! Just skip the dryer—heat can cause them to shrink.
What’s the difference between the Jefferson and Miller styles?
The Jefferson fits more snugly and offers better breathability, making it great for narrow to medium feet. The Miller is roomier and better suited for kids with wider feet.
Native Shoes are a top choice for the summer of 2025, offering comfort, style, and sustainability. With various styles to choose from, there’s a perfect pair for every child.
Hi I just recently bought natives size 7c for my almost 2 yr old and I noticed she has blister or irritation on the inside of her heel, looked similar to a callus but was itchy Is this normal ? She didn’t wear all day just for a hr or two.. it was on both feet so had to be the shoes.
Hi Trinity,
No, it’s not normal. I recommend that you return the shoes and provide your daughter with a summer shoe that provides more padding around the heels.
Unfortunately, not all children can wear Natives. Let me know if you need specific shoe recommendations.
Hi! I just bought my 2 year old his first pair of Natives in the Jefferson style. He wore them around the house for about 30 minutes and had indentations/bumps on the tops of his feet from the holes. Is this normal? I’m not sure if they would turn in to blisters or not with further use. They are a bit long on his foot, which I expected, and he does not have a particularly “chubby” or wide foot. So I’m thinking they are the correct size.
Hello Amanda,
I can’t tell you with 100% confidence whether your son might get blisters on his feet from wearing the shoes. It sounds to me like the Natives are not deep enough for your child’s feet. When children have marks on the top of their feet it either means that they might have a high instep or the shoes are not deep enough.
It sounds like Natives are not the correct type of shoe for your child.
Hi, do you know the skechers “native” style? There is a Guzman model. I was wondering if they are also a good option for kids similar to the Native shoes
Hello Maria,
Great question. It’s a nice shoe style, but it’s really hard to fit on children’s feet, especially if your child has a high instep. The Native styles are easier to get on.
What is the difference between the Miller and the Miles style? I dont see the Miles mentioned in this article.
Thanks!
Hello Deb,
I have not fitted the Miles Native shoe style before, that is the reason why I don’t mention it. I only review shoe styles thatI have fitted before.
Both of my kids are getting blisters on the bottom of their toes… every single toe. They both have the Jefferson style. The shoes aren’t causing blisters anywhere else. Now, I’m rethinking buying these anymore or even letting them wear it on our beach vacation.
Hello Seng,
Certain children react different to certain shoe styles. Because of the fact that they are developing blisters I would recommend that they stop wearing them right away and you provide them with a different type of summer shoe style. Maybe something that prevents their feet from moving too much and with a substantial sole that cushions their feet and toes.
Have you ever heard of Keen sandals? It’s a very functional summer shoe that children can run and play all day. You can learn more about them here:
Keen Summer Sandal For Children – The Best Summer Sandal
I hope this helps!
I love the Natives and I bought the stars pair for my 3 year old and they give him blisters in the back. Do you know what might cause that? The shoe doesn’t look too small and we didn’t go down a size, we just bought his regular size 7. It doesn’t slip off either. I would love to buy more but the blisters really hurt him.
Hello Alicia,
Your child might have sensitive skin around the ankle. Keep in mind that not all children can wear slip-on shoes, are you looking for an easy on and off pair of summer she’s for your child?
If the shoe is the correct size (not too long nor too short) then it means that the Natives might not be the correct shoe for your child.You can also try a different native “style” to see if they work together. Did you try the new Juniper style? It comes with a strap accross the instep of the foot to keep the shoe in place and minimize ankle movement which leads to blisters.
I hope this helps!
Can you put insoles in these?
I am looking for a summer shoe or sandal that I can put my toddler’s insoles in. Thanks in Advance.
Hello Andra,
I have been fitting children’s shoes for 10 years and I have never fitted an insole/orthotic inside a pair of sandals. The reason for this is that they don’t provide the support and structure to hold the insert in place. If your child needs extra support in his or her summer sandals, please refer to an article where I describe the most supportive summer sandals for children:
Keen Sandals For Children – The Best Summer Sandal
You can insert an insole in a pair of everyday shoes and you can learn more about the best shoes for orthotics inserts in this article:
The Best Kids’ Shoes for Orthotics – Supportive and Comfortable Shoes
I hope this helps!
Hello Andra,
Unfortunately, you can’t put an insole in Native shoes.
Hello,
I seem to have a similar problem to the last post – this shoe slips off the heel of both of my children, even when I go a full size down. They seem to have very narrow feet. You mentioned that the Miller style is slightly wider than the Jefferson (which is what we have), but what about the other styles – Juniper or Verona? Would either of those be narrower?
Hello Christine,
The Jefferson is the narrowest style. The Juniper fits a medium width foot and the Verona also fits a medium width foot but it has a wider opening. There are certain shoe styles that just won’t work for our particular kids’ feet. I believe your kids’ might have a narrow heel. Slip on shoes are also really hard to fit so maybe you need something with a velcro strap that will hold your kids’ feet in place.
Hi Juan,
I bought two pairs of these shoes for my daughter. The 6 slipped right on but her heel slightly came out when she would walk. For that reason, I went with the 5. I can feel when I put it on that there is enough room but I do have to pull it on rather than simply slip on. I just noticed after her wearing them at the park for a couple of hours that she has Indents all over the top of her foot from the holes. I’m not sure what to do so am hoping you have a recommendation. Is this normal at all or is this style shoe potentially not right for my daughter? I really don’t like the way crocs fit so I’m hoping natives will work!
Hello Laura,
It seems like your daughter is “between sizes”. Slip on shoes are hard to fit, since if they are slightly big they slip of our kids’ feet, but if they are small they leave marks and can cause blisters. I also don’t like Crocs for children. How about a pair of Keen sandals? Have you tried those before?
They come with an adjustable strap, so it will be a much better fit. I would recommend you get her the size 6 in Keen sandals if you decide to try them.
You can learn more about them here:
Keen Sandals For Girls – The Most Supportive And Durable Summer Sandal For Your Girl!
I hope this helps!
Hello,
I also found natives for my kids a while ago. Last year we successfully used them for my 2.5 year old in the miller style. This year I ordered the miles style for my now 3.5 year old and passed down the miller style to my almost 2 year old.
The problem is the shoes didn’t work this year. They are plenty long enough but I can’t get their feet into the whole for the foot to put the shoe on. They don’t have particularly fat feet so I don’t know what to do. Any suggestions?
The 2 year old would wear a C7 and it is definitely long enough but can’t get his foot in. The 3.5 year old is probably a c9 now although the c8 was fine at the start of summer I can’t get his foot in anymore.
Hello Rebecca,
It sounds like your kids might have a high instep. The instep of the foot is the top part of our feet, and when it’s high, it makes it difficult to fin in certain shoe styles. I explain what a high instep is in more detail in this post: The Best Shoes For High Instep – Stop Getting The Wrong Shoe Size For Your Child!
Children with high insteps might not have a fat foot, but the instep is so high that it makes it hard to fit certain shoe styles. I hope this helps!
My son is measuring at a size 6. We recently just bought him the Jefferson in a 5 and a 6. He’s 18 mo old and I know they tend to run big so we tried the 5 first. He doesn’t seem bothered by them as if they are too small, but they are really hard to put on. The 6s are way easier. His heel doesn’t fall out of them, but they are certainly more roomy. How are these supposed to fit?
Hello Elise,
The reason why the size 5 might be hard to put on is because he might have a wide foot or a high instep. You can’t leave a ton of growing room in these type of shoes, since they don’t have a velcro strap to hold your child’s feet in place. How many more months of summer do you have in your area? If summer is just starting I will go for the size 6. If you have 3 to 4 more months of summer I will go for the size 5. Hope that helps!
Never mind the kids – I want a pair of these!!! They look great and the material is so versatile. And animal friendly too. Perfect!!
I wear Crocs. I know they’re ugly, but the pros outweigh how they look. I can wear them in the summer and I can dip my feet into the paddling pool out in the garden. I can also wear them in the winter when I’m going outside to get coal. They’re comfy and waterproof and easy to clean. I’ve been a huge supporter of Crocs for years. Until now I’m afraid….. I’m loving these Native shoes…. Looks like I’m going to have to get myself a pair…!! 🙂 Great post, thanks 🙂
Jyl,
Crocs are comfortable and children love them because of the roomy fit. Native shoes are the same idea, the only difference is that most parents believe they look better than Crocs. You should try a pair and let me know what you think!
These shoes are really cute. I’ve never heard of this brand before. I tend to go a little crazy with buying shoes for my kids. They might have more pairs than I do! I like that you say these shoes are durable. I have three boys and we can never hand down shoes. They are so worn out, I have to toss them before they ever grow out of their shoes. Do you know if these shoes are completely flat? Or is there a difference in the height of the toe versus the height of the heel? Thanks for showing me this brand!
~Candace
Candace,
Native shoes don’t offer a lot of support. They are slip-on shoes without any arch they tend to be flat. The main reason for this is that they are not meant to be worn all day, I usually recommend not wearing them more than 5 to 6 hours a day. Hope this clarifies!
Awesome shoes! Got one pair for each of my kids and they love them! You are correct that many shoes are expensive and they are of lower quality than the cheaper shoes just because of the brand name and it is important for people to be informed on this when purchasing shoes.
Native shoes are awesome! I hope they have fun wearing them this summer. They are great for the pool, beach, or just walking around in the hot weather.
I have 2 nieces, one is 4 and the other is 18 months (just started walking about 4 months ago). They love running around and playing, as any child would. But they HATE shoes, could just be me but the barefoot life is the life for them I guess. My sister and the family were planning on taking the kids to the beach this summer, do they make Natives in toddler sizes? For my niece that’s 18 months? Thanks!
Jeremy,
Yes, they do make them in toddler sizes. They smallest size they have is a size 4. I would make sure that they are wearing the right pair of shoes. Children tend to not want to wear shoes that are too short, or too narrow. Hope this helps!
Thank you soooo much! My daughter will most likely be walking soon so I’m been trying to scout shoes for her. While winter just started in this part of the world, I’m pretty sure that when summer hits, this would be perfect! She loves the water and this looks perfect for the beach! Thank you for such a great idea!
She is definitely going to look stylish in those shoes!They are the perfect shoe for the beach, lightweight, flexible, and super easy to get the sand out!
These shoes sound like just the thing for my grandkids. I think they will be great for the beach. Thanks for all the information
Teresa,
Natives shoes are great for the beach! Children love them and they are easy to clean!