The Best Sandals for Toddlers – Supportive, Versatile, and Available in Different Widths!

February 8, 2025 Sandals Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

The journey to finding the ideal sandals for your toddler’s unique foot shape can be daunting, with numerous brands and styles available in the market. Some toddlers have standard feet, while some other might have “complicated” foot shapes such as wide or extra wide feet. Do you want a versatile, comfortable, and affordable sandal for your toddler to be able to run and play with? My passion for shoe fitting is driven by the belief that the right shoes can make a significant difference in a child’s life.

The choice of sandals is not just about picking a cute design. It’s about ensuring that the footwear supports healthy foot development. Moreover, the right sandals can prevent common foot problems such as blisters, calluses, and corns (which are hard to get rid of).

Brown fisherman leather sandals for toddlers.
An image of a toddler walking comfortably in a pair of brown fisherman sandals.

Are Crocs a Good Summer Shoe Choice?

Crocs are a popular choice for summer footwear, but are they suitable for toddlers? While Crocs offer some benefits, such as being lightweight and easy to clean, they may not provide the necessary support for developing feet. If you decide to choose Crocs, ensure they fit well and are used in moderation. Crocs can be a convenient option for short-term wear, but for prolonged use, it is recommended to choose shoes that offer better structural support to aid in the healthy development of your toddler’s feet.

Key Features of Ideal Sandals for Toddlers

When choosing sandals for your toddler, several key features can make a significant difference in comfort and support. The right pair should not only look good but also promote healthy foot development and ensure safety.

1. Supportive and Flexible Soles: A good pair of toddler sandals should provide a stable base of support and also have flexible soles that allow natural foot movement. The flexibility of the sole should mimic the natural movement of the foot, allowing it to bend and flex as needed.

An image of a pair of toddler sandals with the correct amount of flexibility.
An image of a pair of toddler sandals with the correct amount of flexibility.

2 Rounded Edges: These sandals come with rounded edges to decrease stumbles and falls.

Open toe Teva sandal for toddler boys with wide feet.
An image of a pair of toddler sandals with round toe-boxes.

3. Adjustable Straps: This feature ensures a snug fit that can help improve your toddler’s stability, which is crucial for active toddlers who are always on the move. Velcro straps are particularly useful as they allow for easy adjustments and can accommodate growing feet.

Pink sandal with three adjustable straps for kids who wear AFOs or SMOs.
An image of a pair of toddler open toe sandals with triple Velcro straps.

3. Lightweight Design: Lightweight sandals are particularly beneficial for toddlers. Heavy shoes can cause fatigue and discourage natural movement, while lightweight options allow for easier walking and running, promoting better balance and posture. Additionally, lighter sandals reduce the risk of tripping and falling, which can be a concern with heavier footwear.

With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right sandals for your toddler. Below you can find the best sandals for toddlers for 2025. 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 Sandals for Toddlers – Lightweight, Flexible, and Quick-Drying

Having worked in a specialized children’s shoe store for over a decade, I’ve gained invaluable insights into what makes a great toddler shoe. Not all toddler’s feet are the same, so my sandal recommendations can fit different foot shapes, providing both comfort and support.

1. Psyclone by Teva

These are the best sandals for toddlers as they are equipped with two adjustable straps and a stable base of support while being lightweight and flexible.

Open toe Teva sandal for toddler boys with wide feet.
Open toe Teva sandal for toddler girls with wide feet.

Key Features

  • Order the sandal style Psyclone XLT1 by Teva on Zappos or Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports
  • Rubber outsole for great traction
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Cyrus IV by See Kai Run

These See Kai Run wide toddler sandals are crafted with a focus on healthy foot development. They are flexible and breathable, making them some of the best closed toe sandals for toddlers.

Navy blue See Kai Run sandal for kids with wide feet.
Wide-See-Kai-Run-sandals-for-girls

Key Features

  • Order the sandal style Cyrus IV by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Water-friendly and machine washable
  • Generous toe box and EVA molded footbed promotes healthy foot development 
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Seaturtle by Kamik

These comfortable toddler sandals combine style with functionality. They offer great traction and are designed to withstand various terrains, making them ideal for both urban and rural settings.

Pink sandal with three adjustable straps for kids who wear AFOs or SMOs.
Sandal with three adjustable straps for kids who wear AFOs or SMOs.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Wander by Kamik on Amazon or Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
  • Quick drying moisture wicking lining
  • Vegan-friendly
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs

Dream Pairs offers lightweight sandals perfect for active toddlers. Their designs focus on comfort and durability, ensuring your toddler’s feet are well-supported during outdoor adventures.

Red sandals with triple Velcro straps for boys who wear AFOs or SMOs.
Sandals with triple Velcro straps for girls who wear AFOs or SMOs.

Key Features

  • Order the sandal style Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs on Amazon
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
  • Triple hook-and-loop closure system for easy on and off
  • Excellent grip
  • Lightweight MD footbed is cushioned for all-day comfort
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate

5. Newport by Keen

These Keen sandals for toddlers are perfect for both everyday wear and outdoor activities. Keen sandals are known for their rugged design, durability, and toe protection.

Supportive-navy-blue-Keen-sandal-for-kids
Pink Newport sandal for girls.
  • 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

6. Lucky Brand

Their designs are both trendy and functional, ensuring your toddler won’t have to compromise on style for comfort. The brand focuses on creating sandals that provide ample space for the toes and a secure fit that supports active play.

Sandal-for-toddlers-with-wide-feet

Key Features

  • Order the sandal Lucky Brand on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Supportive footbed
  • Adjustable buckles at the front and velcro strap at the back for easy on and off
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

7. Archie by Stride Rite

These Stride Rite toddler sandals are available in both wide and extra wide widths, so they are ideal for toddlers with “complicated” foot shapes.

Brown dress sandal for boys with wide feet.
Stride Rite white dress sandal for girls with wide feet.
  • Order the sandal style Archie by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Fisherman sandals with hook and loop closure
  • Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening and hook and loop closure
  • Slip-resistant traction with sensory pod technology to help feel the ground underneath
  • I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations

Every toddler’s feet are unique, and finding the perfect fit can sometimes require personalized advice. If you have specific questions or need recommendations based on your toddler’s foot shape, feel free to contact me. I am here to help you make the best choice for your child’s foot health.

How to Retrieve Your Toddler’s Exact Foot Length and Shape

Wearing the wrong shoe size can lead to a host of problems, including blisters, calluses, and in more severe cases, issues with walking and posture. Tight shoes can constrict growing feet, while oversized shoes can cause tripping and instability.

I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your toddler’s exact foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide, high instep) and the exact shoe size you should order online to allow for the correct amount of growing room.

An image of a toddler girl wearing a pair of dressy sandals.

Bonus Resource: Best Sneakers for Toddlers in 2025

While sandals are great for warm weather, it’s also essential to have a good pair of sneakers for various activities. Sneakers provide the necessary support and protection for more rigorous play and cooler seasons. I have created a resource that details the best everyday sneakers for toddlers in 2025.

I am passionate about creating resources that empower parents to make informed decisions when buying shoes online or in-store. By sharing my knowledge, I aim to alleviate the stress parents may feel when choosing the right footwear for their toddlers, ensuring each child gets the best start in life with properly fitting shoes.