The Best Summer Shoes for Toddlers – Crocs, Natives, Stride Rite, or Keen Sandals?
The shoes you choose for your toddler this summer can make all the difference in keeping their feet comfortable, supported, and blister-free. Brands like KEEN, Native, Stride Rite, and Crocs make some of the best summer shoes for toddlers, but not all sandals are created equal. Based on my years of experience as a shoe fitter, I’ve identified the best summer shoes for toddlers—designed to provide the right mix of support, breathability, and durability.
Crocs, Natives, Stride Rite, or Keen Sandals?
As a passionate shoe fitter with hands-on experience fitting water shoes and sandals from all the top brands, here’s what I’ve discovered—and what you need to know.
Crocs and Natives are toddler favorites for their fun look and easy slip-on design—perfect for the beach or pool. However, they lack support and a secure fit, making them less ideal for everyday wear or growing feet that need stability.
Stride Rite and KEEN sandals stand out for their stable support and all-day comfort. Designed with extra cushioning and padding, they help prevent common foot issues like blisters—making them a smart, reliable choice for toddlers to wear throughout the summer.
Are KEEN and Stride Rite the Best Summer Sandals for Toddlers?
KEEN sandals are the ultimate summer choice for active toddlers who are always on the move! Built to last, these sandals are practically indestructible—meaning with the right amount of growing room, your toddler can wear them all summer long and even pass them down to a younger sibling.
Stride Rite sandals offer unbeatable versatility, especially when it comes to support and fit. With options in wide (W) and extra wide (XW) sizes, they’re perfect for the many toddlers who have wider feet. This flexibility makes Stride Rite sandals a go-to choice for growing feet, providing comfort and stability all summer long.
Top 4 Must-Have Sandal Features for Healthy Toddler Feet
1. Stable Base of Support: When choosing sandals for your toddler, look for styles with a stable base and cushioned soles that absorb shock and protect their developing feet. The right support is key to promoting healthy alignment and posture, especially during those critical early stages when toddlers are learning to walk, run, and explore with confidence.
2. Lightweight and Flexible: A good toddler sandal should be lightweight and flexible. This ensures that your child can move freely without any restrictions, which is crucial for their growing feet. Lightweight sandals reduce the energy required to walk, allowing toddlers to play longer without feeling fatigued.
3. Good traction: Slips and falls are common among toddlers. Therefore, a sandal with good traction is essential to prevent these mishaps. Look for sandals with rubber soles that provide a good grip on various surfaces. Rubber is a preferred material due to its natural gripping properties and durability.
4. Extra Cushion and Padding: Comfort is key when it comes to toddler shoes. Look for sandals that offer extra cushioning and padding around the heels to prevent blisters and provide added comfort. The right amount of padding can make a significant difference in how long your child can comfortably wear their shoes.
Best Summer Shoes for Toddlers in 2025 – My Top Recommendations
Many of the sandals below are available in a variety of fun colors, so if you find a style you love, be sure to click through and explore all the options! Also, check the description under each sandal to see if it’s a good match for your toddler’s foot shape—whether that’s narrow, wide, or anything in between.
KEEN Sandals: Adventure-Ready
KEEN sandals are durable, adventure-ready, and built to protect active toddlers. With open or closed-toe options, grippy soles, and adjustable straps, they offer great support and traction—making them a top pick for toddlers who need a more structured, all-terrain sandal.
KEEN Newport H2
Key Features
- Order the Newport H2 sandal 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 whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Keen Moxie
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 whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Knotch River by Keen
- Order the Knotch River sandal 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 toddler’s current foot size
STRIDE RITE: Built for Development
Stride Rite toddler sandals offer comfort and support with memory foam footbeds, adjustable straps, and extra heel padding to help prevent blisters. They’re a great choice for toddlers who need a bit more stability in their step.
1. Archie by Stride Rite
- Order the Archie sandal 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 toddler’s current foot size
Crocs: The Classic Choice
Crocs are a go-to for water play thanks to their lightweight, durable foam design that’s easy to clean and fits most foot shapes. While great for the beach or pool, they offer minimal support and stability, so they’re not ideal for toddlers who need extra stability.
1. Crocs Kids’ Classic Glitter Clog
- Order the Classic Classic Glitter Clog on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Easy on and off
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
2. Classic Clog by Crocs
- Order the Classic Clog Crocs on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Easy on and off
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
3. Crocband Clogs by Crocs
- Order the shoe Crocband Clogs by Crocs on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Croslite foam creates a colorful effect
- The pivoting heel straps allow for a more secure fit and easy on and off
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
NATIVES: Lightweight and Stylish
Natives are lightweight, stylish, and easy for toddlers to slip on and off—perfect for beach or pool days. Their breathable, perforated design keeps little feet cool, but like Crocs, they lack proper arch support. While great for water play, they’re best worn in moderation due to limited stability and support.
Jefferson
- Order the Jefferson 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
- Perforations control temperature and let feet breathe
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Miles
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 toddler’s current foot size
Each brand offers unique features that cater to different needs and preferences, allowing parents to find the perfect fit for their toddler’s lifestyle. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What Sandal Size Should You Order?
Since most sandals only come in whole sizes, figuring out the right fit can be tricky—but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Understanding how to size up correctly will ensure your toddler gets the perfect balance of comfort and growing room.
Let’s break it down with a couple of simple scenarios:
- If your toddler measures a size 5, go up to a size 6—this will provide just the right amount of room to grow without being too big.
- If your toddler measures a size 5.5, you’ll still order a size 6, ensuring a comfortable fit with enough space for growth.
Ordering shoes online can feel overwhelming—what if they don’t fit? That’s where my virtual shoe fitting service comes in! I’ll guide you in determining whether your toddler has narrow, medium, wide, or extra-wide feet, as well as if they have a high instep.
Contact Me for Personalized Recommendations
Every child’s foot is unique, and selecting the perfect sandal can be tricky. If you’re unsure which sandal is right for your toddler, I’m here to help. You can contact me via email for specific sandal recommendations tailored to your toddler’s unique foot shape and walking stage. My goal is to provide guidance that ensures your child’s comfort and healthy foot development.
Hi Juan, what do you think about the Nike Sunray shoes? How do the Keen Seacamp compare vs the Keen Baby Moxie? Thanks so much in advance!
Hi Alex,
The Nike Sunday works well for wearing them around the pool but no long distance walking. That style is also good for kids with narrow/medium feet.
The Keen Seacamp and the Moxie style are very similar. The Moxie fits a little bit narrower than the Seacamp. These styles can be worn for longer periods of time compared to the Nike style.
I hope this helps.
My daughter measures 5.25in or 13.3 cm. I have tried the Keen Newton and Seacamp sizes 6 and 7 and am confused. Going a half size up would probably put her in a 6.5 size but Keen does not have half sizes. The 7 length-wise is probably best, but the strap overlaps the Velcro since her feet are narrow and thin. She has chipmunk orthotics and over pronation with toe walking. I know you mentioned Newton is the best option, but maybe I’m out of luck. Any suggestions appreciated, thanks!
Hello Julie,
It seems like your daughter is in between sizes. If I am understanding correctly, the size 7 is too long and the size 6 doesn’t provide her with any growing room.
I believe I have the solution for you. There is a particular style called the “Moxie” which provides similar support as the Newport and fits children with narrow feet.
Here is the style I am talking about:
Supportive Sandal for Pronation/Narrow Feet
I recommend that you try the size 7. I hope this helps!
Yes that is exactly it regarding the size problems! Thank you for the recommendation! I saw the Moxie on Amazon but wasn’t sure if that had the same support as the other two models for her flat feet. I’m definitely going to try them now. And thank you for your site it’s very helpful for mom’s like me.
Please follow up with me and let me know if they worked out. I am glad you find the website informative!
I for some reason thought that toddlers shoes (1.5 year age) should have a back and not the open heel. Isn’t it required for extra support or open heel is okay?
Hello Maycha,
Great point. However, sandals don’t provide any type of ankle or heel support. Even if the shoes come with a closed heel in the back, it doesn’t make any difference. The only part of the sandal that provides support is the sole, and it has to be substantial in order to reduce the impact that your toddler’s feet take every time they come in contact with the ground.
I hope this clarifies.