Summer is a favorite for many people for different reasons: no school, warm weather, and most importantly, beach trips. Whether going to your local beach or a beach on vacation, the best toddler beach sandals are a necessity to pack for your little ones.
While children usually enjoy the beach, they may not enjoy wearing shoes, especially toddlers. However, your toddler must wear shoes to protect their feet from the hot sand and stepping on rocks, shells, or other sharp objects.
With all of the different options to choose from, it may be overwhelming when it comes to picking the perfect pair of beach sandals. Don’t worry, because we have put together our top best beach sandals for toddlers reviews along with a buyer’s guide and additional information to keep your beach day fun in the sun!
(You might be interested in reading about the Best Toddler Boat Shoes)
Everything you will learn here
The Best Beach Sandals For Toddlers (Editor’s Picks)
While finding a parking spot at the beach can be challenging, picking the best summer shoe for your toddler shouldn’t be. Below you will find some of our top choices, in no particular order.
1. Mini Melissa Unisex-Child Mini Beach Slide Dino Slipper
- Made in Brazil
- Flexible sole
Mini Melissa is a sister brand of Melissa. Melissa is best known for making bubble gum scented vegan sandals since 1979.
These cute dinosaur beach slides are perfect for any toddler and come in a variety of 4 different colors. Their attractive design is ideal for boys or girls, and adults will love keeping their children stylish yet safe.
Mini Melissa’s slides have a soft, flexible sole to help maximize comfort.They are also easy to slip on and off, making these perfect for little ones.
Pros
- Playful design
- Smells like bubblegum
- Made out of recyclable material
Cons
- Runs small
- More expensive than most
- Heavy
2. Keen Unisex Kid Newport H2 Sandal
- WATER-RESISTANT: Washable polyester webbing featuring quick dry lining for all day use in and out of the water
- TRACTION: Multi directional lugs with quick water channeling help provide superior grip on slippery and wet terrain; Non marking rubber outsole leaves no imprint when walking indoors
- COMFORT & PROTECTION: Compression molded midsole for enhanced long lasting comfort; High abrasion rubber tip for added durability and protection
These durable sandals can handle even the most adventurous kids. They are also quick-drying, making them perfect for that last-minute walk by the ocean.
The Newport H2’s laces are made out of adjustable cord and have hook and loop straps so toddlers can put them on and take them off without help.
Fans of these shoes rave over how kid-friendly they are. Not only are they comfortable for little ones to wear, but they are also versatile. These sandals are great for water, running, hiking, and more.
Keen’s sandals are made out of washable polyester with mesh linings, making them dry quickly. Their rubber outsoles are perfect for kids who like to run around on the playground or jetties.
Pros
- Great traction
- Quick Drying
- Perfect for in or out of water
Cons
- They tend to fall apart easily.
- Can make feet smell
- May rub on feet
3. OshKosh Water Shoes
- Girl's and boy's water shoe with breathable cut-outs
- Adjustable strap closure for an easy on-off
- Soft material keeps feet comfy and water-ready
Everyone’s favorite reliable clothing brand from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, now makes water shoes at affordable prices. Your little one can be cute and stylish while keeping their feet protected.
OshKosh’s waterproof sandals dry quickly and have a sticky bottom to prevent sliding for toddlers who like to run around. They are also easy to put on and remove, so your toddler can get dressed by themselves easily.
These comfortable, light sandals are made from soft material, so they are gentle on the feet. They are also easy to care for, which is a huge plus for parents. Should your child get their Oshkosh sandals dirty, pop these shoes in the washing machine for an easy clean.
While these shoes provide support, they do not offer as much support as some other brands. These are perfect for the beach or poolside but not as versatile as some of the others.
Pros
- They come in a variety of colors.
- Affordable pricing
- Machine washable
Cons
- Runs a little big
- Not available in half sizes
- Toddlers’ toes peeked out from the side of the sandal and can get stuck.
4. Crocs Classic Kids’ Clogs
- Kids Shoes: Just Like The Adult Classic Crocs, The Kids' Version Offers The Same Great Shoe For Youngsters. Easy On And Easy Off Makes These The Pair Of Crocs Kids Need.
- Versatile And Comfortable: Incredibly Light And Easy To Wear, These Girls' And Boys' Crocs Are Created With Croslite Foam For Iconic Crocs Comfort. The Flexible Material Is Sure To Be Loved By All.
- What Size Should I Buy?: These Kids' Crocs Offer A Roomy Fit And We Recommend Ordering A Size Down To The Next Largest Whole Size.
While most adults either love or hate Crocs, it is a different story with children. These Crocs Classic Kids’ Clogs come in various bright colors, making it easy to spot your little one when they are running around.
Croc’s made these beach sandals from their own patented material called Croslite; a comfortable and pliable foam material. Due to this unique material, these shoes do not soak up water, so they dry super fast. They do not absorb odor, so parents won’t need to worry about any musty smells after spending a day at the ocean.
Crocs designed these shoes exceptionally well, making them almost impossible to destroy. These are perfect for active children or for those who tend to ruin everything they own.
When it’s time to leave the beach, you can rinse these sandals off easily, so your toddler doesn’t have to worry about having sand stuck in their shoes for the duration of the trip back home. If they end up getting their Crocs dirty, simply rinse with soap and water.
Pros
- Over a dozen bright, fun colors to choose from
- Does not absorb odors
- Hard for little ones to destroy
Cons
- Some shoes arrived damaged when ordering online.
- Not as affordable as other brands
- Shoes may run a little large, creating a tripping hazard.
5. i Play Water Sock Shoes
- protects toddler's feet in & near water
- no-slip soles for traction on slippery surfaces
- quick-dry material for active play
These water shoes from i Play aren’t technically sandals, but they are great beach shoes for your toddler.
i Play shoes are free of PVC, formaldehyde, and azo-free dyes, so you do not need to worry about your kids wearing a product that contains harmful chemicals.
These unisex shoes cover your toddler’s feet completely to protect them from stepping on shells, crabs, and other sharp objects. They are also great for children who do not like the feeling of sand between their toes.
Your toddler can pull them off smoothly, so there is no fussing with ties or straps. Large loops sewn onto the backs help with tugging, making it easier to remove these shoes.
They are UPF 50+, meaning that they block about 98% of the sun’s rays, reducing your kid’s exposure from both UVB and UVA rays.
Pros
- Easy to pull off
- Protects against both UVB and UVA rays
- Does not contain harmful chemicals
Cons
- They can cause blisters for some toddlers.
- The padding inside the shoe slips out
- Can hold sand in the bottom of the shoe
6. Merrel Hydro Junior Sandals
- Constructed of quick-drying, materials
- Cushy EVA footbed for all day comfort
- Close to the ground for a barefoot feel
Created by shoemaker Randy Merrell, these Hydro Junior sandals are great for the beach or almost anything dealing with the outdoors. Merrell’s products first came onto the market in 1981, making them a reliable and well-trusted brand.
These beach sandals are unique because they are one of the very few water shoes to use leather in their product. They line the leather with a quick-drying material, which allows you to use them as water shoes; however, they do not dry as fast as other sandals.
The outer sole is flexible and has M-Select Grip for excellent traction outside. The inner sole is cozy and comfortable, perfect for little feet that will be moving a lot.
Pros
- A velcro type strap and stretchy cords help make these shoes secure.
- The uppers are made of durable waterproof leather to provide a stylish look.
- Merrel’s M-Select Grip soles provide excellent traction.
Cons
- Requires cleaning by hand only
- Leather itself takes a bit longer to dry.
- Some shoes may hold odors.
(Shoes are more good for toddlers especially when they are learning to walk, read our article on Best Water Shoes for Toddlers)
Best Toddler Beach Sandals Buyers Guide – Your Guide to Selecting the Best Product
Now that you know some of our top picks, you should know why these made our list and what you should look for in the best toddler beach sandals.
Good Traction
If your child is walking on wet, slippery rocks or running around a pool deck, their shoes’ bottoms must have good traction. By gripping slippery surfaces, your child won’t be as susceptible to slipping and falling.
Look for a rubber sole, and if possible, scan reviews to make sure they have adequate tread.
Waterproof
What sets beach sandals apart from regular sandals is that they can get wet, making them perfect for walking on both land or near the water.
Look for waterproof products and check to ensure there are no issues with the shoe falling apart or the sole coming out once wet.
Toddler Beach Sandals Vs. Other Beach Shoes
When it comes to purchasing shoes for your baby’s feet, you may be overwhelmed at first with all of the different types and styles of beach shoes. You may have to try a few different types at first to see which kind your child prefers.
Water Sandals
Water sandals are typically open-aired shoes that can get wet. It is important to note that they do not entirely cover and protect your toddler’s feet from the sun, sand, and other elements.
They are often extremely adjustable, making them a bonus for children who are in between sizes. Usually, they come with two straps: one across the top of the foot and the other wrapping around the back of the heel.
Since water sandals usually have a sturdier sole, they are more suited for walking than swimming, making these the perfect choice for exploring on the rocks or running around the boardwalk.
Water Shoes
Water shoes are light-weight but not completely flexible as they do have somewhat of a structure. Usually, the top part of the shoe consists of polyester, mesh, and neoprene material.
Water shoes are great for protecting your kid’s feet from the sun and rough surfaces, helping to prevent cuts and minor injuries. They can be worn either at the beach or pool.
Try to find water shoes with loops on the heel to make it easier for your child to put on and take off.
Water Socks
While water socks may look similar to water shoes, they don’t have the same amount of support that water shoes provide. The lack of support makes them better for the pool or for mostly swimming at the beach.
If your child likes to do a lot of exploration and running around, their water socks will not last as long, and you may need to replace them more often than other types of summer shoes.
How to Care for Your Toddler’s Beach Sandals
As all parents know, toddlers can get messy, so caring for their beach sandals is a must.
Light Stains
Luckily most beach sandals are waterproof, making them pretty easy to care for. If they only have light stains, a quick rinse under water should do the trick, while you should wash dirtier sandals with a little bit of soap and water.
Heavier Stains
If dirt and debris are stuck on the shoes, it may require a light brushing to remove them. You may need to throw heavier soiled sandals in the washing machine, but before doing so, make sure to check the tag for washing instructions.
Cleaning
It is always important to check the instructions, especially when you wash beach sandals, as some may only allow for spot cleaning by hand.
Even if you can machine wash your sandals, never put them in the dryer since it can alter their shape and may cause certain parts of the shoe to shrink.
Best Toddler Beach Sandals Comparison Chart
| Product | Price | Material | Sole Material | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Melissa Unisex-Child Mini Beach Slide Dino Slipper | $ | Rubber/Synthetic | Synthetic | Playful design, smells like bubblegum |
| Keen Unisex Kid Newport H2 Sandal | $ | Soft Fabric | Rubber | Great traction, quick Drying Perfect for in or out of water |
| OshKosh Water Shoes | $ | Synthetic | Rubber | Affordable pricing, machine washable |
| Crocs Classic Kids• Clogs | $ | Synthetic | Synthetic | Does not absorb odors, hard for little ones to destroy |
| iPlay Water Sock Shoes | $ | Synthetic | Rubber | Easy to pull off, protects against both UVB and UVA rays |
| Merrel Hydro Junior Sandals | $ | Leather/Textile | Rubber | Flexible, waterproof |
The Final Say
If the first pair of beach sandals you purchase for your toddler doesn’t work out, don’t despair. It may take a few tries before you and your child knows which type and style work best.
It is essential to do your research and check as many customer reviews as possible to understand what to expect out of the product.
Until you get a feel for which type of sandals are the best, you may want to consider taking your child in person to the shoe store and have them try on several different styles. This will help them confidently pick a pair that suits their individual style and needs.
Once you have a good grasp of what to look for in the best toddler beach sandals, it will be a lot easier when it comes time to picking out the best shoe, making both you and your child happy.
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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