10 Best Summer Shoes for Toddlers and Kids in 2023
Summer is the time for toddlers get to enjoy lots of fun outdoor activities played in the backyards or local parks. Not just fun, outdoor activities can also be physically and mentally beneficial for your child. However, the right pair of summer shoes can keep your toddlers safe while having fun with their siblings and friends. Summer shoes for toddlers should be designed with care to protect their tender feet from possible injuries. Toddler summer shoes should also offer superior comfort, flexibility, and durability.
Ideally, outdoor activities involve jumping, sweating, and running around. The outdoor surface in your backyard may not be forgiving if toddlers have the wrong pair of shoes. When looking for the best summer shoes for your kid, ensure it has the perfect cushioning for maximum comfort and good grip on grassy surfaces.
Many brands try to outdo each other by offering a huge variety of summer shoes for toddlers. At times, it can be confusing to choose the right amongst many. That is why we have carefully selected only the best summer shoes for toddlers to ease your selection.
Best Summer Shoes for Toddlers and Kids
Our Top 3 Picks
Best Summer Shoe for Toddlers and Kids: tombik Toddler Cute Aquatic Water Shoes Boys/Girls
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Topping our list is tombik Toddler Cute Aquatic Water Shoes, which consists of quality neoprene-like fabric for durability and comfort. Other than coming from a popular toddler shoe brand, this shoe is just what you need for your kid. There are different designs for both fun-loving boys and girls.
At first, the shoe comes with a breathable design for optimal air circulation. Outdoor summer activities can result in sweaty feet, and thus this is an important feature that keeps them free of moisture and odor.
Something even better, the bottom of the shoe offers good grip and traction thanks to the thermoplastic rubber outsole. Also, the rubber sole has anti-slip properties to protect kids from sliding. This feature becomes useful when playing on a sloppy surface. The shoes are lightweight and don’t get heavy when wet giving your child maximum comfort while having watery fun.
To cushion your kids’ feet, the tombik Toddler Cute Aquatic Water Shoes have padding around the collar and in the footbed, thereby guaranteeing maximum comfort. Further, the midsole is soft and prevents unpleasant sores on tender feet.
Finally, these toddler shoes are stylish, and they can wear them as lifestyle options. It is no wonder why tombik has some best-rated toddler summer shoes on Amazon.
Pros
- They are affordable
- Comes in a stylish design
- Excellent kiddie pool shoes
- Firm grip and maximum support
- Lightweight design makes them comfortable
- Made from high-quality material for durability
Cons
- Not great arch support for kids with flat feet
Best Summer Shoe for Toddler Boy: Native Shoes Unisex-Child Jefferson Junior Water Shoe
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No matter the age, you need a good pair of shoes for your child that will provide the best value for your hard-earned money. They should feel comfortable and sturdy when your child runs around wearing them in your backyard.
In this case, we highly recommend the Native Jefferson Junior Water Shoe. This pair is easy to put on while feels comfortable and durable.
The shoe is made of high-quality rubber materials to enhance durability. Additionally, the lightweight foam on the bottom adds more comfort to the shoe. Its water-friendly design allows kids to have fun at the beach, swimming pool, and outdoor playground. The grip is great on muddy surfaces, which will allow stability and easy movement. Subsequently, the toe cap gives a good feel and shields the toe when your little one hits something with their toe.
Like the other Native shoes, this pair is super easy to clean, thereby giving you the confidence to shop. With low-top arch support, the pair will be able to offer good arch support on outdoor surfaces.
These summer shoes are made in the USA and look stylish. To conclude, the lightweight design ensures that your child can have fun without pain.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfy
- Easy to clean and odor-resistant
- Available in a variety of cute colors
- Durable pair of summer shoes for toddlers
Cons
- Some users claimed that these summer shoes aren’t for toddlers with wide feet
Best Summer Shoe for Toddler Girl: Femizee Girls Genuine Leather Soft Closed Toe Princess Flat Shoes Summer Sandals
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The Femizee Girls Genuine Leather Flat Summer Shoe makes it to our top picks due to its quality, cute design, and comfort. However, there are some other features that make this summer shoe a worthy consideration for your toddler girl.
This shoe consists of a soft leather upper that allows maximum airflow. Also, it integrates with the tongue in such a way that your child feels comfortable. Therefore, it can be a good choice for a child’s first summer or spring season since they are comfortable to wear and looks great.
The outsole is made of rubber for flexible movement, whereas the midsole consists of a fabric lining for comfort. With the hook-and-loop closure, kids can put on the shoe comfortably. Likewise, the closed-toe enhances the shoe’s safety aspect.
Like most Femizee shoes, this one also has more than one color to choose from. When it comes to durability, the outer sole is made of high-quality material with excellent slip-resistant properties.
Pros
- They look cuteÂ
- Available in multiple colors and sizes
- The shoes are made from durable material
- Come with a soft leather interior for maximum comfort
Cons
- Some customer reported the sizing guide isn’t correct
Summer Shoes for Toddlers
Highly Rated by Parents and Experts
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Crocs Unisex-Child Classic Clog
Are you looking for a summer shoe for your toddler that will facilitate the free movement of your toddler when playing outdoors? Then Crocs Unisex-Child Classic Clog might be a great choice.
This stylish shoe is designed with a soft, lightweight upper to allow swift movement. It also comes with a padded and cushioned collar for greater support. Also, the non-marking soles make toddlers feel comfortable as they run around in the house.
Additionally, this model is made of quality Croslite foam for comfort and durability. Moreover, they are easy to put on.
As a parent, you will love the unique design that features ventilation ports for air circulation. The outsole has traction that offers the best grip, even on slippery surfaces.
It also features pivoting heel straps for a snuggle fit and, while the footbed has soft foam padding to prevent sores on the feet when a toddler runs wearing them.
Unlike some heavy toddler shoes, Crocs clog is sleek and lightweight. They are also stylish and complement well with everyday outfits. Besides, they are easy to clean when they get muddy for walking around the pool.
Pros
- Look cool
- Unisex design
- Excellent tractionÂ
- The shoes are made from flexible materials
- They are lightweight and offer maximum comfort
- Come with almost all toddler shoe sizes and vibrant colors
Cons
- A few customers complain about receiving different sized shoesÂ
Keen Unisex Kid’s Newport H2 Sandal
If you’re looking for a summer shoe for your little one’s chubby feet, then choose this Keen Unisex Kid’s H2 Sandal. This highly-rated shoe gives excellent support to toddlers and kids, assuring them of comfortable movement.
The shoe is made of 100% synthetic polyester on the upper for durability and vented gaps for air circulation.
Keen Unisex Kid’s H2 Sandal is lightweight and is designed with a flexible rubber midsole that cushions and supports the underfoot. Further, the shoe design enables toddlers to have a responsive feel during outdoor play.
The key feature is the rugged outsole that provides exceptional grip and control on wet surfaces. Even better. The pair is machine washable and doesn’t get worn out quickly. Hence, kids can run, splash, and play all day wearing them.
Lastly, the shoes come in lots of cool color combinations. Therefore, you can choose one that complements their casual wear.
Pros
- Durable and Lightweight constructionÂ
- Comfortable on the foot
- Easily adjustable straps
- Versatile
Cons
- You need to clean the shoes regularlyÂ
DREAM PAIRS Boys & Girls Toddler Outdoor Summer Sandals
Here comes a great summer shoe for active toddlers. From fashionable shoe brand Dream Pairs, this is a classic shoe that your child will love to put on when playing fun outdoor activities.
The breathable mesh should be a key feature of toddler summer shoes. Like other Dream Pairs shoes, this one comes with a breathable upper mesh to add greater comfort. So your little one will feel added comfort while running around.
Just like the breathability, this shoe’s gripping system is also great. Its outsole is made of highly durable rubber gum that grips on any type of surface. Kids will feel their feet gripping the ground as soon as they put them on.
Quality materials are also used on this shoe to make it more lightweight and comfortable. The EVA insole is well-cushioned and dries quickly after water activities. The shoe’s closed-toe design provides excellent protection, so no chance of toe injuries. The flexible rubber outsole allows kids to use it on muddy surfaces as well.
Finally, the shoe comes in different sizes with attractive designs. It has a fair price point. Considering the design and other features, this shoe is well worth the price.
Pros
- Great looking toddler shoe
- Excellent for outdoor sports
- Lightweight and athletic design
- The rubber outsole provides excellent grip
Cons
- Not very durable
Bigib Toddler Kids Swim Water Shoes
If you are looking for a toddle shoe that can be used for both indoor and outdoor sports, you can consider Bigib Toddler Kids Water Shoe. This pair has a cute design and color combination while maintaining quality.
Comfort is key for toddler summer shoes, and this shoe is made of quality fabric upper in addition to the rubber outsole. The combination of these features has made this shoe extremely lightweight, comfortable, and suitable for easy and swift movement.Â
With the top-quality rubber sole, your little one’s feet will be well-protected from slipping and sliding on the muddy ground. The smooth padding in the neck area offers convenience when putting them on or when taking them off.
The outer sole is slip-resistant, which offers added stability and a firm grip. Along with the grip, this shoe is rated well for its comfortability. The pair is cute and stylish to complement everyday outfits. The only downside of this impressive shoe is it wears out very quickly. Well, you get what you pay for.Â
Pros
- Affordable price
- Comfortable on the foot
- Easy to put on and take off
- Cute and lightweight design
Cons
- The pair mightn’t last long
Other Recommended Summer Shoes for Toddlers
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For sport water shoes, you have to consider the shoe’s durability. This is especially important when you have an active toddler. ALEADER Kids Youth Sport Water Hiking Sandals are specially made with active kids in mind. It is one of the top-quality summer shoes out there.
Apart from making this shoe a style statement, this outsole is one of the main reasons why this shoe so popular. The durable outsole with a non-marking lining ensures grippy dual-zone traction for all types of surfaces. Therefore, the shoe is good to use in both indoor and outdoor conditions.
All the materials used for this shoe are of great quality. The polyester webbing upper ensures excellent durability and longevity. Also, the closed-toe design of the pair will provide added protection for the toes. When it comes to free movement, the EVA footbed provides good shock absorption with additional comfort.
This shoe has a secure-fit lacing system that keeps the feet in place. You won’t find many toddler summer shoes on the market that feel so comfortable with this lacing system.
Overall, the quality of this shoe is fantastic for its price. It will exceed your expectation with its durability and performance. Toddlers will easily make it through one summer without needing another pair. The shoes are good-looking, so they go well with a casual setting as well.
Pros
- Fits well
- Super comfortable
- Vibrant color combination
- Excellent value for the price
- Made from high-quality material
Cons
- A little pricier
Merrell Unisex-Child Hydro Sandal
If you are looking for the best water shoes for toddlers with wide feet, then take a look at the Merrell Unisex-Child Hydro Sandal. The brand has a good variety of wide-sized shoes along with flexible material for fun water play.
This lightweight shoe is made of synthetic leather and textile materials. The shoe has padding around the collar and in the footbed. These features ensure a comfortable experience while playing outdoor. The ultra-thin film on the outer sole makes the shoe water and rust-resistant, keeping the shoe in good condition while playing in the muddy ground.
The upper side is based on breathable materials to minimize excessive sweating while giving maximum comfort. This shoe also provides maximum cushioning for impact, elevation, and movement. All these aspects combine to make the shoes comfier.
Also, it features an extra-wide toe box, thereby facilitating proper foot development. Another thing to note is that the Velcro strap is easily adjustable for a secure fit and added stability. The padded tongue and toe box not only absorb shock but also minimize impact injuries to the feet. Your kid will have no issue putting them on and taking them off.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Long-lasing durbalityÂ
- Even fits well with the extra wide feet
- Extra-wide toe box provides support to the growing feet
Cons
- Not ideal for regular water activities
Simple Joys by Carter’s Toddler and Little Boys Water Sandal
If you have a tight budget and in need of an affordable pair of toddler summer shoes, yet good quality, you can consider Simple Joys by Carter’s Toddler Shoe. Its 100% textile upper offers a great fit and guarantees comfort during hot summer weather. With this lightweight shoe, toddlers can run around with ease.
Simple Joys by Carter’s Toddler Shoe is made for toddlers and kids who’re aggressive and always in motion. From toddlers to big kids, there are a good number of sizes to choose from. Though you might wish that they come in more colors, still the color combinations look great. Likewise, the slip-on design makes putting them on and off effortless.
The cushioned midsole acts as shock absorbers, giving a responsive feeling every time the feet come into contact with the ground. The outsole is made of rubber and stitched to the upper. Consequently, it increases durability while giving a good and firm grip on the ground.
The pair is durable and looks fantastic. Even toddlers would love to wear them daily.
Pros
- Durably madeÂ
- Reasonably priced
- Lightweight and stylish design
- Comfortable pair of summer shoe
Cons
- Not the best quality toddler summer shoe
Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Best Summer Shoes for Toddlers
What should you look for when buying toddler summer shoes?
Buying the right summer for toddlers is a little tricky. As toddler summer shoes are likely to serve many different purposes, there is a lot of varieties. Brands like Native and Crocs are popular on the market and have lots of items. With all these choices, you might struggle to find the right summer shoe for your toddler. There are some key factors you should consider while buying toddler summer shoes.
Material
Building material is a key aspect of a shoe. Whether the shoe will be durable or not mostly depends on the materials of the shoe. Synthetic leather or similar materials are considered best in terms of durability. These materials are also lightweight, versatile, and mostly waterproof. Fabric and mesh are usually good for occasional outdoor use as they are not much durable.
Cushioning
Secondly, toddler summer shoes need to have a good cushioning system so that they can aid in shock absorption. Not just comfort, cushioning is also vital for foot comfort.
Summer shoes that are specially designed for toddlers offer different cushioning systems for foot comfort, such as TPU mold, Boost, and Bounce. These shoes usually offer thick padding in the midsole or insole for the ultimate cushioning.
Traction
Style
Thanks to improved materials and modern designs, summer water shoes are becoming increasingly popular for casual outdoor use. They are much lighter and durable than before.
Others
Toddler shoes tend to get dirty very often. Therefore, they should be easy to clean. Also, make sure the shoes are easy to put on and take off.
Final Thoughts
Toddler summer shoes are mostly cheap. However, they often can be expensive due to the combination of factors that guarantee outstanding performance. Therefore, when shopping, it’s essential to take time and get the best that will give you value for money. Hopefully, our review has offered good insights on what to look out for when shopping.
