Children's sandals – how to choose the best for summer?

Summer is the time when the world bursts with color, and children enjoy it to the fullest. Carefree outdoor play, long walks in the park, and family trips to the water become everyday activities. With the arrival of warmer days, parents face a familiar challenge: choosing the right footwear for their little ones. Children's sandals have enjoyed unwavering popularity for years – lightweight, breathable, and seemingly made to perfectly match the summer adventures of the youngest.

However, choosing sandals, although it may seem simple, brings more challenges than one might think. Why? It's worth discussing, because the decisions made today can affect a child’s health and comfort for many years to come.

Why is choosing children's sandals so important?

A child’s foot is not yet fully developed, and every pair of shoes a toddler wears affects its growth. Unlike adult feet, which are already stable and resistant to minor mistakes, young feet absorb every external impulse like a sponge. Every incorrect positioning, every heel counter that’s too stiff, or a sole that’s too soft, leaves a mark on the developing foot structure. That’s why sandals that don’t support natural movement mechanisms can not only cause discomfort but also lead to orthopedic issues in the future.

In the early years of life, it’s not just the foot that develops, but the entire posture. The right footwear helps children not only maintain balance but also develop proper movement patterns. When choosing sandals, it’s worth looking beyond just their appearance or price.

How to choose the right sandal size for a child?

Although it may seem that with sandals, some looseness or a bit of extra room doesn’t matter much, the truth is quite different. A child’s foot should have enough space to move freely with each step, but at the same time, the shoe must not be too loose. A sandal that’s too big encourages uncontrolled foot shifting, which can lead to improper gait and an increased risk of tripping. On the other hand, a shoe that’s too tight restricts toe movement and the natural function of the muscles.

At home, the easiest way to measure a child’s foot is by placing it on a piece of paper and tracing the outline. Add about half a centimeter of extra space to the measurement to allow room for natural foot growth without pressure or discomfort. However, remember that sandals should fit the foot well not only at rest but also during active movement.

What should you pay attention to when choosing children's sandals?

Material and ventilation

In summer, children's feet sweat more, so the material of the sandals is crucial. Natural fabrics and high-quality leather allow the feet to breathe, reducing the risk of chafing and unpleasant infections. Synthetic materials, although often cheaper, trap moisture and can lead to overheating of the feet, resulting in irritation and discomfort during play.

Comfort and cushioning

When choosing sandals for a child, we often focus on how the sole looks – whether it’s colorful, trendy, or matches the outfit. However, it's the construction of the sole that determines whether the child will feel stable and safe. Soles that are too thick and heavy restrict the natural work of the foot muscles. On the other hand, very soft and overly flexible models may not provide adequate support when walking on uneven surfaces.

Strap adjustment and fastening

The ideal children's sandals should allow precise adjustment. This way, the shoe adapts to the natural changes in foot volume throughout the day and helps prevent chafing. Velcro fasteners are very popular due to their ease of use, but it’s important to check whether they are too stiff or press against the child’s ankle.

The most common mistakes when choosing sandals for children

Although many parents approach the choice of sandals with great care, certain mistakes are surprisingly common. One of the most frequent is focusing solely on the appearance of the footwear. Colorful patterns, favorite cartoon characters, or trendy accessories can easily distract from what really matters – the quality of construction and functionality.

Another common mistake is buying sandals “to grow into.” While a small allowance is desirable, shoes that are too large can disrupt the child’s natural gait, leading to incorrect foot positioning and, in consequence, issues with the knees and hips. Equally problematic is choosing overly stiff models that limit foot mobility and prevent natural strengthening through daily activity.

Many parents also unknowingly choose sandals with soles that are too thick or too soft. Although this may seem minor at first glance, the right sole firmness directly affects the development of proprioception, walking stability, and the shaping of proper posture. That’s why it's so important to combine attention to appearance with care for healthy development when choosing children's sandals.

Are barefoot sandals the perfect alternative?

In recent years, barefoot sandals have been increasingly mentioned as an alternative to traditional children's footwear. Barefoot shoes differ from classic sandals in almost every aspect that matters for the natural development of the foot. Their design is based on several key principles: they are lightweight, flexible, have thin soles, and a wide toe box that allows natural toe splay.

The concept of barefoot is to mimic barefoot walking as closely as possible, without artificial support or restriction of movement. This allows children’s feet to function as nature intended – strengthening muscles, improving proprioception, and supporting the development of both the longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot. Unlike many traditional sandals, which often feature stiffeners, thick soles, or narrow fronts, barefoot sandals preserve full mobility and natural ground feel.

In practice, this means that barefoot sandals can be an excellent choice for parents seeking footwear that supports healthy foot development. While they may take some getting used to, especially if the child previously wore rigid, structured models, the benefits are hard to overstate. Barefoot sandals combine lightness, freedom of movement, and naturalness – values that should always come first in childhood.

Barefoot sandals vs. traditional sandals – differences that matter

When looking at classic children's sandals, it's easy to spot features that—though well-intentioned—often hinder the natural development of the feet. Stiff, thick soles, while they may seem solid and protective, actually isolate the child from the ground. The foot cannot feel what it is walking on, and the muscles responsible for balance and stabilization don’t work as intensely as they should. Over time, this can lead to the weakening of those structures, resulting in postural problems and reduced motor efficiency in the future.

Another common issue with traditional sandals is the presence of rigid heel counters and contoured insoles. These designs, intended to stabilize the foot, often impose an artificial path of movement. Instead of learning to adapt to different surfaces, the child’s foot is locked into a rigid mold that restricts its development. Toes, which should actively grasp and help maintain balance, are held in a fixed position, weakening their function over time.

The weight of traditional sandals also matters. Heavy, stiff shoes force the child to change their natural gait—the step becomes shorter, more forced, and the muscles work in an unnatural way. In the long run, such a change in movement pattern may lead to overloads and asymmetries in the development of the entire musculoskeletal system.

Barefoot sandals, such as those we create at Magical Shoes, were designed to address these problems in a way that’s close to nature. A thin, flexible sole allows the foot to feel every surface irregularity, stimulating muscles and the nervous system. Instead of isolating the child from the world, our sandals teach the feet how to respond to it. The absence of rigid reinforcements allows the heel, midfoot, and toes to work freely—just as nature intended.

Our sandals are featherlight, which lets the child move naturally and smoothly. In barefoot sandals, the foot develops fully—building strength, flexibility, and proprioception, the ability to sense one’s own body in space. Unlike traditional models that try to correct movement, barefoot supports what is natural and instinctive.

As a result, a child who wears barefoot sandals develops not only stronger feet but also better balance, coordination, and movement confidence. It’s an investment not only in healthy feet, but in a healthy body that learns to move in harmony from the very first steps.

Barefoot children’s sandals COCO – freedom for little feet

There’s more to our COCO sandals than just handcrafted shoes. They are little leather masterpieces created with a child’s first big adventures in mind. When a child puts on COCO, the world becomes more accessible – every pebble underfoot, every blade of grass brushing the sole, every step takes on a new meaning. Thanks to the thin, flexible Magical Rubber sole that bends in every direction like a second skin, children can truly feel the ground, instead of being cut off from it by a stiff barrier.

We knew that the sandals had to be featherlight, so little ones would forget they were even wearing them. That’s why COCO was made from premium leather – breathable, soft, and safe even for the most delicate skin. The closed-toe design protects against accidental bumps while offering the freedom every little explorer needs. Easy Velcro straps let children put the sandals on and take them off by themselves – a step toward independence that parents watch with pride and emotion.

There’s something more in Coco – something that can’t be measured or calculated. It’s the comfort that comes from knowing every element was made in a family-run workshop in Poland, with the intention of helping children grow healthy, naturally, and in harmony with themselves. Every stitch, every detail reflects care for what matters most – the child’s development, free from unnecessary limits, following the rhythm of their own steps.

Looking at COCO, it’s hard not to smile at the thought of a summer full of sunshine, play, and uninhibited movement. These sandals are not just about comfort – they’re about freedom, about the joy of exploring the world barefoot, yet safely. That’s why COCO so often become the very first favorite shoes of little adventurers.

Barefoot children’s sandals JANU – freedom to explore the world

Childhood is a time when every step is a great journey into the unknown, and every path hides endless adventures. JANU sandals were created to support this unique curiosity about the world – lightly, naturally, and without limits. Designed for little feet just beginning to explore their surroundings, JANU combines the best of everything: premium leather, flexibility, and the comfort every child dreams of.

Nothing restricts movement in these sandals. Two adjustable Velcro straps perfectly adapt to each foot, providing confidence with every step, while the natural full-grain leather gently conforms to the individual shape of the foot, like a second skin. Thanks to their minimalist construction and closed toes, JANU not only protect little feet but also let them feel the world beneath – every pebble, every blade of grass, every soft breeze over the warm pavement.

At Magical Shoes, we believe that less is more. That’s why JANUsandals are made without unnecessary reinforcements or hard elements that restrict growth. They allow children to walk as if barefoot – with lightness, confidence, and joy that shows on their faces with every step taken. Every stitch, every detail is designed with safety and comfort in mind, while the lightweight, flexible sole quietly supports the feet – giving just enough, never too much.

JANU sandals are more than just summer shoes – they are an invitation to move, to experience joy, to discover the world in the most natural way. These are the sandals that stay in memory long after the child outgrows the first pair – because with them comes the taste of true freedom.

LILO – when protection and freedom go hand in hand

LILOsandals were created for little explorers – those who can’t sit still and rediscover the world each day. These are shoes that don’t set the pace, but follow the child – softly, lightly, and with full acceptance of their spontaneity. Their flexible sole allows the feet to move naturally, and the wide toe box gives space for toe movement, essential for healthy development.

Natural leather and a vegetable-tanned insole are a tribute to health and comfort – nothing pinches, nothing restricts, nothing gets in the way of running freely through grass, sand, or preschool hallways. LILOis more than just a sandal – it’s freedom to be yourself, to take brave first (and next) steps, and to experience childhood in harmony with nature.

KIKI – perfect even for the most active

KIKI are barefoot sandals designed for kids who don’t know the meaning of “stop.” They jump, run, climb – and need shoes that can keep up with their energy. That’s why KIKI combines everything that matters: lightness, flexibility, natural materials, and a construction that supports healthy development. The closed heel provides a sense of stability during play, while the adjustable Velcro straps make putting them on a breeze – even for an impatient preschooler.

The open front allows the skin to breathe on summer days, and the thin sole lets feet feel the ground and move naturally without unnecessary restrictions. KIKI aren’t just another pair of sandals – they’re a trusted companion for daily adventures, supporting growth and freedom of movement at every child’s pace.

Is barefoot a good choice for every child?

Although barefoot is a nature-aligned philosophy, there are situations where it’s worth consulting a physiotherapist before choosing sandals. Children with serious postural issues or those requiring specialized orthopedic support may need additional care. However, in most cases, barefoot sandals prove to be the best choice – supporting healthy, unrestricted development that benefits the child for life.