As we head into summer, it’s time to start thinking about what kind of sandals your littles will need to see them through the warmer months. But with so much to choose from, where do you even start when selecting a pair of sandals? From cage toe to self-fastening, girls sandals to boys sandals, we’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide to choosing the perfect pair.

CAGE TOE vs OPEN TOE

The most noticeable difference between sandal styles is the level of coverage across the toes. Typically, you’ll see the options of a covered toe (cage style) and an open toe (usually self-fastening or adjustable). While each option will work for most kids, there are a couple of factors to consider when choosing between the two.

Cage toe styles generally will be better suited to toddlers and younger children, especially those who might be prone to tripping over the front of their shoes!

They also offer that bit of extra protection for outdoor adventures.

Check out some cage toe styles below:

Shop Bobux: Iwalk Quick Dry Tropicana Cage

Shop Clarks Sterling

Open toe styles are perfect for the child who has a particularly wide or narrow foot, as they offer more adjustability around the front of the foot than a cage toe style.

If your child has a foot that often struggles to fit into closed sandals, keep an eye out for a self-fastening style that can be adjusted to suit their width.

Check out some adjustable open options below:

LET’S TALK FIT

When it comes to sandals, fit is vital to ensure your child is comfortable in their new shoes. Let’s review some aspects of fit that we check for when fitting up a new pair of sandals!

Heel fit

You’ll notice two things when a shoe fits perfectly in the heel:

One, the heel counter sits comfortably under the ankle bone. If the heel counter puts pressure on the ankle bone, this can rub and cause discomfort. Two, the heel is secure and does not slip. Check that the heel is not slipping out of the shoe, and that you don’t need to over-tighten the ankle strap. If you’re struggling to find a shoe that fits well in the heel, try an adjustable heel shoe like the Pablosky Surf Sandal

Toe fit

If your sandal is not adjustable, make sure your child is standing up, and feel the front of the shoe. You should be able to move around the material at the front of the shoe, but not so much that you can pinch it with your fingers.

Open sandals can general can be fitted with slightly less growing room, however the general rule for all sandals, closed or open, is to leave a finger space (approximately 1 size = 1cm!) to get you through the summer.

Check out our summer range online or head to your nearest store for a free fit check. Book now