I don't know about you, but I'm one of those moms that puts a ton of thought into to my child's footwear. I know to some people that might sound a bit silly, but I'm a shoe girl. That means I want my son's shoes to not only look good, but to be functional and comfortable and hold up to all of the demands of a toddler who runs, jumps, climbs, crawls and pretty much gets into everything. What I'm not, is one of those moms who doesn't blink at spending $60 or even more on a pair of shoes for a kid who will grow out of them in about three months. So of course, when each new season begins, I do a bit of research and choose a shoe for my son that meets all of my criteria as well as my budget.
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Check out my baby and toddler shoe picks for Summer 2014 in the slideshow below.
Saltwater Sandals
These classically styled sandals are more than what meets the eye. They are constructed of vibrantly colored waterproof leather, sturdy buckles and a flexible yet durable sole. They are touted for their comfort and long-lasting contruction and come in a huge variety of colors and styles for both boys and girls, and are available for newborns, infants and toddlers. Saltwater Sandals, $25.95 and up.
Keen Newport H2
Based on a recommendation from a friend with an older toddler and the fact that these were the sportiest looking sandals I could find other than those cheesy two-strap old man sandals, the Keen Newport H2 is what we went with for our 2-year-old. They double as a water shoe, protect toes, are super-easy to slip on, lightweight, come in lots of colors for boys and girls and are machine washable. Machine washable, people! Keen Newport H2 (toddler), $40.
TOMS
TOMS are a favorite of mine for infants and pre-walkers but they are also great for toddlers that have been walking for at least a few months. The only baby I don't recommend them for is the brand-new walker as the soles are not very flexible. They are made from breathable canvas, have built-in arch support, come in tons of colors and patterns and are also machine washable, making them an awesome shoe for the summer playground and BBQ circuit. TOMS also recently released a line of kids sandals, though the classic slip ons are still my fave. TOMS, $32 and up.
Sperry Top-Sider
Sperry boat shoes are wonderful if your family spends a lot of time sailing, fishing or engaging in other watersports. Many of the styles offered are waterproof and feature soles designed for great traction on wet surfaces, making them a safe bet for mobile toddlers. They also come in tons of styles, patterns and colors for infants, boys and girls. Sperry Top-Sider Kids, $30 and up.
