Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Summer Shoes for Toddlers


Two weeks ago I had to embark on a quest to find my son the perfect summer sandals. We tested out several pairs after this happened:
As Nicky is getting older, more independent and much more mobile, going to the playground has become a daily challenge. On top of him running wild, it has now become warm and the sprinklers have been turned on. At Every. Single. Park!!! 
Every morning we roll up to the park in our stroller. Nicholas releases an ear-piercing scream and does some Cirque du Soleil type of maneuver to free himself out of the stroller straps. Before I have a chance to say anything, he is off at tops speeds, going straight into those sprinklers. Two minutes later he is back, with a big grin, to grab his ball and he is off again. Another five minutes later he comes back all concerned and perturbed, because he is now soaking wet.  
We go through this every day. I dry, change and comfort him and tell him a million times that he is not to go into the water anymore. As soon as I put him down he charges straight into the puddles and starts splashing about again. 
After going through this a few times, I went on Amazon (hello, two day Prime shipping!) and ordered eight pairs of shoes. We tried on all of them and Nicholas gave his feedback.

Geox B Craze 33 Sandal Review



I was looking forward to trying on Geox shoes for my son, especially for the summer as they are advertised to be "the shoe that breathes". They are amazing quality, very well thought out and seem comfortable. The back has a padded velcro strap to adjust for ultimate fit at the ankle. The front has flexible elastic. Flexible, breathable soles. However, they did not seem to dry quickly enough and are perfect for roaming around, just not in the water. 
Nicky's Take: Wasn't impressed.

Kamik Oyster Sandal Review


Very similar to the Geox sandals above. They are cheaper, yet the design and quality are not as great. The inner lining of this shoe seems to dry quicker. The soles aren't very flexible. 
Nicky's Take: Did not like, took them right off.

Kamik Sea Turtles Review

(also have a girl-version!)

Similar to the sandals above but more cut-out and give the foot more breathability. Easy to put on. Dry quickly. 
Nicky's Take: Put them on for a few minutes, then took them off. 

KEEN Rio Sandals

(come in many colors for boys and girls)

Super light! A little tricky to put on as we have a wide foot but seem to fit well. Comfortable, have a contoured arch insole. Perfect for the water. However, all synthetic. 
Nicky's Take: Loved them! Didn't want to take them off!

KEEN Seacamp II CNX

(Come in many colors for boys and girls)

Mommy's favorite. They are also very light and have a contoured arch, extremely easy to put on, cut out in all the right places, have a secure, rubberized toe and flexible soles. Dry quickly. Everything I was looking for. However...
Nicky's Take: Came running back to me asking to take them off :( Not sure what was bothering him, but I will give them another try!

Pediped Stingray

(Girl version also available)

Have mesh inserts to make them more breathable, but would probably be better if the were just open. The toe isn't as re-enforced as the other shoes. Signature Pediped flexible soles. Dry quickly and easy to put on. Great water shoes but not everyday sandals.
Nicky's Take: Wasn't impressed.  

See Kai Runners Lincoln Fisherman


(also come in pink, orange and navy)

Awesome, light, easily dried sandals that unfortunately came in the wrong size. Very flexible soles. Closed toe, but not re-enforced at all. Great for water activities.
Nicky's Take: Didn't get to try them on because of the size.

Timberland Adventure Seeker Review


And the winner is... Timberland Adventure Seeker!

Easy to put on and adjustable to accommodate a wider foot. Super comfortable insoles, flexible soles. The toe is closed but not re-enforced. Dry fast, great for water and roaming around.
Nicky's Take: Love at first step. Wouldn't take them off and picks them out of his shoe pile every morning.

Some other water shoes I came across:

Mini Melissa

Mini Melissa

Mini Melissa for Girls. Super Cute!

Timberland Belknap

Very popular, seen them on many boys at the playground.

Also visit my style blog for the perfect summer sandals for Mommy ;)

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