Best kids' sandals 2022 - including flip flops, leather styles and jelly shoes

(Image credit: Joules)

published 13 April 22

Sunnier days are ahead, which means sandal weather is just around the corner making now the perfect time to put away winter shoes and get measured for the best kids' sandals.

Much like the best trainers for kids (opens in new tab) all year round, a pair of summer sandals are a style staple during the warmer months. The best kids' sandals keep children's feet comfortable and protected, whether they are building sandcastles on the beach or playing with the best outdoor toys for kids (opens in new tab).

If you’re on the hunt for a new pair of summer sandals for your little one, we’ve rifled through the cyber shelves to find the best kids' sandals to shop for now. And if your child has just taken their first few steps, make sure you know how to choose shoes for toddlers (opens in new tab) before you start shopping. From the cutest designs to the sturdiest soles that keep their feet protected too, we’ve taken all the important details into consideration.

The best kids' sandals to shop now:

Colourful leather sandals with a smiling leather flower from Boden - some of this year's best kids' sandals — Credit: Boden

1. Boden Leather Padded Sandals

Sizes: 24-36

We just can’t resist these oh-so-adorable smiling flower sandals. Pretty and practical, they have padding at the heel for comfort and an easy touch-and-go fastening so kids can get them on and off quickly. The upper fabric is 100% leather and the popping colour combo makes them perfect for the sunshine. We wouldn’t mind a pair in our size!

VIEW AT BODEN | £37-£42 (opens in new tab)

The Surfing Tide Toddler Green Combi from Clarks - one of this year's best kids' sandals — Credit: Clarks

2. Clarks Surfing Tide Kid Green Combi

Sizes: 4-12.5

Perfect for days on the beach, these cool sandals are water-friendly, flexible, and super lightweight, so they're easy to throw in your suitcase for a romp down to the beach. Clarks offer whole and half sizes so you can get the perfect fit and there are two adjustable rip tape fastenings. Available in navy, pink or this dino-inspired green print, we love that you can pop them in the washing machine too for added ease.

VIEW NOW - Clarks | £24-£28 (opens in new tab)

Children's Trekker Sandals from John Lewis - some of this year's best kids' sandals for summer — Credit: John Lewis

3. John Lewis Children's Trekker Sandals

Sizes: 4jnr -5

Sweaty feet will be a thing of the past with these sturdy trekkers. A sturdy, light, and elastic TPR sole for agility and rip tape fastenings for easy on and off mean they're the perfect solution for long, summer walks. The smooth suede is breathable and comfortable and they're available in four eye-catching colours to help kids stand out in the great outdoors.

VIEW AT JOHN LEWIS | £18-£21 (opens in new tab)

Jojo Maman Bebe Kids' Jelly Sandals - some of this year's best kids' sandals — Credit: JoJo Maman Bébé

4. JoJo Maman Bébé Kids' Jelly Sandals

Sizes: 4-10jnr

This practical summer staple allows little feet to breathe during trips to the beach or sandpit. Available in versatile navy and pink, they feature a cushioned upper sole and are waterproof.

VIEW NOW AT JOJO MAMAN BÉBÉ | £12 (opens in new tab)

Kidly Manuca Swim Frill Shoes - some of the best kids' sandals for 2022 — Credit: Kidly

5. Kidly Manuca Swim Frill Shoes

Sizes: 3.5-11jnr

With matching swimwear available, these protective, slip-resistant swim shoes will look after little feet when they're playing by the pool, at the beach, or splashing in the paddling pool in the garden. The recycled fabric is soft and comfy and offers UPF 50+ protection, shielding sensitive toes from hot sand and the sun with a barefoot feel.

VIEW AT KIDLY | £21.50 (opens in new tab)

6. M&S Kids' Crab Clogs

Sizes: 4-13jnr

These super-fun, seaside-inspired slip-ons feature a fun crab design in a comfy, standard fit that's perfect for fun in the sun. We think they're easily some of the best kids' sandals on sale this year - not least because they are washable at 50°C and hardy enough to toss in the tumble dryer - sand and sun cream are no match for these hard-wearing clogs.

VIEW AT M&S | £9 (opens in new tab)

Cute Fun Lion Leather Sandals from Boden - some of the best kids' sandals we've found for summer 2022 — Credit: Boden

7. Boden Fun Lion Leather Sandals

Sizes: 24-36

These exotic, 100% leather sandals have an adjustable touch and close fastening and feature either a lion or a peacock for a fun, yet pretty warm-weather option.

VIEW AT BODEN| £37-£42 (opens in new tab)

8. The Original Salt Water Sandal

Sizes: 5-12jnr

The first design to ever be created by the company, these sandals have a stitched rubber sole for comfort and a plaited, waterproof leather upper and rust-proof buckle - making them perfect for walks on the beach. They fit comfortably wide and the brand's top tip is that toes should rest behind the stitch line. Our pick of some of the best kids' sandals you can find, mainly because matching adult sizes are available if you fancy twinning with your mini-me!

VIEW AT KIDLY | £60 (opens in new tab)

Hampton Canvas Champ Shoes - some of the best kids' sandals for 2022 — Credit: Trotters

9. Hampton Canvas Champ Shoes

Sizes: 4-13jnr

Combining a best-selling T-bar style with a handy rip tape fastening, this classic style is perfect for young children learning to put their shoes on by themselves. They're fully machine washable and suitable for those with a higher instep and perfect for mini adventures. But what makes them worthy of a place on our list of the best kids' sandals is the fact that they're strawberry-scented for freshness. Yes, really!

VIEW AT TROTTERS | £28-£30 (opens in new tab)

Cute Gruffalo Flip Flops from Joules - some of the best kids' sandals for summer — Credit: Joules

10. Joules Flip Flops

Sizes: 8jnr-3

While they don't offer enough support to be worn daily, children will love these Gruffalo-print flip flops that can be slipped on and off poolside, at the beach or in the garden. Best suited to older children and confident walkers, they have a durable tread and are available in shark, insect, and wild-animal print also.

VIEW AT JOULES | £12.95 (opens in new tab)

M&S Kids' Riptape Rainbow Light-Up Trekkers - some of this year's best kids' sandals — Credit: M&S

11. M&S Kids' Riptape Rainbow Light-Up Trekkers

Sizes: 4-13jnr

Colourful enough to add sunshine to any walk. With a light-up side strap to add even more pep to each step, these trekkers are the most fun you can wear on your feet. The rip-tape fastening across the top of the foot and over the toes and a cushioned sole means they're the perfect, comfy shoe for summer adventures.

VIEW AT M&S| £19 (opens in new tab)