Sandals vs Closed-Toe Shoes: What's Better for Kids' Feet

Summer brings the annual footwear debate. Sandals are cooler and easier to get on and off. Closed-toe shoes offer more protection and support. Parents want to know which option is better for their child's developing feet, and the answer is not as simple as picking one over the other.

In my work with children's foot development and posture, I evaluate sandals vs closed shoes kids feet interact with regularly. Both have a place in your child's summer rotation. The key is understanding what each type does well, where each falls short, and what features matter most regardless of whether the shoe is open or closed. Here is the honest comparison, along with specific recommendations for choosing the best summer shoes for kids feet.

The Case for Sandals: When Open Shoes Work Well

Sandals have real advantages for children during warm weather, and some of those advantages are specifically relevant to foot development:

• Better ventilation. Children's feet sweat more than adults' feet relative to their size. Enclosed shoes in summer heat can create a moist environment that promotes blisters, fungal infections, and odor. Sandals keep feet dry and comfortable.

• Natural toe spread. Open-toed sandals allow the toes to splay naturally, which is how the foot is designed to function. This toe spread activates the intrinsic foot muscles and supports healthy arch development. Research published in Footwear Science found that children who spent more time in minimal footwear (including sandals) showed better foot muscle development than those in rigid closed shoes.

• Closer to barefoot. Many sandals have a thinner, more flexible sole than closed shoes, which allows more ground feedback. This sensory input is valuable for foot development. The foot can feel the ground more clearly, which strengthens the proprioceptive system.

• Easy on and off. For younger children, sandals promote independence. A child who can put on their own shoes is more likely to go outside and play, which means more movement overall.

The biggest drawback of sandals is reduced protection. Open toes are vulnerable to stubbing, scraping, and dropped objects. The foot is also more exposed to hot surfaces, sharp debris, and insect bites. For active play on unpredictable terrain, this is a genuine concern.

The Case for Closed-Toe Shoes: When Protection Matters

Closed-toe shoes have their own set of advantages, particularly for active children:

• Full foot protection. The enclosed design shields toes, the top of the foot, and the sole from rocks, sticks, hot pavement, and other hazards. For playgrounds, hiking, biking, and sports, this protection matters.

• Better heel support. Closed shoes typically have a firmer heel counter (the back cup that wraps around the heel). This helps stabilize the ankle and can be especially important for children with overpronation or unstable ankles.

• More secure fit. A well-fitted closed shoe stays on the foot during running, climbing, and quick direction changes. Some sandals can slip or shift during vigorous play, which forces the toes to grip and changes the child's gait pattern.

• Year-round consistency. If your child wears closed shoes during the school year, sticking with a closed design in summer maintains a consistent biomechanical environment for the foot.

The downsides of closed shoes in summer are heat, moisture, and potentially less toe freedom. A closed shoe that is too narrow can compress the toes and limit the natural foot splay that supports healthy development. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to choose shoes that are shaped like the child's foot, with enough room in the toe box for toes to move freely, whether the shoe is open or closed.

Sandals vs Closed Shoes for Kids: Side-by-Side Comparison

Here is how the two options compare across the factors that matter most for children's foot health:

• Toe protection: Closed shoes win. Open toes are vulnerable to injury during active play. Closed-toe sandals (sport sandals) offer a middle ground.

• Breathability: Sandals win. Open design keeps feet cool and dry. Mesh closed shoes come close but still trap more heat.

• Foot muscle development: Sandals with flexible soles slightly edge out rigid closed shoes. But flexible closed shoes (like barefoot-style shoes) offer the same benefits with added protection.

• Ankle stability: Closed shoes with a firm heel counter win. Most sandals offer minimal heel support, though sport sandals with ankle straps are an exception.

• Fit security during running: Closed shoes win. Sandals can shift during vigorous activity unless they have a secure multi-strap design.

• Independence for young kids: Sandals with velcro straps win. Most toddlers and preschoolers can put on sandals independently before they can manage lace-up shoes.

What to Look For in Summer Sandals for Kids

If you choose sandals for your child, these features matter most for foot health:

1. A secure heel strap or ankle strap. Flip-flops and backless slides are the worst sandal options for kids. They force the toes to grip with every step to keep the shoe on, which changes the gait pattern and can cause toe and arch fatigue. Always choose sandals that strap securely to the foot.

2. A flexible but not floppy sole. The sole should bend at the ball of the foot where the toes naturally flex. But it should not fold in half or twist like a dish towel. Some structure underfoot is needed for walking on varied surfaces.

3. A flat sole with no heel lift. Children's sandals should not have an elevated heel. The foot should sit flat, mimicking the position it would be in barefoot.

4. Enough toe room. Toes should be able to spread naturally. If the sandal has a toe bumper or enclosed toe box, make sure it is wide enough that toes are not compressed.

What to Look For in Summer Closed-Toe Shoes for Kids

For closed shoes in summer, these features help keep feet healthy and comfortable:

1. Mesh or breathable upper. A mesh upper allows airflow and reduces heat buildup. Leather and synthetic uppers trap more heat and moisture.

2. Wide toe box. The toe area should be wide enough for toes to spread, not pointed or tapered. I cover this in detail in my post on choosing the right shoes for kids.

3. Lightweight construction. Heavy shoes change how children walk and increase fatigue. Summer shoes should be among the lightest in your child's collection.

4. Removable insole. A removable insole can be taken out to dry between wears, which extends the shoe's life and reduces moisture-related issues.

The Best Approach for Kids' Summer Feet: Mix Both Types

In my professional opinion and in my family's practice, the best summer shoe strategy is not choosing sandals or closed shoes children wear exclusively. It is using both, matched to the activity:

• For casual outings, errands, and light play: Sandals with a secure heel strap work well. The ventilation and toe freedom are beneficial, and the activity level is low enough that the reduced protection is not a concern.

• For sports, playground play, and hiking: Closed-toe shoes with breathable mesh are the better choice. The protection and stability matter when kids are running, climbing, and changing direction at full speed.

• For the beach, pool, and backyard: Barefoot time is ideal when the surface is safe. Adding barefoot sensory play on varied textures (sand, grass, gravel) strengthens foot muscles in ways neither sandals nor shoes can replicate.

According to KidsHealth, the most important factor in children's footwear is proper fit, regardless of shoe type. A well-fitting sandal is better for foot health than a poorly fitting closed shoe, and vice versa. Always measure your child's feet at the store (or at home with a ruler), and check fit every 2 to 3 months because children's feet grow quickly.

My daughters each have one pair of good sandals and one pair of breathable closed shoes for summer. We rotate based on the day's activities. On beach days they go barefoot as much as possible. On soccer days they wear closed shoes. On errands and playdates they wear sandals. This mix gives their feet the best combination of freedom, protection, and development opportunity.

You May Also Like

• How to Choose the Right Shoes for Your Child's Feet

• Barefoot Shoes for Kids with Flat Feet: What to Know

• Barefoot Sensory Play and Foot Development

Test Your Knowledge: Kids' Summer Footwear

See how much you picked up from this post. Check your answers below each question.

1. What is the biggest advantage of sandals for foot development?

a) They are cheaper

b) They allow natural toe spread and provide ground feedback similar to barefoot

c) They protect toes better

d) They last longer

Answer: b) They allow natural toe spread and provide ground feedback similar to barefoot. The toe freedom and thinner soles of sandals activate intrinsic foot muscles and support healthy arch development.

2. Why are flip-flops the worst sandal option for kids?

a) They are too expensive

b) They force toes to grip with every step, changing the gait pattern

c) They are too heavy

d) They provide too much support

Answer: b) They force toes to grip with every step, changing the gait pattern. Without a heel strap, the child must grip with the toes to keep the shoe on, which causes toe and arch fatigue and alters how they walk.

3. When should kids wear closed-toe shoes instead of sandals?

a) Always

b) During sports, playground play, and hiking where protection and stability matter

c) Only in winter

d) Never

Answer: b) During sports, playground play, and hiking where protection and stability matter. Running, climbing, and quick direction changes require the toe protection and secure fit that closed shoes provide.

4. What is the most important feature in any summer shoe for kids?

a) The brand name

b) The color

c) Proper fit with enough room for toes to move

d) A high heel

Answer: c) Proper fit with enough room for toes to move. A well-fitting sandal is better than a poorly fitting closed shoe. Always check fit and measure feet every 2 to 3 months.

5. What is the recommended summer footwear strategy?

a) Only sandals all summer

b) Only closed shoes all summer

c) A mix of sandals, closed shoes, and barefoot time matched to the activity

d) No shoes at all

Answer: c) A mix of sandals, closed shoes, and barefoot time matched to the activity. Using both types plus barefoot time gives feet the best combination of freedom, protection, and development opportunity.

Your Complete Footwear Reference

Choosing the right shoes is one of the most impactful decisions parents make for their child's foot health. My Ultimate Footwear Guide covers everything from sizing and fit to specific recommendations by age, foot type, and activity level.

The right shoes support healthy development. The wrong shoes can work against it. When you know what to look for, every purchase becomes a confident one.