We jumped straight from rain boots into kids sandals in Northern BC, and as the premiere destination for baby and children’s shoes - fitting kids into the perfect summer shoe has been a day-to-day affair. In our hearts we want kids shoe shopping to be simple, but at the end of the day sometimes there’s just too many options or no good option.

This summer, we’ve brought in more sandals than ever at Nest & Sprout. If you love to over research everything, like I do - this round up post is for you to break down the three main styles we have, and who each shoe might be best for. 

Best Budget: Jan & Jul SunnyBreeze Sandals

Sizes 4–10 | $45

Introduced last summer, but a little too late in the season, the SunnyBreeze Sandal has quickly become a favourite for your everyday 3 year old. We’ve sized down a few times, but it generally has the same beloved fit and comfort as Jan & Jul’s early walker collection. 

The SunnyBreeze is designed for kids at the splash pad, running through sprinklers, or hiking through the park. Featuring a quick-dry breathable fabric, this a great everyday summer shoe to swap out runners for. With a wide toe box these sandals go on to support your childs toe sprawl at a fantastic price point. 

Jan & Jul prioritize a Me-Put-On™ closure with most of their shoes to ensure that your toddler can be independent and put their shoes on themselves. Helping you and daycare out. 

Best for: Toddlers and younger kids who are in and out of water all day and need something that dries fast and goes on easy, and takes on the average day. 

Best Fit: Reima Rantaan Barefoot Sandals

Sizes 6 to Junior 7 | $79.95

The Reima Rantaan is proving to be one of our best fitting sandals, and has been swapped in by many families struggling with how some shoes are too wide, too bulky, and too floppy at the ankle. This is the sandal, I’ve chosen for my kids this summer as it gave them the best fit at a Junior 6.5. We’ve been wearing it for a few weeks and everyone is loving it.

Barefoot is trendy, and it’s for everyone. You don’t have to be a barefoot parent to wear barefoot shoes. You might just want a well built shoe that fits your child's foot. Being barefoot, the shoe features a thin flexible sole, zero heel drop, wide toe box. More and more these features are becoming common throughout the children’s shoe industry as we look to reduce the toe squeeze.

The wide fit gives toes room to spread naturally, and the ankle closure is adjustable enough that it stays secure on narrower feet too. They contain recycled materials and are fluorocarbon-free, which is in line with what Reima does across most of their line.

Best for: Kids at key foot development stages, outdoor exploring, families who prefer minimal footwear. Great sizing range that covers little feet through early youth sizes.

Best for Summer: Reima Koralli Water-Friendly Sandals

Sizes 6 to Junior 3.5 | $64.95

This one sits in the sweet spot between the easygoing splash sandal and the barefoot option. The Reima Koralli is water-friendly, quick-drying, and machine washable — and it has a protective toe bumper that the Rantaan doesn't, which makes it a bit more rugged for playground and trail days.

Two hook-and-loop straps give you an adjustable, secure fit across the foot, and the wide last leaves room for growing toes. It's vegan, PVC-free, and fluorocarbon-free. The machine-washable feature is genuinely useful if your kid is the type to find every puddle on the block.

Worth noting: like most water shoes, these can be slippery on wet tiles — so they're not recommended for poolside walking.

Best for: Active kids who are in and out of outdoor rocky water spaces  but also need something that holds up on trails and playgrounds. A reliable all-day summer sandal that will be a great swap for your crocs. 

Note - not recommended for thin feet, can be a bit loosey goosey, and the Rantaan gives an easier to customize fit. 

The Best Kids' Sandals We're Carrying This Summer (And Why We Love Them)

A Few Others Worth Knowing About

Jan & Jul SunLite Slip-Ons (Sizes 11 to Junior 4) — EVA construction, lightweight and easy. Great if you need a slip-on option for bigger kids.

Wheat Kids Sandals — Toddler sizes, boutique aesthetic. If you want something that looks as good as it performs, Wheat delivers.

Mini Melissa — Fashion-forward jelly sandals in unique prints and patterns, sizes 5–12. For the kid (or the parent) who wants summer footwear to make a statement.

We're happy to help you figure out which sandal fits your kid's feet, activities, and the summer you're actually planning. Come find us at 3049 McGill Crescent in College Heights, or shop online at nestandsprout.ca.