We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

Looking for the best flip flops for kids? How about toddler flip flops for your little walker? Good news, Mama: we got ’em all, from durable, supportive picks to super-affordable Old Navy flip flops that come in toddler through adult sizes. After all, it’s that time of year again; the time when flip flops feel good and let the sun sand, and surf wash over bare toes. But we know the warmer weather means you’ll need a whole slew of kid gear for your growing littles (and not-so-littles), so we want to help check one thing off your list. Since you’ll need everything from cute bathing suits to long-lasting sunscreens to the best kids flip flops for all fun-in-the-sun activities, we sought out the best open, waterproof, easy-on thong sandals to make summertime living easier—and who doesn’t want easier?

As a side note, the necessity for open shoes cannot be understated: Because they’re breathable, flip flops are vacation/summer essentials for even teensy toesies. If you’ve ever experienced stinky toddler feet, you understand—and after splashing around in the ocean, lake, or pool, sandals that dry quickly are a godsend. No mama wants to deal with the odor, nor the complaints, that stem from little feet sitting in damp shoes. Hard pass.

Of course, finding the right flip flops for your kids depends on several factors including comfort, durability, how well they stay on, and how cute they are. Here, shop the best available now for every age from toddler on up.

Of course Crocs flip flops are totally beloved. Their toddler flip flops come with a heel strap and are made of the same flexible, comfy, lightweight foam the brand’s known for. “With my 19- month baby girl, I love how it’s so easy to wear and take off of her without hurting her little feet,” wrote a happy customer, “We live in a tropical area of the world, so it’s super breathable and it doesn’t make her feel sweat like all the other slippers she has tried.” Easy to put on and take off, breathable, and easy to clean and dry? The choice here is —you guessed it— easy.

With footbeds made from spongey yoga mats, jersey-lined faux leather straps, and soft webbed toe posts, Sanuk’s kids and toddler flip flops are designed to feel good: Customers describe them as squishy, comfy, and built to last. “My daughter loves the flip flops! She says they are her favorite,” wrote one reviewer, “They have the soft piece for between the toes and a soft elastic that goes behind the heel. They are also quite durable. She has worn them to the park multiple times and they have no signs of breakdown on the sole.” The toddler sizes come with heel straps for added security.

The beloved beach brand’s whimsical toddler flip flops are ultra-cute and ultra-durable.The outsoles are made of high-density EVA foam to ensure a long-lasting purchase—well, as long as fast-growing kid feet will allow, of course. Fun prints, functional polyester-lined heel straps, and the general dependability of these often make for return customers. “My daughter loves these so much,” wrote one, “This is the second pair I bought her after she outgrew her first one. She just outgrew her second pair and I will be buying her a third pair today!” Raved another,  “After a while the typical flip flop (thong style) will start to irritate their heels or between their toes, but the Reef Beachy Sandals were and are amazing. Not only were they comfortable for hours, but they’re also of great quality and there was not tripping or falling with the typical sandal coming off..”

Olukai’s supportive, contoured flip flops have water resistant straps with soft, quick-dry backing, as well as non-slip features like an EVA footbed and grippy gum-rubber soles. They’re available in sizes ranging from toddler to big kid (with heel straps on the toddler offerings) and you’ll want to size up, as they generally run small. Customers have described them as “surprisingly lightweight” and “super comfy.” One even declared them as “One of the best sandals for kids. My girls have a lot of foot pain and these sandals help so much.” Bonus: If you’re into the matchy-matchy thing, the brand offers adult versions of the Ohana flip flop, too, for men and women.

Havaianas are well known for their fun, vibrant colors and prints, and these 100% rubber flip flops are as cute as they are comfy. The cushiony insole features the brand’s signature “rice pattern,” designed to add extra slip resistance, a helpful feature for kids who don’t love a heel strap. Other benefits, according to a reviewer: This pair “doesn’t get as dirty as the cheaper brands because the bottom material is not as porous so it traps dirt much less,” and “because it doesn’t trap things like bacteria as much as the cheaper and more porous sandals, there’s no problems with stinky feet.”

For big kids, flip flops that are comfortable but still look cool are ideal— and these check both boxes. The wide, faux leather straps are lined with cotton, and the cushiony footbeds ensure comfort all day. Reviewers frequently mention the comfort and quality of this pair, writing notes like,  “Sturdy and well made for an inexpensive kid flop. They hold up well to my 10yr old boy and his rough treatment of shoes! Fits a wide foot, doesn’t bother his toes, and has held up for two years. He loves them so much he asked for a new pair!”

If any brand knows summer sandals, it’s Teva. The cushioned topsole of this sturdy pair conforms to the foot for super comfort, while the polyester strappy webbing is durable, dries quickly, and helps keep them secure. As one reviewer wrote, “These shoes are perfect for my 6-year-old. They stay on her feet through running around and playing…She loves them and wears them almost daily, with no discomfort.” Another noted, “They are so much more comfortable than the styles that have the rubber between the toes, they’re super squishy to walk on, and they hold up great.”

From another brand familiar with fun in the sun and surf, Roxy’s toddler flip flops deliver on cuteness and quality. Featuring a soft pvc upper, rubber sole, EVA foam footbed, as well as a soft elastic heel strap, these 100% synthetic sandals don’t feel, well, synthetic. As one customer simply put it, “nothing to complain. my daughter loves it.” Another raved, “my daughter loves it. she kept grabbing these instead of the ones that light up!” A quality pair of flip flops that pleases both kids and parents, indeed.

If any brand knows summer sandals, it’s Teva. The cushioned topsole of this sturdy pair conforms to the foot for super comfort, while the polyester strappy webbing is durable, dries quickly, and helps keep them secure. As one reviewer wrote, “These shoes are perfect for my 6-year-old. They stay on her feet through running around and playing…She loves them and wears them almost daily, with no discomfort.” Another noted, “They are so much more comfortable than the styles that have the rubber between the toes, they’re super squishy to walk on, and they hold up great.”

The classic Birkenstocks get a lightweight, waterproof redesign in the Gizeh flip flops. While these are made of molded lightweight EVA rather than cork and leather, they have the signature contoured footbed and buckled thong strap of the originals. Perfect for poolside or surfside, the kids Gizeh is a worthwhile purchase, according to reviewers, including one who wrote “I started buying Birkenstock EVA Gizeh for my child last year, she needed a bigger size this season. She finds them so comfortable she wears them everywhere, theme parks, pool, and to play golf. I love the arch support as many shoes/sandals do not offer arch support. I also love that they are easy to clean and dry.” And yes, they come in grown-up sizes. Get them in pink or black. 

Rainbow sandals are a fan favorite among us adults, but the kids versions are pretty awesome too. One Amazon customer raved, “Purchased these shoes for my daughter and she LOVES them. They are good quality and fits perfectly!”

There’s no sacrificing comfort for style with the Costa Sandals from Roxy. The braided strap and bold color options is something your LO will love, and the soft EVA footbed is something their little feet will appreciate.

Old Navy flip flops—for toddlers, kids, or adults—are the stuff budget dreams are made of. When it comes to value-priced options, they basically can’t be beat, which means you can score several pairs in different colors and prints without feeling guilty about it. (Great quality for the price, you can never have too many of these,” raved one reviewer.) For super inexpensive kids flip flops, these are built to last, according to multiple reviewers— which is undoubtedly why they’re one of the brands bestsellers.

With kids footwear, comfort comes before anything else. The synthetic nubuck straps of this pair are lycra-lined with padding, and the molded footbeds are soft and contoured, so there’s no worrying about complaints from the kiddos (“They fit well and he says they are comfy and don’t cause blisters,” noted a reviewer). The water-friendly materials and removable elastic heel strap only up the functionality factor, which is worth the price of admission. As one buyer put it, “These aren’t the first pair of Volcoms I’ve bought my daughter and it won’t be the last..You do get what you pay for and these are excellent little flip-flops.“

With footbeds made from spongey yoga mats, jersey-lined faux leather straps, and soft webbed toe posts, Sanuk’s kids and toddler flip flops are designed to feel good: Customers describe them as squishy, comfy, and built to last. “My daughter loves the flip flops! She says they are her favorite,” wrote one reviewer, “They have the soft piece for between the toes and a soft elastic that goes behind the heel. They are also quite durable. She has worn them to the park multiple times and they have no signs of breakdown on the sole.” The toddler sizes come with heel straps for added security.

Of course Crocs flip flops are totally beloved. Their toddler flip flops come with a heel strap and are made of the same flexible, comfy, lightweight foam the brand’s known for. “With my 19- month baby girl, I love how it’s so easy to wear and take off of her without hurting her little feet,” wrote a happy customer, “We live in a tropical area of the world, so it’s super breathable and it doesn’t make her feel sweat like all the other slippers she has tried.” Easy to put on and take off, breathable, and easy to clean and dry? The choice here is —you guessed it— easy.

The beloved beach brand’s whimsical toddler flip flops are ultra-cute and ultra-durable.The outsoles are made of high-density EVA foam to ensure a long-lasting purchase—well, as long as fast-growing kid feet will allow, of course. Fun prints, functional polyester-lined heel straps, and the general dependability of these often make for return customers. “My daughter loves these so much,” wrote one, “This is the second pair I bought her after she outgrew her first one. She just outgrew her second pair and I will be buying her a third pair today!” Raved another,  “After a while the typical flip flop (thong style) will start to irritate their heels or between their toes, but the Reef Beachy Sandals were and are amazing. Not only were they comfortable for hours, but they’re also of great quality and there was not tripping or falling with the typical sandal coming off..”

Havaianas are well known for their fun, vibrant colors and prints, and these 100% rubber flip flops are as cute as they are comfy. The cushiony insole features the brand’s signature “rice pattern,” designed to add extra slip resistance, a helpful feature for kids who don’t love a heel strap. Other benefits, according to a reviewer: This pair “doesn’t get as dirty as the cheaper brands because the bottom material is not as porous so it traps dirt much less,” and “because it doesn’t trap things like bacteria as much as the cheaper and more porous sandals, there’s no problems with stinky feet.”

Olukai’s supportive, contoured flip flops have water resistant straps with soft, quick-dry backing, as well as non-slip features like an EVA footbed and grippy gum-rubber soles. They’re available in sizes ranging from toddler to big kid (with heel straps on the toddler offerings) and you’ll want to size up, as they generally run small. Customers have described them as “surprisingly lightweight” and “super comfy.” One even declared them as “One of the best sandals for kids. My girls have a lot of foot pain and these sandals help so much.” Bonus: If you’re into the matchy-matchy thing, the brand offers adult versions of the Ohana flip flop, too, for men and women.

If any brand knows summer sandals, it’s Teva. The cushioned topsole of this sturdy pair conforms to the foot for super comfort, while the polyester strappy webbing is durable, dries quickly, and helps keep them secure. As one reviewer wrote, “These shoes are perfect for my 6-year-old. They stay on her feet through running around and playing…She loves them and wears them almost daily, with no discomfort.” Another noted, “They are so much more comfortable than the styles that have the rubber between the toes, they’re super squishy to walk on, and they hold up great.”

With kids footwear, comfort comes before anything else. The synthetic nubuck straps of this pair are lycra-lined with padding, and the molded footbeds are soft and contoured, so there’s no worrying about complaints from the kiddos (“They fit well and he says they are comfy and don’t cause blisters,” noted a reviewer). The water-friendly materials and removable elastic heel strap only up the functionality factor, which is worth the price of admission. As one buyer put it, “These aren’t the first pair of Volcoms I’ve bought my daughter and it won’t be the last..You do get what you pay for and these are excellent little flip-flops.“

Old Navy flip flops—for toddlers, kids, or adults—are the stuff budget dreams are made of. When it comes to value-priced options, they basically can’t be beat, which means you can score several pairs in different colors and prints without feeling guilty about it. (Great quality for the price, you can never have too many of these,” raved one reviewer.) For super inexpensive kids flip flops, these are built to last, according to multiple reviewers— which is undoubtedly why they’re one of the brands bestsellers.

From another brand familiar with fun in the sun and surf, Roxy’s toddler flip flops deliver on cuteness and quality. Featuring a soft pvc upper, rubber sole, EVA foam footbed, as well as a soft elastic heel strap, these 100% synthetic sandals don’t feel, well, synthetic. As one customer simply put it, “nothing to complain. my daughter loves it.” Another raved, “my daughter loves it. she kept grabbing these instead of the ones that light up!” A quality pair of flip flops that pleases both kids and parents, indeed.

The classic Birkenstocks get a lightweight, waterproof redesign in the Gizeh flip flops. While these are made of molded lightweight EVA rather than cork and leather, they have the signature contoured footbed and buckled thong strap of the originals. Perfect for poolside or surfside, the kids Gizeh is a worthwhile purchase, according to reviewers, including one who wrote “I started buying Birkenstock EVA Gizeh for my child last year, she needed a bigger size this season. She finds them so comfortable she wears them everywhere, theme parks, pool, and to play golf. I love the arch support as many shoes/sandals do not offer arch support. I also love that they are easy to clean and dry.” And yes, they come in grown-up sizes. Get them in pink or black. 

For big kids, flip flops that are comfortable but still look cool are ideal— and these check both boxes. The wide, faux leather straps are lined with cotton, and the cushiony footbeds ensure comfort all day. Reviewers frequently mention the comfort and quality of this pair, writing notes like,  “Sturdy and well made for an inexpensive kid flop. They hold up well to my 10yr old boy and his rough treatment of shoes! Fits a wide foot, doesn’t bother his toes, and has held up for two years. He loves them so much he asked for a new pair!”

This article was originally published on 3.2.2021