Children’s sandals: the most beautiful models of summer (and how to choose them)

This publication is also available in: Français Deutsch Italiano Español English (US)

Summer sandals, little feet in the air: every detail matters when it comes to properly supporting children in their summer steps.

With the rise in temperatures and the call of vacation, it’s time to free the feet. For children, summer means exploration, outdoor play, and spontaneous movement. Sandals become an essential part of their wardrobe. However, not all models are created equal, especially when seeking to balance aesthetics, comfort, and respect for the natural development of the foot.

In recent years, high-end children’s brands have reinterpreted the classic sandal with more demanding criteria. Gone are the thick soles and rigid straps: now it’s all about soft leathers, clean lines, and designs made for movement. In the wake of a more conscious children’s fashion, the sandal becomes a complete object: utilitarian, stylish, and well thought out.

Proper development also starts from the feet

This is not just an anatomical detail. A child’s foot is still in full construction until adolescence. It needs freedom, flexibility, and sensory feedback to learn to walk properly. An appropriate sandal supports this evolution by respecting physiology. This means: a thin, flexible sole, heel support without excessive rigidity, and breathable materials that prevent overheating.

Podiatrists recommend models that allow the foot to bend naturally. Children should be able to run, climb, and jump without constraint. In other words, the sandal should not hinder their motor skills. This is what differentiates a beautiful object from a good shoe.

When style meets functionality

This need for technicality does not exclude aesthetic demands. Quite the opposite. Many high-end brands have risen to the challenge by creating elegant and durable models that match modern children’s silhouettes. The design is no longer childish but refined, colors draw inspiration from nature or adult collections, and materials are carefully selected.

At Petit Nord Copenhagen, the sandal is dressed in vegetable-tanned leather, in soft shades like sand or clay. The T-Bar model adopts the retro shoe line with a buckle closure, a soft sole, and a lightness that makes it ideal for first steps. The finish is understated, and the comfort is palpable.

Donsje Amsterdam, on the other hand, offers a more artisanal approach. Their models, hand-stitched, stand out for their delicate shapes and respectful support of the foot. The Pien sandal, with its nature-inspired cutouts, combines comfort with a creative touch. It accompanies the child in their movements while matching the most minimalist summer pieces.

And for long days by the water, Salt Water remains a reliable choice. Their Sun-San Sweetheart model, made from coated leather, is designed to withstand saltwater. It dries quickly, doesn’t leave marks, and remains comfortable even after several hours. An ideal solution for those who want to avoid compromises on vacation.

How to choose (and maintain) children’s sandals

Before purchasing, it is advisable to pay attention to a few key criteria:

• The flexibility of the sole (test it by bending it in half)
• The ankle support (prefer adjustable closures)
• The inner material (untreated leather, soft fabric, no hard plastic)

A good model can be recognized from the first step: the child does not try to take them off, does not trip, and can run freely. Pay attention to friction areas in the first few days, particularly around the heel or instep.

For maintenance, it’s best to regularly clean the sandal with a damp cloth and nourish the leather with an appropriate cream. Vegetable leather models should not be exposed to moisture for too long: prefer a pair dedicated to water play if necessary.

A broader approach than just fashion

Choosing a sandal for your child is also about asserting a certain approach to clothing. A focus on sustainability, health, and simple elegance. The brands mentioned here offer a credible alternative to standardized models: they invest in know-how, select noble raw materials, and prioritize manufacturing transparency.

In the summer suitcase, a good sandal is not just a purchase: it’s a thoughtful choice, a promise of comfort and freedom. Between a day in the city and an evening barefoot on the grass, it accompanies without ever constraining. And perhaps it is here, in this assumed discretion, that it reveals its true value.