Beyond Crocs: Nine Amazing Summer Shoes for Toddlers

In my house, I declared this summer a sock-free summer. I’m that mom that can’t find or keep socks, no matter what I do. So, the declaration was part intentional, but also out of necessity because I literally can’t find any socks. Who has time to look for socks when kids are literally running out the door to play? Plus, with the pool being our favorite summer destination, sandals are just easier to slip on and are ok when wet. I love living a sock-free summer; however, no socks with traditional tennis shoes can be a major stink hazard. I’ve smelled my boy’s shoes when they don’t wear socks, and it is not a pretty smell. It’s foul.

Luckily, there are so many comfy and good-looking options online and in stores for all those tiny feet running on the dirt, grass, water, sand and concrete this summer. And, most of these summer shoes for toddlers can be worn without socks.

No longer are we living in the days of Crocs being the only practical and stink-free shoe option in our kid’s closets. Crocs were a genius idea, and the brand has certainly expanded and updated their line, but there’s no denying how ugly the initial options were. Yes, I’ve owned a pair, and so have my children. Haven’t we all buckled under the pressure of just wanting to be comfortable in a microbial, functional and affordable shoe?

Since kids’ feet seem to outgrow a new pair of shoes the minute they try them on, I’ve rounded up lots of options for summer shoes for toddlers (that aren’t Crocs) you can buy now, and months from now for your little ones.

More Gear for Kids:

Adorable Summer Shoes For Toddlers That Aren't Crocs

Tiny Toms Rompers

These tiny Toms look like crocs, but they aren’t crocs. The water-resistant shoes are available in pink or blue, and they are easy to slip on. If your invited to a baby shower in the future, and you know the gender of the baby, this will make for a sweet (and essential) gift for the momma to be.

Available at: Toms
Converse Chuck Taylor “Double Strap” Sneaker

There may not be a pair of shoes as hip, or as cool, as Converse. They are comfortable, plus this mini version is easy to Velcro on. When they are dirty, a quick cycle on the wash should do the trick. This is a classic choice you can't go wrong with.

Available at: Converse
PLAE Mimo Customizable Sneaker

These shoes scream summertime, splash-pad fun. They are the perfect on-the-go shoe for little ones, and you won't have to scour the house looking for socks.

Available at: Amazon
Native Kids Jefferson

My kids have worn Native shoes for years, and we all love them. They don’t stink, they are waterproof, and if they get dirty, they are easy to wipe clean. My 4-year-old easily puts them on and takes them off by himself. There are classic colors for boys and girls, and they also come in iridescent colors, a color-blocked style and crazy marbling, too! Mom to mom, I highly recommend them.

Available at: Zappos
Keen Newport

I’m keen on Keen’s. My son’s first sandal was Keen’s, and they survived a summer of fun with him, and his younger brother too. These shoes are easy to put on, and support tiny feet. Plus, mud is easy to wipe off, which is a bonus for all you moms who have little ones who like to get dirty in the mud.

Available at: Keen
Pediped Grip 'n' Go

These shoes are good for growing feet, and easy to slip on when your running out the door. Their lightweight material makes it easy play chase, but kids won't feel like they have heavy weights on their feet. Various colors are available in this shoe that will appeal to boys and girls.

Available at: Pediped
Flamingo Print Tiny Toms

One can never go wrong with Toms. It’s a staple in my family. There is something for everyone, and with every purchase, Toms donates a pair of shoes to someone in need. It's an all-around feel-good purchase. This pattern is perfect for happy summer vibes, and comfortable for little feet. This style comes in so many fun colors and patterns for boys and girls.

Available at: Toms
Stride Rite Iggy Sneaker Sandal

This shoe was made for land and sea, and it can be worn during the summer and winter months. All you have to do is add socks when the weather turns cold. This sounds like one durable shoe!

Available at: Stride Rite
Mini Melissa

When I was a little girl, I loved to wear jellies. This is a modern pair of jellies that can be paired with a dress for church, or shorts for a playdate at the park. There’s just something about "jellies" that hold a special place in every young girls heart.

Available at: Zappos
Columbia Kids Bahama

I wish this style came in my size. These kicks can be dressed up or down, and there’s no doubt, your little one will have all eyes on his/her shoes. Available in other colors.

Available at: Zappos
Rio EVA Birkenstock

Birkenstocks are back! I'm not sure they ever went out of style for some people. They are popular among adults, so why can’t kids get in on the laid-back trend action? They will be a staple in every kid’s closet. The updated synthetic material is modeled on the cork sandal, so it's just as good, but brighter.

Available at: Birkenstock