The 5 summer shoes your toddler really needs

New blog about The 5 summer shoes your toddler really needs

I have a hard time buying shoes for my children, because I always want them to have good foot and arch support but hate spending big bucks on shoes. I tend to find a happy medium by buying solid, good-quality shoes for everyday wear and filling in the blanks with bargain picks.

Since summer is rapidly approaching, here are 5 summer shoes that should be in every toddlers summer wardrobe:

1. Rain boots

Rain boots are great for more than rainy days. While most toddlers love wearing their rain boots with their raincoats and umbrellas during a storm, when my kids make mud pies and dig holes for “gardening” in our yard, I have them wear their boots. When they’re done I simply hose the boots down and let them dry and they are clean as new. They also wear them when we go to the farm to pick berries. Again they are easy to clean but they also protect their feet and lower legs from prickly bushes and low-lying bugs.

Splurge: Hatley Waterproof Strawberry Rain Boot (Amazon, $31)
Save: Western Chief Rain Boot (Amazon, $23.96)

2. Flip flops or sandals

If you’re lucky your kids will get to spend some time each summer at a pool, beach, or splash pad. Flip flops or sandals are an obvious choice for water play. They should be easy to put on and take off and not get hot when sitting in the sun.

Splurge: Havaianas Moana Flip Flops (Nordstrom, $20)
Save: Old Navy Mary-Jane Jelly Sandals (Old Navy, $11)

3. Sneakers

This is obvious but ends up being the most expensive seasonal purchase for us. I have a hard time finding inexpensive sneakers that also offer good support and are stylish enough for my 4-year-old shoe snob. My children wear sneakers often to school, the playground, and other outings.

Splurge: PUMA Steeple Glitz Glam Sneaker (Nordstrom, $44.95)
Save: Nike Toddler Free RN Running Shoes (Zappos, $35.98)

4. Dressy sandals

In the summer we tend to go out to dinner a little more, visit friends, and attend celebrations. My kids always have one dressier shoe in their wardrobe for these occasions.

Splurge: Mini Melissa Ultragirl Beauty & the Beast Mary Jane Flat (Nordstrom, $64.95)
Save: Cat & Jack Josephine Fisherman Jelly Sandals (Target, $12.99)

5. Casual shoe

My daughters often wear dresses but want to be able to ride scooters, climb trees, and generally be very active in them. Sneakers never match the outfit so I look for a casual shoe that works like a sneaker.

Splurge: Keen Moxie Flat (KEEN Footwear, $55)
Save: Old Navy Perforated Pop-Color Slip Ons (Old Navy, $11)

This spring weather and sunshine has me so excited for the next few months. Bring on summer!

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