Crocs are hands down the best summer shoes for kids, according to our young testers and their parents
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- Crocs shoes are beloved by professional chefs, nurses, and many other people who work long hours standing on their feet, but they're also quite popular with kids.
- We asked three parents to test Crocs' most popular styles with their kids to see how they liked them, and all the parents agreed that they are the perfect summer shoes for kids.
- The comfortable shoes stayed securely on the kids' feet as they played at the beach, ran around the backyard, and hopped on their bikes.
Crocs are well known for being incredibly comfortable shoes, even though some may say they aren't attractive or that they're downright ugly. The shoes are also prized for their durability and how easy they are to clean when they get dirty.
To many parents, the comfort, durability, and ease of cleaning make Crocs the go-to shoe for their kids — especially in the summer when having a pair of water-friendly shoes with built-in ventilation is essential.
We had three parents test Crocs' most popular styles with their kids to see how well they stood up to long days at the beach, play in the backyard, and outings on bikes and scooters. Here's what they — and their kids — thought:
Crocs Kids' Classic Clog
The Crocs Kids' Classic Clog is the perfect kids' summer shoe. Lightweight and comfortable, the shoe is easy for kids to put on and take off by themselves. A pivoting strap can be worn behind the heel for extra security or flipped over the top to make the shoe strapless. The Crocs can be worn in or out of the water, making them a great pool or beach shoe.
The best part? When they get dirty, you can simply wash them with soap and water and they are good as new.
We gave these clogs to my 5-year-old who prefers shoes he can slip on and off, but who has trouble keeping flip-flops and other sandals on his feet. The Classic Clog quickly became his go-to pair of shoes. He can wear them with or without socks, and the ventilation air holes ensure the shoes never get stinky. The soles have large tread for lots of grip, so he can even ride his bike and scooter while wearing them. The Croslite foam material is also extremely durable. He's been wearing the Crocs nonstop for three weeks and they are holding up well to the beating he gives all his shoes. — Jackie Brown
Classic Flip
Flip-flops are generally tough on little feet: They don't stay on and they're hardly ergonomic. The Crocs Kids' Classic Flip, however, is molded for arch support and the little kid sizes (6 to 13) include a back strap.
We gave these sandals to a 5-year-old, who, last year, was living in a pair of character flip-flops that she regularly had to stop and adjust or put back on when they fell off. She happily ran around in the Crocs without having to adjust the strap or losing a shoe, and they quickly became her favorite pair of summer shoes.
These flip-flops are both kid- and mom-approved. The shoes washed easily, and with a bit of soap and water, they looked almost new. The bottom is treaded for more grip, even on wet surfaces. After two weeks, the only wear spot is a tiny mark on one of the toes at the spot where her feet drag while riding a balance bike. But the fact that she could comfortably wear flip-flops on a balance bike speaks more than the wear spot. At $20, the flip-flops are also affordable. — Hillary Grigonis
Baya Clog Flip
The Baya Clog is a twist on the brand's signature Classic Clog, featuring sleeker lines and a lightweight, durable design, along with advanced ventilation for breathability and to help drain water. With a pivoting heel strap to give a more secure fit, the Baya is a solid option for all-day summer play.
My 2 1/2-year-old son tested these for about a month. During the first wear, he developed a blister on one of his feet, so I was initially skeptical. But after a few days, we tried again and haven't had a problem since. He can easily run around the playground and through the sprinklers without any slips. The only issue I noticed during playground play is that he had a harder time on the rock walls with the Crocs versus his Natives since the Crocs are bulkier.
A few small issues aside, at around $30, these are a good buy. They held up during a lot of outdoor play and cleaned up easily with some soap and water when needed. — Michelle Piccolo
Bayaband Sandal
The Bayaband Sandal is made from the same Croslite foam as the traditional clog-style Crocs. The foam creates a durable, lightweight sandal that allows feet to breathe during the hot summer months. The bottom curves to fit with the shape of the foot and add arch support, while the Velcro straps are easy for young kids to quickly put on and off.
We tried the Bayabands on a 7-year-old with a tendency for stinky summer feet who also regularly wears out the toes of cheap shoes. After two weeks of regular use in 70- and 80-degree weather, the shoes had neither wear spots nor stink.
My son says the shoes are comfortable and regularly chooses them over his other sandals. The foam material isn't uncomfortable when wet, so the Bayabands also work well for the beach and backyard sprinkler. They have a tendency to run slightly small, so if measuring in between sizes on the Croc's size chart, go with the larger size. — Hillary Grigonis
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