Sandals

 Salt Water Swimmers

Lands' End Action Sandals

I have never been much of a shoe person, but I have to admit that I am really getting addicted to little boy shoes.  The Nugget wears through and grows out of shoes quickly, and I like to get the best value.  I've posted shoe reviews before (RIP Vincent Shoes), so here's a sandal review for you!  

My new favorites are Salt Water Swimmers.  These are leather sandals that inexplicably can be worn in water and go right to church afterwards.  The originals have a cult following, but I opted for the Swimmers, which have a more flexible, supportive sole for growing feet.  This particular style is unisex, which is great if you have boy-girl sibs and want your investment to last.  A side benefit is that the Nugget has learned to fasten buckles, a lost childhood skill in the age of Velcro.  The leather looks like it might be stiff or rough-edged when you see them online, but in person, those straps are very soft.  My only complaint is that there are no half-sizes, so the Nugget's pair is a little big (but will last all summer).  I've always felt like I need a water sandal and a dress sandal for the Nugget, and from here on out, I'll just stick with one pair of Salt Waters, yay!

If you prefer the look of a fisherman sandal, you can't go wrong with Pediped's Sydney.  We had the now discontinued Noah style, but the Sydney looks just as cushy and easy for little hands to put on and take off, "All by self!"  Closed toes provide a bit more protection for the playground.  Pediped carries similar styles available for pre-walkers and new walkers.  These are not water-friendly though; you'll need something else for the beach.

If you like sandals strictly for poolside and water play (no dress up required), check out the *Lands' End Action Sandal (already on sale).  The price will continue to drop throughout the summer, and if you wait until September, you should be able to snag a pair for $12.99.  I like that the straps can easily adjust to fit both narrow and wider feet (the Nugget is on the wide side), and they are easy to rinse off.  They have plenty of traction on the bottom for slippery pool decks, and I have the Nugget keep them on for wading at the beach to protect against sharp shell fragments.  If you hate paying shipping, go to Sears and order from their kiosk.  They will ship directly to you, but without any shipping fee.  Or if you're lucky, the store will have your size, sometimes cheaper than online.

For new walkers, I recommend the *Teva Psyclone.  The straps both peel all the way off, so you can lift the soft Neoprene flap completely up, set that teeny foot with the curling toes down on the sole, then strap'er in snugly.   

*These two sandals are treated with Microban (triclosan), which studies are now showing to be a hormone disrupter in lab animals and may contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.  Just another thing to agonize over.