12 Best Flip Flops for Kids 2021

Warm-weather fun means those little toes need to be free to roam. The kids’ feet have grown once again, so you’re looking for the best flip flops for the pool, beach, lake and wandering around town. Not just any flip flop will do, though. Even toddlers are turning into little fashionistas who want their feet to sparkle and roar. While moms and dads naturally want to be sensitive to this budding style and creativity, we still need to protect our kids’ feet. With all of this in mind, we’re diving into the best flip flops on the market in 2021.

1. Havaianas Kids Fantasy Flip Flops 

Your unicorn princess might need two pairs of these Havaianas Kids Fantasy Flip Flops before the end of the season. If her feet grow, she won’t be taking them off even when her heel falls off the back. They come in two color choices: Rose Quartz and Ice Blue/Shocking Pink, for toddlers, little kids and big kids. Can you guess which color your little one will love?

2. Reef Kids Ahi

Eight colors and patterns make this a truly versatile flip flop for every surfer in your family. We love this sandal because it has a cloth thong that won’t rub away the skin on sensitive toes. The printed EVA foot bed is contoured to fit your child’s foot, too. Even better, these flip flops are comfortable enough for wandering around town after you get off the beach. Sizes are offered from little kid to big kid. There is also a similar style for babies and toddlers with a strap on the back to help the sandals stay in place.

3. Birkenstock Kids Gizeh

Now your kids can match your Birks when you go out and about at the farmer’s market together. These silver sandals made in Germany provide excellent arch support for your growing child’s foot. The toe box molds and shapes to their individual foot, giving them added balance and support as they roam. Sizes are available in little kid and big kid. 

4. Girls’ Y-Not Little Kid & Big Kid Crissy Sandals

Time for your fashionista to shine… literally. The leather lining of this slip-on sandal will have your tutu loving girl twirling with delight. Toddlers, little kids and big kids can wander in this short heel sandal that comes in gold, rose gold or silver, but why make them choose? We say grab both so they always have options when they dress in the morning.

5. Crocs Kids Crocband Strap Flip

No more lost flip flops for your toddler and little kid. These Crocs stay on with a back strap that cushions the heel thanks to the elastic band, but can still shake off water and sand when you hit the beach. The Croc brand arch support will keep kids’ growing feet comfortable all season long.

6. Sanuk Kids Beer Cozy

This is not your grandpa’s beer cozy, but it is one of the most comfortable flip flops on the market. Just like the adult Sanuk, the foot bed is made with real yoga mat, creating an extra squishy foot bed that is sure to keep your kiddo’s tired legs moving all day long.

7. Quick Silver Kids Carver Nubuck

The kings of surfing are at it again. After you grab your Quicksilver swim trunks, slip on these flips with a sturdy nubuck upper to hit the beach. Contrasting lining adds a subtle flair to an otherwise monochromatic look for toddlers, little kids and big kids.

8. Vans Kids Dino Camo T Street Print Jr.

Skater kids, rejoice! Vans Little Kid and Big Kid flip flops are here, and in the coolest colors. Grab your board and head to the beach or just bounce around the backyard. The fabric uppers will keep that sensitive skin smooth, whether you get these sandals wet or are walking in the sand. Breathable lining and a cushioned footpad mean you will have all-day comfort no matter where your travels take you.

9. Roxy Kids Pebbles VII

Eight colors and patterns are creating quite a stir in the little kids and big kids flip flop world. Roxy has long been a brand that teens, tweens and moms run to for swimwear and summer fashion, but now the littlest lady in the family can get in on the action. We’re crushing hard on these floral patterns that will jazz up any skirt or short combo this season. We’re sure you’ll love them so much, you may just have to order a few extras.

10. Olukai Kids Ho’opio

Looks like leather, but this man-made material from Olukai is water-resistant and built to handle anything your kids dole out. Toddler and little kid sizes include an elasticized backstrap to hold flip flops in place, because there’s nothing worse than realizing you left a sandal two blocks back. Texture pods on the sole provide traction and durability, while the Thermoset rubber won’t scuff up your freshly scrubbed floors. Color combos come in a black, grey or java base, with multiple thong/strap options on top for toddlers, little kids and big kids.

11. Sperry Kids Jellyfish Emma

Get ready to pull out your old Jellies, moms, because you will want to match your little ones with these Sperry Kids flip flops. The non-marking EVA outsole won’t scratch up your floors and the Wave-inspired design guards against little ones taking a spill as they run. Little kid and big kid sizes in Rainbow and Pink with a translucent jelly upper will have your girls sparkling and shining all season.

12. Havianas Kids Slim Frozen Flip Flops

If your kids haven’t gotten enough of Disney’s Frozen (and let’s be honest, who has, especially with the new movie coming out?), you will want to grab these glittery Frozen flip flops. Featuring Princess Anna and Queen Elsa, they will make your Disney-loving gal’s dream come true over and over again. The slim fit will make sure little feet stay securely in this sandal, while the Havianas signature cushion foot bed will keep your kids comfortable at the beach, playground or in your backyard.

Keryn Means lives in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. with her husband, two boys and one fluffy little pup. She is an award-winning travel journalist with bylines on Thrillist.com, Travel Age West and more, and loves to talk travel on ABC’s Good Morning Washington. You can find Keryn dragging her two boys around the DC area most days and across the globe several times a year. Follow along on their adventures on WalkingOnTravels.comand on Instagram.

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