The summer holidays have a way of exposing every footwear dilemma. The sandals that fit perfectly in May suddenly seem to pinch, holiday packing lists need one more pair of shoes, and everyone's hoping their favourite pair will survive weeks of wear.
At Happy Little Soles some questions pop up at this time of year. So we've gathered ten of the most common, along with the advice we give customers when they're choosing footwear for the season ahead.
1. How much growing room should I leave in summer sandals?
This is one of the questions we get asked most often this time of year. We generally recommend allowing the same growing room as you would in other shoes, around 10-12 mm for children. You'll find our sizing guide and fitting notes on every product page, with style-specific advice from our team.
On the whole, a well-fitting sandal should give toes plenty of space to move naturally while keeping the foot secure and comfortable for all those summer adventures.
2. Can barefoot sandals get wet?
Absolutely! Although some styles are better suited to water play than others. If your summer plans involve paddling, rock pooling, or splash parks, look for water-friendly shoes like Igor, Saguaro, and Boatilus, all of which cope brilliantly with getting wet.
Activity sandals that can be worn in the wet and are super quick drying are a great multi-tasker. Look for Reima, Be Lenka, Pediped Sahara, and Bobux's Quick Dry leather range.
For the ultimate lightweight water shoe, you can't go wrong with Slipfree. With a thin, grippy sole to protect feet from hot sand or poolside, and a soft fabric upper in a huge array of designs, they're the most minimal water shoes out there.
3. My child seems to have grown overnight! What should I do?
Summer growth spurts are very real! This is the time of year when parents suddenly notice that the sandals they bought just a few months ago are looking a bit tight.
If you're in any doubt, it's really worth remeasuring. Our foot measurer makes it easy to check at home, and you'll find style-specific advice on every product page. A quick measure now could save you hunting for emergency footwear halfway through your holiday.
4. Are barefoot sandals supportive enough for active kids?
We hear this a lot! While barefoot shoes and sandals don't include arch support or extra cushioning found in conventional footwear, they are especially designed to allow children's feet to move, flex, and strengthen naturally.
For running, climbing, scooting, paddling, and all the other adventures that fill the summer holidays, a well-fitting barefoot sandal is a brilliant choice, and kids love the freedom and flexibility that comes from barefoot sandals. In fact, many parents tell us their kids refuse to wear anything else once the sun comes out! 🌞
5. What are the best sandals for wider feet?
The good news is that many barefoot sandals are naturally suited to wider feet thanks to their foot-shaped design and roomy toe boxes.
That said, 'wide feet' can mean different things. Feet come in all shapes and sizes, and our collection reflects that. We have hundreds of shoes that fit wide and extra-wide feet, for adults and children. Our width filters can help you find the style designed for your foot shape.
6. My child won't wear sandals. What are the alternatives?
The good news is there are plenty of lightweight alternatives. Breathable canvas shoes and summer trainers like Froddo's barefoot canvas shoes, Tikki's super soft leather Ziggy, and Be Lenka's Zest covered sandal can all help feet keep cool and feel safe.
For many children, finding a shoe they feel comfortable wearing is far more important than whether it is technically a sandal.
7. Is it okay for my child to wear their sandals all the time?
Yes. If the sandals fit well, suit your child's foot shape, and are appropriate for the activities they're doing, there's no reason they can't become their go-to footwear for the summer. A barefoot clog like Boatilus or an activity sandal like Freet Zennor 2 are solid choices that cover most adventures.
Many children practically live in their sandals during the holidays, wearing them for everything from trips to the park, beach days or scooter rides. It's getting them back into school shoes in September that can be the challenge!
8. What sandal fits best in the suitcase for a family holiday?
Barefoot shoes by their nature are lightweight and supremely packable; they aren't going to take you over your weight limit. The answer really depends on what sort of holiday you are planning. Minimalist sandals like Xero and Wildsole are great because they barely take up any room at all. A versatile pair of sandals and a lightweight trainer will cover most holiday adventures.
9. What makes my feet swell in the summer?
You're not alone in this. It's completely normal. Warm weather causes blood vessels to expand, which can lead to a little extra fluid collecting in feet and ankles. Long days of sightseeing, travelling, or standing around at theme parks don't help either!
Staying hydrated, taking regular movement breaks on long journeys, and putting your feet up after a busy day can all help. Go barefoot when you can but when shoes are necessary, a good, adjustable sandal allows you to fine-tune the fit as your feet change throughout the day.
10. What are the HLS team wearing on our feet this summer?
With so many new styles arriving, this is a dangerous question to ask! Right now we are loving Origo's double-strap Mary Janes, El Naturalista slides and Peerko's Tala boat shoes.
Whatever you get up to this summer holiday, we hope your feet stay cool and happy!
More Help
We’ve created a space filled with advice to help you get the very best from your barefoot shoe shopping. From detailed sizing guides, resources and blogs, to tips on making the most of our delivery options, you’ll find it all in The Advice Hub.
If you’d like a little more tailored support, do get in touch. Our Customer Service team love talking all things barefoot and are always happy to help.
We hope you love your purchase, but if something isn’t quite right, we offer free returns. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.
