Why Kids Should Not Wear Sandals

The sight of a little girl in a sundress and sandals or a little boy in a pair of shorts and sandals may be among some of the cutest images of your child you'll ever capture. While sandals are appropriate for photo opportunities and short trips to church or weddings, they usually aren't the best choice for everyday wear. Shoes that can't slip off your child's feet and that are enclosed are the safest options for school, errands and other walking activities.

  1. Purpose of Shoes

    • The primary purpose of shoes is to protect your child's feet as he plays outside, goes to school and does any number of other activities outside of the home. Shoes protect your child's feet from injury and helps keep them warm during cold weather. Shoes also serve the purpose of keeping your child's feet clean when you're in places other than your home. Though many parents choose shoes because they're cute, that isn't the real purpose of a pair of shoes.

    Drawbacks of Sandals

    • Depending on what kind of sandals you purchase, your child's toes or other areas of his feet are left to the elements. For example, if your child wears flip flops or other open-toe sandals, his toes are left vulnerable to injury from sharp objects, broken glass, rocks and other things that might be on the ground where he's walking. Certain types of sandals don't provide any support to your child's growing feet either. Sandals that don't have straps to hold them on the foot can slip off, which causes them to become a tripping or fall hazard. Loose straps can also get caught in things such as escalators, the Good Housekeeping website reports.

    Choosing Safe Shoes

    • Of course, you're certainly entitled to buy your child whatever kinds of shoes you want, and that includes sandals. You don't have to completely ban sandals from your child's wardrobe, but keep a few considerations in mind when choosing a pair of shoes that your child will wear on an everyday basis. Sneakers and other shoes that completely enclose your child's feet are among the safest options. They help prevent injuries but they also provide good traction, which can reduce your child's risk of falling down.

    Additional Tips and Considerations

    • Purchase or accept used shoes, including sandals, with caution. If a secondhand pair of shoes is stretched out of shape or otherwise damaged, don't let your child wear them, the Women's and Children's Health Network website recommends. Sandals that are stretched out won't fit your child well, which can further increase the risk of injury. If you do purchase your child a pair of sandals, limit their use to special occasions and limit his use of flip flops to the beach or lake.

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