Like yours, only smaller

Some ideas can’t be improved upon and these shoes are great examples. Mini versions of adult favorites, every member of the family can have their favorite pair!

Keen’s Newport H2 Kids sandal is a miniature version of the blockbuster adult shoe that you love. The open webbing system lets air surround little feet keeping them cool but secure.

The adjustable sliding elastic cord lets kids get in and out of their shoes by themselves with ease. The elastic cord can be tightened or loosened for perfect fit while the top strap uses easy hook-and-loop to open quickly and easily.

The AEGIS Microbe Shield(R) antimicrobial technology helps prevent odor. Man, let me repeat that again- it helps prevent odor. Something every Mom and Dad can appreciate since by the end of the Summer many kid’s sandals could pretty much walk around on their own! They’re also washable! Yay Keen! Cute and practical!

For the small ladies in your life you can get your hands on the Teva Westwater Kids sandals. The perfect match to Mom’s favorite pair of go-anywhere sandals, these are sweet and simple. The yoga mat inspired footbed is soft and comfortable with lots of cushion and spring to keep kids energized.

The open design lets in lots of air, but the foot is still supported for security and stability when walking.

The heel and toe are carefully protected so that they can handle even a full day of outdoor activities. These Teva Kid’s shoes are ready to take on a day at the beach or lake because they are designed to handle water. Fast-drying mesh means kids can splash away through Summer rain puddles and still keep their shoes on in comfort.

Cooler Than Yours

Sometimes the kids get a better deal than the grown-ups in their lives. When it comes to new Spring sandals and Summer shoes, these are definitely candidates for ones we wish we could put in our closet!

For the smaller folks in your life, the Crocs Shark is the coolest must-have shoe.

These are electric blue versions of the original Crocs clog with an adjustable heel strap, but with one important change- a shark!

Instead of a plain front to the clog, these have a ferocious shark face with a toothy grin. There is even a dorsal fin on the top of the clog, a really nice touch to these fierce shoes.

Perfect for a day at the pool or headed to the beach, these will be a big hit with the kids and the envy of the grown-ups!

I’m not sure when Crocs got so darn sophisticated, but their Crocs Trailbreak shoes are awesome for kids! These are ready for anything and I could definitely see kids spending all Spring and Summer wearing these shoes. They combine all the best things about Crocs and then take it to the next level so that you can run, jump, bike and anything else in these shoes without having them slip or trip.

The original crocslite material builds this shoe with an exoskeleton that wraps around the toe and sides sending fingers up over the foot and with an open heel with a strap to hold the foot securely.

The quick-pull lacing system will allow your kids to get the perfect fit and the improved traction system keeps them on their feet no matter how big their adventures are.

And now for the find that I really, really wish came in the grown-up sizes, Skechers Twinkle Toes.

These are insanely cute. A perfect mix of punk and princess these Skechers sneakers are colorful, fun and have a little edgy bite to them, too. Bright colors, graphic prints, and sparkles combine to create a shoe that every girl will want.

They come in a few versions, the Pixie Dust, Glitterazzi, Groovy Baby and Tuff n’ Tiny, each with their own twist on the idea of drawing inspiration from tattoos, skater style and the world of the princess/fairy. Sounds fun, right? Exactly.

Choosing the right kid’s shoes as they go back to school is always a challenge. You want something sturdy and versatile that will work with most of their clothes, keep up with them no matter how hard they run and play and that will stand up to changing weather conditions.

My daughter starts kindergarten this year and I have to say I’ve been stumped! Do I go with fashion or straight up durability and practicality? Do I choose an athletic shoe or do I go with a sturdy Mary Jane? So I perused my options over at Planet Shoes and I came up with a number of cute styles that will please the parent of daughter or son, girly girl or tomboy, athlete or bookworm!

Keen Coronado: Let’s start with the Keen Coronado’s. This is a cute and durable option from Keen, a shoe maker known for quality and making a shoe that can stand up to just about anything. This sneaker, in particular, is also made with eco-friendly construction in mind, offering a recycled PU and cork footbed and using an eco-friendly vulcanized construction.

The natural canvas is both breathable and strong and the look is classic and works perfectly for boys or girls depending on the size you choose. If you decide to go with the classic Converse inspired sneaker, consider the Keen Coronado for this fall!

New Balance KV993 Running – Do you have a preschooler heading into the hallowed school halls for the first time? One of the best options for an athletic or super active tyke is a great New Balance sneaker, with a Velcro closure. These are made for running around, so they are well cushioned and have reflective detailing for additional safety.

They are made with a suede and mesh upper which keeps the shoe comfortable in any temperature. Easy to get on and off and super supportive and durable, these kid’s sneakers are a great option for little boys or girls on and off the playground.

Simple Macaroon – Do you have a little girl on your hands who is likely to turn her nose up at a pair of sneakers, no matter how cute? Well, I have the compromise for you! The Simple Macaroon is an adorable Mary Jane style kid’s shoe that has the benefit of a rubber outsole and comfortable footbed.

As with all Simple Shoes, these sweeties are also very eco-friendly, using Organic cotton for the lining and the EVA pedbed covering. The rubber outsole used to be a car tire and these shoes ship in recycled boxes. So basically, you’ll be helping your little darling look adorable in the most comfortable and eco-friendly way possible! No downside!

Merrell Jungle Moc – Last, but certainly not least is the Merrell Jungle Moc, the classic Merrell slip on that combines simple styling, extreme durability and water and stain resistant exteriors. These shoes have a ton of benefits for kids – they are slip on’s, which make them easy for all ages, but they also offer fantastic traction and a great, snug fit because of the elasticity.

These shoes are sure to see them through the winter – and maybe you’ll swing over to the grown up section and pick some up for yourself!