There was a long stretch of time when my boys didn’t wear shoes, period. When they were babies, and before they were close to walking, we didn’t feel the need for shoes.
Yes, baby shoes look super cute. But they are also an unnecessary expense. The shoes aren’t going to be used for walking, so they are purely for fashion. Fashion that they will grow out of super quickly, so maybe they will be used once or twice. And to be honest, I thought it was just as cute to see their little toes dangling from the baby bjorn.
Then it was time for Griff and Owen to start walking, and my husband researched like crazy to find the best baby shoes for beginning walkers. Newsflash, it’s not crocs. But that answer is for another time. This post is about the best shoe for all littles and bigs, and kids that are already walking, crocs!
Why are crocs so wonderful for children? First, they are easy for little ones to get on and off themselves. No straps, no velcro, no tying. They just slide their little feet in, and are ready to start moving. Yay!
Learning some independent actions like this is key for little kids. It provides them with a boost of confidence, and teaches them to start doing things on their own.
Plus it’s great for parents! We get further away from having to do everything for our children, which provides some sanity in those early years when you can’t even go to the bathroom without someone following you in and asking for something.
Second, they are great shoes for any situation. Put them in “go mode” with the straps around the back of the heel and they can be used for running at the park or climbing up play structures.
Then if your kids are anything like mine, they will end up in a creek at the park and can keep their crocs on to avoid stepping on anything they shouldn’t in the water.
That also means no wet soggy shoes they complain about after getting out. Instead the crocs will air dry as they continue to be happily worn, thanks to the little holes all over.
Speaking of water, the third reason crocs are so wonderful is because they can be hosed off! Your kid gets mud on their shoes? Throw them in the sink and wash it off. Steps in dog poo in the yard? Break out the hose.
Crocs are super easy shoes for parents to clean and dry quickly. And because they are made of rubber they won’t smell when completely soaked. It’s a win-win.
Fourth, they come in so many different colors and patterns. That means they can be purchased in your child’s favorite color! One less thing to fight with your kids over.
Little bit of advice on this point. I try to sway them towards a color and pattern that I know will go with everything. My boys usually wear these for dress down and dress up occasions, so something more neutral helps the type-a mom in me not panic over family photos with bright red crocs that don’t match anything.
They can also be accessorized with jibbitz (little charms that snap into the croc ventilation holes.) Which is super fun for the kids, but something I never tried to promote as personally I find them pretty ugly. Sorry, I said it.
Fifth and finally, they last forever. My boys’ crocs have been worn every day in every different terrain. They have been thrown down stairs. Run over. And they still look the exact same as the day they were purchased. It’s amazing.
The only reason you can’t keep them forever is because kids grow out of things so crazy fast. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be used as hand-me-downs for every other kid in your household. Right?!
There you have it. In my humble opinion crocs are THE shoe for growing kids. Don’t trust me? Buy a pair for your child and see for yourself. Then add your thoughts in the comments.
