How to Keep Kids' Sandals On During Active Play
By The Coolest Kids Footwear – Young Soles London | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: How-to Guides
A step-by-step guide to stop sandals slipping off during running and play, with secure fastening tips and fit checks for toddlers and kids.
Quick answer
To keep sandals on during active play, choose a design with two points of adjustment, such as a buckle plus hook-and-loop, and tighten them so you can just slide one finger under the strap. Check the fit with a heel-pinch test: if you can pull the sandal off without undoing the fastening, it is too loose. Recheck the straps before every play session, because feet swell slightly and children often loosen buckles themselves.
Why sandals slip off during running and jumping
Sandals come off mid-play for three main reasons: the fastening is not adjusted to the foot, the sole is too stiff to flex with the foot, or the upper does not wrap the midfoot. A single strap over the instep can look secure while the heel lifts, especially when a child runs or changes direction. Sandals with only one adjustment point are harder to fine-tune for narrower or wider feet. The fix is not to buy tighter shoes but to use a design that lets you adjust both the instep and the heel area independently.
What to look for in a sandal that stays on
Prioritise two fastening points: one across the instep and one behind the heel or around the ankle. Hook-and-loop is quicker for children to manage, but a buckle adds security because it will not pop open as easily during rough play. A flexible sole lets the foot bend naturally, so the sandal moves with the foot instead of being levered off. A cushioned insole and breathable lining reduce the chance a child will kick the sandal off because it feels hot or slippery. If a product page does not list a heel strap or a second adjustment, treat that as a limitation for very active children and look for a different style.
How to check and adjust the fit before play
Do a three-point check: press your thumb on the front of the sandal to confirm there is about a thumb's width of space beyond the longest toe; slide one finger under the instep strap to confirm it is snug but not pinching; then try to pull the heel out of the sandal with a gentle tug. If the heel lifts, tighten the rear strap or choose a smaller size. Always recheck after a few minutes of walking, because children often push their feet forward and loosen the fit themselves.
Step-by-step: keep sandals on during play
- Loosen both straps before putting the sandal on: Open the buckle and hook-and-loop or single buckle completely, then slide the foot in. This prevents the child from forcing their foot past a tight strap, which stretches the upper and creates a loose fit later. Checkpoint: the foot should slide in without you needing to push hard.
- Set the instep strap first: Fasten the strap across the top of the foot so it sits flat, not twisted. You should be able to slide one finger under it. If the strap leaves a red mark immediately, it is too tight. Mistake to avoid: tightening the instep to compensate for a loose heel strap.
- Adjust the heel or ankle fastening second: If the sandal has a heel strap or second adjustment, tighten it until the heel sits firmly in the back of the sandal. A secure heel stops the foot from sliding forward and levering the sandal off. Checkpoint: try to pull the heel out with a gentle tug; it should not move more than a few millimetres.
- Do the shake test: Ask your child to run on the spot or jump three times. Watch the back of the sandal: if the heel lifts or the sandal rotates, readjust the rear strap or consider a smaller size. Mistake to avoid: assuming a sandal fits because it feels fine when standing still.
- Recheck after five minutes of play: Children often loosen straps without noticing. A quick glance at the instep and heel after the first few minutes of active play catches most slipping problems before they cause a fall. Next step: if a strap keeps loosening, switch to a design with a buckle plus hook-and-loop rather than relying on a single closure.
Sandals built for a secure, active fit
- Heidi Kids Clog Sandal - Dark Stone Suede: Heidi Kids Clog Sandal - Dark Stone Suede has an antique buckle and hook and loop fastening. Two fastening types give you a quick release for everyday wear and a buckle that resists popping open during running and climbing.
- Noah Kids Fisherman Sandal – Chestnut Brown Leather: Noah Kids Fisherman Sandal – Chestnut Brown Leather has hook and loop fastening behind a vintage-style buckle and an elastic top panel for flexible fit. The elastic panel lets the sandal move with the foot while the hidden hook-and-loop keeps the strap secure, which helps prevent slipping during active play.
- Sonny Kids Sandal Multi-Block Retro Leather: Sonny Kids Sandal Multi-Block Retro Leather has a single-buckle closure. A single buckle is simple for kids to manage, but it offers only one adjustment point, so it may suit calmer play better than intense running.
