Salt Water Sizing + Care – Kids

Salt Water Kids Sizing

Salt Water kids sandals generally run one size larger than standard US sizing (unlike the Sun-San Styles). In practice this means a child who wears a US size 9 would usually choose a Salt Water 8. The Salt Water size is stamped on the bottom of the sandal and is also shown in each product’s size dropdown menu. 

Please check the Size Guide below or visit our full Sizing + Care page. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help — email hello@saltwatersandals.com.au or call 0428 337 034.

FINAL SALE sandals cannot be returned or exchanged, so please double-check your sizing before purchasing.

Salt Water kids styles

  • Original: Infant 3 to Youth 3 – A comfortable, all-round fit for most feet. If your child is a reluctant walker or has sensory needs, you may prefer the softer-soled Sun-San styles, here.
  • Classic: Youth 13 to Youth 3 — Narrower than the Original. Adjustable buckles at the toe and ankle give a secure fit and make this style adaptable to most foot shapes.
  • Classic Slide: Youth 13 to Youth 3 — Easy on/off with an adjustable toe strap. If your child’s toes naturally sit at the very front of the footbed, consider sizing up in slides — without an ankle strap feet can push forward.
  • Retro: Child 9 to Youth 3 — A narrower fit than most of the Salt Water range. As with all our leather styles, the leather will relax with wear and after a brief, gentle soak.
  • Retro Slide: Youth 3 — Narrower profile. If your child’s toes sit at the front of the footbed, you may prefer to size up for extra room.
  • Shark: Youth 3 — A grown-up take on the Shark design with a woven, semi closed-toe. This style fits slightly shorter and narrower than other Salt Water sandals — you may need to size up.

Fit tips

  • Toes behind the stitch line: For best fit and safety, toes should sit comfortably behind the stitch line on the footbed.
  • Don’t oversize to grow: Do not buy a larger size hoping the sandals will “last longer.” Oversized sandals increase the risk of tripping and won’t give the support a child needs.
  • Ankle straps: Toddlers’ feet and ankles vary in thickness — it’s rare, but ankle straps can occasionally look or feel tight even when the sandal length is correct; this is most common in infant sizes.
  • Break-in: For mild rubbing or tightness, put the sandals on, stand in cool water briefly, then let them dry while worn so they mould to the foot. If the foot won’t fit at all, do NOT wet — wetting may affect your right to return.
  • Leather: Some leathers will feel firmer at first because of the finish or tannery; they usually soften quickly with wear. After a brief, gentle soak the leather will relax more quickly for mild stiffness — but only use this method when the sandal already fits.

Care

Salt Water sandals are made for beach days and everything in between — they’re water-friendly. Rinse off sand and salt, hand wash with a mild detergent in cold water if needed, and air dry away from direct sunlight or heat. Over time the leather and footbed will soften and mould to your child’s foot.