Sizing + Care

Everything you need to choose the right Salt Water® and Sun-San® size and keep your sandals looking great.

Sizing

All feet are different and personal preference for how sandals should fit varies therefore this page is a guide only. Salt Water and Sun-San sandals have been in production for over 80 years and this size guide has been refined with input from our international offices and thousands of customers. It’s been tried and tested, but cannot cover every foot shape.

If you’re unsure please email us: hello@saltwatersandals.com.au

Note: From summer 2025 our adult range no longer display the SWS size on the sole of the sandal, however the sizing remains on the the inside back strap. The size stamp remains on kids’ sandals. You can read about the Manufactures decision here. 

As with all shoes it is best to have your sandals fitted as all feet are different and everyone prefers to wear their sandals differently. Please see a list of our authorised stockists here.

Women’s Sizing

When selecting your size from the product page, please note, the drop-down size menu for selection contains the SWS size and the US Women’s size. If you are new to the brand it is best to reference the US Women’s size which is compatible to AU/NZ Women’s sizing. If you have purchased our sandals before and they have the SWS size stamped on the bottom of the sandal, then you can reference this in the drop-down size menu.

If still unsure, please measure your foot and select the size best matched to your foot length.

We have 2 size charts below. The first is for our Salt Water styles with the flat sole (Original, Classic, Classic Slide, Retro, Retro Slide and Shark). The second chart is for our Sun-San styles, with the thicker, softer sole (Swimmer and Boardwalk). The Salt Water size chart includes extended sizing, these 2 larger sizes are currently only available in the Salt Water Original in Tan.

Women’s Salt Water Styles 
(Original, Classic, Classic Slide, Retro, Retro Slide and Shark)


Women’s Sun-San Styles
(Swimmer and Boardwalk)

Kids’ Sizing

The SWS size is stamped on the bottom of all kids’ sandals and this is the size shown on our drop-down size menu when selecting your sandals.

Sun-San kids styles are standard US sizes and match SWS sizing, this is the size stamped on the bottom of the sandal.

Salt Water kids styles typically run about one SWS size larger than standard US sizing — e.g., a child wearing US size 9 would usually order SWS 8. 

Ankle straps can occasionally appear to come up short or feel tight even when the sandal length is correct; this is rare but more common with toddlers due to the varying foot and ankle thickness.

We have 2 size charts below. The first is for our Salt Water styles with the flat sole (Original, Classic, Classic Slide, Retro and Retro Slide). The second size chart is for our Sun-San styles, with the thicker, softer sole (Surfer, Sweetheart, Swimmer, Sailor, Sea Wee and Shark).

Kids’ Salt Water Styles
(Original, Classic, Classic Slide, Retro and Retro Slide)Table showing shoe size conversions for infants, children, and youth.


Kids’ Sun-San Styles
(Surfer, Sweetheart, Swimmer, Sailor, Sea Wee and Shark)

     

    We know it can be confusing, so if you are unsure about sizing please contact us at hello@saltwatersandals.com.au or +61 2 9939 4937

    Fit

    • Salt Water and Sun-San sandals should fit firmly across the foot on first wear and will gradually adapt to your foot shape. If you experience rubbing/tightness, simply pop your sandals on and stand in a bucket of cool water for a few minutes and then allow your sandals to dry while you’re wearing them so that they mould nicely to the shape of your foot. 
    • If the foot will not fit into the sandal at all, please do not wet the sandals as this will be considered as wear and you will not be able to return them. When in doubt, contact us.
    • Toes should sit comfortably behind the stitch line on the footbed of our Salt Water styles.
    • Please do not be tempted to buy a larger size hoping the sandals will “last longer.” Oversized sandals increase the risk of tripping and won’t support the foot properly.
    • Salt Water soles may lengthen slightly over time with wear (they can stretch at the toes). A new pair may feel a little shorter than a well-worn pair — the strap positions remain correct.
    • Salt Water Slides: If toes sit at the very front of the footbed of your Salt Water styles with ankle strap, consider sizing up for slides as feet will naturally push forward in Slides without a secure ankle strap.
    • Some leathers will feel stiffer than others and this is due to differing suppliers or certain colour finishes — this is normal and the leather will soften with wear or by wearing your sandals when wet, as mentioned above.

    How to keep your Salt Water sandals looking good

    As the name implies, it’s fine to wear Salt Water and Sun-San sandals in the water (including at the beach, jumping in puddles etc) and they can be hand washed in cold water using a mild detergent, if dirty. However, be sure to dry away from direct sunlight/heat.