Kids should begin their summer by picking out their favorite pair of footwear. Closed footwear is out, while airy, light and durable footwear are in. Why do children need to use special summer shoes?

The answer is of course to make their vacation that much more fun. Children are most active during vacation, running from one place to another. The beach is just one of the places children can go to during the summer break.

Shoes, shoes!

Nothing beats the original style of Crocs, but if you only want something similar to crocs you can check out models manufactured by Skechers kids. Shoes like the Lady Bug come in bright colors and are durable enough to withstand even the most active of kids.

The beauty of Croc-modeled shoes is that these shoes require minimum maintenance and yet do their job perfectly. Lightweight and made entirely of rubber and some plastic, these shoes can be taken to the beach as well as the library. The designs can also be matched instantly with clothes.

For children who don’t like the look of Crocs and still require a lightweight yet durable substitute, parents can purchase a new pair of flip-flops. Flip-flops are made mostly of lightweight wood, with a lining that is either plastic or reinforced cloth.

Flip-flops are a bit heavier than Croc-modeled shoes and produce a flip-flopping sound on certain surfaces. However, they have been around longer than Crocs have, so why not try one today?

Sandals on the other hand are more formal summer shoes for kids. Sandals have straps, which secures the feet to the shoes. These shoes are also much heavier than ordinary flip-flops, and can be taken anywhere.

A note of warning though- most durable sandals are made of at least some form of leather. Avoid wet places when using your sandals and always remember to clean them with a piece of cloth to preserve the material.

For those engaged in sports and other heavier activities during the summer, sneakers would be the best pick. Sneakers have a rubber base and allow the feet to move about without exposing the little feet to the elements.

Sneakers are best used by children engaged in activities such as running, biking, baseball, etc. Sufficient protection must be given to the feet- something that slip-ons cannot provide adequately.

Remember- the right kind of summer shoes for the right kinds of activities. You can buy two pairs of shoes, and just recommend the use of each per activity.