Best cheap kids’ sandals for 2026 Review

Kitting out kids for summer adventures and camping trips can get expensive fast, especially when their feet seem to grow every few months. That is where a good pair of cheap junior sandals comes in: light, practical and easy on the wallet.

Here we focus on budget-friendly kids’ sandals and sliders that still offer decent comfort and everyday usability. These are ideal for holidays, weekends away and campsite life, without feeling like a throwaway purchase.

We have narrowed things down to a handful of sensible options from trusted outdoor brands stocked by GO Outdoors. Some are ultra-affordable slip-on styles, while others cost a little more but give better support and versatility for active youngsters.

Price matters here, but it is not the only factor. Each pick has its own strengths and compromises, so you can choose what best fits your child’s needs and your budget.

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Why you can trust our budget picks

These recommendations are based on careful comparison of real product details, current pricing and how each sandal is likely to perform for everyday family use, not just who is cheapest on the shelf. We look at the balance between cost, comfort, practicality and brand reliability to filter out false economies.

Rather than listing every low-priced option, we highlight the models that stand out as genuinely good value for money. That means styles which should cope with regular summer wear around campsites, parks and holidays without needing to be replaced immediately.

Our goal is to make it easy to stretch your budget while still buying kids’ sandals that feel like a sensible choice for real-world adventures.

How we chose these cheaper junior sandals

We started by homing in on the lowest priced kids’ sandals and sliders available from outdoor-focused brands at GO Outdoors. From there, we filtered down to simple, well-designed styles that should suit most families, prioritising ease of use and comfort over fancy extras.

We then compared how each option fits into a tight budget, considering whether you are better off saving every last pound with basic sliders, or spending a little more for supportive, closed-toe designs that can handle more active use. Where prices were similar, we favoured sandals that offer greater versatility for camping, holidays and everyday summer wear.

Finally, we made sure the list covers a mix of quick slip-on styles and more secure, strap-based sandals. That way, whether you need something purely for poolside and tent-to-shower dashes, or a pair that can keep up with energetic kids on rougher ground, you will find a budget-friendly option that fits the bill.

The cheapest junior sandals we recommend

Below you will find our top budget picks for junior sandals and sliders for 2026. Each one offers solid value at the lower end of the price range, from ultra-affordable slip-ons to more supportive styles that cost a little extra.

Some of these are among the very cheapest kids’ options available from outdoor brands, while others add better fit and versatility without straying far from the bargain bracket. Pick the style that best matches how active your child is and how often they will be wearing them.

Our top pick:

Peter Storm Kids' Unicorn Sliders

Lowest price unicorn sliders
Typically around £15 at the time of writing, making these one of the cheapest kids’ sandal options from an outdoor brand.

Fun, affordable unicorn sliders that are ideal as a cheap, easy-on option for holidays, beach days and campsite wash-block dashes.

Pros

At around fifteen pounds, these Peter Storm Kids’ Unicorn Sliders are one of the cheapest fun options available from a recognised outdoor brand. The slip-on design is ideal for quick changes at the campsite, pool or beach, so kids can get themselves sorted without constant help. The unicorn styling will appeal to younger children and can make them more excited about wearing sandals instead of heavy shoes on warm days. Being simple sliders, they are easy to rinse off after sandy or muddy adventures and dry quickly enough for repeated use through the day.

Cons

As basic sliders, these unicorn sandals do not offer much in the way of support or protection, so they are not suitable for longer walks or rough ground. The open back also means they can slip off more easily when kids run, which could be annoying on busier days out. If your child is very active or tends to drag their feet, you may find a strapped sandal is a better investment.

Ideal for...

These unicorn sliders are ideal for younger kids who want something fun and easy to wear around the campsite, pool or garden without spending much at all. They suit families who already have trainers or walking shoes for outings and just need a cheap, lightweight extra pair. If you are packing for a holiday and want footwear that slips into a corner of the suitcase, they are a very straightforward choice.

Other great options:

Peter Storm Kids' Unicorn Sliders

Best value spare pair
Also around £15, giving you a very affordable second size option or spare pair without stretching the budget.

A second size option of the same playful unicorn sliders, perfect as a low-cost spare pair or for another child in the family.

Pros

This version of the Peter Storm Kids’ Unicorn Sliders offers the same low price point and playful design, which is great if you need the style in a different size. Having a matching pair makes life simpler for families with siblings who like the same look, and it keeps the budget under control when you are buying for more than one child. Like the first pair, they are perfect for wearing around the tent, to communal showers and on beach trips thanks to their slip-on, easy-drying construction. The basic build should also pack flat into a suitcase or kit bag without taking up valuable space.

Cons

You are getting the same pros and cons as the first pair, so the design remains more suited to casual wear than proper walking. There is minimal grip and foot support compared with a full sandal, which limits them to gentle use rather than all-day exploring. If you only want to buy one pair of footwear for the summer, a more supportive model may be a wiser choice.

Ideal for...

This second Unicorn Sliders option is well suited to families who need the same style in another size, whether for an older or younger sibling. It is also a sensible buy if you like having a spare pair ready in case one goes missing at the beach or on the campsite. If your priority is keeping costs low while keeping the kids happy with a fun design, it fits that role neatly.

Peter Storm Kids' Breakwater Sandals

Best budget active sandal
Usually about £25, costing more than basic sliders but offering far better support and versatility for active kids.

Supportive, closed-style sandals that stay secure on active feet, offering a step up in versatility while still firmly in the budget bracket.

Pros

The Peter Storm Kids’ Breakwater Sandals move beyond basic sliders and into something that feels much more secure on the foot, which is a big plus if your child loves to run and climb. For around twenty-five pounds, you are getting a more supportive design that can cope with campsite paths, woodland play areas and days out in town without constantly slipping off. Straps help keep the fit snug, which means fewer trips and less frustration for kids and parents alike. They are still sensibly priced, offering good value if you would rather buy one versatile pair than separate sliders and shoes.

Cons

Compared with simple sliders, the Breakwater Sandals cost a noticeable amount more, which might feel like a stretch if you only need occasional camp footwear. The extra straps can also mean slightly more faff for younger children to get on and off by themselves. They are still more basic than premium kids’ hiking sandals, so if you expect heavy, daily use, you might eventually want to upgrade.

Ideal for...

Choose the Breakwater Sandals if your child is active and you want one budget-friendly pair that can handle most summer activities. They are a good option for camping, day trips and light walks where a basic slider would feel too flimsy. If you are happy to spend a little more than the rock-bottom options to get extra security and versatility, they make strong sense.

Peter Storm Kid's Wave Sandal

Best cheap adventure-ready sandal
Priced at roughly £25, sitting at the upper end of this budget list but still good value for an adventure-ready design.

Sturdy junior sandals with a protective, adventure-ready design, aimed at kids who do more than just potter between tent and pool.

Pros

The Peter Storm Kid’s Wave Sandal is aimed at young adventurers who need something tougher than a simple pool slider. At a similar price to the Breakwater, it gives you a more outdoorsy look and feel, with a design that should feel secure whether your child is scrambling over rocks or exploring woodland trails. For a budget-friendly sandal, it offers a reassuring level of coverage, which many parents will appreciate when camping or walking in unfamiliar places. The construction is still light enough for summer use, so children are unlikely to complain about hot, heavy feet.

Cons

Although still firmly budget-friendly, the Wave Sandal is at the upper end of the prices on this list, so it is less appealing if you only need a cheap pair for occasional beach use. The more protective design may feel warmer than a minimal slider on very hot days. As with other lower-priced sandals, materials and cushioning are functional rather than luxurious.

Ideal for...

The Kid’s Wave Sandal is best for children who love exploring and need something that feels up to the job on rougher paths and rocky shorelines. It suits families who camp regularly or spend a lot of time outdoors and want a more adventure-ready design without jumping to premium prices. If you see sandals as proper outdoor gear rather than just pool shoes, this is a solid budget pick.

Crocs Kids' Bayaband Sandal

Best affordable branded sandal
Generally around £29.99, so you pay a little more than the very cheapest models for the benefit of Crocs comfort and branding.

Recognisable Crocs comfort in a lightweight sandal form, giving you big-brand appeal and practicality at a still accessible price.

Pros

The Crocs Kids’ Bayaband Sandal brings the well-known Crocs comfort into a junior-friendly sandal that is still reasonably priced under thirty pounds. You get a recognisable brand that many parents already trust for cushioned, easy-to-clean footwear, which can be reassuring if your child is picky about what feels good. The sandal design is more secure than classic clogs, making it better for active play and campsite life. For a little more money than the simplest options, you are getting a durable, lightweight pair that should see plenty of use on holidays and at home.

Cons

The Crocs Kids’ Bayaband Sandal is the priciest option here, so it is not the first choice if you are simply chasing the lowest possible spend. You are paying partly for the brand name, and some families may decide a cheaper own-brand sandal is good enough for their needs. The styling is also quite distinctive, which not every child will love.

Ideal for...

The Crocs Kids’ Bayaband Sandal is ideal for parents who value the familiar Crocs comfort and brand but still want to keep spending under control. It is a strong choice if your child will wear sandals a lot through the summer, from school holidays to weekend outings, and you want something that feels cushioned and fuss-free. If your budget can stretch a little further than the very cheapest options, this offers a more refined everyday experience.

FAQs

Are cheap kids’ sandals good enough for all-day wear?

For most children, cheaper sandals are fine for everyday wear, holidays and light walks as long as they fit well and feel supportive. Budget styles may use simpler cushioning and basic straps, so they are best for parks, campsites and beach days rather than serious hiking. If your child will be on their feet for long periods over rough ground, consider spending a little more on something with extra support.
With cheaper junior sandals it is sensible to leave a small amount of growing room, but not so much that feet slide around. Check the brand’s size guide, measure your child’s feet, and if they are between sizes, many parents prefer to go up rather than down. Adjustable straps on the heel and instep are useful, as they let you fine-tune the fit as feet grow.
Sliders are quick to slip on, great around the house, beach or campsite showers, and usually the cheapest option. Closed-toe sandals with multiple straps offer more protection and a more secure fit, which is better for active play and short walks. If you can only buy one pair, closed-toe sandals are more versatile, but many families like having a cheap pair of sliders for pool and camp use.
If they are only used for holidays, weekends and light play, a budget pair should comfortably last a season and often longer, especially if you avoid dragging or scuffing them on rough surfaces. The main limiting factor with children is growth rather than wear, so it is usually outgrown feet rather than failed straps that end their life, provided you rinse off grit and dry them properly.
Yes, cheaper junior sandals are ideal for campsite use, giving kids something airy and easy to kick on and off between the tent and facilities. Look for secure straps if they will be exploring uneven ground, and consider a more protective style rather than simple sliders if they are likely to run around on rocky pitches or forest paths.
Budget kids’ sandals often use simpler cushioning, thinner straps and may not have the same long-term durability as premium brands. You may also miss out on features like advanced grip patterns or very soft footbeds. For occasional summer use though, most families are happy to trade those extras for a lower price, as long as the fit and comfort are right.
Start by checking the fit and strap adjustment so there are no pressure points or gaps. Let your child wear the sandals for short periods at first to spot any rubbing, and consider socks with sandals around camp if they complain about chafing. Rinsing off sand and grit also helps prevent irritation between the foot and the straps.
It is worth paying extra if your child will be walking long distances, has sensitive feet, or needs strong toe protection for rocky or wet terrain. Higher-priced models usually offer better cushioning, more robust materials and superior grip. If you mainly need something for the garden, beach and campsite, a good budget pair should be more than enough.

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