Native shoes – the ONE summer closet staple for all my kids

Summer is on our radar and we are looking forward to some fun in the sun! Finding the best kids’ shoes that hold up and look cute is always a priority around here when it comes to updating our summer wardrobes. And let’s be honest, it’s no secret that my kids LOVE their Native shoes!!

They are so easy to slip on and off, they are super breathable during the warmer months, AND they’re more than easy to clean! But that’s just the start. There are so many reasons Native shoes are a summer closet staple for all of my kids. You’re probably here because you’re considering buying some for your own little ones, so let’s chat about it! (Bonus: I found some budget-friendly options, too!)

Why we love Native shoes

Native shoes are such a go-to for kiddos – I’ve loved them for years! My girls love all of the fun colors that they come in, and I love that they work for both wet and dry activities.

Because they slip on and off, my girls have been able to put them on by themselves starting at a young age… which has been such a huge bonus! You don’t realize how convenient that is until you’re leaving somewhere and ALL your kids are ready to go, without having to velcro or tie ANYTHING. Plus, when they’re younger, they think it’s pretty cool that they can put their shoes on all by themselves, too!

And with four kids, one of my favorite things about Native shoes is that they hold up amazingly well through hand-me-downs after hand-me-downs. Reduce, reuse, and recycle clothing is a strong motto at this house!

ALL.THE.COLORS!

The girls LOVE that Native shoes come in every color of the rainbow, and of course, the glitter detail on this pair is icing on the cake!

Perfect for summer adventures

Native shoes are super durable and easy to keep clean, so they really do last forever. They’re lightweight and cushioned, and the low profile silhouette is so cute for kids.

They are ideal for pool days, but work just as well with shorts and tees for play dates. These pink ones have survived many adventures, which further proves that they are perfect for summer!

Budget-friendly alternatives!

We LOVE a deal around here, so if you’re looking for a Native dupe that you can get for less, you’re in the right place! It is obvious that when you buy a dupe you are not going to get the same quality as the true Native shoes – but if you genuinely just want the look for less, these are the best alternatives!

Best kids shoes for summer

Whether you go with a pair of original Native shoes OR a similar version, these will be your kiddos’ grab-and-go shoes for the summer! We made it super easy for you to shop all the pairs by clicking on any of the pics below. Let me know which ones you decide to get for your own little adventurers!