Sandals - open or closed?
It varies from person to person, whether one prefers an open or closed sandal. It mostly depends on the context in which the sandals are worn. At bisgaard we have a large selection of both open and closed sandals for children of all ages.
Our sandals have either:
- a closed heel cap and closed front
- a closed heel cap and open front
- an open heel and open front
- an open heel and closed front
Closed kids sandals
For toddlers and young children, it is important that a sandal is closed tightly around the ankle, creating a snug fit. This provides the necessary support and stability for children who are still a little unsteady on their feet. Having a closed front will not have much impact on support, but it does give the toes a little more protection. On hot days, sandals with a closed front still provide a healthy environment due to the air holes and the natural leather carrying away excess heat.
The main thing to watch out for is that the shoes are not so small that toes poke out of the sandal. For very young children, it is also important not to buy sandals that are too big, as this may inhibit their motor development. You should leave no more than 1 cm of room for growth in sandals for young children and for older children, we recommend 1 to 1.5 cm.
Open kids sandals
Sandals with an open heel and front are ideal for older children because they allow the foot to move more freely and cool down better on hot days. Older children don't usually need the same support and protection for their feet so parents often opt for an open sandal.
When buying sandals with an open front and heel, it is important to make sure that your child's feet are adequately supported by the belts and straps. Belts and straps help to ensure more comfort and that the foot fits tight and firm to the sandal. Just as with closed sandals, you should make sure that your child's feet fit good and snug in open sandals. We recommend leaving approximately 1 cm of room for growth when buying open sandals for your child, as you can get away with a slightly looser fit than with closed sandals.