Salt Water Sandals by Hoy Shoe Unisex-Child Salt Water Original Flat Sandal Review
For over 70 years, Salt Water Sandals have stood the test of time as cult classics, crafted with precision and care. These sandals originated during wartime shortages when Walter Hoy began making them from scrap leather used in military boots. Today, they remain a staple in children's footwear, combining style, comfort, and durability.
The Salt Water Original Flat Sandal in Rose Gold is designed for little feet that crave adventure. Made from genuine leather uppers and featuring little-way stitched rubber soles, these sandals mold perfectly to the shape of your child's foot with repeated wear, enhancing their comfort over time. Whether at the beach or casually strolling down the sidewalk, these sandals are versatile enough for all occasions.
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Features
- Scuff-resistant, water-friendly genuine leather upper and insole
- Hand-stitched, non-slip, molded rubber sole
- Designed for versatile in-and-out of water wear
- Rust-proof brass buckles for added durability
Pros
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting wear
- Comfortable fit that adapts to the foot
- Stylish design suitable for various occasions
- Water-friendly material allows for fun aquatic activities
Cons
- Limited color options may not appeal to every child
- Initial stiffness may require a break-in period
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Salt Water Sandals | Teva Kids Universal Sandals | Keens Newport H2 Sandals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Genuine Leather | Synthetic | Synthetic |
| Water Friendly | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Straps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Style | Classic Flat | Sporty | Sporty with Toe Protection |
Detailed Review
When evaluating the Salt Water Sandals by Hoy, it's important to consider their overall performance across several key categories:
Comfort: These sandals truly excel in comfort. The genuine leather upper, coupled with a soft insole, provides a cozy feel that your little one will appreciate, especially during prolonged wear. As they get wet, the leather conforms even more closely to their foot, enhancing the fit.
Design: The stylish rose gold color adds a fashionable touch while still maintaining the classic look that you expect from Salt Water Sandals. They are easy to pair with various outfits, whether it’s a day at the park or a family beach outing.
Durability: With a focus on craftsmanship, the hand-stitched details and molded rubber sole ensure that these sandals can withstand the rigors of active play. The rust-proof brass buckles add to their longevity, making them an excellent investment.
Versatility: Designed for both land and sea, these sandals shine in their ability to transition from the sandy beach to the playground seamlessly. Your child can splash around without worrying about the sandals getting damaged.
In conclusion, the Salt Water Original Flat Sandal is a great choice for parents seeking a high-quality, stylish, and functional sandal for their children. They tick all the boxes: comfort, durability, and versatility, making them well worth considering for your next purchase.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptional comfort that molds to the foot. |
| Durability | 5/5 | Built to last with high-quality materials. |
| Style | 4/5 | Trendy design suitable for many occasions. |
| Value for Money | 4/5 | Solid investment for active kids. |
User Reviews
The sizing was confusing to order, and I actually tried canceling my order because it said I had ordered a “big kid size 3”, but it was too late to cancel. Luckily, the baby size 3 that I was trying to order is what showed up. My daughter has been wearing them all summer, and they go in it’s everything! She gets lots of compliments on them and they don’t hurt her feet like other sandals I have tried. Will buy again in the future.
Based on other reviews for Saltwater Sandals, I decided to try these! They are adorable and seem really well made. Nice grippy rubber bottom, beautiful full grain leather straps, very adjustable ankle strap. Many reviews say these run a full size large and to size down. I decided to order two sizes: 3, which is the actual size my (very tall) seven year old wears now, and 2, in case they do run big. Her feet are on the wide side, with a high arch. The 3 fits comfortably with about 1/2" from her toe to the end of the sandal; I would say they do NOT run large, but fit as expected. I am returning the 2 and keeping the 3. She has only worn them once, so I can't support or refute the durability/waterproofness that other reviewers speak of. I'll update if they don't hold up as expected. The leather and buckle are stiff right now, but given my experience with other quality leather shoes, I think they will quickly soften up. They are not so stiff that my daughter complains of discomfort or that they make blisters; I just mean they are a bit difficult to buckle right now! As an aside, I ordered these in red for me, they are adorable and a beautiful perfect lipstick red. I wear a 10, I ordered the big kid 8, they are plenty wide, but not loose, but I think they are a bit short, and my big toe was hanging off the front just a hair. I found that uncomfortable, so I am returning them, but they are beautifully made, nice leather, gorgeous color.
I am currently on day 8 of a summer vacation in overseas. It has been over 90°F every day and I’ve been walking miles every day. My feet are hot and swollen and sweaty and tired — but my feet are NOT blistered and they are NOT bleeding and they are NOT squishing up against the straps of my sandals. These shoes are PERFECT.I was nervous having never tried this brand before, and I knew I needed some kind of comfortable sandal for this trip. I followed the reviews and soaked the sandals in hot water and then wore them until they dried the day before my trip. I then crossed my fingers and went overseas with a pair of new shoes.They have been perfect since day 1. Every morning when I put these sandals back on, it’s like wearing a pair of old friends (or something). They have molded to my feet perfectly. I have worn them right into the ocean and they were just fine. I have done light hiking over rocky dirt roads and they were just fine. And they are cute!I have wide flat feet and the width of these sandals is a godsend. Usually sandals start to strangle my feet after a day of swelling after walking around in the hot sun but these have been so, so comfortable. I usually wear a 6 or 6.5 and a 6 fits me perfectly.The only downside I have found is that these are not supportive, they are completely flat soles. By the end of the day my feet are a little tired, but at least they are not in pain. These shoes are for sure my 100% go-to sandals.
I had a pair in red that I wore everywhere for 4 years during springs, summers, and some vacations almost every day. I finally threw them out at the end of this past summer because the stitching on the sole had started to come undone so the sole was coming apart, and the leather on the sole was getting discolored and gross from so much use, though they had cleaned up nicely until then. They are the cutest, most comfortable, and most durable sandals I have ever had. I wear a lot of vintage clothing and because these are such an old design they go seamlessly with any era of clothing, especially 1950s and 60s.I am an 8.5W, narrow-to-regular width, and the pair I had was an 8. They were always pretty loose, but still safe and comfortable to walk in. I was in high school when I got them, so I liked that they were loose because I could easily slip them on and off when I was running off to spend the day with friends or when I was at the beach, wearing them felt like being barefoot. I would recommend ordering them this big only if you are looking for sandals just to wear at the beach or around the yard, you will probably find them to be slightly too loose to wear around town or to be very active in.I ordered a replacement for a trip, and this time I want them to be tighter because I want them to look a little nicer on my foot, and also because I want them to be more comfortable and secure for walking around town. I ordered them in black this time, and I have to say that I love the black leather. Since it is an eggshell finish, they look have sort of an earthy finish to them, they don't look harsh. Initially I ordered a 6, which is 2.5 sizes down from my regular size. These were too small. My toe went past the stitching, and it felt like my foot was spilling out of them. So I am now awaiting a 7, which should be a perfect comfortable fit.My only complaint is the same as everyone else: the packaging is really terrible. They come in an un-padded poly mailer in a very thin shoebox with tissue paper. It is the cheapest possible packaging and the box arrived completely mangled and open, and it is just by luck that the shoes aren't totally destroyed. I don't even think they need a box, they should just come wrapped and in a well-padded mailer.