Merrell Toddler Boys' Bare Steps H20 Sandal

I find it utterly baffling that merrell doesn’t make baresteps shoes past size little kids 10. I first purchased these 3-4 years ago for my now 8 year in size 10 and they were too small much to my disappointment. They are well made, flexible soles , wide toe box for a natural foot shape, easy to put on. Literally everything you look for in kids shoes. I just bought a pair in size 6 for my 17 month old and they immediately become his favorite over his soft sole moccasins. I think the sizing should be expanded to at least big kids size 2 if not size 4. That said I’ve been waiting years for that to happen to no avail so don’t hold your breath!

Bought for my daughter’s first shoe as we are in Mexico for a month. Did a lot of research and was really excited about this shoe. Followed guides and measured her feet properly many times and compared to the size chart online to make sure I would get the right size. She’s 14 months old. Went with size 4. It fits really big. Lots of extra room throughout the whole shoe, length and width wise. She got little blisters on the bottom of her big toes from rubbing in all of the extra room. We aren’t using them anymore. I’m not sure how much longer before we can use them, if at all due to how wide they are.

As a toddler teacher I've seen a lot of shoes, both good and bad. I snapped these up when looking for summer shoes for my own toddler. She loves them and they're the best shoes I've encountered. The soles are incredibly flexible and completely flat. She is able to move with coordinated confidence at school, in the yard, or on rocks in the river (hurray for being water shoes as well). They're durable and easy to take on and off independently. She has thick feet (width and height) and the wide size fits easily, whereas other shoes struggle to strap closed. I'll be buying more in the Bare series.

I am super picky about shoes for my kids and the bare steps sneaker is one of my top picks. Just bought these for my 14 month-old. He walks very naturally and comfortably in them, even as a new walker. We love soft-soled leather shoes for this age but I am so happy with the protection and breathability combined with flexibility/natural movement that this sneaker provides. Big Sister has had hers for over a year and they have served her well too. I couldn’t be happier with this product. So grateful to Merrell for making some reasonably-priced, healthy shoe options for small people!

We LOVE these shoes! My daughter now has two pair for daycare (2.5yo). They’re TOUGH and withstand everything she can throw at them, a quick wash and they look brand new. They’re easy on and off, great for the water, pool, hiking trail or rain yet also perfect for daycare. We use these as her everyday show and have bought a pair of the “barefoot” feel boots for snowy days when these may not keep the moisture out (her feet don’t get immediately wet in these unless she’s puddle romping after a good rain, so they’re still perfect to keep feet dry on damp days).

Bought 2 pairs of these a little over a month ago. My twins finally had a chance to wear them to the park yesterday and both ended up with blisters and raw spots on backs of their feet. (Just above the heel). The shoes fit fine, it’s just the backs of the shoes are very hard. I thought so before I let them wear these, and wished I had listened to my gut and sent them back before I ever let them wear these. Now I am stuck with them. Do not recommend because the back of the shoes are not soft at all. Especially for little toddler feet.

I have been looking for flexible shoes for my toddler and we really love this water shoe. This is the third pair that I got and we are very pleased with it. They seem very solid for a water shoe and we normally wear them as a regular sneaker. My daughter loves to walk, run, ride a bike and climb and they seem to fulfill all of her needs. She even breaks with her foot on a balance bike and they don’t seem to wear off easily. I wouldn’t size up a whole size if your child grows out of it. Buy a half size bigger as they fit better.

I ordered a pair of these shoes for my 12months old. They looked very breathable, soft and comfortable. My older children’s first pair of walking shoes had always been the runners but they’d sometimes leave imprint on the little feet after long wear. I’m glad to find these shoes; they fit perfectly around my toddler’s little feet. They can be used as water shoes too; I can stop buying shoes after shoes for different activities. I’m so happy & I wish I’d found them sooner. I’m definitely buying a bigger size for my 2.5yrs old.