by Lisa McGee

Created on: April 27, 2008

School's out! Time to play, swim and wreck general havoc! Your little girl is going to need some new shoes to support her little tootsies!

The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for spring and summer shoes is comfort.
Make sure they have plenty of room to grow (kids always seem to grow like the weeds in summer) and don't rub on their heels. This is especially important if your kids don't like to wear socks with their sneakers. Check with your finger to see if the back of the shoe has a rough seam. If it does, chances are they will not be comfortable. Velcro is also a must have for the younger ones.

Since having children, I have noticed that summer shoes are a lot more fun. There are all types of flip flops adorned with crazy designs, bright colors, sparkles and fake flowers. They are also inexpensive. Let your daughter go crazy and buy the sparkliest pair they have. So what if they don't match anything!

A lightweight pair of sneakers is also a good investment for the summer. Keds, are a great option. You can even get them in a leather type material that can be wiped off. Canvas Keds can be thrown in the washer with some bleach and then put out in the sun to dry. They come out like brand new.

Crocs are a new option that kids love. This year, they have begun to morph into other styles. It is now possible to buy Croc Mary Janes, Croc water shoes, Croc flip flops and even Croc sandals. Also new this year are Disney and Nick Jr. themes.

All Crocs come in a rainbow of colors and can be dressed up with the use of "Jibbitz," If you don't know what Jibbitz are, think jewelery for your shoes. They are little plugs that you pop in the holes of the Crocs that come in different themes.

Besides the fact that kids like Crocs, they have some other benefits. Crocs are light weight, easy to clean, bacteria and slip resistant. They even float! Better yet, purchasing them won't break the bank.

I avoid any sandals with heels. Even if they are the most beautiful pair of shoes your daughter has ever seen, they either won't allow for running or worse yet, will cause a broken ankle when she tries to run on them anyway. If the budget allows, a nice pair of white or tan sandals are good to have for special occasions.

Summer should be a fun time when kids get to enjoy some freedom. Their shoes should be sturdy enough to hold up to creek swims, hikes in the woods and the monkey bars at the park. They need not last for long, just one great summer.

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