4-year-olds should be the official testers for all shoes. They drag their toes to stop their bikes; they splash in puddles, run through sand, and then grind their wet shoes against rocks and tree branches. They use them in lieu of hammers and saws, and typically wear a new pair out in about two weeks. That is why I was amazed when the Keen water sandals I purchased for my four-year-olds held up so well. It made me wonder if Keen has disavowed planned obsolescence. Not only did they hold up, but they are easy for my boys to put on and provide great protection from stubs and scrapes that other sandals seem to promote. The only problem is that they will grow out of perfectly good shoes!
Reid K.'s keywords: water sandals, sport sandals, kids shoes