We are on our second pair of crocs for DD (3). When she was little, it was more just for foot protection at the beach, pool, etc. But they drove me batty because she could litteraly just kick them off. We actually lost one at a farmer's market one day and I went all over the market 4 times looking for the darn thing with no luck. As soon as she was in her carrier, crocs came off. So that was really annoying. Right now, we use them as house shoes (slippers) in the winter so her feet don't get cold and she doesn't slip around in her socks. She has worn them to the park and whatnot a few times but they fill with gravel and/or woodchips, fly off on the swing, and trip her on the play structures. So they are really not my favorite shoes. She loves them, however, and the "self on, self off" thing really makes her smile.
For regular shoes, I reccomend just getting a nice pair of kid sneakers. I agree that the boots most likely seem to heavy and clunky, but shoes are actually pretty light. And you can get summer time ones made with mesh so they are not too hot. We've had all sorts of brands, but I usually just go to Famous Footwear with DD and let her pick something out. We've also done sandles in the summer. Yes, they also trip her up and fill with rocks, but at least they stay on her feet!
Good luck and happy shoe shopping.
