Best Beach Shoes for Women and Men

Going on that long-awaited summer holiday, or if you are lucky enough to live at the beach, here are some great ideas for shoes to wear to the beach that is fashionable, practical, and comfortable.

Beach shoes today are not only limited to Flip Flops and Sandals, but wide varieties accommodate the sand, heat, and wetness.



Different Types of Beach Shoes

As I have mentioned before, there are a few types of shoes that you can use on the beach;

  • Flip Flops – The most common and popular beach shoe is the Flip Flop. I recommend using a rubber or EVA flip-flop type in this range, which can repel water and is easily rinsed for cleaning.
  • Slides – Like the flip flop in an open design, the slide has one solid strap that goes over your toes and not in between. Likewise, I recommend a rubber, EVA, or foam-type slide for the beach.
  • Water Shoes Or Aqua Socks – Water Shoes and Aqua socks are designed, especially in water and wet conditions. They offer excellent grip on rocks and slippery surfaces; they have a closed and more protective design and dry quickly and drain water.
  • Canvas Shoes – Canvas Sneakers or slip-on shoes are casual and comfortable with a lightweight and breathable construction for those cool days on the beach.

What To Look for in a Good Beach Shoe

  • Breathability – Breathability and Ventilation in a beach shoe is much for hot summer days; therefore an open-design sandal or shoe from lightweight and breathable materials is recommended.
  • Water Wise – Your shoes will most definitely get wet on the beach, so look for a shoe that will either dry quickly or is made from a foam or rubber from which the water slips off easily.
  • Easy Cleaning – Sand, water, and the sticky residue are inevitable at the beach, so opt for a shoe that you can clean and dry quickly, easily, and regularly.
  • Grip – Slippery rocks, sand, and wet surfaces can all cause slipping hazards at the beach; therefore, always make sure that the outsole on your shoes offers a good grip. Rubber is a great choice in outsoles.

Anatomy of an Excellent Beach Shoe

  • Uppers – Soft and comfortable uppers from rubber, foam, Polyester, Mesh, or canvas materials. Breathable and open design. Quick-drying materials.Drainage holes in closed shoes.
  • Outsole – Durable and high grip rubber outsole.
  • Footbed – Some cushioning for comfort and shock absorbency, such as EVA or memory foam. A contoured and supportive design. Arch support and a deeper heel cup.

Reviews: Best Beach Shoes

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1

Classic Athletic Sandal

A stunning and lightweight sandal, the Chaco Zx2 is a durable and comfortable sandal that is perfect for long days on the beach.
  • The soft Polyester webbing is quick-drying and ensures a comfortable fit.
  • A supportive midsole that promotes the natural alignment of your foot.
  • The PU footbed ensures comfort and support.
  • A lightweight and comfortable sandal available in many different colors.
Pros
  • Fast Drying Materials.
  • Lightweight and Supportive.
  • The Most Durable Sandals.
  • Adjustable Straps.
Cons
  • A Bit Pricey.

2

Flip Flop Sandal

The Olukai Ohana is a stylish and comfortable flip-flop sandal that is always a winner on the beach.
  • Constructed from materials that are durable and hypoallergenic.
  • The strap is made from synthetic water-resistant materials.
  • A soft lining that dries quickly enhances comfort.
  • A gum rubber outsole that offers excellent traction and is non-marking.
  • An EVA midsole that has been molded to have anatomical compression features for comfort and support.
  • The drop-in footbed allows for a stable and supportive fit.
  • Soft and durable nylon webbing.

3

Waterproof Beach sandal

A comfortable and durable casual sandal for the beach, the Keen Venice offers an exceptional outsole for grip on different surfaces as well as a supportive EVA midsole.
  • The rubber outsole has multi-directional lugs and razor sipping for outstanding traction control on mixed terrains.
  • An easy slip-on heel loop for convenience.
  • The bungee lacing system ensures a customized fit.
  • A compression-molded EVA midsole for comfort and support.

4

Slip-on water shoes for the beach

The Aleader Mesh is a great shoe for the beach and water; it is quick-drying, lightweight, and breathable with a comfortable midsole.
  • The durable air mesh uppers allow the foot to breathe and dry quickly.
  • The rubber sole offers excellent traction and grip on different terrains.
  • A midsole ensures cushioned comfort and support, while the ComforDry sock liner keeps your feet dry and comfortable.
  • A good-looking lightweight and comfortable shoe available in different color designs.

5

Boat Shoes for the Beach and Outdoors

A breathable and easy-to-wear boat shoe that is perfect for the beach and outdoors in the warm summers, the Adidas Climacool will keep your feet cool and comfortable all day.
  • High-quality and breathable mesh uppers.
  • A rubber sole that offers excellent traction and grip.
  • The stretchable heel inserts ensure a more secure fit.
  • Climacool tooling construction for comfort and durability.
  • Available in a variety of colors.

6

Boat Beach Shoes

Crocs are well known for their soft, cushioned comfort due to the foam material they are made from. The Crocs Beach Line Hybrid is a lightweight and soft boat shoe that is great for beachwear.
  • The footbed is constructed from the ever-popular soft and comfortable Crosslite foam.
  • A durable synthetic sole.
  • Ports for ventilation.
  • Breathable, lightweight, and durable for all-day wear.
  • Available in many colors.

7

Summer Beach Flip Flop

Teva is one of the top brands of comfortable and lightweight sandals for the outdoors and the beach.
  • An EVA foam sole for cushioned comfort.
  • Water-ready polyester webbing uppers that are quick-drying and durable.
  • A Mush comfort Top sole with an EVA outsole.
  • Lightweight and highly durable.
  • Many colors and patterns to choose from.

8

Beach Sandals

The Plaka Oceanside and Reef Twin Pin are available in plenty of colorful designs and have a medium to narrow design for more dainty feet.
  • A thick rubber sole for shock absorbency and slip resistance.
  • Water-resistant design for beachwear and kayaking.
  • A narrow to a medium snug fit.
  • I have many color and pattern varieties available for you to look over.
  • The Reef Twin Pin Sandal for men has an EVA sole with arch support.

9

Supportive Flip Flop for The Beach

Highly supportive, slip-resistant Flip Flop Style sandals from Aerothotic and Sanuk.
  • Slip-resistant Synthetic Sole.
  • Waterproof design and medium arch support.
  • Lightweight and cushioned for comfort.
  • A deep heel cup to support your heels and provide stability.
  • Many varieties in colors for the uppers with black sole.

10

Sports Style Beach Sandal

A comfortable and adjustable sandal from Teva that is ideal for wearing on the beach.
  • Sporty style with colorful multiple adjustable straps and hook and loop closures.
  • Nylon stability shank and a padded heel for stability and support.
  • A Compression-Molded EVA midsole for cushioned comfort.
  • High traction rubber outsole, with water-channeling lugs and an EVA, cushioned top sole.
  • Plenty of colorful designs to choose from.

10

Comfortable Beach Flip Flop Sandal

Olukai is a top favorite in sandal brands which is also ideal for beachwear.
  • There Synthetic nubuck leather uppers that are water-resistant and have a soft, quick-drying knit lining for a friction-free comfortable fit.
  • An anatomically contoured ICEVA drop-in footbed provides superior arch support and comfort.
  • The midsole has compression-molded in the Ohana model that absorbs shock and further cushions the foot.
  • Available in many color and print options.

11

Beach Flip Flop

A top favorite in casual Beach Flip flops with some amazing support features.
  • Cushioned Biomechanical design for support and shock absorbency in the heel and arch.
  • Contoured arch support.
  • Spring heel cushioning ideal for heel pain.
  • Smooth EVA and rubber construction that resists water.
  • Many color selections are available.

12

Slip On Beach Shoe

The Adilette is a top favorite in a water-friendly slide on a sandal, ideal for beachwear.
  • Lightweight and comfortable.
  • Cushioned sole and durable rubber outsole.
  • Water-friendly quick-drying design.
  • Available in a few color selections.

Index Table: Top-Rated Beach Shoes

No.ShoeMen ♂Women ♀FeaturesBrandScore
1Chaco® - Classic Athletic Sandal Zx2 Zx2
  • Fast Drying
  • Lightweight
  • Durable
Chaco98.1
2Olukai® - Flip Flop Sandal Ohana Ohana
  • EVA Midsole
  • Rubber Sole
  • Quick Drying
  • Hypo-Allergenic
Olukai98
3KEEN® - Waterproof Beach sandal Venice H2 Venice H2
  • Good traction
  • EVA Midsole
KEEN97
4Aleader® - Slip-on water shoes for the beach Mesh Mesh
  • Fast Drying
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
Aleader96
5Adidas® - Boat Shoes for the Beach and Outdoors Terrex AX3 Climacool
  • Rubber Sole
  • Mesh Uppers
  • Flexible Heel
Adidas97
6Crocs® - Boat Beach Shoes Beach Line Hybrid Beach Line Hybrid
  • Lightweight
  • Crosslite Foam Footbed
Crocs93
7Teva® - Summer Beach Flip Flop Katavi Tirra
  • EVA Sole
  • Lightweight
Teva97
8Reef® - Beach Sandals Twin Pin Oceanside
  • Water Resistant
  • Rubber Sole
Reef97
9Sanuk® - Supportive Flip Flop for The Beach Fault Line Original
  • Waterproof
  • Slip Resistant
Sanuk98
10Teva® - Sports Style Beach Sandal Original Original
  • EVA Midsole
  • Adjustable Straps
Teva98
10Olukai® - Comfortable Beach Flip Flop Sandal Hokua Kulapa Kai
  • Water Resistant
  • Contoured Footbed
  • EVA Midsole
Olukai97.7
11FitFlop® - Beach Flip Flop iQushion iQushion
  • Ultra-Lightweight
  • Micro-Bubble Foam Cushioning
FitFlop98
12Adidas® - Slip On Beach Shoe Adilette Adilette Lite
  • Cloudfoam Comfort Footbed
  • EVA Outsole
  • Water Friendly
Adidas98


About the Author

David Alegeta

A Long Distance Hiker and Hiking Instructor. Recently a Blogger and Consultant for Top Shoe Brands. David is a Writer at Verywell and a Running & Hiking Coach for Teams in Training. He is a running and long-distance hiking coach, avid runner, trainer, nutrition specialist, and health & fitness writer. As a runner for 20+ years. Coached thousands of runners and has run 9 full marathons and countless other Triathlon races. David Studied Sport and Nutrition, MS at the University of Texas Dallas