Not many people know what footwear to pack for the beach. So, what kind of shoes do you wear on the beach?
Well, you can wear flip-flops, beach sandals, water shoes, boat shoes, or beach sneakers on the beach. Such shoes are highly comfortable, breathable, and safe on the beach.
We’ll look at the types of beach shoes that you can wear for maximum comfort. We’ll also look at the features of the best beach shoes under the buying guide.
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Additionally, I’ll recommend the best beach shoes for each category to consider or have at least an idea of what to get.
Related: Best Kayak Shoes, Best Shoes To Keep The Sand Out
In a hurry? Check out my list of hot beach shoes:
What Kind Of Shoes Do You Wear On The Beach? 5 Best Picks
Teva Women’s Voya Flip-Flop – Best Beach Flip Flops
- Adidas Adilette Shower Slides – Best Beach Sandal
- VIFUUR Water Sports Shoes – Best Water Shoes
- Sperry Men’s Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoes – Best Boat Shoes
- SAGUARO Mens Womens Kids Sneakers – Best Beach Sneakers
What Kind Of Shoes Do You Wear On The Beach? The Types
Here are five types of beach shoes that you can wear on the beach:
1. Beach Flip-Flops
Flip flops are amongst the most popular beach shoes today, and they have been there for decades. These shoes are open, which makes them breathable and stress-free to wear and remove.
Flip-flops are also comfortable to shake the sand off and clean.
When can you wear flip-flops?
Flip-flops complement your summer wear, which means they are perfect for the summer. While some sand shoes may make you overdress, that’s not the case with flip-flops.
When shouldn’t you wear them?
Well, if you are planning to play volleyball or jog on the beach, flip flops are not ideal. That’s because you could easily get hurt wearing them.
Instead, get beach sneakers (discussed below).
Also, you may look underdress wearing flip-flops at a bar or restaurant on the beachside. You should instead wear boat shoes or beach sandals (also discussed below).
My Recommendation
I recommend Teva Women’s Voya Flip-Flop. The flip-flop comes with a thick, synthetic sole to feel comfortable. Plus, its upper is water-ready (fast-drying) and durable.
Teva Women’s Voya Flip-Flop comes in stylish colors to complement an equally stylish summer dress or beach shorts.
2. Beach Sandals
Whether male or female, you can never go wrong with beach sandals. They have the beach look and are very comfortable, even wearing at home.
Their advantage over flip-flops is that a majority hold to your feet securely. That, however, could also be a disadvantage since it makes it hard to shake off sand while wearing them.
Like flip flops, beach sandals are breathable and easy to clean.
When can you wear beach sandals?
Like flip flops, beach sandals have a casual look. So, you can pair them with summer wear, be it a summer dress (for women) or shorts.
When shouldn’t you wear them?
That would be when you plan to run, hike, or fish. If that’s the case, consider beach sneakers (see below)
My Recommendation
I recommend Adidas Adilette Shower Slides. The beach footwear comes in thick rubber soles and feels very comfortable.
They dry off quickly and are easy to clean. What’s more, they are available in multiple stylish colors.
3. Water Shoes
Water shoes are the commonest beach footwear out there. They come in breathable, fast-drying, and lightweight constructions to give you maximum wearing comfort.
They also enjoy more traction than regular footwear and, as a result, great to walk with on the coast.
These shoes are generally perfect for keeping both water and sand out. They pair well with casual pants and beach shorts.
When can you wear water shoes?
You can wear water shoes when walking on the beach and when participating in water sports. You can also wear them to jog or do yoga on the beach.
When shouldn’t you wear them?
Water shoes have a casual appeal. So, you may not look good wearing them on a dinner date on the beach.
My Recommendation
I recommend VIFUUR Water Sports Shoes. They are all rubber, thus high-quality in construction and flexible.
The water shoes are also stress-free to put on and take off and are highly breathable for all-day wearing.
You can walk, cycle, kayak, jog, and fish with VIFUUR Water Sports Shoes. Plus, the shoes are unisex and come in all sizes.
4. Boat Shoes
Boat shoes are more about looking good on the beach. So, don’t expect them to keep water out. Likewise, they are not the perfect choice for all-day wearing.
These best shoes for the beach go well with beach shorts and casual pants and are perfect for both men and women.
Generally, boat shoes are very stylish and come in various materials like soft leather and canvas.
When can you wear boat shoes?
You can wear boat shoes any time you need to look stylish on the beach. That means they are perfect for the beach bar or restaurant.
When shouldn’t you wear them?
That would be when you plan to play ball games or run on the beach. You also cannot swim with boat shoes as they don’t dry quickly.
My Recommendation
I recommend Sperry Men’s Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoes. These shoes are all-leather on the upper side and come with a rubber sole. So, they are very durable.
More importantly, they are extra comfortable and feature a shock-absorbing heel.
Sperry Men’s Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoes come in a moccasin design, thus very stylish.
5. Beach Sneakers
A beach is full of fun sports that you can enjoy with the best sneakers. From running to playing ball games, you cannot go wrong with beach sneakers.
Most beach sneakers are breathable and come soft-padded to provide you with maximum comfort.
When can you wear beach sneakers?
As mentioned, you can wear beach sneakers to play ball games on the sand and when planning to jog. You can also walk with these shoes comfortably on the beach.
When shouldn’t you wear them?
If you plan to have a dinner date on the beach, sneakers are not a tasty option. That’s because they have a casual approach.
My Recommendation
I recommend SAGUARO Mens Womens Kids Slip-On Sneakers. These beach shoes are the perfect blend between clogs and water shoes.
They are, therefore, highly breathable, extra comfortable, and exceptionally-stylish.
You can walk, surf, go boat, and play water sports with SAGUARO Mens Womens Kids Slip-On Sneakers.
They are super-lightweight and feature an EVA sole for maximum shock absorption and durability. The sneakers are also unisex and come in all sizes.
Buying Guide On – What Kind Of Shoes Do You Wear On The Beach?
Consider these factors when shopping for your next beach shoes:
- Good Fit
No matter how stylish a beach shoe lie, it cannot be a good buy unless it fits well. So, you have to know your shoe size when going shopping.
Generally, the shoes to wear on the beach should be stress-free to put on and take off.
- Lightweight Design
The chances are that you will want to wear your beach shoes for hours. That can be challenging if the shoes feel heavy.
That’s why you need to invest in a lightweight option. Look for mesh uppers, rubber soles, and other features that make beach footwear lighter.
- Durable Construction
You expect your best shoes for beach walking to serve you longer. So, they have to come in the most durable construction.
So, check the sole to ensure it is high-quality, preferably rubber or flexible plastic. Its upper should equally be high-quality, be it leather, plastic, or any other material.
- Ease of Cleanness
It should be easy to clean off wet sand, dust, and dirt from your beach shoes. So, check the material carefully to ensure that this is the case.
The fabric should also dry fast after cleaning.
- Thick Sole
The shoe’s sole should be thick to absorb shock and protect you from sharp objects. A thick sole also gives you better traction on the beach.
- Good Drainage
There is a big chance that you’ll wet your feet even if you are wearing shoes. So, check to see if the footwear is well-drained.
That’ll ensure it dries fast to keep your feet dry for longer. Most beach shoes come with a mesh upper to promote this. Others are just open, which is just incredible.
FAQs About What Kind Of Shoes Do You Wear On The Beach
1. What Are The Best Shoes For Walking On The Beach?
You can either get flip-flops or beach sandals. Both are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.
They are also fast-drying, which means you can easily wash them and wear them almost immediately.
Beach sneakers are another option you can walk with on the beach.
2. What Are The Best Beach Shoes To Keep Sand Out?
You cannot go wrong with flip-flops. You can quickly shake off the sand from them.
Also, you cannot go wrong with most beach sneakers as they also keep sand out effectively.
3. Which Are The Best Shoes For Sand And Water?
Consider getting water shoes. They are fast-drying to keep water out and easy to shake the sand off.
Furthermore, water shoes are very comfortable and come in quality constructions.
4. How Much Do Beach Shoes Cost?
Beach shoes vary widely in prices depending on the type, style, and construction. On a lower end, expect to spend $8-$25 on a pair.
Concluding Thought On ‘What Kind Of Shoes Do You Wear On The Beach’
Now you have the answer to “what kind of shoes do you wear on the beach?” So, use my guide to match yourself with the best beach shoe.