These expert-recommended beach shoes are perfect for sandy shores and rocky coves

The best beach shoes can mean the difference between having a great day in the sun and lumbering back to the vehicle with soaking sneakers, blistered feet, or sand-filled soles. Of course, you can wear whatever you like to the beach. The right shoes can make a bigger difference than you might think, whether you’re hanging out at a serene lake beach, hopscotching across a rocky shoreline, or traveling to one of the best beaches in the US this summer (especially if you’re not exactly a frequent beach-goer). These choices may withstand damp circumstances, dry fast, partially prevent sand accumulation, and provide comfortable footwear for lengthy walks across parking lots.over boardwalks or on romantic walks along the dunes after sunset.

In order to determine the finest choices, we consulted podiatrists and stylists, asked our own CNN Underscored colleagues for suggestions, and collected many pairs for practical testing at the beach in Los Angeles. Whether you’re looking for waterproof shoes to wade thru sandbars that would suck flip-flops off your feet, tough hiking sandals to scramble over rocks and driftwood, or fashionable sandals for women that can go from the beach to a restaurant for lunch, we have a wide range of options.

Best beach shoes

Oofos Oocloog Clogs

Board-certified podiatrist Priya Parthasarathy suggests these Oofos Oocloog shoes for a closed-toe option that feels and looks more like slippers. Recovery slides are also excellent beach shoes. After reviewing the Ooahh slide sandals and other recovery slides, our editors can also vouch to the comfort of Oofos. The flexible foam material is lightweight and comfortable, and the uppers have three tiny holes on the inside for ventilation.

With pull loops at the front of the mesh uppers and at the ankles, the women’s Tidal Cruiser shoes feature the same slip-on style as the men’s. Investing in a pair of closed-toe shoes like these will preserve your feet for all the adventures that lie ahead if you intend to do more than just relax on a beach chair this summer. Noteworthy: They are a great choice for someone walking on uneven terrain because the tractioned soles are thicker than less expensive aqua socks.

Keen Newport H2 Sandals

Puglia dislikes leaving her toes out in the weather, particularly when hiking in areas where her feet can get scratched. The Keen Newport H2 Sandals offer breathing room from the strappy shape and structural rubber toe boxes—everything she could possibly desire in a beach shoe. Additionally, you can sport them from the safety of the beach or in the heart of a rocky cove because they can handle both dry and wet terrain.

Steve Madden Grove Flats

Fashion stylist and personal shopper Zoë Hennessey says jello shoes are just as useful for the beach as sandals. Their aerated design is just as adorable and useful as their fast-drying substance. Puglia tried these shoes from Steve Madden and said they would be perfect for going directly from the beach to supper, even tho they didn’t provide the finest arch support. She enjoyed that the upper mesh design was breathable, which is essential on hot days, in addition to the fact that they rapidly rinsed off and dried. Puglia can’t wait to wear these in the summer with a button-down cover-up, her favorite one-piece, and jean shorts.

Crocs Classic Clogs

Some of the most adaptable shoes you can possess are Crocs, which are particularly helpful at the beach due to their breathable design and water-resistant substance. Ask Jillian Tracy, an associate editor at CNN Underscored and a local Crocs enthusiast who grew up strolling to the beach. “The Crocs Classic Clogs are still my favorite beach shoe, even tho I’ve walked thru the sand in everything from flip-flops to sneakers to Ugg boots,” she remarked. “They are lightweight, simple to clean, dry fast, and even float in the event that the tide carries them away.” Expert advice: To personalize your pair uniquely yours, Tracy suggests adding a Jibbitz charm.

Seekway Water Shoes

 

When you need ultra-lightweight water socks with adequate traction but know you’ll only be using them for a single trip or season, Hennessey suggests purchasing a cheap pair. She emphasized these reasonably priced shoes, which she advises bringing on vacation because they are easy to repair and take up little room in a luggage. They offer an extra layer of protection between your feet and the external elements, but you won’t even notice you’re wearing them.

Kane Active Recovery Revive OB Shoes

Mendeszoon, a sports medicine specialist, approved these recuperation slides. In reference to the aeration, or microscopic holes, found throughout the flexible uppers, he stated, “They give some arch support, but also they’ll dry off pretty quickly.” Additionally, the foam material of the slide is water-resistant, so even if a wave breaks over them, they won’t get wet or remain damp. It’s crucial to remember that Kane cautions against subjecting these slides to intense heat or the sun because doing so may cause the shoes to shrink. We advise storing them in your beach bag while not in use because this isn’t the best option for shoes that will unavoidably be in the sun all day.

Best beach sandals

Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals

Parthasarathy and Rennie’s neighbor, who surfs almost every day, both highly recommend these Birkenstock sandals for their practical design, cozy feel, and low maintenance. These are beach shoes essentially rubber versions of the traditional suede Birkenstock sandals made of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), but they are much lighter and simpler to clean when they get muddy or sandy.

One of the main reasons Rennie’s neighbor is such an ardent fan is the content. He claimed that after getting wet every day, his old Teva-style sandals got “stinky” straps. Rennie loved wearing flip-flops, but he also made them his go-to shoes for the beach, dog walks, and other household tasks. He discovered that they had good grip, which is crucial in damp conditions where slipping is common (such as in a swimming pool or on slick bathroom floors). Rennie said that they were more comfortable than anticipated, making them suitable for lengthy walks on both level and rough terrain.