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If you plan to take a beach trip this summer, you’ll likely want to pack a few essentials before leaving the house. But while bathing suits and towels might be at the top of your checklist, you also don’t want to forget quality footwear—and we’re not talking about flip-flops. The best beach sandals, according to podiatrists, are pairs that offer plenty of support.
When shopping, you’ll want to look out for sandals with traction, curved arches, and maybe even ankle straps, ensuring you feel secure as you walk along the water.
If you’re wondering what to look for in beach sandals, you’ll want to follow a quick checklist provided by Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS.
“The footbed should be supportive, offer a delve at the end of the shoe for your toes to rest in, and assist with traction for your toes to avoid tripping or the shoes too easily sliding off the feet,” she tells StyleCaster over email. “The sole of the shoe should have some good traction, especially if you’re planning to wear them in a wet environment such as a gym shower or public pool. Avoid any thin, flat-soled flip flops, and look for ones that have good arch support and fit your foot well.”
Sandals are good for the beach in more ways than one. They’re breathable, easy to slip on and off, and won’t fill up with sand the same way that sneakers would. They’re also more secure and supportive than a pair of flimsy flip flops.
“Many times, you will be walking a significant distance from the car to the beach, and sandals would be a good choice to transition from asphalt to the beach,” says Dr. Timothy Oldani, DPM, FACFAS. “Also, most sandals will have a fastening system that attaches to the foot at multiple points, which is helpful when walking on a loose sandy surface.”
Dr. Daughtry agrees.
“Sandals are a good option for the beach as long as the sandal offers good arch support and an anatomic footbed with some cushioning for shock absorption,” she adds. “The material that the sandal is made of is very important to consider when choosing a shoe for the beach. Due to the potential for getting sandy and wet, the ease of cleaning the shoes should be considered.”
If you have no other option, flip flops are “safer than going barefoot,” notes Dr. Daughtry, but they should be used “sparingly and for the appropriate activity.”
“We must protect our feet, especially outside and in public places,” she warns. “As with many things, it is important to remember to wear them in moderation and for the appropriate activity. If overworn, they will not offer enough protection in some circumstances—think hiking in the woods, playing sports, or working in the garden—or [offer] arch support to avoid potential issues such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis.”
“The most comfortable beach shoes are sandals that have a strap around the heel, which will not only keep from your feet sliding around, but your toes from curling to grip the sandal, which can lead to issues like bunions or hammertoes” Dr. Alissa Kuizinas, DPM tells StyleCaster. “I don’t recommend flip-flops for this reason. Sandals don’t necessarily need to have cushioning, but it helps to have a bit of protection from the sand and shells on the beach. That’s why barefoot-style sandals are a good option.”
If you’re walking close to the water, Maurice Verhagen, owner and certified podiatrist at Netherlands-based Penninx Schoenen, also says to check out hiking shoes.
“This may seem like an unusual choice for the beach, but semi-high hiking shoes are great for long walks on firmer sand surfaces,” he writes via email. “They prevent sand from getting into the shoes and provide excellent stability and support, ideal for those taking long beach walks.”
Ahead, check out our list of the best beach sandals for 2024, all of which come with glowing reviews from these experts.
One key factor to keep in mind when shopping for beach sandals? Support, support, support—which is why the pros love the Chaco Z/Cloud Sandal .
“This is a sandal with maximum support and durability in addition to being waterproof,” says Dr. Oldani. “This would be a great choice for those doing a lot of walking, possibly even hiking in sand dunes during their day at the beach.”
Sizes: 5 – 12
Colors: 8
Material: Polyester, Rubber
In general, many podiatrists and doctors can’t help but sing the praises of Naot’s sandals, which have been given the stamp of approval by the American Podiatric Medical Association.
“Naots offer an anatomic cork and latex footbed that is wrapped in suede that will mold to your feet as you wear them,” Dr. Daughtry explains. “Naot shoes have great quality which will last a long time and give you better arch support and make your feet very happy and comfortable. My favorite shoe of theirs is the Kayla and they also have the Kayla Sport. Overall they have a variety of sandals and slides but the Tahoe would be a great recommendation for a flip flop option.
Sizes: 4 – 13
Colors: 12
Material: Leather, Cork, EVA, Rubber
Dr. Oldani is also a fan of the Kayla Sport.
“This version of the traditional Kayla sandal adds a rubber sole which makes it more beach-appropriate,” he says. “However, it still includes the traditional Naot cork and latex footbed, which is great for those with a history of issues such as plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia.”
Sizes: 4 – 11
Colors: 2
Material: Leather, Suede, Latex, Cork
The good news is, if you’re a fan of Birkenstock’s Arizona sandals, you can keep them in your rotation.
“For the best beach sandals, I personally prefer the Birkenstock Arizona sandal due to its excellent support and comfort, as well as the durability and versatility it offers for various beach activities,” says Dr. Alissa Kuizinas, DPM.
Sizes: 5 – 11.5
Colors: 5
Material: Birkibuc™ synthetic upper, Suede, Cork, EVA
Dr. Oldani also notes that the Birkenstock Gizeh EVA sandals are a great alternative to the traditional flip flop.
“If you just can’t leave the flip-flops behind, these are a good choice,” he says. “They slip on like a traditional flip-flop, but offer classic Birkenstock support through the arch. They are made of EVA, which is waterproof and durable for the beach.”
Sizes: 5 – 10.5
Colors: 4
Material: EVA
According to Dr. Daughtry, Archies Footwear also makes a quality, supportive pair of flip-flops that are perfect if you plan to be in a “wet or dirty environment.”
“They were created in Australia by a physiotherapist who garnered input from leading podiatrists and physiotherapists from Melbourne,” she says. “They offer traditional flip-flops and slides in a large variety of colors to fit your needs. I personally have a pair and use them as my ‘house slipper’ to run errands and for going to the beach or the pool with my daughter.”
Sizes: 5 – 16
Colors: 12
Material: Foam
Although Dr. Daughtry refers to OOFOS slides as an “acquired taste,” she made sure to include them in her beach sandals suggestions.
“They offer great shock absorption and cushioning with great arch support,” she tells StyleCaster, although she warns they’re worth testing out before fully committing. “They are marketed as a recovery shoe for runners, as they reduce stress on the feet and joints, but some people with stability issues may not be used to excessively thick-soled shoes and should definitely try before buying. Oofos also offer slides and flip flops but also closed-toe shoes as well including sneakers and slip-on enclosed shoes.”
Sizes: 5 – 16
Colors: 13
Material: Rubber, OOfoam
If you know you’ll be lugging your stuff across the sand, you might want to go with barely-there footwear, like Xero Shoes H-Trail Sandals.
“They have adjustability in the straps and a thin foam layer of protection but allow your feet to feel secure while walking,” Dr. Kuizinas says. “They’re designed to promote the natural movement of barefoot walking with a little protection, and the black color looks stylish.”
Sizes: 6 – 11
Colors: 1
Material: Polyester, BareFoam/EVA, FeelTrue rubber/EVA
“The Teva Hurricane Xlt2 Sandal is also an excellent choice as a sandal with an ankle strap,” Dr. Kuizinas tells us. “Its molded footbed with arch support and the pleasant stride due to the curvature in the sole make this a great beach sandal.”
Sizes: 5 – 14
Colors: 43
Material: Polyester, Rubber
If you’re looking for something that’s a mix between your everyday sneakers and beach-appropriate footwear, Dr. Oldani recommends checking out Keen’s Uneek shoe .
“This hybrid of a shoe and sandal is great for those looking for maximum support from a shoe while also being useful at the beach. The upper is made of recycled plastic that is still breathable but fastens like a shoe with a bungee mechanism. The sole is reminiscent of a shoe, providing support and maximum shock absorption.”
Sizes: 5 – 10
Colors: 4
Material: Synthetic, Mesh, Rubber, Foam, Recycled Plastic
