With the summer weather coming in and the temperature really starting to increase, a fantastic way to cool down is to head to the beach.
When doing so, it’s very important to think about what to wear on your feet while at the beach.
It’s very easy to find and pick up a pair of cheap flip flops, but it is better to spend a little more and get more in the way of quality.
A good pair of beach footwear can even be used in a range of environments.
It can be used at the beach, by the pool, in the water, and some of the higher quality varieties can even be used while on short hikes or when out and about.
So to break it all down, here is a list of the best options for beach footwear!
Men’s Beach Footwear:
1. OluKai Men’s Ohana
The first thing to note with this pair of sandals is that they are quite expensive for what seems like a standard a pair of flip flops.
However, they are actually a distinctly higher quality than the average pair.
They are completely vegan-friendly and the sole is made from breathable EVA polymers.
Also, their webbing is of water-resistant synthetic leather – so they are great for use in the water and afterward too.
This is because they will dry very quickly.
One thing to note with this pair is the sizing – you need to ensure you get the right size as they have been reported to be slightly tight-fitting. Still, they will loosen over time.
Heights:
- Raised heel to help with arch support, not too rigid though
- 100% Vegan-Friendly
- Water-resistant and quick-drying
Plains:
- Expensive compared with other similar products
- Slightly odd sizing
2. Reef Men’s FANNING Speed Logo Sandal
These flip flops have a very unique feature designed for most trips to the beach.
They have a bottle opener inset under the sole.
Not only does this offer a little more in the way of support, but to incorporate this into the design, they also had to slightly raise the heel.
In turn, this offers a bit more support to the foot.
This pair has an EVA footbed and rubber sole, and the straps are leather so they can be used in the water.
They have been reported to be very easy to wear in so that after only a few uses, they are truly form fitting to your feet.
Heights:
- Unique bottle opener feature under the sole
- Raised heel and polyurethane heel airbag to aid support and comfort
- Suitable for use in the water
Plains:
- The toe grip has been recently redesigned to a different, less comfortable material
- If used on the beach, the bottle opener could quickly become sandy thus making the drinks sandy too
3. Vibram Men’s KSO EVO Cross Training Shoe
Our natural state as humans would have us going barefoot.
But due to the number of dangerous and extraneous reasons, that’s not really possible these days.
So getting the Vibram Training Shoe is the next best thing!
This modern take on the shoe has individual toe separation to recreate the natural feeling of walking shoeless.
These shoes have a thin rubber sole that protects your feet from glass and other items that can cut, wound, or tear your feet.
They were manufactured with the waterside in mind.
However, they’ve been proven to be a little better on dry land as, after extended use under the water, they can start to really build up an odor.
Another thing to point out is the sizing: they can be a little on the smaller side.
So it’s better to get the next size up, but do be aware that they should still fit snugly on the foot.
Heights:
- A more natural state for the feet with individual toe spacing
- Helps with plantar fasciitis but for strengthening the muscles instead of cushioning the condition
Plains:
- Can start to wear a hole in the sole after very heavy constant usage
4. Chaco Men’s Flip Ecotread Flip-Flop Sandal
With somewhat of a dedicated fan base, Chaco has been releasing footwear since 1989.
So they know how to produce high-quality beach footwear.
Their latest release, the EcoTread is made from 25% recycled rubber and polyurethane.
Unlike cheaper styles of sandals, the base of these is ergonomically engineered to be better for the feet.
Namely, the heel is raised instead of just being one flat surface.
The strap that holds the sole to the feet is also textile instead of the cheap plastic that usually rubs into the feet.
They have been reported to be a little tight upon first wear, but after a bit of usage, they loosen up.
Heights:
- Made from recycled materials
- The webbing is made from Polyester Jacquard instead of plastic
- Has arch support that’s solid enough to give some relief for plantar fasciitis
Plains:
- A little heavier than other brands
- The tread isn’t too durable and isn’t designed for hiking – just general flatland activities
Women’s Beach Footwear:
5. Clarks Women’s Breeze Sea Flip-Flop
From one of the most recognizable brands in footwear, these Breeze Sea flip flops from Clarks are probably one of the best value and highest rated sandals on this whole list.
Like most sandals, they are made from EVA polymer, 100% synthetic materials.
But unlike others, they have an adjustable strap on the top of the foot grip.
This strap should only be used for very minor tweaks as it has been reported to break after too much use.
These sandals are more designed for people with average to narrow feet, not so much for wider feet.
Also, if you are between sizes, it’s better to order the size down.
Heights:
- Extra adjustment options on the strap for minor tweaks
- Platform style with a raised heel
- Fantastic customer support from Clarks if there are any issues
Plains:
- Doesn’t have a particularly sturdy arch support on the footbed
- Not so suitable for use in the water – more of a literal beach footwear option
6. Skechers Women’s Meditation-Studio Kicks
The majority of flip flops or sandals tend to only really have one or two straps around the foot.
So this pair has three:
- One strap in the usual place that goes through the toes and across the top of them
- One over the dorsal muscle
- A third that goes round the ankle for extra support.
These gladiator-style sandals are manufactured with a rubber sole and footbed.
Also, the toe grip and the straps around the foot are all fabric.
This means that they are not waterproof, but they can be used in the water for a short period of time.
Regarding sizing, it has been mentioned that it would be better to purchase the next size up if you are between shoe sizes.
Heights:
- These sandals have three straps around the foot to provide ankle support
- Rubber sole that provides traction so you won’t slip around
- Slightly raised heel to provide a little more comfort – won’t press on the foot muscles either
- Dry up pretty quickly
Plains:
- Only a slightly raised heel, not really substantial for those with underfoot muscle problems
7. Teva Women’s Olowahu Flip-Flop
These are not only the most intricately designed flip flops on this list, but also some of the cheapest.
With three straps to span across the top of the foot, this gives a lot more in the way of support and comfort.
Still, you should know that it also makes it harder to actually put them on.
The footbed is made from Mush, which is a predecessor to EVA, and which easily molds to your foot shape.
They do not have particularly good arch support as the heel is only about ¼ inch higher than the ball.
Also, the footbed is pretty spongy, so it does not offer any relief for flat feet.
Due to the number of straps, these can be seen as a bit more like an evening flip flop as they look more sophisticated than the average pair of beach footwear.
Heights:
- Three straps to hold the foot in a more secure position
- Footbed molds to foot shape very quickly
- Very easy to break-in
Plains:
- Only a slightly raised heel – not enough to provide support for plantar fasciitis
8. OLUKAI Women’s Lala Sandals
OluKai produces beach footwear for both males and females which is why these flip flops can come across as a little masculine.
But they still are stylish slipper that you can use at the beach and in the water.
The sole and footbed are made from rubber, and the webbing across the top is leather.
It also has an extra style factor as it has two straps across the top to provide added support.
It is very water-resistant and dries quickly, and the footbed is slightly raised at the back.
You should also know that it has more support in the middle for people with arched feet.
A point that was often repeated in the user reviews was tied to sizing issues.
They are known to be a little small compared to other brands and so it’s better to get the next size up if you don’t want them to be too tight on the foot.
Heights:
- Very water-resistant
- Raised arch to offer more support in the middle of the foot
- Has another strap across the top of the foot – adds another level of style and support
Plains:
- Sizing runs a bit small, it’s better to order the next size up
- More designed for narrower feet
Unisex Beach Footwear:
9. Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
The material that the footbed is made out of can be very important when looking at footwear as that is what all the weight is pressing down on.
Its also the element that actually protects you from the ground and thus, the footbed should be comfortable and should ideally mold to your feet to provide the best support.
As it is, Birkenstocks are well known for doing just that!
After a few uses, their synthetic cork sole forms around the foot and the EVA sole grips to the earth for traction.
These Arizona Sandals, for both women and men, have two leather straps across the top of the foot for support.
Also, you can tighten their buckles to your preferred level of tautness.
Heights:
- Two straps across the foot – provide added support in comparison to regular sandals
- The cork footbed molds to your feet
Plains:
- The sizing chart has known to be slightly off
- It can take a little bit of wear to mold the footbed properly to your feet
10. SIMARI Women’s and Men’s Water Shoes
Standing aside from the typical styles of beach footwear, there is a form of new shoes on the market: the water shoe.
These are solely designed for beach and waterside wear.
They are made from stretchable and breathable polyester similar to diving suits.
Also, they have thermoplastic rubber soles to protect your feet from the elements and are incredibly flexible to fit in all bags.
These shoes are specifically manufactured for use in the water so you can clamber across the coastline without tearing up your feet.
Their fabric drains water really quickly so you don’t end up with sodden feet after a day at the beach.
As they are a tight fit on the foot, it’s better to get the closest to your own shoe size so they don’t slip off too easily.
This particular pair also comes in a range of bright colors so you can get a different pair for every member of the family or as many as you’d want for you!
Heights:
- Sturdy sole to protect the foot from the ground
- Tight fit to the foot so they don’t easily slip off
- Quick draining so feet don’t get too damp during water use
Plains:
- Sole is quite thin – they can wear through after long periods of use
- Not designed for general street use
Conclusion
So this is it, the best options in terms of beach footwear that you could go for nowadays.
Instead of spending a few dollars on a cheap pair of flat, flimsy, flip flops, that will last just one use, it’s better to invest a little more and get something of higher quality.
Something with more ankle support, and something that will last a lot longer!
Have you already worn any of these beach footwear picks already and have anything to say about them? Then leave a comment and let us know!
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