Heading to the seashore for a sandy stroll can shortly turn out to be a trouble with out the suitable footwear—suppose waterlogged sneakers that disintegrate or itchy particles that makes your footwear uncomfortable. Happily, the most effective seashore strolling footwear can considerably improve your seashore exercises, says podiatrist Bruce Pinker, DPM. Plus, spending time by the water presents quite a few psychological, emotional, and bodily advantages, making seashore strolling a wonderful low-impact train, provides licensed private coach Nicholas Duran, NASM, CPT.
To search out the most effective footwear for seashore strolling, we first consulted specialists to study extra about what key options to search for. Pinker suggests in search of a comfy, supportive, quick-drying pair that’s absolutely waterproof and straightforward to scrub. With our specialists’ steering, we examined dozens of pairs of footwear in our day by day routines. We evaluated every possibility based mostly on match, consolation, cushioning, traction, sturdiness, and worth to seek out the highest choices in the marketplace.
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Key Specs
Sort: Sneaker | Sizes: Ladies’s 5-12 (medium, extensive), Males’s 7-15 (medium, extensive, extra-wide) | Supplies: Artificial higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Waterproof: Sure | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest in case you want a sneaker’s full protection and help for strolling or working on the sand.
Why We Love Them
For optimum help on the sand, we advocate New Stability’s Recent Foam Arishi v4 GTX Operating Sneakers. They function the cushioning and help usually present in a daily athletic sneaker, together with full waterproofing (due to the GORE-TEX higher). We examined these in numerous moist circumstances, together with a downpour, on moist grass, and in 90-degree wet climate. Our exercise socks and ft stayed fully dry on all adventures.
These footwear match true to dimension, with a large toe field permitting your toes to splay naturally for added stability. We additionally respect that they are obtainable in extensive widths to cater to completely different foot shapes. On check walks and runs, we discovered that the full-length foam midsole presents a bouncy cushion and dependable help. These are a number of the most comfortable waterproof sneakers we have ever examined. Plus, the rubber outsole proved grippy on slick surfaces. We by no means felt unstable or unsafe on moist grass, concrete, or rocks. And we love how straightforward these are to scrub.
Additionally obtainable in males’s sizes at Amazon and New Stability.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers observe that these are inclined to run small.
Most Useful Perception
“These footwear have been nice at holding my ft dry and made out of doors actions extra satisfying when it was raining.” —Stacey W., Verywell Match product tester
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Key Specs
Sort: Sandal | Sizes: Ladies’s 5-12 | Supplies: Recycled plastic and polyester higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Waterproof: No | Our General Ranking: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest in case you’re in search of a flexible strolling sandal that may take you from the seashore to brunch.
Why We Love Them
Teva’s Ladies’s Tirra Sandals function three adjustable straps, permitting for a safe, custom-like match. The hook-and-loop closures on all three straps make for fast and simple changes, in order that they’re by no means too tight or too free. We respect that these footwear are produced from quick-drying supplies and a peppermint-based anti-odor therapy, holding our ft dry and odor-free. The midsole gives mild cushioning and arch help, complemented by a contoured footbed that felt comfy from the second we put the footwear on.
Throughout testing, we discovered that further padding within the heel helps take in shock and places a spring in our step (nearly mimicking the texture of a sneaker). The straps are lined with neoprene foam to stop harsh edges or seams from digging into the pores and skin. One tester with plantar fasciitis famous that they’d no flare-ups whereas carrying these. Plus, they proved steady and sturdy on all terrains and climate circumstances.
Potential Flaws
- These footwear aren’t fully waterproof, however we had no points with getting our ft moist due to the quick-drying, anti-odor supplies.
Most Useful Perception
“These are positively sturdy footwear that may final me for greater than a summer time’s value of lengthy walks and regular put on through the day.” —Jodi E., Verywell Match product tester
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The Teva Tirra Sandals really feel well-made, provide good arch help, and have foam midsoles that simply conform to the ft.
Credit score: Verywell Match / Katie Tuttle
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This sandal has three adjustable straps and could be very straightforward to keep up, solely requiring a fast wipe or dampen to completely refresh.
Credit score: Verywell Match / Katie Tuttle
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Key Specs
Sort: Sandal | Sizes: Ladies’s 4-12.5, Males’s 4-16.5 | Supplies: Nubuck leather-based higher, microfiber and foam midsole, rubber outsole | Waterproof: No | Our General Ranking: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest in case you want a steady strolling sandal for each out of doors adventures and day by day put on.
Why We Love Them
Uneven, comfortable sand requires footwear that present stability and forestall ankle rolling. ECCO’s Ladies’s Yucatan Sport Sandals are designed to fulfill this want with a thick sole and agency cushioning. Though the only real is extra inflexible than different choices, offering added sturdiness, it nonetheless bends and flexes with our ft on uneven terrains, together with concrete, grass, sand, and gravel. The three neoprene-lined, easy-to-adjust straps guarantee a safe, locked-in match.
Throughout testing, we seen {that a} gentle curve within the outsole facilitated easy transitions. Moreover, the sandals provided strong arch help, holding us comfy and stopping foot fatigue. The insole’s microfiber lining feels exceptionally comfortable, with no chafing. And even once we received these sandals tremendous soiled, they proved straightforward to scrub with a easy wipe-down utilizing a Magic Eraser.
Additionally obtainable in males’s sizes at Amazon.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout warm-weather walks, we seen that our ft grew to become a bit sizzling and sweaty. In case you’re liable to sweaty ft, you may wish to think about a extra moisture-wicking sandal.
Most Useful Perception
“There’s a large amount of stability in these after I’m strolling (from the second my foot picks up off the bottom to the second the highest of my foot touches the ground). There is a good quantity of curve on the underside of the footwear, which does a good job after I’m strolling on completely different surfaces.” —Stella Y., Verywell Match product tester
Verywell Match/Tatiana Kennedy
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Drainage holes within the sole
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Sock-like match with nice arch help
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Handy slip-on design
Key Specs
Sort: Sneaker | Sizes: Males’s 7-16, Ladies’s 5.5-11 | Supplies: Mesh higher, rubber outsole | Waterproof: No | Our General Ranking: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for diving into swimming, trekking by means of trails, strolling on the seashore, and some other journey the place your ft are certain to be drenched.
Why We Love Them
In case you’ll be spending loads of time within the water, investing in footwear that defend your ft is a great selection. Doussprt’s Fast Drying Water Sneakers function a sturdy rubber outsole to defend in opposition to rocks and damaged shells. We examined these footwear in moist climate circumstances, on slick terrains, and through day by day actions. They provide a sock-like match and surprisingly good arch help for his or her light-weight design. And the mesh higher and holes within the sole enable for fast drainage and quick drying once you’re out of the water.
We have been pleasantly shocked by the mesh higher’s help in each moist and dry circumstances. We additionally appreciated the minimal design, which makes it straightforward to tuck these footwear into our backpack pocket for handy transport to and from the seashore. The rubber soles present dependable traction on most slippery surfaces, though we did expertise some slight slipping on moist grass throughout testing. These footwear have shortly turn out to be our go-to for out of doors actions and provide nice worth for the worth.
Additionally obtainable in girls’s sizes at Amazon.
Potential Flaws
- We did not discover any put on and tear throughout testing, however we did observe that the light-weight mesh cloth won’t maintain up past one or two seasons with heavy use.
Most Useful Perception
“The footwear do little to repel water, as an alternative choosing fast drying as evidenced by the supplies used and the design, just like the open spots within the soles. Any water absorbed is shortly expelled, so you are not left with a waterlogged weight round your foot.” —Steven S., Verywell Match product tester
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Key Specs
Sort: Slide | Sizes: Unisex 4-15 | Supplies: Foam | Waterproof: Sure | Our General Ranking: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for wearers in search of a light-weight, easy-to-put-on shoe for day by day seashore strolling.
Why We Love Them
Generally, a easy, easy-to-slip-on slide is all you want. Crocs’ Mellow Restoration Slides are perfect for beachcombing and provide wonderful consolation in your ft and legs throughout lengthy walks or after a tiring day. Their seamless design prevents irritation, blisters, and sizzling spots. We appreciated their sturdiness and high quality, which held up all through testing. And the open, breathable design with aspect cutouts saved our ft cool.
Throughout testing, we discovered the froth so soft that it felt like strolling on a cloud. The slides molded comfortably to the form of our ft, making them extremely enjoyable to placed on after an extended day. They’re additionally moderately priced and are available a number of colours, making it straightforward so as to add a number of pairs to your wardrobe. We additionally appreciated that the foam outsole is barely grippy and ridged, offering added traction to make sure you keep regular in your ft, whatever the terrain.
Potential Flaws
- The chunky fashion makes these slides a bit cumbersome, however we nonetheless discovered them extremely light-weight and ethereal to stroll with.
Most Useful Perception
“These slides are very well-cushioned. The entire mattress of the shoe is produced from a thick foam and there may be further cushioning within the arch which is very nice since I’ve flat ft.” —Britney J., Verywell Match product tester
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Credit score: Verywell Match / Britney Johnson
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Credit score: Verywell Match / Britney Johnson
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Key Specs
Sort: Sandal | Sizes: Males’s 7-15 | Supplies: Recycled polyester higher, artificial midsole, rubber outsole | Waterproof: No | Our General Ranking: 4.4/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for tackling actions that demand excessive traction or navigating additional slippery circumstances.
Why We Love Them
KEEN’s Drift Creek H2 Water Sandals are our high decide for males’s sandals, due to their wonderful grip in each moist and dry circumstances. Throughout testing, we climbed a slick, steep hill with full confidence and with out slipping. The outsole is product of high-traction, non-marking rubber that additionally handles gravel, rocks, sand, and dirt with ease. Not solely do the footwear really feel sturdy and sturdy, however the rubber toe bumper gives additional safety in opposition to stones and tough terrain.
We love that the sandals function a slip-in design with a lace-lock bungee system that cinches snugly round your ft. A pull-tab on the heel makes them straightforward to placed on. We seen that the footbed is well-cushioned and presents strong arch help. Regardless of their sturdiness, the sandals are light-weight and by no means really feel cumbersome. We expect these can be nice for actions like paddle boarding, the place enhanced traction on the board is crucial.
Additionally obtainable in girls’s sizes at Amazon and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- Water and sand tended to gather contained in the toe bumper, requiring us to carry our ft to clear it out.
Most Useful Perception
“The footwear gripped properly, dry and moist. I used to be capable of climb a steep hill with out them slipping. I would not hesitate carrying them on a five-mile hike by means of water and sand.” —Ben A., Verywell Match product tester
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Fashionable, and may be dressed up or down
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Waterproof, with nice traction on numerous terrains
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Light-weight, supportive, and breathable
Key Specs
Sort: Sandal | Sizes: Ladies’s 6-13 | Supplies: Waterproof leather-based higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Waterproof: Sure | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Greatest for individuals who desire a light-weight, supportive, and extremely versatile waterproof girls’s sandal that may simply be dressed up or down.
Why We Love Them
Frankie4’s Isla Slide fully blew us away and simply earned an ideal rating, due to its distinctive consolation, versatility, and really fashionable look. Excessive-quality waterproof leather-based and grippy rubber outsoles allowed these sandals to simply sort out seashore walks, slick concrete stairs throughout a downpour in Costa Rica, boat rides, and even just a few impromptu hikes on rocky, uneven terrain in humid climate.
With strong arch help, well-cushioned midsoles, and a breathable design, our ft all the time felt comfy and funky, whatever the climate. We love how light-weight they’re, making them an incredible possibility for touring, pool days, or tossing in your seashore bag. And we respect how comfortable and high-quality the straps are, by no means rubbing or irritating our delicate pores and skin. Not requiring a break-in interval, these sandals are extremely versatile and look simply nearly as good on the seashore as they do at dinner.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers observe that these run a bit small. Nevertheless, we discovered our true dimension labored properly for us. If in between sizes, we propose sizing up.
Most Useful Perception
“I really like how fashionable and versatile these sandals are. I’ve by no means skilled a water-resistant sandal that was this enticing and carried out this properly. They simply dealt with miles on uneven terrain, sizzling and humid climate, and regarded fashionable sufficient to decorate up.” —Gabby A. Verywell Match product tester
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Key Specs
Sort: Sandal | Sizes: Ladies’s 6-15, Males’s 5-14 | Supplies: Artificial and neoprene higher, rubberized foam midsole, rubber outsole | Waterproof: Sure | Our General Ranking: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Greatest in case you prioritize consolation and practicality for seashore walks, mild hikes, tidepooling, and extra.
Why We Love Them
Hoka trainers are amongst our favorites, however the model additionally presents different footwear we love, corresponding to Hoka’s Hopara All-Terrain Sneakers. With an opulent foam midsole that appears like strolling on clouds, these footwear saved us comfy and supported all through an extended hike that ended at a waterfall. The higher feels safe, due to a quick-lace system that gives an much more locked-in really feel. Plus, it has loads of cutouts for airflow and drainage if you end up strolling by means of water.
Throughout testing, we seen that additional cushioning within the heel makes transitions from grass to concrete seamless and shock-free. It feels fairly springy, serving to us roll into our subsequent stride effortlessly. We additionally seen that these sandals present strong arch help, serving to to stop foot fatigue. And we respect the rubber toe cap and sticky outsole (with massive lugs) for added safety in opposition to particles and stability on slick surfaces.
Potential Flaws
- These sandals are extremely comfortable and supportive, however they don’t seem to be essentially the most aesthetically pleasing or fashionable possibility in the marketplace.
Most Useful Perception
“The soles of the sandals have been very cushioned and had nice arch help. The squishy sole of the sandal is what made these sandals so comfy to stroll in.” —Rachel M., Verywell Match product tester
Verywell Match/Rachel Marek
What to Look For When Searching for Sneakers for Seashore Strolling
- Supplies: Your footwear will get moist and sandy when strolling on the seashore, so select a pair produced from waterproof, quick-drying, and easy-to-clean supplies, says Duran. Suppose synthetics, like neoprene and rubber, which give higher sturdiness and safety, says Pinker. Each specialists additionally recommend prioritizing breathable footwear that provide versatile help on the sand. Investing in high-quality seashore footwear will assist them final by means of a whole summer time season and past, says Pinker.
- Waterproofing: Select waterproof footwear that will not weigh you down or let your ft sit too lengthy in moisture (which may trigger blisters, micro organism, foot fungus, and different points). Waterproof seashore strolling footwear even have higher traction for navigating slippery rocks or uneven sand.
- Dimension: Your footwear ought to match snugly however not be too tight. Pinker recommends that the tip of your longest toe be about one centimeter from the tip of the shoe. To make sure the most effective match, measure your ft and discuss with the model’s dimension chart earlier than making a purchase order. In case you’re not sure, sticking to your normal exercise shoe dimension is a secure wager, says Duran.
- Grippy Outsoles: Correct traction is essential in stopping slips and falls, says Pinker. Choose footwear with versatile rubber outsoles that present grip on numerous terrains. You may navigate packed sand, rocks, and shells close to the water, which may create uneven surfaces, says Duran. And farther from the shoreline, the sand tends to be softer and deeper. Subsequently, footwear that provide each flexibility and traction will make it easier to transfer extra simply and securely.
Verywell Match / Stacey Wegner
How We Examined the Sneakers for Seashore Strolling
To search out the most effective footwear for seashore strolling, we first consulted specialists for steering on what options to search for when procuring. Then, we examined dozens of footwear from top-rated manufacturers throughout our day by day routines (and holidays!). When testing, we consider every shoe based mostly on the next key standards.
- Match: After unboxing the footwear, we consider their match. We decide in the event that they run true to dimension or in the event that they really feel too tight or too free. We additionally verify if our toes or heels lengthen past the shoe’s edge and whether or not our ft really feel safe or like they’re sliding inside. Lastly, we evaluation any sizing steering supplied by the producer to see whether it is correct and useful.
- Cushioning: After we first attempt on the footwear, we ask ourselves if the cushioning feels inflexible or comfortable and plush. Is there enough cushioning within the heel and arch? Is the higher padded? We additionally observe if the cushioning stays constant all through the testing interval. We choose footwear with ample cushioning to help our ft throughout out of doors actions.
- Traction: Sneakers designed for out of doors use on uneven terrain will need to have grippy traction. We check the footwear on numerous surfaces, together with concrete, grass, gravel, dust, and sand. We additionally consider the footwear in moist and dry circumstances. We think about whether or not we really feel steady and safe on every floor. The footwear on our checklist all have dependable traction.
- Consolation: We put on every shoe a number of instances, taking note of whether or not it feels mild and easy or heavy and ponderous. We monitor for any blisters or sizzling spots and observe if the fabric feels comfortable in opposition to the pores and skin. We additionally verify if the straps are comfy or in the event that they pinch at any level. Breathability is one other key issue—do the footwear hold our ft cool and sweat-free? We prioritize footwear that provide lasting consolation throughout prolonged put on.
- Sturdiness: Out of doors footwear are solely well worth the funding if they will final. To evaluate the sturdiness of every shoe, we first get a way of the standard of the supplies, design, and development. All through the testing interval, we be sure that the standard stays intact. On the finish of the testing interval, we observe any uncommon put on and tear, corresponding to fraying or tearing. Did the footwear maintain on to odor? Are they straightforward to scrub?
- Worth: Lastly, we wait to look at the worth of every shoe till the testing interval is full. Then, contemplating every of the above-tested key classes, we think about whether or not we expect the worth is affordable. We embrace solely these footwear that we might personally purchase at full worth and advocate to family and friends.
Verywell Match
Our Consultants
We consulted two specialists to uncover the important thing options to search for in high-quality seashore strolling footwear. In addition they suggested us on which varieties of footwear to keep away from and shared useful security tricks to improve the seashore strolling expertise.
- Bruce Pinker, DPM, podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon in New York Metropolis
- Nicholas Duran, NASM, CPT, private coach and yoga trainer in Los Angeles
Continuously Requested Questions
Is it higher to stroll on the seashore with or with out footwear?
Sneakers present added help and traction, defending your ft from rocks, shells, and different objects, Pinker says. However in case you favor to stroll barefoot, he says that so long as you’re conscious of the dangers and take the required precautions, you are able to do so successfully and safely.
What footwear must you put on when strolling on the seashore?
A snug, supportive, and versatile shoe produced from mild, sturdy supplies (like neoprene and mesh) that dry shortly will make it easier to get essentially the most out of shoreline strolls.
What footwear do not sink in sand?
Water footwear, waterproof sneakers, and supportive seashore or quick-dry sandals are all good decisions for seashore strolling, as they’re much less prone to sink into the sand like typical footwear. Search for footwear with strong arch help and a large toe field, which is able to assist your toes naturally splay as you stroll on uneven, sandy terrain.
Why Belief Verywell Match
An authorized private coach, Verywell Match author, and runner, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, CNC, recurrently researches the newest and greatest in lively footwear. When strolling the seashores of California, she prefers a minimalist, zero-drop shoe with good traction. For this information, she prioritized strolling footwear from reliable manufacturers which are sturdy, secure, and versatile for numerous seashore settings and foot sorts. To incorporate the most effective choices, she reviewed insights from our specialists and the Verywell Match testing workforce.
Further reporting contributed by Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, and Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT
Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified train physiologist and Verywell Match health author. Jen has been within the health trade for over 25 years. She recurrently holidays on seashores the place she enjoys strolling and working alongside the shore and is aware of what to search for in a very good pair of seashore footwear.
Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and household therapist, runner, and the affiliate editor for Verywell Match. Whether or not specializing in exercise gear, attire, or different merchandise, she’s devoted to offering suggestions based mostly on thorough analysis and testing. For this text, she hands-on examined our decide for Greatest Ladies’s Sandal.