Heading to the beach for a sandy stroll can quickly become a hassle without the right footwear—think waterlogged sneakers that fall apart or itchy debris that makes your shoes uncomfortable. Fortunately, the best beach walking shoes can significantly enhance your beach workouts, says podiatrist Bruce Pinker, DPM. Plus, spending time by the water offers numerous mental, emotional, and physical benefits, making beach walking an excellent low-impact exercise, adds certified personal trainer Nicholas Duran, NASM, CPT.
To find the best shoes for beach walking, we first consulted experts to learn more about what key features to look for. Pinker suggests looking for a comfortable, supportive, quick-drying pair that is fully waterproof and easy to clean. With our experts’ guidance, we tested dozens of pairs of shoes in our daily routines. We evaluated each option based on fit, comfort, cushioning, traction, durability, and value to find the top options on the market.
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Key Specs
Type: Sneaker | Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (medium, wide), Men’s 7-15 (medium, wide, extra-wide) | Materials: Synthetic upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Waterproof: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best if you need a sneaker’s full coverage and support for walking or running on the sand.
Why We Love Them
For maximum support on the sand, we recommend New Balance’s Fresh Foam Arishi v4 GTX Running Shoes. They feature the cushioning and support typically found in a regular athletic sneaker, along with complete waterproofing (thanks to the GORE-TEX upper). We tested these in various wet conditions, including a downpour, on wet grass, and in 90-degree rainy weather. Our workout socks and feet stayed completely dry on all adventures.
These shoes fit true to size, with a wide toe box allowing your toes to splay naturally for added stability. We also appreciate that they’re available in wide widths to cater to different foot shapes. On test walks and runs, we found that the full-length foam midsole offers a bouncy cushion and reliable support. These are some of the most comfy waterproof sneakers we’ve ever tested. Plus, the rubber outsole proved grippy on slick surfaces. We never felt unstable or unsafe on wet grass, concrete, or rocks. And we love how easy these are to clean.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and New Balance.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers note that these tend to run small.
Most Valuable Insight
“These shoes were great at keeping my feet dry and made outdoor activities more enjoyable when it was raining.” —Stacey W., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Type: Sandal | Sizes: Women’s 5-12 | Materials: Recycled plastic and polyester upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Waterproof: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best if you’re looking for a versatile walking sandal that can take you from the beach to brunch.
Why We Love Them
Teva’s Women’s Tirra Sandals feature three adjustable straps, allowing for a secure, custom-like fit. The hook-and-loop closures on all three straps make for quick and easy adjustments, so they’re never too tight or too loose. We appreciate that these shoes are made from quick-drying materials and a peppermint-based anti-odor treatment, keeping our feet dry and odor-free. The midsole provides light cushioning and arch support, complemented by a contoured footbed that felt comfortable from the moment we put the shoes on.
During testing, we found that additional padding in the heel helps absorb shock and puts a spring in our step (almost mimicking the feel of a sneaker). The straps are lined with neoprene foam to prevent harsh edges or seams from digging into the skin. One tester with plantar fasciitis noted that they had no flare-ups while wearing these. Plus, they proved stable and durable on all terrains and weather conditions.
Potential Flaws
- These shoes aren’t completely waterproof, but we had no issues with getting our feet wet thanks to the quick-drying, anti-odor materials.
Most Valuable Insight
“These are definitely durable shoes that will last me for more than a summer’s worth of long walks and normal wear during the day.” —Jodi E., Verywell Fit product tester
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The Teva Tirra Sandals feel well-made, offer good arch support, and have foam midsoles that easily conform to the feet.
Credit: Verywell Fit / Katie Tuttle
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This sandal has three adjustable straps and is very easy to maintain, only requiring a quick wipe or hose down to fully refresh.
Credit: Verywell Fit / Katie Tuttle
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Key Specs
Type: Sandal | Sizes: Women’s 4-12.5, Men’s 4-16.5 | Materials: Nubuck leather upper, microfiber and foam midsole, rubber outsole | Waterproof: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Best if you need a stable walking sandal for both outdoor adventures and daily wear.
Why We Love Them
Uneven, soft sand requires shoes that provide stability and prevent ankle rolling. ECCO’s Women’s Yucatan Sport Sandals are designed to meet this need with a thick sole and firm cushioning. Although the sole is more rigid than other options, providing added sturdiness, it still bends and flexes with our feet on uneven terrains, including concrete, grass, sand, and gravel. The three neoprene-lined, easy-to-adjust straps ensure a secure, locked-in fit.
During testing, we noticed that a mild curve in the outsole facilitated smooth transitions. Additionally, the sandals offered solid arch support, keeping us comfortable and preventing foot fatigue. The insole’s microfiber lining feels exceptionally soft, with no chafing. And even when we got these sandals super dirty, they proved easy to clean with a simple wipe-down using a Magic Eraser.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon.
Potential Flaws
- During warm-weather walks, we noticed that our feet became a bit hot and sweaty. If you’re prone to sweaty feet, you might want to consider a more moisture-wicking sandal.
Most Valuable Insight
“There’s a great amount of stability in these when I’m walking (from the moment my foot picks up off the ground to the moment the top of my foot touches the floor). There’s a good amount of curve on the bottom of the shoes, which does a decent job when I’m walking on different surfaces.” —Stella Y., Verywell Fit product tester
Verywell Fit/Tatiana Kennedy
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Drainage holes in the sole
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Sock-like fit with great arch support
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Convenient slip-on design
Key Specs
Type: Sneaker | Sizes: Men’s 7-16, Women’s 5.5-11 | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Waterproof: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Best for diving into swimming, trekking through trails, strolling on the beach, and any other adventure where your feet are bound to be drenched.
Why We Love Them
If you’ll be spending plenty of time in the water, investing in shoes that protect your feet is a smart choice. Doussprt’s Quick Drying Water Shoes feature a durable rubber outsole to shield against rocks and broken shells. We tested these shoes in wet weather conditions, on slick terrains, and during daily activities. They offer a sock-like fit and surprisingly good arch support for their lightweight design. And the mesh upper and holes in the sole allow for quick drainage and fast drying when you’re out of the water.
We were pleasantly surprised by the mesh upper’s support in both wet and dry conditions. We also appreciated the minimal design, which makes it easy to tuck these shoes into our backpack pocket for convenient transport to and from the beach. The rubber soles provide reliable traction on most slippery surfaces, although we did experience some slight slipping on wet grass during testing. These shoes have quickly become our go-to for outdoor activities and offer great value for the price.
Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon.
Potential Flaws
- We didn’t notice any wear and tear during testing, but we did note that the lightweight mesh fabric might not hold up beyond one or two seasons with heavy use.
Most Valuable Insight
“The shoes do little to repel water, instead opting for quick drying as evidenced by the materials used and the design, like the open spots in the soles. Any water absorbed is quickly expelled, so you aren’t left with a waterlogged weight around your foot.” —Steven S., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Type: Slide | Sizes: Unisex 4-15 | Materials: Foam | Waterproof: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Best for wearers looking for a lightweight, easy-to-put-on shoe for daily beach walking.
Why We Love Them
Sometimes, a simple, easy-to-slip-on slide is all you need. Crocs’ Mellow Recovery Slides are ideal for beachcombing and offer excellent comfort for your feet and legs during long walks or after a tiring day. Their seamless design prevents irritation, blisters, and hot spots. We appreciated their durability and quality, which held up throughout testing. And the open, breathable design with side cutouts kept our feet cool.
During testing, we found the foam so cushy that it felt like walking on a cloud. The slides molded comfortably to the shape of our feet, making them incredibly relaxing to put on after a long day. They’re also reasonably priced and come in several colors, making it easy to add multiple pairs to your wardrobe. We also appreciated that the foam outsole is slightly grippy and ridged, providing added traction to ensure you stay steady on your feet, regardless of the terrain.
Potential Flaws
- The chunky style makes these slides a bit bulky, but we still found them incredibly lightweight and airy to walk with.
Most Valuable Insight
“These slides are very well-cushioned. The whole bed of the shoe is made from a thick foam and there is additional cushioning in the arch which is really nice since I have flat feet.” —Britney J., Verywell Fit product tester
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Credit: Verywell Fit / Britney Johnson
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Credit: Verywell Fit / Britney Johnson
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Key Specs
Type: Sandal | Sizes: Men’s 7-15 | Materials: Recycled polyester upper, synthetic midsole, rubber outsole | Waterproof: No | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5
Who They’re For
Best for tackling activities that demand high traction or navigating extra slippery conditions.
Why We Love Them
KEEN’s Drift Creek H2 Water Sandals are our top pick for men’s sandals, thanks to their excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions. During testing, we climbed a slick, steep hill with full confidence and without slipping. The outsole is made of high-traction, non-marking rubber that also handles gravel, rocks, sand, and mud with ease. Not only do the shoes feel sturdy and durable, but the rubber toe bumper provides extra protection against stones and rough terrain.
We love that the sandals feature a slip-in design with a lace-lock bungee system that cinches snugly around your feet. A pull-tab on the heel makes them easy to put on. We noticed that the footbed is well-cushioned and offers solid arch support. Despite their durability, the sandals are lightweight and never feel bulky. We think these would be great for activities like paddle boarding, where enhanced traction on the board is essential.
Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- Water and sand tended to collect inside the toe bumper, requiring us to lift our feet to clear it out.
Most Valuable Insight
“The shoes gripped well, dry and wet. I was able to climb a steep hill without them slipping. I wouldn’t hesitate wearing them on a five-mile hike through water and sand.” —Ben A., Verywell Fit product tester
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Stylish, and can be dressed up or down
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Waterproof, with great traction on various terrains
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Lightweight, supportive, and breathable
Key Specs
Type: Sandal | Sizes: Women’s 6-13 | Materials: Waterproof leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Waterproof: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for those who want a lightweight, supportive, and highly versatile waterproof women’s sandal that can easily be dressed up or down.
Why We Love Them
Frankie4’s Isla Slide completely blew us away and easily earned a perfect score, thanks to its exceptional comfort, versatility, and very stylish appearance. Made with high-quality waterproof leather and grippy rubber outsoles, these sandals easily tackled beach walks, slick concrete stairs during a downpour in Costa Rica, boat rides, and even a few impromptu hikes on rocky, uneven terrain in humid weather.
With solid arch support, well-cushioned midsoles, and a breathable design, our feet always felt comfortable and cool, regardless of the weather. We love how lightweight they are, making them a great option for traveling, pool days, or tossing in your beach bag. And we appreciate how soft and high-quality the straps are, never rubbing or irritating our sensitive skin. Not requiring a break-in period, these are incredibly versatile sandals that look just as good on the beach as they do at dinner.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers note that these run a bit small. However, we found our true size worked well for us. If in between sizes, we suggest sizing up.
Most Valuable Insight
“I love how stylish and versatile these sandals are. I’ve never experienced a waterproof sandal that was this attractive and performed this well. They easily handled miles on uneven terrain, hot and humid weather, and looked stylish enough to dress up.” —Gabby A. Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Type: Sandal | Sizes: Women’s 6-15, Men’s 5-14 | Materials: Synthetic and neoprene upper, rubberized foam midsole, rubber outsole | Waterproof: Yes | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best if you prioritize comfort and practicality for beach walks, light hikes, tidepooling, and more.
Why We Love Them
Hoka running shoes are among our favorites, but the brand also offers other footwear we love, such as Hoka’s Hopara All-Terrain Shoes. With a plush foam midsole that feels like walking on clouds, these shoes kept us comfortable and supported throughout a long hike that ended at a waterfall. The upper feels secure, thanks to a quick-lace system that provides an even more locked-in feel. Plus, it has plenty of cutouts for airflow and drainage if you find yourself walking through water.
During testing, we noticed that extra cushioning in the heel makes transitions from grass to concrete seamless and shock-free. It feels quite springy, helping us roll into our next stride effortlessly. We also noticed that these sandals provide solid arch support, helping to prevent foot fatigue. And we appreciate the rubber toe cap and sticky outsole (with large lugs) for added protection against debris and stability on slick surfaces.
Potential Flaws
- These sandals are incredibly comfy and supportive, but they’re not the most aesthetically pleasing or stylish option on the market.
Most Valuable Insight
“The soles of the sandals were very cushioned and had great arch support. The squishy sole of the sandal is what made these sandals so comfortable to walk in.” —Rachel M., Verywell Fit product tester
Verywell Fit/Rachel Marek
What to Look For When Shopping for Shoes for Beach Walking
- Materials: Your shoes will get wet and sandy when walking on the beach, so choose a pair made from waterproof, quick-drying, and easy-to-clean materials, says Duran. Think synthetics, like neoprene and rubber, which provide better durability and protection, says Pinker. Both experts also suggest prioritizing breathable shoes that offer flexible support on the sand. Investing in high-quality beach shoes will help them last through an entire summer season and beyond, says Pinker.
- Waterproofing: Choose waterproof shoes that won’t weigh you down or let your feet sit too long in moisture (which can cause blisters, bacteria, foot fungus, and other issues). Waterproof beach walking shoes also have better traction for navigating slippery rocks or uneven sand.
- Size: Your shoes should fit snugly but not be too tight. Pinker recommends that the tip of your longest toe be about one centimeter from the end of the shoe. To ensure the best fit, measure your feet and refer to the brand’s size chart before making a purchase. If you’re unsure, sticking to your usual workout shoe size is a safe bet, says Duran.
- Grippy Outsoles: Proper traction is crucial in preventing slips and falls, says Pinker. Select shoes with flexible rubber outsoles that provide grip on various terrains. You’ll navigate packed sand, rocks, and shells near the water, which can create uneven surfaces, says Duran. And farther from the shoreline, the sand tends to be softer and deeper. Therefore, shoes that offer both flexibility and traction will help you move more easily and securely.
Verywell Fit / Stacey Wegner
How We Tested the Shoes for Beach Walking
To find the best shoes for beach walking, we first consulted experts for guidance on what features to look for when shopping. Then, we tested dozens of shoes from top-rated brands during our daily routines (and vacations!). When testing, we evaluate each shoe based on the following key criteria.
- Fit: After unboxing the shoes, we evaluate their fit. We determine if they run true to size or if they feel too tight or too loose. We also check if our toes or heels extend beyond the shoe’s edge and whether our feet feel secure or like they’re sliding inside. Lastly, we review any sizing guidance provided by the manufacturer to see if it is accurate and helpful.
- Cushioning: When we first try on the shoes, we ask ourselves if the cushioning feels rigid or soft and plush. Is there adequate cushioning in the heel and arch? Is the upper padded? We also note if the cushioning stays consistent throughout the testing period. We select shoes with ample cushioning to support our feet during outdoor activities.
- Traction: Shoes designed for outdoor use on uneven terrain must have grippy traction. We test the shoes on various surfaces, including concrete, grass, gravel, dirt, and sand. We also evaluate the shoes in wet and dry conditions. We consider whether we feel stable and secure on each surface. The shoes on our list all have reliable traction.
- Comfort: We wear each shoe multiple times, paying attention to whether it feels light and effortless or heavy and bulky. We monitor for any blisters or hot spots and note if the material feels soft against the skin. We also check if the straps are comfortable or if they pinch at any point. Breathability is another key factor—do the shoes keep our feet cool and sweat-free? We prioritize shoes that offer lasting comfort during extended wear.
- Durability: Outdoor shoes are only worth the investment if they’ll last. To assess the durability of each shoe, we first get a sense of the quality of the materials, design, and construction. Throughout the testing period, we ensure that the quality stays intact. At the end of the testing period, we note any unusual wear and tear, such as fraying or tearing. Did the shoes hold on to odor? Are they easy to clean?
- Value: Finally, we wait to examine the price of each shoe until the testing period is complete. Then, considering each of the above-tested key categories, we consider whether we think the price is reasonable. We include only those shoes that we would personally buy at full price and recommend to friends and family.
Verywell Fit
Our Experts
We consulted two experts to uncover the key features to look for in high-quality beach walking shoes. They also advised us on which types of footwear to avoid and shared valuable safety tips to enhance the beach walking experience.
- Bruce Pinker, DPM, podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon in New York City
- Nicholas Duran, NASM, CPT, personal trainer and yoga teacher in Los Angeles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to walk on the beach with or without shoes?
Sneakers provide added support and traction, protecting your feet from rocks, shells, and other objects, Pinker says. But if you prefer to walk barefoot, he says that as long as you’re aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions, you can do so effectively and safely.
What shoes should you wear when walking on the beach?
A comfortable, supportive, and flexible shoe made from light, durable materials (like neoprene and mesh) that dry quickly will help you get the most out of shoreline strolls.
What shoes don’t sink in sand?
Water shoes, waterproof sneakers, and supportive beach or quick-dry sandals are all good choices for beach walking, as they are less likely to sink into the sand like typical shoes. Look for shoes with solid arch support and a wide toe box, which will help your toes naturally splay as you walk on uneven, sandy terrain.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
A certified personal trainer, Verywell Fit writer, and runner, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, CNC, regularly researches the latest and best in active footwear. When strolling the beaches of California, she prefers a minimalist, zero-drop shoe with good traction. For this guide, she prioritized walking shoes from trustworthy brands that are durable, safe, and versatile for various beach settings and foot types. To include the best options, she reviewed insights from our experts and the Verywell Fit testing team.
Additional reporting contributed by Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, and Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT
Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and Verywell Fit fitness writer. Jen has been in the fitness industry for over 25 years. She regularly vacations on beaches where she enjoys walking and running along the shore and knows what to look for in a good pair of beach shoes.
Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, runner, and the associate editor for Verywell Fit. Whether focusing on workout gear, apparel, or other products, she’s dedicated to providing recommendations based on thorough research and testing. For this article, she hands-on tested our pick for Best Women’s Sandal.
