Wait, When Did Beach Shoes Get So Good?
Prepping for the beach can be a tricky task if you’re not so prepared but, in reality, you only need a few essentials; a durable beach bag for your goodies, a large towel for catching sun rays, and a nice pair of beach shoes.
With the sneaker world and its audience way more open-minded, I've realized that shopping for the best beach shoes also means coming face-to-face with some of the best footwear on the market right now. Even Nike has decided to switch things up and turn some of the retro silhouettes into summer-ready slides.
The best beach footwear should embellish your tranquil atmosphere, but also be comfortable enough to ensure you’re making the most of your day off. With all the technology being implemented into shoes these days it’s no surprise the best beach shoes for men and women come decked out with molded footbeds, and energy-saving midsoles.
Above all, the best shoes for the beach need to be tough enough to withstand long contact with sand and the sun. Luckily for us, some of our favorite brands are putting out options that fit this bill and look fire, including KEEN, Suicoke, and Birkenstock. I'm so here for it.
Scroll for the best beach shoes on the market right now.
Vans Amzn Pacu
While it's best known for its vulcanized skate shoes, Vans has a lot more in its locker. For example, it offers these highly-futuristic slip-on shoes with holes carved out in the upper for added ventilation.
Merrell Hydro Moc AT Cage 1TRL
Merrell's futuristic-looking amphibious shoe, the Hydro Moc, got even more functional with this upgraded variation. The Hydro Moc AT Cage 1TRL includes a resilient and water-friendly EVA foam cage upper along with a BLOOM performance foam midsole. These will serve you well at the beach, both in and out of the water.
Bottega Veneta Plat Intreccio Sandals
Bottega Veneta's crisscrossed intreccio pattern can mostly be found on its bags, but it looks equally as good on a pair of slides. These sandals, which are made in Italy, are the type of compact sandals that won't take up too much space in your beach bag or luggage.
MCM x Crocs Belt Bag Clog White
You thought we could bring you a curation of beach shoes without a pair of Crocs? Absolutely not. This pair comes from the brand's collaboration with MCM and has a mini version of the luxury house's belt bag strapped onto the front. I guess that not only makes this a beach shoe but a beach bag too.
Nike Jordan Crater Slides
Your standard pair of Jordan sneakers aren't going to be much use at the beach but, fortunately, Nike's basketball-oriented subline has highly-comfortable slides to choose from. Crafted from soft, flexible foam cushioning, the slides have a hook-and-loop strap that runs along the top of the foot to dial in the best fit possible.
HOKA ORA LUXE
Like its line of chunky all-terrain sneakers, the Ora slide is geared toward providing all-day comfort. This pair is made specifically for recovering after intense or moderate training but why not make the most of the sandal's comfort for beach trips?
Teva Universal Trail Sandal
This isn't just a sandal that can handle days at the beach but it'll also have you covered if you decide to venture off-road. Featuring a sawtooth Vibram® Megagrip outsole and adjustable straps on the upper, the Universal Trail is made for (you guessed it) hiking trails.
Keen x United Arrows Uneek
There’s a reason why dads and older folks prefer the Uneek over other summer shoes and the answer lies in the shoe's supportive footbed that’s anatomically designed to provide lasting support. Along with the secure-fit lacing system, these sandals are also outfitted with the brand’s anti-odor technology. Practical details aside, this pair comes in collaboration with the Japanese label United Arrows which is responsible for the minimal colorway.
Birkenstock Mayari Suede Leather
Birkenstock’s are pretty much unmatched when it comes to getting the best for your buck. This luxurious update arrives in a monochromatic finish with premium leather throughout the upper.
Suicoke Moto-Cab-Pt02
We couldn’t possibly have a beach shoe round-up without mentioning the Japanese cult brand Suicoke. Well known for its summer-ready footwear, the Moto-Cab sandals are one of the brand's best sellers and come bearing lightweight Vibram outsoles and adjustable velcro straps.
KEEN Shanti
The Shanti comes with Keen’s anti-odor finish but is packaged in a full EVA upper. The textured footbed lightly massages your feet while providing arch support all day long.
adidas Adilette 22 Slides
While it’s still uncertain whether Ye’s YEEZY slides were the inspiration behind the new Adilette silhouette, we can certainly enjoy the similarities and the chunky sole.
Y-3 Slides
Y-3's chunky sandal is a conversation starter. The oversized silhouette features a supportive outsole that even the toughest orthopedist can love.
Crocs Pollex Clog
The divisive Crocs clog, here in its finest form courtesy of the ongoing collaboration with Salehe Bembury, continues to be sold out with every release. We've chosen the 'Urchin' colorway here, and if you're looking for more Crocs inspiration, Questlove's 'fits are a good starting point.
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