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The best beach sandals for every summer outing, according to style experts
Finding the best beach sandals for your summer plans? A non-negotiable when it comes to a truly relaxing getaway. No matter how chic your summer seasonal wardrobe may be looking, there's nothing like broken straps, massive blisters and perpetually damp footbeds to make you re-evaluate just about everything.
Whether you're drawn to trendy yet nostalgic jelly sandals, effortless slides, chic flip-flops or supportive platforms, you've come to the right place for all stylish summer footwear needs. Ahead, we've consulted stylists and shoe designers on what they look for in a great pair of beach sandals, along with some of their top picks.
Birkenstock Women's Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals
The most popular recommendation from our experts, these water-friendly shoes are available in both men's and women's sizing. They're practical, comfortable, lightweight and truly have it all.
Birkenstock Men's Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals
'I've had a pair of these for nearly ten years — the same pair,' said fashion stylist and writer Corina Gaffey. 'They just last and are so durable, wipe clean and easy to slide on,' she explained. 'You get the lovely Birkenstock aesthetic but in a beach-safe material.'
Havaianas Aqua Sandals
Made from rubber and PVC, Nancy Schuster, a fashion stylist, brand and image consultant loves these classic yet stylish waterproof sandals that are great for beach parties and relaxing by the water. 'The brand's signature textured 'rice pattern' on the footbeds helps prevent slipping,' she Women's Friday Slides
Bombas makes some of our favorite socks, and its footwear shouldn't be overlooked either. 'I love how clean and lightweight these are,' stylist and fashion brand consultant Ashley Afriyie said.
Bombas Men's Friday Slides
Sometimes rubber beach sandals can be a little heavy, Afriyie said, but these waterproof slides are easy to clean, pack away and overall no fuss.
Ancient Greek Sandals Eleftheria Jelly Sandals
'With both fisherman sandals and jelly shoes trending, a pair of jelly sandals combines both worlds while being super cute and nostalgic,' Gaffey said. She recommends Ancient Greek Sandals for a refined and practical take on the trend. The brand has tons of different jelly sandals and flats, many of which are available in fun colors.
Crocs Miami Toe Loop Sandal
For those who prioritize comfort but still want a flattering shape, Lindsey Bernay, a fashion expert, stylist, and author of 'You Can't Leave the House Naked, recommends this simple, lightweight and easy-to-wear style. Beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw tested them, and while she found them too flat for all-day wear, she thought they were a great pick for vacation since the versatile style can be dressed up or our reviewHavaianas Women's Slim Flip-Flops
'I feel like it's really on the 'it-girl's' summer must-have lists,' Kathryn Hamed, a fashion stylist and creative consultant, said of Havianas' classic flip-flops. Both she and Linda Cui Zhang, associate fashion director at Nordstrom, recommend the fashion-forward square toe style.
Havaianas Men's Top Flip-Flops
'What's great about simple, black flip-flops is that they're so versatile, lightweight and cool,' Gaffey said. Several of our stylists recommend Havaianas when it comes to the ultimate flip-flops brand.
Tkees Square Toe Lily
A favorite brand of both Jamie Lewis, a personal stylist based in New York City, and Hamed, Tkees is second to none when it comes to effortlessly chic, minimalist sandals that don't sacrifice on comfort. 'I've worn these for years — by the pool, out to dinner, even styled for clients' streetwear looks,' Hamed said. 'They're a great basic to have on hand all summer long.' Lewis recommends the Lily sandals, which are available in 11 different nude 'Ohana Women's Water-Friendly Sandals
'If you're looking for a minimal design but also need arch support — these sandals are for you,' Lewis said. They're simple and sleek while still providing the all-day comfort you need.
OluKai 'Ohana Men's Water-Friendly Beach Sandals
The contoured footbeds and traction soles keep feet steady even when navigating slippery docks or through the sand. The flip-flops come in over 20 colors for men and women.
Reformation Jessie Thong Sandals
Hamed loves these chic leather sandals, which provide a great pop of color to any beach outfit. 'I styled them for a recent editorial shoot,' she said. 'They photographed wonderfully and the model called out how comfortable the style was.'
Sam Edelman Dean Jelly Flip-Flops
'With their jelly soles and translucent pink toppers, these are a refreshing take on classic flip-flops,' said on-air fashion expert and stylist Cindy Conroy. 'They're ideal for beachgoers who want no-fuss sandals that can stand up to everything from waves to boardwalks.'
Frankie4 Willow Sandals
These simple yet stylish slip-on shoes boast really impressive support. According to Gabrielle Thompson, director of footwear at Frankie4, they're designed to feel refined enough for resort wear, but equally at-home poolside or on the sand. 'Pair them with linen pants, a throw-on dress or even your swimsuit and an oversized shirt,' she said. 'They're the kind of piece that instantly pulls a summer look together.'
André Assous Ramy Sandal
Hamed is a big fan of André Assous' raffia sandals, all of which embody the ease and effortless style of summer fashion without sacrificing on comfort. This versatile style is perfect for just slipping on or dressing up.
Archies Unisex Arch Support Slides
Schuster recommends these podiatrist-designed shoes for anyone in need of maximum shock absorption and comfort after a long day of walking or aquatic adventures. Available in both men's and women's sizes, they're durable, lightweight and feature a slight heel elevation to reduce strain on your calves and Achilles tendon.
Vince Barcelona Jelly Cage Mule in Red
We can't get enough of jelly sandals, and this pair of mules is perfect for the beach and beyond. Zhang loves the playful pop of red these bring to any summer outfit, and recommends wearing them with a striped poplin shirt and denim shorts.
Steve Madden Hadyn Tortoise Sandals
'These fashion-forward sandals play well with denim shorts or even a swim cover-up,' Bernay said. 'The tortoise detail makes these feel luxe,' even though they're available at a wallet-friendly Women's Original Universal Slim Sandals
According to Lewis, Tevas have made a comeback. 'I love them for anyone looking for something durable,' she said. 'They're great for moms with little kids — and who might be walking near the rocks with their kids — who also want to be stylish.' This style features slimmer straps than the Original.
Teva Men's Original Universal Sandals
Teva makes our best-tested hiking sandals, so it makes sense that the brand has beach-ready sandals too. The Original Universal Sandals have a simple profile, easy hook-and-loop closure and cushioned soles.
Cole Haan Grandprø Daylin Wedge Triple Strap Sandals
Beach sandals don't always have a reputation of being the most stylish shoes, but Afriyie loves how fashionable, well-made and versatile this pair is. 'The grips on the shoe are very practical for a rocky beach adventure,' she said.
André Assous Pepper Sole Motion Sandals
'Designed for all-day active beachgoers, these shoes will take you from sandy shores to the city streets,' Schuster said. The wide criss-cross leather straps are adjustable, breathable and easy to keep clean. 'The shoe moves with your foot,' she said, and makes it feel 'like you're walking on a cloud.'
Arizona Love Trekky Leopard Print
Gaffey called Arizona Love 'the originator of making trekking sandals look cool.' In addition to this leopard print option, she has a pair that's encrusted with pearls. 'If you're looking for a more stylish option with function, these are the ones,' she said.
Naturalizer Soul Poppi Wedge Sandals
Conroy loves the blush hue of these wedge sandals, which she described as 'coastal grandma chic.' The contoured memory foam insoles, different width options and velcro straps make for a perfect all-in-one pair of vacation shoes.
Stuart Weitzman Cece Slides
Afriyie described this pair of sandals as 'perfect for an evening on the beach boardwalk.' While they're on the more fashionable side, she said they're easy to wear and still feel appropriate for the more laid back beach-related activities.
Dolce Vita Brinn Sandals
'Polished yet beach-appropriate, these are a personal favorite for their raffia texture and neutral tone,' Bernay said. 'They're ideal for going from the beach to brunch, especially when paired with a cotton dress and wide-brim hat.'
Dolce Vita Kittle Sandals
If you love your flip-flops but need something a bit dressier, Zhang recommends these sandals. 'The minimalist silhouette makes it an effortless wardrobe staple,' she said.
Salt Water Retro Sandals
Larroudé Milan Slides
If you're going for an elevated poolside vibe, Bernay recommends these slides. 'They look chic with everything from a one-piece swimsuit to linen trousers,' she said, and 'are perfect for an all-day adventure that calls for a versatile shoe.' There are a couple key components to a great pair of beach sandals. The first is water-resistance and overall durability. 'It needs to handle splashes, salt and sand without losing its shape or finish,' Thompson said. This means looking for sandals made from materials that dry quickly if they're not actually waterproof or water-resistant themselves.
You'll also want a sandal that has a secure fit and some type of slip resistance or traction, which is particularly important if you're going to be traversing potentially slippery surfaces like wet sand, boardwalks or rocks. 'While you want them easy to slip on and off, they shouldn't slide around too much, especially if you plan on walking a fair distance,' said Schuster.
Another element to keep in mind is versatility. 'The perfect pair should match your swimsuit but can also be worn for a sunset dinner,' Gaffey said. Lewis advises her clients to opt for sandals with a minimal design, which will be easiest to simply pull out of your bag and pair with different bathing suits. Colorful shoes are fine, she said, but opting for something sleek and simple will make it easier to style no matter what your beach trip entails.
And of course, a good pair of beach sandals should balance comfort and support with style. 'You'll likely be walking a lot, so look for adequate cushioning, appropriate arch support if needed and straps that don't chafe,' Schuster said.
There are tons of different types of beach shoes, easy flip-flops and slides, supportive sport or athletic sandals, dressy beach sandals and water-friendly shoes — just to name a few. When it comes to choosing the best ones for you, our experts recommend starting by considering your ideal beach day.
'Think about your destination and agenda,' Bernay said. Gaffey recommends asking yourself whether you're more of a lounger or an explorer, and how much walking you're going to be doing. 'If it's only to the bar and back or just wandering to the waves, you can lean into more style than support,' she said, recommending sleek leather slides or flip-flops. 'But if you're going to rack up sandy miles, it's best to find a pair of sandals that are comfortable and cushioned so you don't end up with blisters.'
Similarly, if you're going to be in and out of the water, you'll want to prioritize truly waterproof shoes. But for something a bit more versatile, consider a piece that 'can transition to evenings and nights après beach,' Conroy said.
The following FAQs have been answered by stylists Ashley Afriyie, Lindsey Bernay, Cindy Conroy, Corina Gaffey, Kathryn Hamed, Jamie Lewis, Nancy Schuster, Linda Cui Zhang and footwear designer Gabrielle Thompson.
What is the best material for beach sandals?
What is the best material for beach sandals?
'Think lightweight, durable and water-resistant,' Gaffey said. 'Look for EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), rubber or PU foam, as they are all quick-drying and able to withstand sand, sea, sun cream and sun.' In addition to those materials, Schuster added that synthetic straps, particularly those made from polyester, nylon or neoprene are good options. 'They dry quickly, are resistant to water damage and are relatively durable,' she said.
Generally speaking, you'll want to steer clear of anything delicate and made of suede or traditional leather, Gaffey said, as these have a higher chance of staining or warping from the heat or water. If you're in need of a dressier option, Thompson recommends sandals made with water-resistant leather. Unlike traditional leather, it doesn't stiffen or crack when it gets wet. 'It's durable, dries quickly and still looks beautiful after wear,' she said.
Are Birkenstocks good beach sandals?
Are Birkenstocks good beach sandals?
It depends on the type of Birkenstock. If you're going to be bouncing in and out of the water or taking part in any aquatic activities, our experts recommend avoiding the traditional Birkenstocks with cork footbeds. This type of footbed — along with the suede or leather top part of the shoes — are not designed to get wet, Schuster said. 'Saltwater and prolonged moisture will degrade the cork, ruin the leather or suede and likely cause them to crack, stain or fall apart,' she said. A great alternative would be the water-friendly Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA, which many of our experts recommend.
If you're partaking in beach activities that don't involve water, traditional Birkenstocks can be a fine option. Conroy recommends them if 'ankle stability is a must-have, especially if you're going up and down uneven sandy beach terrain.' Hamed enjoys the brand's big buckle styles as an easy option to slip on and off, though she notes that the sandals' buckles do tend to heat up in the sun.
Are Crocs considered beach sandals?
Are Crocs considered beach sandals?
While experts are split on how stylish Crocs are, the clogs make great beach sandals for a couple reasons. Croslite, the brand's proprietary material, is waterproof, buoyant and easy to clean. 'Their design — perforations for drainage, easy slip-on style, good traction — makes them highly practical for walking on sand, by the water and on wet surfaces like boardwalks or concrete around pools,' Schuster said. And of course, the brand's signature cushioning and comfortable fit is more than welcome when you're spending a long summer's day outside.
If you're opting for the classic clog, both Gaffey and Bernay said that the style is making a comeback — even amongst celebrities. On a hot day, Conroy recommends more beach-friendly slides, flip-flops, toe loops or strappy sandals. 'Clogs don't equal fun in the sun,' she said. 'Your feet will roast — and they trap sand — so save that for the campfire and instead look for options that allow your feet to breathe.'
For this article, we consulted the following stylists to gain their professional insights:
Ashley Afriyie, a stylist and fashion brand consultant
Lindsey Bernay, a fashion expert, stylist, and author of 'You Can't Leave the House Naked'
Cindy Conroy, an on-air fashion expert and stylist
Corina Gaffey, a fashion stylist and writer
Kathryn Hamed, a fashion stylist and creative consultant
Jamie Lewis, a personal stylist based in New York City
Nancy Schuster, a fashion stylist, brand and image consultant
Gabrielle Thompson, director of footwear at Frankie4
Linda Cui Zhang, associate fashion director at Nordstrom
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, Noelle Ike interviewed fashion experts about the best beach sandals. She has previously written other shoe shopping guides, including a review about Allbirds shoes and roundups on the best ballet flats and best loafers.
