Beach shoes are a light and comfortable choice for vacation, the beach or the swimming pool. They combine effective protection for your feet with pleasant wearing comfort and often a modern design.
The best is yet to come:
Beach shoes (unlike swimming shoes) are versatile and can be worn for water sports as well as for a trip to the nearest beach restaurant.
No more bad purchases!
BeyondSurfing has reviewed over 37 beach shoes and presents you the best models 2024:
Content
- 1 These are the top 7 beach shoes for adults in 2024
- 2 These are the top 2 beach shoes for children in 2024
- 3 Buy beach shoes: How to make the right decision
- 4 FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about beach shoes
- 5 Conclusion: The most popular beach shoes reviewed
- 6 Specialist literature, sources & further links
In a hurry? Our favorite beach shoe:
- Pleasant wearing comfort and great feel
- Flexible and at the same time very resilient
- Very light and breathable
Beach shoes Checklist
- For what? Beach shoes are very light and comfortable footwear, especially in the summer months. They protect your feet without taking away the barefoot feeling.
- Area of application: beach shoes are versatile leisure shoes and can be worn not only on the beach
- Characteristics: Beach shoes should be breathable, quick-drying and suitable for use in water.
These are the top 7 beach shoes for adults in 2024
1. zhuanglin men’s aqua water shoes
Advantages
- Great wearing comfort
- Very light and breathable
- Beautiful design and different colors
Disadvantages
- Small stones can get stuck in the sole
- Shoes run large
Summary
The upper material of these slip-on beach shoes is a very light mesh that allows the foot to breathe. This material and the holes in the sole allow water to run off quickly and the shoe dries in a very short time.
The rubber sole is also very light and cushions movement well. The shoes offer the foot stability and still adapt to the foot when worn to ensure optimum comfort.
Product details
Material: Mesh | Sole: Rubber
Customer ratings
The shoes are consistently rated as very comfortable and are also visually appealing. The good breathability helps against both water and sweaty feet.
A full 6% are neutral about the product, while only 6% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
Small stones easily collect in the holes in the sole, making the shoes far less suitable for stony paths than for the beach or hard ground. They are also quite large.
FAQ
2. cressi unisex adult water sports shoes
Advantages
- Soft and elastic material
- Non-slip sole
- Additional reinforcement on toes and heels
Disadvantages
- Narrow fit, therefore not suitable for wide feet
- Sand penetrates through holes in the shoe
Summary
These slip-on beach shoes are made of plastic and an outer rubber layer that is very light and elastic. The soft material adapts flexibly to the foot.
The perforated surface supports air circulation in the shoe and allows water to run off quickly.
The robust sole is non-slip and stable. The toe and heel areas are additionally reinforced. The beach shoe is available in different colors.
Product details
Material: Plastic and rubber | Sole: Rubber
Customer ratings
The shoes are of good quality and made of soft, very comfortable material. Nevertheless, the sole is thick enough to protect against injuries caused by sharp objects. The fit and hold on the foot are also rated positively.
A full 9% are neutral about the product, while only 8% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
As the surface of the shoes is perforated, sand penetrates relatively easily. However, coarser pebbles or stones will keep the shoes off. The plastic material also makes your feet sweat quickly. The shoes have a narrow cut, making it difficult for wider feet to get into them.
FAQ
3. HMIYA beach shoes for men and women
Advantages
- Ultralight and breathable material
- Flexible sole
- Many color variations and patterns available
Disadvantages
- Not much support for the foot
- Very thin material is only partially durable
- Shoes run small
Summary
These beach shoes are made from a very light and breathable stretch material that dries very quickly. The smooth fabrics make the shoes easy to put on and take off and also make them compressible for transportation.
The rubber sole is abrasion and slip resistant. Despite its high flexibility, it still protects against sharp-edged objects or stones.
Attention: The shoes run small. If they fit a little looser or are to be worn with socks, always order one size larger.
Product details
Material: Synthetic | Sole: Rubber
Customer ratings
The beach shoes are very comfortable and can be worn with or without socks, as they fit well in both cases. The material dries very quickly.
A full 10% are neutral about the product, while only 12% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
There is hardly any support for the foot. The shoes are made of very thin material and are therefore only partially suitable for pebbly beaches or uneven terrain. This also has a negative impact on durability and wear resistance. The shoes also run very small and should be ordered one size larger.
FAQ
4. men’s Adidas Terrex Climacool water shoe
Advantages
- Breathable materials
- Laces to optimize the fit
- Design resembles a sneaker
Disadvantages
- Very narrow cut, therefore not suitable for wide feet
- Can slip off the foot
Summary
The upper material of these shoes is a mixture of textile material and mesh, which guarantees very good breathability. The sole offers stability and a good grip, and is also breathable. The soft padding makes the shoe comfortable to wear.
The beach shoes have a reinforced toe flap and a stretchy heel insert that ensures a perfect fit. The shoes have a narrow cut so that they sit well on the foot even without laces.
Product details
Material: Canvas and mesh | Sole: Rubber
Customer ratings
The shoes are very comfortable and can be worn all day long without any problems. They also dry very quickly. Visually, this model is more reminiscent of sneakers than beach shoes, which is also rated positively by most customers.
A full 18% are neutral about the product, while only 17% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
On the one hand, the shoes are a little big, but on the other hand they are very narrow. Finding the right size can therefore be difficult.
FAQ
5. unisex Aqua Sphere water shoes
No product found.
Advantages
- Perforated, removable insole
- Available in many colors and patterns
Disadvantages
- Sand gets into the shoe through the mesh fabric
Summary
The Aqua Sphere beach shoe, which is available in many colors and designs, impresses with its breathability, quick-drying material and comfort.
The mesh upper is soft and breathable. The thick outsole with additional rubber pads has very good grip even on wet and uneven surfaces.
Product details
Material: Mesh | Sole: EVA and rubber
Customer ratings
The beach shoes are rated as very comfortable by the vast majority of customers, as they are comfortable to wear, have a soft footbed and the feet do not sweat in the shoes. Due to their low price, they are a good idea for barefoot shoe beginners.
A full 7% are neutral about the product, while only 5% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
The mesh fabric lets sand into the shoe, which can be uncomfortable. The durability of the beach shoes is not very high, but this is considered acceptable by most customers in view of the low price.
FAQ
6. saguaro beach shoes for men and women
Advantages
- Quick lacing for easy on and off
- Elastic material adapts perfectly to the shape of the foot
- Many colors and designs available
Disadvantages
- Low durability
- Strong rubber odor before wearing for the first time
- Colors wash out quickly in salt water
Summary
These multifunctional beach shoes are suitable for many activities in and out of the water. They are characterized by their flexibility, softness and elasticity. In addition, the quick lacing in the form of an elastic band allows the shoe to be put on and taken off quickly and the fit to be individually adjusted.
The elastic sole is made of non-slip rubber and has 8 holes that allow water to drain away. This allows the shoes to dry quickly. The sole profile also offers good grip when walking or hiking.
The thin inner material hugs the foot like a second skin. It is quick-drying and breathable, which has a very positive effect on wearer comfort.
Product details
Material: neoprene and rubber outside, polyester and elastane inside | Sole: rubber
Customer ratings
With their thick soles, well-cushioned footbed and great flexibility, these beach shoes offer optimum safety and comfort. The material fits snugly around the foot and ensures a good fit and comfort, whether you’re running or swimming. The look is also very nice.
A full 4% are neutral about the product, while only 7% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
The sole came off for some customers after just a few wears and the fabric can tear easily. The durability of these beach shoes is therefore not very high. The slip resistance is also rated as poor by some customers.
FAQ
7. ultrapower flip on toe separators
Advantages
- Soft and flexible footbed
- Stable sole
- Versatile in use
Disadvantages
- Font falls off quickly
- Initially chemical odor
- Shoes run large
Summary
Whether as a comfortable alternative after sport, as bathing slippers or as beach shoes on vacation, these thong slippers are versatile.
The hard-wearing sole is non-slip and robust. The footbed is made of soft EVA foam and adapts flexibly to the foot. The straps and bridge are made from textile materials.
The timeless and stylish design is available in different colors.
Product details
Material: EVA foam and textile straps | Sole: Rubber
Customer ratings
The toe separators have a high-quality finish and are made from high-quality materials. They are comfortable even when walking for long periods and have a very pleasant footbed. They are also very light.
A full 7% are neutral about the product, while only 11% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
The shoes may have a strong chemical smell at first. They are large, which can lead to the toe separator sitting too far back. In addition, the writing falls off quickly, but this does not affect wearing comfort.
FAQ
These are the top 2 beach shoes for children in 2024
1. Crocs unisex children’s Swiftwater River K sandals
Advantages
- Material hugs the foot
- Robust and resistant
- Velcro fastener for individual size adjustment
Disadvantages
- Velcro fastener can chafe
- Are large
- Excessively high temperatures damage the material
Summary
These children’s sandals are made from the typical Crocs Croslite synthetic resin mix, which is very light and fits the foot perfectly. The material is also color-fast, so the different colors in which this shoe is available will stand out for a long time.
The Velcro fastener on the shoes allows them to be adjusted to the child’s foot and prevents the shoes from slipping.
Product details
Material: Rubber | Sole: Synthetic
Customer ratings
The shoes are comfortable and can be easily adjusted to the foot thanks to the Velcro fastener. The sole is non-slip. Overall, the shoes are easy to clean and are lightweight.
A full 5% are neutral about the product, while only 6% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
The Velcro fasteners on the shoe can rub against the feet. The sandals are also slightly large.
FAQ
2. beco unisex children’s beach shoes
Advantages
- comfortable and breathable neoprene
- Customizable fit
- Non-slip and stable sole
Disadvantages
- Seams can chafe
- Processing not optimal
- Shoes run large
Summary
These beach shoes for children are made from comfortable neoprene upper material that is breathable and quick-drying. Thanks to its high elasticity, it adapts very well to the foot. The fit can also be individually adjusted using the quick lacing system.
The non-slip tread sole protects children’s feet from injuries caused by sharp objects and allows them to play on the beach, lake and pool without the risk of slipping.
Product details
Material: Neoprene | Sole: Rubber
Customer ratings
The beach shoes are very light and are equally suitable for running and swimming. The lacing allows the fit to be individually adjusted and the shoe sits securely on the foot. The sole is non-slip and effectively protects children’s feet from injury.
A full 13% are neutral about the product, while only 16% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
The workmanship is sometimes poor and the seams in particular can chafe on the feet. Shoes are not so easy to put on in wet shoes. It should also be noted that they are large.
FAQ
More articles you might find interesting:
Buy beach shoes:
How to make the right decision
Beach shoes are not always just for the beach – and that’s exactly why you should make sure that the shoes you choose actually meet your requirements when you buy them. BeyondSurfing gives you useful tips on how to find the perfect pair of beach shoes.
What you need to consider when buying beach shoes (incl. Checklist)
Your ideal beach shoe is characterized by various features.
The most important features are
- Price
- Type and style
- Versatility
- Material
- Condition of the sole
- Extras
How much am I prepared to pay for quality?
The price range for beach shoes is very wide, from €10 to €150, which largely depends on the manufacturer.
Beach shoes from well-known sporting goods or shoe brands are characterized by their high quality. These include models from brands such as:
Adidas, Nike, Puma, Tommy Hilfiger, Birkenstock, Crocs, Cressi
But watch out: Cheaper beach shoes may already be sufficient for your purposes.
What type of beach shoe do you need?
Would you like to take long walks by the sea in your beach shoe, wear it for swimming and water sports or simply relax by the pool?
Different types of shoes are recommended depending on the requirements. The range extends from closed shoes to sandals and toe separators. There are even models with wedge heels if you need something fashionable for a beach party.
Typical areas of use and the recommended beach shoes are:
- Sandy beach: Choose shoes with wide straps and holes through which the sand can run off, or alternatively toe separators.
- Pebble beach: Here you need shoes with thicker soles and plenty of support to keep your feet well protected. The flexibility can be less.
- Shallow waters and calm lakes: Sandal-shaped beach shoes are particularly useful for shallow waters and calm lakes.
- Rough rivers or the sea with lots of corals and sea urchins: You need full protection for your feet. The beach shoes should therefore be closed and have a sturdy sole.
- Beach volleyball and other sports: Beach shoes must fit well and be flexible so as not to hinder movement. Also look for a high-quality footbed.
- Hiking over rough, uneven terrain: Solid sneakers are the best choice as they provide the necessary support when hiking.
- Pool or water park: The shoes must be non-slip, as the floors are usually wet. Open shoe models can be used without any problems, as there is no risk of sand getting in.
How versatile should beach shoes be?
Beach shoes are primarily worn on the beach. However, this does not rule out using them for other purposes. Especially on vacation, it is practical to have as versatile a pair of shoes as possible with you so that you have to carry fewer shoes overall.
You should therefore consider what you want to use the shoes for before you buy them:
If the beach shoes are also to be worn in a chic beach restaurant, for example, a stylish design plays a major role. If you are planning short hikes or river crossings, however, the shoes must be stable enough.
What material should the beach shoes be made of?
Each material has certain advantages and disadvantages. BeyondSurfing shows you in the following overview which materials are best suited for which purposes:
- Neoprene: One advantage of neoprene is its outstanding insulating properties, so feet stay warm even in colder water. Neoprene is also breathable and quick-drying. Shoes made from this material are generally very comfortable to wear.
- Rubber: The advantages of rubber beach shoes include their high flexibility, slip resistance and durability. On the other hand, such beach shoes are usually not individually adjustable to the foot, as there is no Velcro fastener or drawstring.
- Synthetic: Since synthetic is thicker than rubber or neoprene, the foot is very well protected. The synthetic shoes are also robust and hard-wearing, breathable and quick-drying.
- Mesh: Beach shoes with a mesh upper are exceptionally breathable and lightweight and also very quick-drying. However, mesh is less stable than other materials.
- Plastic: Plastic has the advantage of drying quickly and not letting water through, so your feet stay dry. However, it is not breathable and heats up quickly in the sun.
No matter what material the shoes are made of, the following characteristics should always be met by all beach shoes:
- Made for use in water
- Quick-drying
- Drain water well
- Breathable
- Antibacterial and antimicrobial
How should the sole of beach shoes be designed?
The sole can play a particularly important role in beach shoes, as it is crucial for their support and comfort.
If the shoes are to be worn in water or on wet surfaces, the sole needs a lot of grip to protect you from slipping. The shoes should also provide good balance when running over uneven terrain.
If the shoes are mainly worn on hot sand or for walking on hot concrete floors, temperature regulation is important. The sole must be thick enough to protect your feet from burns. In addition, the shoe itself should not heat up.
How to decide between flexible vs. thick soles
Therefore, consider which feature is more important for your needs. Most beach shoes focus either on protection with a thick sole or on freedom of movement with a flexible sole.
Do you need additional extras?
Special design features can give beach shoes additional functions:
- Anti-odor options: Some models are available in anti-odor options. This means that they are made of odor-repellent materials. This can be particularly useful in warm temperatures or when used for beach sports where feet start to sweat a lot.
- Seal of approval: Look out for seals of approval, such as Oeko-Tex Standard 100 verification. They indicate that the shoes are of good quality. The children’s beach shoes from Playshoes are a good example.
Beach shoes for children
There is also a wide range of beach shoes for children. Most of them are multifunctional shoes with which children can play in the sand, run through rivers or romp around in the playground and swimming pool.
Make sure that the soles of the beach shoes are non-slip and thick enough to protect children’s feet from injury. At the same time, however, the shoe must not be bulky and restrict the child’s freedom of movement. A secure hold in the shoe and a comfortable fit should be a matter of course.
Beach shoe tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test
Consumer Reports has not yet tested any beach shoes.
In 2018, Öko-Test conducted a study on 25 flip-flops and water shoes, in which two models were rated as “very good” and three as “good”. It was particularly noticeable that the two test winners, the Fußwohl V sandal from Rossmann and the Fashy toe separator, were the cheapest models.
Note: Good quality does not necessarily have to be a question of price.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about beach shoes
What are beach shoes?
Where can you buy beach shoes?
Which beach shoes are the best?
How do I care for beach shoes properly?
Which beach shoe size is the right one?
Conclusion: The most popular beach shoes reviewed
Beach shoes are not only loyal and versatile companions on vacation. This allows you to protect your feet every day during a wide range of leisure activities and offers you a high level of comfort.
Comparison of the top beach shoes for men & women:
Comparison of the top beach shoes for children:
Specialist literature, sources & further links
You can find more information on this topic here:
- Runnerclick: https://runnerclick.com/best-beach-shoes/
Note: BeyondSurfing is not responsible and is not liable for the content of external websites.
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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