10 Best Beach Shoes for Men & Women – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2020)

Shoes play a big role in the natural development of the bones in your body. In addition, a good pair of shoes will aid in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There are shoes for every function and occasion and if you are planning a trip to the beach, a nice pair of footwear will be a great addition. Oftentimes, we visit the beach during the summer to cool off and relax. Mostly, you’d prefer walking barefoot, since there is nice sand on the beach. However, what happens when the sand is too hot to for your bare feet? When it comes to that, a good pair of beach shoes comes into play.

When leaving for the beach, don’t neglect packing water shoes. Not only do they protect you from the hot sand, but they are stylish, too. Beach shoes are flooding the market by the day. As a result, choosing the pair is not easy. For this reason, we have narrowed down the best beach shoes options with these reviews. Read on to get the best pair for your feet.

Quick Recommendations

• 4.4 Customer Rating
• Adidas Terrex Climacool Men's Water Shoes

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• 4.6 Customer Rating
• Merrell Women's All-Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoes

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• 4.6 Customer Rating
• WXDZ Water Sports Unisex Beach Running Shoes

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Best Beach Shoes Reviews (for Sandy and Rocky Beaches)

1. Merrell Women’s All-Out Blaze Sieve Water Shoes for Beach

Color Options: 7
Material: Synthetic sole
Gender: Women

Are you an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys water-based activities? If so, the Merrell All-Out Blaze Sieve is an excellent choice for your footwear. The shoe presents a sandal-like design suitable for dynamic outdoor pursuits. Its 100% synthetic, textile materials are popular for their durability. On the upper part of the shoe is waterproof leather material that features a Neoprene Liner. The outer sole features a TC5+ Vibram material that delivers the required amount of traction on various terrain.

The All-Out Blaze Sieve water features plenty of holes for shedding water to keep your feet dry. It also features a UniFly midsole that provides the right amount of cushioning for additional comfort when walking on the beach. Lightweight is another attribute that makes this shoe perfect for your beach walks as it weighs about 1 in. 1 oz. What’s more, the Neoprene lining has quick drying properties that enable you to use the shoe almost immediately after getting it wet. It includes a toe cap that protects your toes from impact and other possible injuries.

2. Adidas Terrex Climacool Beach Running Shoes for Men

Color Options: 4
Material: Synthetic sole
Gender: Men

Adidas is a footwear brand that doesn’t need an introduction. It has produced shoes for many people since time immemorial. Adidas Outdoor Terrex Climacool Voyager shoe is a model specially made for water activities. At a glance, it doesn’t exhibit a water-like design, but with its quick-drying Climacool technology, it’s the perfect fit. It resembles a classic sneaker, but with plenty of waterproofing features. The upper sole features a Climacool mesh that enhances breathability when walking on the sunny, sandy beach. In addition, its midsole uses Climacool ventilation technology all around your feet to deliver utmost comfort. Numerous perforation holes on the shoe ensure maximum water drainage for a comfortable experience.

Adidas Outdoor Terrex lives up to the standards of its brand by providing outstanding footwear for both wet and dry conditions. It features a Traxion outsole that delivers a strong yet comfortable grip. You won’t feel the hard rocks or rough terrain when you walk in water or at the beach because the outsole absorbs the impact to deliver utmost comfort while walking. In addition, the outsole features non-marking rubber for flexibility and better traction.

3. WXDZ Quick Dry Men/Women Beach Shoes

Color Options: 40
Material: Rubber sole
Gender: Uni-sex

WXDZ  Unisex Beach Shoes are trending because of their slip-on design that enables you to wear your shoes with minimal effort. They are suitable for various activities, like aquatic sports, beach trips, and even your workouts. For the beach, these shoes are extremely lightweight and provide the most comfort you can ever get from any footwear. Just like foot socks, the WXDZs protect both your feet and toes from harsh elements. Some refer to them as aqua socks.

The WXDZ water sports shoe is ideal for aquatic sports with breathable upper features. The upper section stretches like a sock for flexibility and comfort, and it folds and packs with ease. With its quick-drying properties, you can wear the shoes for extended periods. They have an upgraded drain sole with seven holes at the bottom to ensure that water seeps out as it gets in. Additionally, the outsole features wearable rubber material for maximum protection against impact.

4. Skechers Women’s Shoes for Beach Walking

Color Options: 5
Material: Rubber sole
Gender: Women

Skechers is a global, award-winning footwear brand that produces high-quality shoes for people of all walks of life. The Skechers open-back mule water shoe is an ideal pair for rocking the beach on a sunny afternoon. It features a unique style that is comfortable at a glance. Its upper construction features 100% textile and synthetic fabric that is strong and durable. What’s more, the fabric has quick-drying properties for using the shoes in water-based, beach activities. Also, the sole has a rubber fabric that prevents slippage on wet surfaces.

Skechers women’s water shoes provides a comfortable fit. You can easily slip them on and remove them, and you get additional comfort with the Air-Cooled Memory foam insole, delivering perfect cushioning in the interior that lets your feet feel cozy when wearing the shoes. Additionally, the interior provides extra space in the toe box for a more relaxed fit. The heritage ‘Reggae’ outsole is comfortable and unique.

5. Columbia Bahama Breathable Men’s Water Shoes

Color Options: 4
Material: Rubber sole
Gender: Men

The rocky terrain, water, and hot sand will have nothing on you with this Columbia Bahama Vent PFG Boat Shoe. It is the best choice for spending time in or around rocky beaches. The shoe features high-quality material in its construction, for comfort and durability. These materials include 100% leather for longevity and canvas for comfort and breathability. The shoes offer a lightweight design even when wet and are versatile to suit most outdoor activities. In addition, the shoe is waterproof, making it the ultimate companion for your beach trips, fishing, and boating.

The Columbia Bahama Vent PFG Boat shoe features advanced technology on every part of its design. A low-top shaft from the arch enables required coverage and allows you to slip it on easily. The midsole provides optimum, long-lasting comfort and returns more energy when you apply force. In addition, a rubber sole with advanced traction enables you to maneuver on rough ground without slipping. It comes with a lace-up closure to adjust for a secure fit.

6. DOUSSPRT Men’s Quick-Drying Sports Water Shoes

Color Options: 12
Material: Rubber sole
Gender: Men

DOUSSPRT Men’s water shoes are among the best sought-after beach footwear suitable for various outdoor activities. They offer all the right attributes make them perfect for the beach, kayaking, hiking, wakeboarding, sailing, fishing, and more. The shoes feature an air mesh upper part that delivers perfect breathability and drains away water. Additionally, the sole has holes that also let out water and allow optimum ventilation to increase comfort as you stride on different terrains, since your feet will breathe and avoid sogginess.

The fabric on the DOUSSPRT aqua shoes has quick-dry qualities that enable you to use them for a long time. You can wear them for an entire day while engaging in your beach activities, since they are lightweight and comfortable. Also, the shoes features a card outsole that prevents sharp objects from reaching your foot, making them suitable for jogging and other outdoor workouts. They are easy to put on and delivers a proper and secure fit. The sole has plenty of treads that provide better traction on slippery surfaces and other terrains.

7. RYKA Women’s Hydro Sport Water Shoes

Color Options: 11
Material: Synthetic sole
Gender: Kid

It is difficult to find a shoe that you can use for different sports, whether dry or wet. The RYKA Hydro sport water shoes meets this need and is perfect for most outdoor sports and activities. It features 100% synthetic mesh fabric on the upper construction that provides utmost ventilation, allowing your feet to breath. The upper fabric has quick-drying characteristics that allow you to wear the shoes for longer periods. In addition, it resists the effects of chlorine.

The interior of this RYKA hydro sport water shoe features a removable footbed with perforated nitracel to increase ventilation, and the sole includes holes that let water out for a comfortable experience in water. You can walk easily on wet surfaces as the shoes offers a sticky rubber for better traction. These are the perfect shoes for women who engage in water fitness activities.

8. CIOR Kids Toddler Beach Shoes

Color Options: 11
Material: Rubber sole
Gender: Kid

Kids run on the beach from day one, so a good pair of beach shoes will come in handy. That in mind, CIOR water shoes are a great addition, offering lots of protective features and waterproof qualities. These shoes are ultra-lightweight, weighing between 210 and 250.  This makes them suitable for water-related activities, long-distance walks, or even workouts and you can carry it comfortably in beach bags.  They feature a pull tab on the heel that ensures quick and effortless entry. It also provides a perfect grip on your feet.

CIOR shoes are affordable and stylish, helping your child stand out at the beach. A high-quality rubber sole ensures good traction on any surface and has a specially designed edge for a fashionable look. Best of all, these shoes are unisex and available in lots of sizes.

9. Bigib Toddler Swim Water Shoes

Color Options: 13
Material: Synthetic sole
Gender: Kid

It gives you so much joy seeing your little one running around the beach and engaging in different activities. You can achieve this with a nice pair of Bigib water shoes for toddlers. They feature high-quality material on the upper part of the shoes, and the fabric comes with overlays to ensure a secure fit. In addition, the fabric has quick-drying properties that prevent dampness and smell. The design allows kids to put them on and remove them easily. What’s more, the shoes won’t scratch while wearing them thanks to a smooth neck design.
How shoes make you feel on the inside is what determines the comfort you get. The Bigib toddler water shoes offer a smooth lining to provide maximum comfort on any surface.

What’s more, the sole features a wearable rubber material that prevents slipping as children play. It also provides utmost protection from impact to enable children to play wherever they want. The shoes are unisex and suitable for walking, swimming, running, beach activities, and more.

10. Stride Rite Kids Water Shoes for the Beach

Color Options: 20
Material: Synthetic sole
Gender: Kid

Are you looking for the perfect beach shoes for your child? The Stride Rite Made 2 Play Phibian sneakers are an ideal choice. Since 1919, Stride Rite has produced shoes for kids to suit various occasions. Children are quite a handful and play in muddy areas, water, and beaches, requiring shoes that will accommodate all these tasks while maintaining a wonderful style. The upper part of this shoe features 100% Ethylene-vinyl acetate construction, which is soft and flexible.

The Made 2 Phibian Sneaker shoes is just the right shoe to let your little one plod into water and other adventures places, thanks to a synthetic sole with tread that gives excellent traction on any surface. With a low-top shaft, the shoe allows for easy putting on and off. Once the shoes are on, there is a 100% vegan hook and loop closure for a secure fit. The entire construction of the shoes uses quick-dry technology so you can machine wash them. What’s more, you can easily hose them down to remove mud from the soles.

What Shoes Should I Wear to the Beach?

Beach shoes are footwear that you wear for water-related activities. More often than not, they are referred to as water shoes because you typically use them around water. Due to this fact, the shoes feature flexible construction, with mesh fabric for breathability. This aids in keeping your feet cool and comfortable at the beach. Beach shoes are available for men, women, and children and have a unique, versatile design that allows multi-functional use. You can use them for hiking, kayaking, surfing, swimming, aquatic fitness, fishing, boating, rocky beach walking, beach runing and more.

Since you are engaging in water-based sports at the beach, your feet may become cold and numb. Water shoes insulate and warm your feet and improve your active performance.
Having shoes at the beach offers many advantages. First, beach shoes deliver protection and safety while walking on the sand and rocks. Most models cover your entire foot and come with thick soles to increase protection. This ensures that you won’t injure yourself when stepping on sharp objects, like rocks and shells. Some models come with toe caps that protect your toes against impact, too.

These shoes also provide better support for walking or runing on different terrain, though especially on wet surfaces. This is because the soles have treads that optimize traction on slippery surfaces. Their typical rubber construction provides a good grip on wet surfaces. What’s more, beach shoes are also lightweight, and most have quick-drying properties that allow you to use them for extended periods.

Beach Shoes Buyer’s Guide

A beach shoe is not like any other shoe that you use in the outdoors and you will definitely need it on the beach. ButIt presents unique features that make it a perfect fit for the beach and water-related activities. When deciding on what shoe you need for the beach, you have to ensure you get the right features. The shoes should be able to provide superior comfort and stability, utmost protection and support at the beach. Once you establish what a water shoe should look like, making a purchase becomes easy.

The Top 10 Things to Consider When Buying a Water Shoes

Our water shoes buying guide provides you with the important factors to take into account when purchasing a pair. This will aid in getting the right beach shoe pair for your specific needs.

1. Protection

   The main aim of getting a beach shoe is to get protection while walking. Therefore, you should pay extra attention to the design that provides both top of the foot and underfoot protection. A suitable shoe features a fabric that covers the upper area and closed toe design. This protects you from potential harm on the upper part of your foot and also covers it from direct sun’s rays. Toe caps protect the toes from underlying harm and accidents. It becomes difficult to deal with the pain of a foot and most especially, the toes. That is why it is important for a beach shoe to have this feature. Also, when walking on the beaches, the sand may feel too hot or rocky to step on. Having a shoe that will protect you from all that will make your stay at the beach comfortable.

2. Material type

   As the name suggests, water shoes are used in water-prone areas and the chances of them getting wet are high. Therefore, choosing a shoe with materials of high waterproof degree is most suitable. Materials such as mesh or leather are perfect for use since they are extremely waterproof. Leather materials don’t allow water to penetrate whereas mesh fabrics have numerous perforations to drain out the water. Additionally, the materials should have long lasting performance especially after exposure to water. Some materials tend to weaken and damage upon exposure to liquid. This means that they can’t withstand periodically being wet. That is why you should be careful to choose a durable material like the Canvas for water-based trips.

3. Traction

   This is another very important factor to look out for when buying a pair of shoes for the beach. Traction will determine movement with the shoes on. The bottom of the shoe (sole) will determine how the shoe grips on surfaces. You will find holes in the soles for draining out water and others with treads or studs to enhance your grip. If you are on a beach that has a slippery surface, then you should consider an additional grip. Rubber materials are perfect for making anti-slip soles with added treads for better traction on various terrain.

4. Breathability

   The only way to achieve utmost comfort with shoes at the beach is to let your feet breath. This is because as you walk in water, there is an amount of it that enters the shoes. If water gets in the shoes and doesn’t drain, it becomes heavy and will slow down your movement. Also, the water causes sogginess in your feet which in turn leads to discomfort and sometimes infections. To prevent this, most manufacturers include holes on the sole or on the upper fabric to drain out water. These holes or mesh fabrics also let in air to improve ventilation. Walking around with water shoes that feature these attributes will provide a comfortable and worthwhile experience. This also allows you to have them on for as long as you want.

   

5. Sole cushioning

   Cushioning is another factor that determines comfort while wearing water shoes. Even though the shoes are entire for water use, they should be capable of maximizing comfort while you tread. Since you are unsure of the rocky surfaces, shoes with thick padding will provide the desired protection against impact. The interior padding should be built in to ensure they don’t come loose to interfere with the fitting in the interior. Thick padding will prevent sharp objects like rocks, shells or other items from penetrating and injuring you. What’s more, a thick cushion has a higher degree of shock absorption compared to thin or no padding.

6. Slip-on

   Since the market is flooding with numerous beach shoes, some models strive to stand out by adding additional user-friendly features. Among the features is one that allows you to slip the shoes on and off using minimal effort and less time. There some with a zipper closure whereas others use a pull tab at the heel to achieve fast results. This feature is suitable for kids’ beach shoes since they don’t like wasting their play time.

7. Style and design

   We all want a pair of beach shoes that speaks volumes upon arrival. That is why many companies are producing water shoes in different styles and designs. there are slip-on shoes that allow you to wear them quickly for lighter beach activities. The types of activities you will be engaging in will determine whether you use high or low top design beach shoes. Sneakers, for instance, are suitable for hiking on wet surfaces. Most of these shoes lack lace closures as they become heavy when wet. In this case, they use flexible lace closures to curb the weight factor.

8. Gender

   Shoes that may fit men will not fit women. This is mainly attributed to the fact that women and men feet differ in size and shape. In addition, women walk differently compared to men. Men have wider feet and a small number of women have this attribute. Also, women’s feet and toes are kind of sensitive and require shoes with gentle construction. That is the reason why most brands categorize water shoes with gender to meet specific needs.

9. Flexibility

   A beach shoe should have a certain level of flexibility to enable free and natural movement. If a sole isn’t flexible enough, you will experience improper movement. Lack of flexibility and support will strain the arches leading to discomfort. Your foot should be able to bend naturally as you walk. Select one with great flexibility.

10. Shoe caring

    Aside from material, how you care for your beach shoe will also determine durability. Ensure you pick a pair that is easy to use and maintain. Premium beach shoes can damage with incorrect shoes and low-end ones can last longer with proper maintenance. Avoid rough environments when you have mesh construction on the upper part. Just make sure you use the shoes for the intended purpose.

    How you wash the shoes will also determine durability. Washing beach shoes on a regular will reduce longevity but improve their look. However, the performance is what matters in this situation and looks have nothing on that. But is important to have clean beach shoes. Don’t leave the shoe in beach water as it contains salt compounds that may damage its construction. You can simply hose down the shoes to eliminate saline water and leave them to dry.

Types of Beach Shoes

Outdoor enthusiasts have different beach shoe preferences considering style and purpose. Here are five common types available on the market today.

5 Main Types of Beach Shoes

1. Barefoot Water Shoes

   These are extremely lightweight and comfortable shoes that feel like you have nothing on. Each toe has its own spot on the shoe. featuring a rubber construction, these shoes are flexible and also durable. you can use them to surf to get better control of the board.

2. Aqua Socks

   This type feels like socks when you have them on but offer the protection that typical socks don’t. they are awfully comfortable and versatile. Some models provide mild traction whereas others have thick rubber for extra support and better traction. They include padding for better underfoot protection. They are suitable for the beach, poolside and calm aquatic environments.

3. Active (Running) Beach Shoes

   If you enjoy running and moving around, then this is your type of beach shoe. All sides are enclosed with a lightweight and waterproof material. This type allows water to drain and have mesh or holes for maximum breathability.

   
   Check also beach running tips you should know.

4. Beach Sandals

   This type is commonly used during summer. The sandals feature an open top design that leaves most parts of your feet exposed. They have a thick sole for maximum protection and are lightweight. However, beach sandals are not ideal for long distance walking up a hill or hiking.

5. Closed Toe Beach Shoes

   This type sits between a sandal and sneaker for running. As the name suggests, it covers the toe area either partly or completely and features a strap at the heel. The strap encloses the heel and provides a secure fit of the foot. They have comfortable padding at the footbed for maximum protection against impact. Similar to sandal, closed toe shoes provide utmost ventilation as well as drainage.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How should I clean my beach shoes?
  A: Although regular cleaning is not advised, you should maintain a clean look for the next use. Beach shoes, like regular ones, tend to pick up dirt, debris, and stones. Small dirty areas require spot cleaning with a piece of wet cloth. If they are entirely dirty, then you can immerse them soapy water and rinse off with warm and clean water. Hang them outside to dry before storing or next use.
• Q: Can I use my regular shoes as beach shoes?
  A: No. Beach shoes feature a unique construction that only suits water-related use. For starters, the materials on beach shoes are waterproof to allow you to freely use them in water. The shoes are easy to put on and take off compared to regular shoes that come with laces to tie. In addition, beach shoes will protect your feet from rough surfaces given their thick soles. The soles are great at providing traction on different surfaces than regular shoes.
• Q: Are there different shoes for the pool or the sea?
  A: Most beach shoes are suitable for other water-related activities and areas. Since you require waterproof shoes while at the pool or river or sea, you can use your beach shoes there. These shoes deliver outstanding traction on wet and slippery surfaces which make them ideal for walking in rivers or sea. However, the same shoes might not be suitable for other activities like hiking, skiing, etc., because they require different features for better performance.
• Q: Should the beach shoes fit tightly or loosely?
  A: It is important for you to have a proper fit for beach shoes. If they fit too tightly, then you will not be comfortable as you move. Also, if they fit loosely, your feet will move around in the shoe which reduces support. What’s more, they will allow water or stones to occupy space in the interior which will slow you down. The shoes should feel comfortable when you move around. Ensure you have the right size of beach shoes before making the trip.

Best Beach Shoes Comparison Chart

Wrap Up

When packing for the beach, you shouldn’t neglect a nice pair of water shoes. These have their advantages and thrive in protecting your feet against harm. As you can see, most of the beach shoes have a nice grip on wet surfaces and other terrains for better and faster movement. Also, the materials don’t hold up water as this makes them heavy and difficult to lift. That is why owning a pair of lightweight, waterproof and flexible shoes to use at the beach is important.

You will find numerous shoes on the market but choosing the best beach shoes require you to have the right information. After reading through these beach shoes reviews and the buyer’s guide, making the right buying decision comes easy. The shoes in this article are right for different people including children.

Need More Beach Footwear Advice?

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