We Tested the Best Beach Sandals of 2023
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Podiatrists and stylish travelers have a lot to say about the best footwear for beach days.
Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan
From platforms to sustainable slides, our favorite beach sandals are recommended by podiatrists and backed by our own extensive testing. They’re comfortable, fully waterproof, supportive, and even attractive enough to roll over into an evening city stroll.
“A good beach sandal should be lightweight, waterproof, and durable,” says podiatrist Dr. Saylee Tulpule of Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic. "It's rather difficult to walk on uneven sand, so I usually recommend beach sandals that have straps around the ankle for better stability." Podiatrist Dr. Elizabeth Bass Daughtry advises you look for “a stylish, quick-drying sandal that has good arch support and rubber sole material to protect the feet from the heat of the sand and the potentially sharp edge of shells or the sting of a jellyfish.”
We tested 62 different pairs of sandals across three different tests of flip-flops, walking sandals, and hiking shoes. Between several experts' recommendations and our own tried-and-true beach-day favorites, we found the best sandals for every foot need and seaside scenario.
Best Overall: Reef Water Vista Sandals
Why We Love It
Pillowy comfort, fully waterproof construction, an espadrille-inspired texture, and a slight platform put these podiatrist-backed sandals above the rest.
What to Consider
There are no half sizes available.
The Reef Water Vista is one of Tulpule’s favorite beach sandals, and we love them too. Right out of the box, these super-comfortable shoes truly feel like walking on a cloud, and thanks to an adjustable back ankle strap, we never worry about them sliding off. The bouncy compression-molded EVA footbed affords a light weight that keep our feet smiling, and a sturdier outsole ensures we aren’t thrown off track by rocks or shells. They’re also fully waterproof so we can wander right into the surf, and a quick velcro closure means we don't waste any time when walking in and out of the beach house.
For us, a great beach sandal won’t compromise style when we stick around for sunset cocktails. The slight platform and textured espadrille style elevate the look enough that the Water Vistas never feel out of place, and there’s a rainbow of colors to match your favorite swimsuits or sunglasses. Since they're so reasonably priced, you might just want to grab a versatile neutral along with a more vibrant statement hue like Malibu pink or marbled blue.
Price at time of publish: $60
The Details: 5 to 11 | Synthetic
Best for Beach Sports: Teva Women's Original Universal Sandals
Why We Love It
This classic sandal has just the right amount of grip, comfort, and plenty of colors.
What to Consider
They’re not quite stable enough for tricky terrain and did have a bit of a break-in period.
You knew Tevas were going to show up on this list somewhere. “I like all Teva sports sandals,” says Nelya Lobkova, DPM, podiatrist at Step Up Surgical Podiatry. “They have excellent traction.” They’re a favorite brand of Tulpule’s as well. The Original Universals are some of the less heavy-duty models out there, but they’ve got enough grip for your game of spikeball and the many adjustable straps will keep your foot from slipping out. They’ve also got a ton of color combinations and prints available. The quick-dry webbing can stand up to the waves, and they’re antimicrobial to prevent any dampness-induced funk. And when you’re done, they’re recyclable.
In testing, we found that the Tevas fit perfectly, with the adjustable straps making the difference between a just-okay and fully dialed-in fit and giving us both security and enough space for comfort. The foamy, extremely cushy feeling of the soles made it easy to walk on different surfaces, but they didn’t have quite enough stability that we’d want to take them on tricky terrain. We also appreciated how lightweight and durable they were. While the soles were comfortable straight out of the box, the straps needed a little bit of a break-in period.
If you want to go the platform route, that’s an option as well, though it’s better for reclining than diving for a volleyball.
Price at time of publish: $40
The Details: 5 to 12 | Recycled polyester webbing, EVA midsole, rubber outsole
Most Comfortable: OOFOS OOriginal Sandal
Why We Love It
We reach for these again and again for their super-comfortable foam, solid support, and light weight.
What to Consider
The between-toe strap is on the thicker side, which some wearers may find bothersome.
When searching for comfortable sandals, the internet turns to Oofos. While these aren’t expressly beach sandals (they’re designed for post-workout recovery), they’re both moisture- and odor-resistant and easily ready to stand up to the elements. They're designed to help reduce stress on your joints with a cushioned footbed that absorbs impact and cradles your foot. In testing, we found them super comfortable, as well as lighter than we expected and nicely supportive, even for very flat feet. The middle strap area at the toes felt a little thicker than average, but not uncomfortably so, and we didn’t experience any chafing since the whole construction is made of the same rubbery foam material. They were also very easy to slide on and off and had no bending at all, even in the front. We felt comfortable on wet surfaces, without noticing any slipping, and found ourselves reaching for them again and again.
Price at time of publish: $58
The Details: 3M/5W to 14M/16W | Proprietary OOfoam
Related: The 19 Most Comfortable Women's Sandals of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Walking in Sand: OluKai Ohana Flip Flops
Why We Love It
These feel comfortable across surfaces with minimal sole slippage and smooth materials.
What to Consider
They’re fairly heavy and run on the small side.
OluKai is one of Tulpule’s favorite brands. She’s a fan of the leather Honu, but for a long walk on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, we’d go with the Ohana. In testing, we found that the minimal cushioning on the sole actually helped keep our feet in place while walking and felt just as comfortable as shoes with thicker padding. The arch support was perfectly located, and they felt great from the first day of wear. They’re also easy to put on and take off, and because they’re quite rigid, they easily stay in place while doing so. We did find that they ran on the small side and were one of the heaviest pairs of sandals we’d ever worn, but the materials felt smooth and soft on our feet and thick and durable on the outers. They also come in a whole rainbow of colors and are water-resistant for when you just can’t resist the lure of the surf.
Price at time of publish: $75
The Details: 5 to 12 (women’s); 7 to 18 (men’s) | Synthetic leather, EVA, and rubber
Best Slide: Freedom Moses Women's Moses Two Band Slides
Why We Love It
A slightly grippy, textured footbed; rubbery foam; and more than 100 colors have made these our go-to slides for years.
What to Consider
The buckle is just for aesthetics, so you can’t adjust the top fit.
Flit around feeling you’re practically barefoot with these slides that had been one of our go-to pairs for nearly three years before we had to buy our second pair (which we did immediately).
Their sizing system is a bit unconventional, with overlapping size ranges (think 5/6, 6/7, and 7/8) rather than half sizes, which we found actually allowed us to find our ideal fit easily. The rubber is slightly grippy rather than slick, so we don’t experience any sliding around and our feet fit perfectly into the bottom section of the sandal. The slide-style straps keep us comfortably locked in place across grass, pavement, pebbles, and sand, and the sandals felt well-cushioned, light, and responsive. Note that the buckle is fake, so you can’t adjust the fit if that’s a concern for you. Freedom Moses has more than a whopping 145 color options to choose from, so you’ll definitely be able to match all of your favorite swimsuits.
Price at time of publish: $45
The Details: Women’s 4/5 to men’s 12/13 | PVC
Best Lightweight: Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA Sandals
Why We Love It
We almost forgot we were wearing shoes with these sandals that started to mold to our feet after just one hour.
What to Consider
They run large, but the adjustable buckle can help dial in your fit.
The classic Birk goes to the beach with these fully EVA flip-flops. These felt light as air on our feet during testing — after a while, we basically forgot we were wearing shoes. They have the standard Birkenstock anatomically molded footbed that gets some extra flexibility thanks to the EVA construction and still provide enough arch support that our feet never feel tired. There was no chafing at all with the straps, and the shoes started to mold to our feet after just an hour of wear. We did find that they ran a bit large, but the adjustable buckle helped. You also get seven cotton-candy hues to choose from.
Price at time of publish: $60
The Details: 4 to 12.5 (women’s); 6 to 13.5 (men’s) | EVA
Best Traction: Chacos Women's Z/Cloud Sandals
Why We Love It
These extra-adjustable sandals held up to sandy downhills while feeling well-constructed and stable.
What to Consider
The strap adjustment system can be finicky, and the arch is on the high side.
If your trip to the beach involves some rocky scrambling, Chaco is one of the longtime classic outdoor sandals, and the Z Cloud is one of its best-known styles. We wore these on four two-hour hikes and the construction felt solid the whole way. While the strap system can take some finessing to figure out, once you’ve got it mastered, you can pull the straps around to find a perfect custom fit. The arch is on the high side, which was a little distracting but not uncomfortable. When we were going downhill in the Southern California desert, the sole gripped dirt, sand, and small rock even better than our usual sneakers, and the design feels built to last.
Price at time of publish: $46
The Details: 5 to 12 (women’s); 7 to 15 (men’s) | Polyester straps, PU midsole, rubber outsole
Most Versatile: Sanuk Cosmic Waves H20 Sandal
Why We Love It
These lightweight sandals are practically perfect, with plenty of comfort, support, and flexible style.
What to Consider
They don’t come in half sizes and only have two colors available.
We wore these over the course of 12-hour days on our feet and found them to be one of the best pairs of sandals we’ve ever owned. They fit perfectly, with adjustable velcro on the straps and zero stability issues, holding our feet in all of the right places. The footbeds are softly cushioned and provide just enough arch support and heel shock absorption across surfaces so we had zero fatigue at the end of the day. The inside of the straps is soft and chafe-free, providing a flexible, almost barefoot feel with a soft step and supported foot. They also felt lightweight and made from long-lasting materials, and the black or muted green color options can go with outfits of all styles. Bonus, they’re machine-washable and made of 20 percent bio-based content.
Price at time of publish: $60
The Details: 5 to 11 | Synthetic leather upper, EVA footbed, rubber outsole
Best Neutrals: Tkees Lily Nudes
Why We Love It
This sleek style comes in 15 different shades.
What to Consider
The leather isn’t the greatest material for the beach (but we do have a backup pick for you).
“Nude” is one of the least helpful descriptors out there, but companies are slowly improving their color range for those elusive shades of brown and beige. At Tkees, smooth, minimalist flip-flop comes in 15 different shades, from linen to deep glow with plenty of stops in between. It’s a classic flip-flop silhouette made from Brazilian leather with a cushion insole. And while we love the color range and the build, it worries us that the leather probably is more suited to an idle boardwalk stroll than days with a high splash factor.
If you want a neutral sandal that’s synthetic, Target’s A New Day line offers a thin-strapped minimalist polyurethane sandal for an affordable price. However, they only come in six shades.
Price at time of publish: $55
The Details: 5 to 11 | Leather upper and insole, rubber outsole
Best for Wedding Guests: Tory Burch Mini Miller Jelly Thong Sandal
Why We Love It
These fancied-up flip-flops come in a good range of colors and sizes with a minimalist design.
What to Consider
They’re a little on the thin side.
If your cousin did not want you to wear plastic shoes to their wedding, they shouldn’t have planned it in the sand. Luckily, Tory Burch is here with a fashion version of the classic jellies from your childhood to make your flip-flops reception ready. The minimalist strappy design and accent logo bump these up a level in formality. There are five colors available, from deep bordeaux and bright citrus to clear, so you can match whatever clutch you’ve chosen to accompany you. (They also come in a less-translucent black or white style.) And if you get caught up in the celebration and feel the need to go frolic in the waves, the synthetic style will remain undamaged.
If you want just a little bit of a heel, check out the Melissa Brigitte Crisscross Slide or add an ankle strap and metallic accent with the Ipanema Vitta.
Price at time of publish: $98
The Details: 4 to 13 | TPU upper, plastic sole
Best Espadrilles: Sea Star Beachwear Coastal Platform Water Shoe
Why We Love It
This waterproof take on the classic espadrille is versatile and grippy enough for any beach day.
What to Consider
There are no half sizes available, and there isn’t a lot of arch support.
Most espadrilles are inherently vulnerable to water due to their natural jute (or other textile) soles. Sea Star Beachwear has solved this problem by making an espadrille-style water shoe with a water-friendly neoprene upper and rubber sole for grip on sand. The peep-toe platform style here makes these shoes extra versatile for going from the beach to the beach party, but if you want a closed-toe slip-on, slingback, or slide, it's got you covered there too. They’re quick-drying and also non-marking if you happen to get invited to a boat party along the way and come in easy-wearing white, black, and navy.
Price at time of publish: $125
The Details: 6 to 11 | Neoprene upper and lining, rubber footbed and outsole
Best Platforms: Nine West Pool Platform Slides
Why We Love It
We’re big fans of the stylish build, fun colors, and lack of sand-trapping corners.
What to Consider
The sole may be a bit hard, and they tend to run wide.
The ‘90s are coming back, and platform shoes with them. The Nine West Pool’s smooth monochrome and chunky build make it our pick for best beach platform. Not only are they trendy, they also have minimal nooks and crannies to catch sand or make it tricky for them to dry. Go for the black or nude if you want a neutral, or get funky with the leopard, lime, and lilac styles. Just note that there are no half sizes available, and they may run wide.
Price at time of publish: $46
The Details: 5 to 11 | Synthetic, EVA outsole
Best Wedges: Crocs Brooklyn Strappy Low Wedge
Why We Love It
They’re comfortable and cute enough to keep going into the night.
What to Consider
There are no half sizes and the color range is a little limited.
Bounce from the beach to happy hour in our pick for the best beach wedges from Crocs. (Yes, we know, but they’ve come a long way from just Jibbitz.) Use the adjustable back strap to find your best fit. The foam footbed, deep heel cups, lightweight build, and raised insole will keep you comfortable all day. If you prefer a less-strappy style, the Brooklyn also comes in a simpler two-strap build. There are a few neutral tones available in both builds, though we do wish they had a more fun colors.
Price at time of publish: $60
The Details: 4 to 11 | Synthetic
Related: The 10 Best Waterproof Sandals of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Kids: Birkenstock Milano Essentials Kids EVA
Why We Love It
Light, comfortable construction and plenty of sizes make these adorable mini Birkenstocks a great fit for kids.
What to Consider
Particularly stubborn children may be able to find a way to wiggle out of them.
Is there anything cuter than baby Birks? “I like Birkenstock because of the arch support in the footbed,” says Lobkova. “I also like the back strap on these and the lightweight nature of these.” Find your child’s perfect beach-day fit with the three adjustable straps, including a back ankle strap to make sure they stay on. The EVA construction is super light and comfortable as well as shock-absorbing, waterproof, and gentle on the skin. It’s all molded out of one piece, so there are minimal crannies and you can just shower them off or dunk them in the tub to clean them.
Price at time of publish: $92
The Details: 1 to 13 | EVA
Related: The 14 Best Flip-flops for Men and Women of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Sustainable: Indosole Women’s Slide
Why We Love It
These are made almost entirely of recycled materials, plus they come in plenty of colors and are super comfortable.
What to Consider
The sizing is a bit unusual.
Indosole uses recycled tires to make the soles of their shoes, working to lessen the number of tires sitting in landfills around the world, biodegrading and releasing toxic chemicals whenever they’re set on fire. This creates a shoe that’s both durable (you’re unlikely to put more miles on them than a car would, after all), comfortable, and better for the earth. Its manufacturing process is also designed to be both socially and environmentally responsible. There are eight solid colors available and some contrasting combos as well, and the rubber footbed is designed to contour to your feet.
Podiatrists we consulted say slides are slightly better for your feet than flip-flops if they fit correctly, and you don’t have to grip with your toes to get them to stay on. But if you prefer a flip-flop or platform style, Indosole has you covered there too, and with even more colors — check out their whole collection for the entire range.
Price at time of publish: $53
The Details: 4-5 to 10-11 | Recycled tire sole, rubber/EVA footbed, fiber strap
Best Strappy: Melissa x Salinas Cancun Sandal
Why We Love It
These funky sandals are both stylish and sustainable.
What to Consider
It’s made from “fruit-scented PVC,” which may not be to everyone’s preference.
Go full beach gladiator in these strappy sandals from Brazilian brand Melissa. They’re made from a fruit-scented PVC, so you’ll stay fresh all day, and the PVC is durable, flexible, and even recyclable as well as hypoallergenic to minimize any irritation. It comes in black, beige, bright green, and red, and the brand makes all of their shoes in a zero-waste process, so you get some extra bonus eco cred.
Price at time of publish: $99
The Details: 5 to 9 | Synthetic PVC
Best Arch Support: Dansko Racquel
Why We Love It
These bright, supportive sandals are ready for the water.
What to Consider
The velcro may be a bit short if you need them extra-tight.
Lobkova also recommends Dansko products, particularly the Racquel sandals for their arch support, adjustable straps, and “soft, water-friendly material.” The bright colors are boardwalk-ready, and they’re fully synthetic, so you don’t need to worry about getting them wet or sandy. A thick, sturdy sole will also keep you from slipping around, and the adjustable velcro helps find your best fit. Note that sizes are in EU sizing and adapted to the US system, which is why the numbers may look strange.
Price at time of publish: $115
The Details: 5.5-6 to 11.5-12 (EU 36 to 42) | Synthetic, EVA footbed
Best Leather: Hoy Shoes Salt Water Adult Original Sandal
Why We Love It
These are made of water-friendly leather and have a fun vintage vibe.
What to Consider
Sizing can be tricky, and there’s almost no arch support.
All that and you’re still insisting on leather sandals? Luckily, Salt Water Sandals has found a way to make their fisherman’s sandals out of water-friendly leather, which means these cute, vintage-style sandals can go with you from brunch right to the beach. The company even encourages it, since they’ll form to your feet when wet, giving you an even better fit. There’s a whole rainbow of colors available, and a very slight rise to the heel helps elevate your style, as does the rust-proof brass buckle. And once you’ve worn them into the ground, you can recycle them.
Price at time of publish: $60
The Details: 6 to 11 | Leather upper and insole, rubber sole
Our Testing Process
Our selections for best beach sandals came from three separate footwear tests: best walking sandals, best hiking sandals, and best flip-flops. In total, we tested 62 pairs of sandals to find the best for your beach days.
For the flip-flop test, we started with checking the arch support by trying to bend the shoes in the middle (an easy middle bend indicates a lack of support). Then over a testing period of two weeks, we wore each pair five to seven times for at least five hours, trying them out across various types of terrain (pavement, dirt, sand, etc.).
We also performed the bend test to evaluate walking sandals, as well as twisting the shoes to gauge their stability. Then, we performed three testing rounds, each longer than the last. For the first, we wore the sandals for 30 minutes within our home and yard. Next was three hours of intermittent walking, moving, and standing (think running errands or sightseeing), followed by a separate full day (at least eight hours) of wear, and then additional wears as often as possible within the testing period.
In our hiking shoe test, we started by thoroughly examining all features of the shoes, including the laces, straps, soles, exterior fabric, and any hardware. We wore them at home for at least one hour to break them in, then hit the trails, wearing each pair on at least two hikes, at least one to two hours in duration, also wearing the shoes as often as possible during everyday life.
Tips for Buying Beach Sandals
Look for waterproof materials
Even the most water-averse beachgoer probably won’t escape their day in the sun without getting at least a little splash. The best beach sandals won’t shrivel up at the first drop of water, so look for materials like lightweight plastic EVA, rubber, neoprene, Gore-tex, polyurethane, and polyester, say our podiatrists.
“Rubber and EVA material (EVA, which stands for ethyl vinyl acetate, is a type of foam that offers maximum cushioning and shock absorption) are better options for waterproof sandal materials,” says Daughtry.
Consider whether you want to wear them while swimming
Are you going to be wearing your beach sandals straight into the water with you? If yes, you need to make sure both that they have straps and that those straps are extra secure so the sandals don’t fall off in the water or interfere with your swim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beach sand burn your feet?
Yes, especially if you have a condition like peripheral neuropathy that makes you less sensitive to extreme temperatures. “Peripheral neuropathy can lead to complete or partial numbness of the feet. Therefore, these people cannot appreciate the high temperature of the sand during summer,” says Dr. Timothy Oldani, DPM, of Missouri Foot & Ankle. “This can lead to significant burns and dire complications. Anyone with peripheral neuropathy, especially those with diabetes, should not walk in the sand without sandals.”
Why do my feet swell at the beach?
There are a few possible culprits for your puffy feet, but if you stay hydrated and active, you should be okay. “Pay attention to your feet in warm to hot weather,” says Lobkova. “Our blood vessels tend to dilate (expand) in hot weather. If salt levels are not under control, water or fluid can leave the blood vessels and go into the tissue causing the appearance of swelling in the feet and legs. This is worsened by staying inactive on the beach, keeping the feet down, and dehydration. If your feet tend to swell in warm weather, make sure you are staying active at the beach, walking often, or at least elevating the feet on the beach chair, and staying hydrated.”
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
For this story, Rena Behar compiled T+L editors’ test notes from thorough testing of 62 different pairs of sandals across flip-flops, walking sandals, and hiking shoes. She also trawled through multiple writeups and brand catalogs and relied on her own experience as a frequent beachgoer and possessor of finicky feet. In addition, she spoke to podiatrists including Saylee Tulpule, DPM, podiatrist at Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, Elizabeth Bass Daughtry, DPM, podiatrist at Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, Nelya Lobkova, DPM, podiatrist at Step Up Surgical Podiatry, and Timothy Oldani, DPM, podiatrist at Missouri Foot & Ankle.
Related: The 15 Best Shower Shoes of 2023
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