Chic, Sand-Proof and Sophisticated—No Coastal Escape Is Complete Without One of These 6 Best Beach Shoes

You’ve curated an assortment of bikini styles, started packing the mesh bag that’ll be holding all your seaside essentials—read: high protection sunscreen and a meaty read you can sink your teeth into while relaxing on the sand—and organised what linen trousers or balmy minidress will serve as your cover-up. Now, all that’s left to do is choose the best beach shoes.

Be it the Amalfi Coast, Côte d'Azur or even a little closer to home in Cornwall, no watery escape is complete without considering the footwear you intend to take away. In my experience, which includes being raised on Sydney’s beaches and basically growing up wearing Havianas, the best beach shoes will check several boxes.

The primary concern is to protect your soles from sharp rocks, boiling sand and any marine life that may sting you, like blue bottles or sea urchins. On many European shores, especially, beach shoes must also be water-friendly, meaning that sleek leather or suede styles are unacceptable choices.

Less crucially, though still an important factor, the best beach shoes will also be chic enough to elevate ensembles from being a simple thrown-on look to something more altogether thoughtful. When your holiday calls for hours spent in the ocean, planning and styling outfits is off the agenda. As a result, your beach shoes will need to play double duty. Not only must they shield you from the elements, but they also have to help you dress up for the local tavernas, weatherboard restaurants or breezy aperitivo bars you’ll no doubt be visiting as soon as the sun has gone down.

From the playful jelly sandals peddled at The Row and Ancient Greek Sandals to the rise of rope sandals inspired by the paracord accessory trend that Miu Miu pioneered, there’s no shortage of styles vying for the title of ‘best beach shoe’. Ahead of your next trip to the coast, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the top contenders for you to dip your toes into. As Lorde sang on 2021’s Solar Power, come on and let the bliss begin…

The 6 Best Beach Shoes to Wear on Your Next Trip to the Seaside

1. Rope Sandals

Style Notes: Between the laces and the socks, there’s something at odds about wearing trainers around sand. Rope sandals, however, act as the ideal alternative to durable sneakers. As the straps are used by surfers and rock climbers alike, the silhouette is slightly athletic without feeling too much of a sporty hybrid à la ballet flat-esque sneakerinas. The tension between outdoor motifs and the wafty summer dresses we find ourselves gravitating towards during coastal outings is also a playful way to feel fashion-forward when trotting along the boardwalk.

Shop the Shoe:

H&M

Rhinestone-Embellished Sandals

This glitzy version will see you through days on the recliner to more ritzy evenings at a beach club.

The metal hardware is such a sweet addition.

Free People

Genesis Packable Sport Sandals

This Free People pair has reached must-have status here at Who What Wear.

2. T-Bar Sandals

Style Notes: What do brands like Jil Sander, The Row and Khaite all have in common? Aside from being beacons of slick minimalism, you’ll notice each luxuriate favours the t-bar sandal. The alphabet-influenced shape can be considered the more mature version of a flip-flop while still appearing relaxed and nonchalant. You’ll start to feel like you’re dressing for The Hamptons (when really you’re just in Hastings) as a result.

Shop the Shoe:

ZARA

Leather Buckle-Strap Sandals

This Zara style has a slightly more chunky t-bar shape to make the sandal a little less prim.

JIL SANDER

Leather Sandals

ST. AGNI

T Leather Sandals

These will tug on the heartstrings (and wallet) of any ardent minimalist.

3. Flip-Flops

Style Notes: As an Australian, I cottoned on to the appeal of flip-flops early. The shoe is entirely unfussy, featuring a simple rubber sole and two straps that cut along the top of the foot. It’s these simple elements that make it so appealing to members of the style set. Without any ostentatious flourishing, a laid-back flip-flop can be paired with endless looks and still feel harmonious. Most importantly, they’re easy to kick off and slip back into again when running in and out of the waves. From The Row’s £730 Dune pair to clear styles like Christopher Esber’s Jo thong—two of 2025's 'It' sandals—invest in this timeless style now to future proof upcoming summer looks.

Shop the Shoe:

Swap the sand for the street, cotton shorts for pleated trousers and you'll be able to wear these in any context.

A.EMERY

Suede Flora Flip Flops

This suede pair is at the top of so many editors' wish lists.

ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS

Saionara Jelly Pvc Flip Flops

4. Fisherman Sandals

Style Notes: Fisherman sandals are a no-brainer when it comes to selecting the best beach shoes. As the name suggests, the caged style is at home by the sea since the shape originated among ancient sailors who needed something breathable and quick-drying while on open waters. In modern times, you’ll spot them being worn by the likes of Hailey Bieber and Gwyneth Paltrow as part of their street style uniforms. Still, they remain a classic style that’s perfect for coastal settings. Just avoid submerging them to ensure their longevity.

Shop the Shoe:

COS

Leather Fisherman Sandals

The quaint heel makes these feel slightly more contemporary.

ARKET

Sebago Meredith Sandals

A more traditional style..

THE ROW

Fisherman Woven Textured-Leather Sandals

This is the exact pair that Hailey Bieber and Gwyneth Paltrow own.

5. Tie-Up Sandals

Style Notes: To me, the best beach shoes are ones that complement your outfit just as well when you’re by the sea as they do when you’re in the city. Tie-up sandals are the perfect example of striking this balance. Not only does the ankle wrapping effect help draw the eye up the leg—giving an elongating effect that’s always desirable for petite frames—while also providing an air of toughness that’s quite cool when worn with floaty midis.

Shop the Shoe:

A.EMERY

Heidi Leather Sandals

Pair with a puff-sleeve mini and you'll be the best-dressed person at the beach.

Reformation

Jamie Flat Sandal

Topshop

Topshop Jeremiah Toe Thong Sandal in Snake

A no-brainer at this price point.

6. Toe-Ring Sandals

Style Notes: As the New York Times put it, it’s a great time to be a toe, especially considering all the elegant toe-ring sandals that are currently hitting shelves. From the more edgy variety like Tory Burch’s pierced slide to classic iterations, including the A.Emery Jalen sandals, drawing attention to the piece of anatomy we’d usually most like to be kept hidden has never been more stylish.

Shop the Shoe:

ZARA

Flat Strap Sandals With Metal Adornment

AMANU

The Kibera Embellished Croc-Effect Leather Sandals

Reformation

Cindy Flat Sandal

So buttery and delicious.