Choosing the right pair of summer shoes means a few things. For starters, you want to make sure you’re covered and comfortable. Ideally, they’re also waterproof, cute and go with your swimsuit and coverup, as well as any number of off-the-beach looks including maxi-dresses and other on-trend looks. To help choose the pair (or pairs) that are best for you consider where you’ll mostly be wearing them. Do you like adventure-y treks through tidal pools? A sporty neoprene sandal or protective beach sneaker is ideal. Prefer to swan around at the surfside snack bar? A status slip-on mule or platform slide adds a little lift to your look. And of course, you’ll always need the perfect pair of flip-flops for versatility, seeing as how they are the easiest shoes to pair with a breezy sundress. Ready to shop? Browse our top 10 beach shoes, for la plage and beyond.
10 Beach Shoes We’ll Be Wearing with Everything This Summer
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Best Beach Shoes For Woman At A Glance
- Best Flip Flop: Havianas Slim Flip Flops
- Best Sandal: Reef Women’s Water Vista Sandal
- Best Slip On: SeeVees Baja Slip-On
- Most Comfortable: Tory Burch Bubble Jelly
- Most Waterproof: Freedom Moses Slide
- Best Beach Sneaker: Vionic Beach Pismo
- Best Designer: Gucci Plastique Rubber Mules
- Best Velcro Style: Madewell (Re)Sourced Neoprene Jay Sandal
- Best Platform: J/Slides Stud Slide Sandal
- Best Espadrille: Sea Star Beachwear Espadrille
1. Havianas Slim Flip Flops
Best Flip Flop
The classic Brazilian flip-flop gets a slimmer sole and straps (meaning extra comfort) and it comes in 12 flattering colorways.
2. Reef Women’s Water Vista Sandal
Best Sandal
A traditional two-strap jute sandal is reinvented as a waterproof shoe that’s got a durable outersole and cushy EVA footbed. It comes in 11 colorways, including go-with-everything neutrals like olive, sand and black.
3. Seevees Baja Slip-on
Best Slip On
With a canvas upper and rubber sole, this slip-on is a little bit surfer chic and a little bit stylish preppie. We’re all in, thanks to the foam footbed and extra cushion in the heel. And in hues like dusky mahogany red and bright cactus green, they’ll still look good after a season’s scuffs.
4. Tory Burch Bubble Jelly
Most Comfortable
Hello, elevated shower slide! We plan on wearing these comfy air-filled soles from poolside to café table side all summer long. Choose from six candy colors (including sunny orange, sorbet pink and minty green).
5. Freedom Moses Slide
Best Waterproof
Our managing editor raved about these waterproof slip-ons, and after a season wearing them ourselves, we see why. In nine shades ranging from wild leopard print to a neutral earth tone named “Terra,” there’s a pair for every occasion and ensemble. And they’re comfortable.
6. Vionic Beach Pismo
Best Beach Sneaker
If you’ve ever rejected comfy sneakers for the beach on the grounds that they’re too bulky and cumbersome to get on and off, this lightweight little shoe, which comes in 20 solids and patterns, will change your mind. Stretch laces and lightweight canvas, along with a not-too-bulky sole, mean these are great for traversing any stretch of hot sand (as well as sharp shell shallows…say that three times fast). And the distressed canvas edge is super sweet.
7. Gucci Plastique Rubber Mules
Best Designer
In black or white rubber with an embossed Gucci logo, this little slip-on shoe evokes the South of France and Ibiza…while remaining walkable thanks to its sturdy platform heel.
8. Madewell (re)sourced Neoprene Jay Sandal
Best Velcro Style
The old-school Velcro-strap sandal is updated here with a soft EVA footbed for even more comfort and a 1 ½-inch flatform sole that looks as cute with shorts as it does with your new two-piece suit.
9. J/slides Stud Slide Sandal
Best Platform
The quilted strap is wide enough to keep this waterproof 1 ¾-inch platform sandal securely and chicly in place as you make your way across the sand or through the poolside hordes. In five neutral shades, this subtly leg-lengthening shoe will quickly become the MVP of your summer wardrobe.
10. Sea Star Beachwear Espadrille
Best Espadrille
Quick-drying striped neoprene uppers and a water-resistant rubber sole mean this sandal is extra durable, so you’ll be able to rock the classic French woman style all summer long.
