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Life’s a beach—especially if you dress the part. If you’re hitting the seashore this summer, you’ll want to make sure you’re equipped with the best beach sandals to make your way across splintery boardwalks and hot sand. As you might already know from having attended a beach wedding in a pair of heels, or slipped on a wet deck in your perhaps comfy, but no- traction sandals, there is a right and a wrong sandal for seaside trips. The best beach sandals won’t get stuck as you traverse a sand dune, but won’t appear so casual that a local hot spot’s “no shoes, no shirt, no service” sign is directed at you.
Vogue’s Edit of the Best Beach Sandals:
- The Elevated Flip Flops: Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara flip flops,$205
- The Minimalist Sandal: Emme Parsons Laurie sandals, $395
- The Chunky Slides: Chloé Rebecca sandal, $875
- The Rubber Sandal: Birkenstock Arizona waterproof slides, $50
- The Sporty Designer Set: Miu Miu sporty rope sandals, $895
- The Raffia sandal: Simon Miller Salerno slide sandals, $295
Luckily, thanks to the bevy of designer brands making their own elevated version of casual footwear, you can opt for something comfy without it seeming too casual. And, thanks to cool labels like Amanu and Emme Parsons, classic silhouettes are being reimagined with design details that, while timeless, also feel of the moment. Ahead, shop Vogue’s favorite sandals for the sandy days ahead.
Elevated Flip Flops
The flip flop is a longtime beach staple for a good reason; it’s easy to slip on and doesn’t stand the risk of sliding off of your foot as you move through the sand. But while rubber iterations will always be a sand-friendly option, try elevated versions with either leather bodies, or something that mixes both colorful rubber with a leather sole (like The Row’s) that will work off of the beach, too.
Minimalist
Sleek, simple, understated — a pair of minimalist sandals can instantly elevate a casual beach ensemble. Try a slip-on pair for a day spent near the water, or if you’re planning to pop by a beachside party, try a style that laces around the ankle, like this pair from Dries Van Noten’s spring 2024 runway.
Wanderlust Island
Explore your surroundings in a pair of thick-strapped sandals that can be fastened with buckles or wrapped around the ankle for a sturdy fit. Walking-friendly pairs from Saint Laurent or Toteme are ideal for climbing up cobblestoned streets, while lace-up styles from Dries Van Noten and The Row are a great match for meandering about town.
Chunky
While getting a little bit of sand in your shoes is inevitable if you head seaside, a chunky shoe with a bit of a platform will help to minimize the risk. Bottega Veneta released a platform strappy version, or opt for Cult Gaia’s resort-ready pair.
Rubber Slides
If you’re after something practical to slip on after you jump in the water, rubber slides should be your go-to choice. Birkenstock’s classic Arizonas are available in a fully waterproof version while Gucci’s thong pair features an extra comfortable footbed and come in a bevy of joyful shades, from green to lilac. While they may not seem the most luxurious of shoe options, the designer options available will make you feel fancy.
Rope
If you prefer sandals with a technical touch — perhaps that you could even wear in the water — then a strappy, rope style is ideal for you. Free People and Bohonomad have styles that can withstand a splash of water, while Miu Miu’s take is a colorful, fashion-forward option.
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Elevated Slides
The ease of slipping into a pair of sandals with the elegance of a fancier shoe. Opt for these styles if you’ve got a beach wedding to attend. You can easily kick them off for dancing, but they’ll still look nice with your dress.
Raffia
There is no summer style without a touch of raffia. Look towards these fashion-forward raffia sandals for a dash of fashion on the sand. Sturdy and supportive, Prada and Bottega Veneta’s versions feature slingback straps. We especially love Simon Miller’s slip-on raffia slides to pack for an upcoming beachside vacation.
Closed-Toe Options
Mesh, canvas, or PVC—closed-toe shoes are a solid choice for anyone planning to get their steps in for the day. Toteme’s mesh mule has the same ease of a slide, while The Row’s jelly shoe is the fashion girl’s take on a rock-friendly, water shoe. (Sign up for back in stock notifications—every single colorway is already sold out!) For a versatile, can’t-go-wrong pick, opt for a canvas espadrilles from Castañer.
